[AT] Multimeters for tractors, etc.

[charliehill]

This doesn't apply to old tractors ............. well maybe it does.  I've 
been told that for testing things like throttle position sensors (basically 
a reostat) that you need an analog meter so that you can see that the 
instrument you are testing flows smoothly through it's range without any 
dead spots.  You just can't really tell that on a digital.

Charlie
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dean Van Peursem" <deanvp at att.net>
To: "'Antique tractor email discussion group'" 
<at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
Sent: Friday, January 01, 2010 4:50 PM
Subject: Re: [AT] Multimeters for tractors, etc.


> 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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