[Mathlete]

I decided to upgrade to a Digital multimeter and with beep connectivity.
What's the diff b/w these 2? Worth the extra $10?

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-multimeter/p-03482139000P

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-multimeter-digital-with-8-functions-and-20-ranges/p-03482141000P

 

[joed]

One measures frequency, tests capacitors, has a place for temperature probe and has a hold function and auto ranging that the other one does not.

 

[ddawg16]

Go with the first one...the autorange feature alone is worth the additional cost. I doubt you will have any use for cap or freq meausurements....but, you might get a kick out of seeing your house power 60 hz being....60 hz

 

[Mathlete]

Is autorange so you don't need to choose the scale? (2.5V, 10V, 50V, etc)
Is that really such a big deal? It just takes a second to set it to the right scale.

So far, all I have used a MM for basic auto stuff.
...to test connectivity (to test a switch), and voltage (to see if a motor is getting power)
I have also used it to test how much voltage the car battery is getting from alternator.

 

[ddawg16]

Autorange.....Automatic Range.....the meter figures out which range it needs to be in to give you an accurate reading.

If your measuring 120Vac, you don't want the meter to be in the 0-20v range.

 

[Mathlete]

Ok, so it prevents you for blowing up your meter.
It's a tough call to go from $10 to $30.
I might stick with the $10, as I might use this only once a year.
For $10, I get digital and audible connectivity beep.
That's all I really wanted.

 

[ddawg16]

Ok, so it prevents you for blowing up your meter.
It's a tough call to go from $10 to $30.
I might stick with the $10, as I might use this only once a year.
For $10, I get digital and audible connectivity beep.
That's all I really wanted.

Oh boy....then you would not want to see my Sushi bill if the wife and I go out for Sushi....

Just make sure the ohms position is protected from being connected to AC.....on some of the cheap ones, if you leave it in ohms and connect to AC line voltage......your $10 meter is not $0.00

 

[Mathlete]

LOL, I can afford it, but don't like to buy things I don't need or understand.
For tools, I like to buy the cheap one and then upgrade once it no longer meets my needs.
In this case, is it worth paying TRIPLE? I'm not sure. The $10 is deeply discounted today.
I always double check the setting, so I think I'll be ok. If I were a pro, I'd get a great MM.
But, I might use a MM once a year on my car.

 

[Dave632]

The multimeter is one of man's greatest inventions.

Once you have one, you'll find lots of ways to use it. Go with the $30 one, it only takes one mistake to make you wish you had auto-ranging.

 

[J. V.]

The way to choose a meter is by how you plan to use the meter. For example if you are only going to use it around the house a solenoid tester is your best bet. Rugged and reliable. If you plan to do any electronics work of course you need a Multimeter.
Auto ranging is just a convenience, not a safety feature. With "auto range" the meter can be used without figuring scale. A step saver and nothing more. It is also a good idea for the beginner as he may not understand what the scale is. Moving a decimal point is easy for any meter.

 

[rjniles]

The more $$ meter has auto shut off. It saves your batteries when you forget.

 

[diystephen]

Auto ranging is just a convenience, not a safety feature. With "auto range" the meter can be used without figuring scale. A step saver and nothing more. It is also a good idea for the beginner as he may not understand what the scale is. Moving a decimal point is easy for any meter.

I usually suggest autorange due to the above bold, but as stated it's not a "must have." To the OP: when using a meter without autorange just start at the higher scale, and move lower.

 

[Mathlete]

I usually suggest autorange due to the above bold, but as stated it's not a "must have." To the OP: when using a meter without autorange just start at the higher scale, and move lower.

That solves it. $10 MM for me! It's a solid deal!

 

[Missouri Bound]

The frequency meter is useful (not necessary) for tuning in a generator....but that's all I've ever used it for.:laughing:

 

[kwilcox]

What are you planning on using said meter for? Occasional/hobbyist or job related?

 

[Mathlete]

What are you planning on using said meter for? Occasional/hobbyist or job related?

The former. I have only used it 3 times in 2 years.
... to test continuity a window switch in my car.
... to test voltage to a car window motor.
... to test voltage of the car battery.

If it was for a career, I'd get a better one.
For $11, I figured I'd upgrade to digital and with audio.
I will also sell my analog MM for a few bucks to make the upgrade almost free.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Missouri Bound]

Don't sell the analog. They are much more useful troubleshooting ac circuits. If fact a Wiggy would be a good investment if you plan on doing any ac work around the home.