[AT] Multimeters for tractors, etc.

[Dean Van Peursem]

John,

Having an electronics background and normally living in the Everett, WA area where they are made, I
am very biased towards Fluke products. The reason we in the Electronics industry were biased towards
the Fluke products were that they were very accurate and very reliable. Accuracy isn't so important
relative to our old rusty iron but reliability is very important. I would suggest looking at these
products that Fluke sells for the automotive industry since they are typically built with protective
outer shells so they can handle the abuse that tools are typically exposed to in that environment.
However, Fluke products do tend to be a bit expensive but not so bad if you consider they probably
will last longer. 

About 6 months ago I too finally gave up on my VOM that had been an old standby and purchased a
Fluke product that I thought might be able to not only handle the rusty iron stuff but also handle
the household, RV and HVAC troubleshooting needs.  So far so good. I too was troubled by the cost
but I was able to get a really good deal on new one on eBay at about 40% off list price. Then I
thought maybe I could justify it. Might try monitoring Craigs List too.

My buying philosophy is to first find the brand and model of product that fits my needs and then
look for a bargain price on it even if it takes awhile. 

There are other brands that may have the rugged characteristics we need but I do not have experience
with them.

Dean Van Peursem
Apache Junction, AZ

If global warming gets any worse we will all freeze to death!

-----Original Message-----
From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com [mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf
Of John Wilkens
Sent: Friday, January 01, 2010 2:17 PM
To: at at lists.antique-tractor.com
Subject: [AT] Multimeters for tractors, etc.

Need info from you electronics gurus.   I've gone thru 3 multimeters 
over the years (not the ultra cheap ones) in working on old tractors 
and my vehicles.  I've never been very impressed with them--even the 
digital clamp meter.   Anyone have any suggestions from experience 
about a good brand/type?  I suppose Flute products are good but not 
sure I can swallow the cost ( is it all in the name?).  I really like 
clamp meters for quick and easy checks of generator and alternator 
output--when the meter works right!   There are lots of multimeters 
on Amazon at all prices but I don't know what would be good.   Any 
suggestions for me?      John W.              PS:  Best wishes for 2010 !!

                    In the wide-open spaces of NE Oregon
   

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