How is this DMM?

[ricksi30 923]

So I'm sick of borrowing other peoples DMM's and O-scopes. Anyone hear anything about this http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=390-500&FTR=390-500 Also can anybody suggest a decently priced handheld O-scope?

Thanks, Rick

Edited August 4, 2011 by ricksi30

[CrazyKenKid 64]

umm you get what you pay for being nearly 5$. but if all you are doing is checking the resistance of your sub then you will be fine, and the voltage of your battery you are good to go. The only down side I can see is there is no continuity test on it, also sometimes called the BEEP test.

I wasn't able to view the link you gave but I did take the last digits from the link and just search for it on Partsexpress

Part number: 390-500

Title: 3-1/2 Digit 19 Range Digital Multimeter with Transistor Test

3-1/2 Digit 19 Range Digital Multimeter with Transistor Test

This digital multimeter is a compact, light tool - a bargain if you need something inexpensive and reliable. The heart of the instrument is the ICL7106 IC coupled with a large 3-1/2 digit, 7 segment, 0.5" high LCD display with a maximum reading of 1999. Includes 9V battery. The unit can measure DCV (0.1mV - 1000V), ACV (0.1V - 750V), DCA (0.1mA - 10A), Ohm (0.1O - 2Mohm) diode forward voltage drop and hFE for bipolar PNP and NPN transistors.

Measurement specifications:

AC voltage measurement

Connect the red lead to "VOmA" jack and the black test lead to the "COM" jack.

Set the rotary switch at the desired V~ position.

Connect the test leads across the source or load being you want to measure and read the voltage value on the LCD display.

DC voltage measurement

Connect the red test lead to the "VOmA" jack and the black test lead to the "COM" jack.

Set the rotary switch at the desired position. If the voltage to be measured is not known, set the range switch at the highest range position and then reduce it until a satisfactory resolution is obtained.

Connect the test leads across the source or load being measured. Read the voltage value and polarity on the LCD display.

DC current measurement

Connect the red test lead to the "VOmA" jack and the black lead to the "COM" jack. For measuring currents between 200mA and 10A, insert the red lead into the "10A” (unfused) jack.

Set the rotary switch at desired position.

Open the circuit in which the current is to be measured, and connect test leads in series with the circuit.

Read the current value on the LCD display along with the polarity of red lead connection.

Resistance measurement

Connect the red test lead to "VOmA" jack and the black lead to "COM" jack. The polarity of red lead is positive "+" in this mode.

Set the rotary switch at desired range position.

Connect the test leads across the resistance to be measured and read the LCD display.

Note: If the resistor being measured is connected to a circuit, turn off power and discharge all capacitors before applying measurements!

Transistor Test

Before attempting to insert transistors into the socket for testing, always be sure that test leads have been disconnected from any measurement circuits. Also, components should not be connected to the hFE socket when making voltage measurements with the test leads!

Set the rotary switch to the "hFE" position.

Determine whether the transistor under testing is NPN or PNP type and locate the emitter, base and collector leads.

Insert the leads into the proper holes of the hFE socket on the front panel.

The multimeter will show the approximate hFE value at the condition of base current 10µA and a Vce of 3V.

Diode test

Connect the red test lead to "VOmA" jack and the black lead to the "COM" jack. The polarity of red lead is positive "+".

Set the rotary switch at the diode test position.

Connect the red lead to the anode of the diode to be tested and the black lead to the cathode of the diode.

The forward voltage drop of the diode will be displayed in mV. If the connection is reversed, only figure "1" should be displayed for a good diode.

Battery and fuse replacement

If the sign "BAT" appears on the LCD display, it indicates that the battery is old and should be replaced. Loosen the screws on the back cover and open the case. Replace the exhausted battery with a new one of the same type (9V 6F22 or NEDA 1604). To replace the fuse it's easy and should be replaced with a battery of the same ratings (F250mA/250V).

The unit has a wide operating temperature: -20°C to 75°C (32°F to 104°F) and a storage temperature of: -10°C to 50°C (10°F to 122°F). The accuracy is guaranteed to stay in the following limits for 1 year, when used at 23°C ±5°C, less than 75% relative humidity: AC voltage

Frequency range: 45 Hz to 450 Hz. Response: Average responding, calibrated in RMS of a sine wave.

Range Resolution Accuracy

200V 100mV ±1.2% of rdg ± 10 digits

750V 1V ±1.2% of rdg ± 10 digits

Note: some models have a maximum input voltage of only 600V AC with an overload protection of 600V DC or RMS AC for all ACV ranges.

DC voltage

Range Resolution Accuracy

200mV 0.1mV ±0.5% of rdg ± 2 digits

2000mV 1mV ±0.5% of rdg ± 2 digits

20V 10mV ±0.5% of rdg ± 2 digits

200V 100mV ±0.5% of rdg ± 2 digits

1000V 1V ±0.8% of rdg ± 2 digits

Input impedance: 1MO

Maximum input voltage: 1000V DC or 750V rms (200mV scale: 500V DC or 350V AC rms) Note: some models will have a maximum DC input voltage of only 600V with an overload protection of 250V RMS AC for the 200mV range and 600V DC or RMS AC for other ranges.

DC current

Overload protection: F250mA 250V fuse (10A range is unfused!).

Range Resolution Accuracy

200µA 0.1µA ±1.0% of rdg ± 2 digits

2000µA 1µA ±1.0% of rdg ± 2 digits

20mA 0.01mA ±1.0% of rdg ± 2 digits

200mA 0.1mA ±1.5% of rdg ± 2 digits

10A 10mA ±3.0% of rdg ± 2 digits

Resistance

Maximum open circuit voltage: 3.2V

Overload protection: 250V rms. AC on all ranges.

Range Resolution Accuracy

200O 0.1O ±0.8% of rdg ± 3 digits

2000O 1O ±0.8% of rdg ± 2 digits

20KO 10O ±0.8% of rdg ± 2 digits

200KO 100O ±0.8% of rdg ± 2 digits

2000KO 1KO ±1.0% of rdg ± 2 digits

Other specs

Diode aprox. testing voltage is 2.8V with a current of 1mA. The overload protection in the diode test mode is 250V RMS. AC.

Over range indication: figure "1" on the display.

Size: 126 × 70 × 25 mm

Weight: 170g

[CrazyKenKid 64]

in regards to the oscope if you save up about 100$ you will be good to go! I say 100$ because once it is shipped and potential tax's 100$ is a safe bet!

http://cgi.ebay.com/2Msps-Sampling-Rate-ARM-DSO-Nano-Pocket-Oscilloscope-/190466403499?pt=BI_Oscilloscopes&hash=item2c58aeacab

I think there is a newer version of this one on there site and even on the site is it under 100$ so good luck and let us know what you get!

just make sure if you get one it has 10X probes!

or an alternative would be that SMD no clipping device, although if you tune your setup with an oscope you will most likely be turning it down or up depending on your music you listen to and how it is recorded!

[CrazyKenKid 64]

actually now that we are here what are your goals and expectations and or Plans?

9 out of 10 people don't need an oscope but think they do lol! tell us why you think you need one and or your thoughts!

and yes everyone does need a DMM!

[ricksi30 923]

Thanks I fixed the link. Really only need it to check coils and voltage, however continuity would be nice. Any under 40 that may be a better option? I bought one at Radio Shack for 40 and had to return the POS.

[ricksi30 923]

actually now that we are here what are your goals and expectations and or Plans?

9 out of 10 people don't need an oscope but think they do lol! tell us why you think you need one and or your thoughts!

and yes everyone does need a DMM!

Well I've always set my gain by ear with tones and never had a problem. But I would like to have one for setting the gain more accurately if they can be had for ~100.

[topgun 262]

So I'm sick of borrowing other peoples DMM's and O-scopes. Anyone hear anything about this http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=390-500&FTR=390-500 Also can anybody suggest a decently priced handheld O-scope?

Thanks, Rick

I've got a Velleman HPS10 handheld O-scope if you are interested...

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=320-290&FTR=velleman%20oscilloscope

Now back on topic. It all depends on what you are doing, for basic use, a cheap-o DMM will work just fine, but they do give really off readings with low batteries.

[ricksi30 923]

So I'm sick of borrowing other peoples DMM's and O-scopes. Anyone hear anything about this http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=390-500&FTR=390-500 Also can anybody suggest a decently priced handheld O-scope?

Thanks, Rick

I've got a Velleman HPS10 handheld O-scope if you are interested...

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=320-290&FTR=velleman%20oscilloscope

Now back on topic. It all depends on what you are doing, for basic use, a cheap-o DMM will work just fine, but they do give really off readings with low batteries.

Might be interested shoot me a PM with your price to 85741? Thanks

[CrazyKenKid 64]

the Velleman are nice oscope to use. I have used one back in the day the bigger display and simply to use layout of the device is nice to use!

as for a DMM i own and LOVE my fluke 115

but on ebay you can get them here are a few I seen off hand

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fluke-114-Electrical-TRMS-Multimeter-NEW-/160631466051?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item256661a843#ht_2339wt_1129

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fluke-115-True-RMS-Multimeter-/120758099334?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c1dbe5d86#ht_500wt_1146

http://cgi.ebay.com/FLUKE-117-TRUE-RMS-MULTI-METER-NEW-PACKAGE-/150639219458?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2312cc1302#ht_500wt_1146

keep in mind the flukes are AUTO range so all you do is set it to resistance and it will auto range it to what it has to, plus they have a back light on them plus they hold the lowest/mid/average/highest reading on the display.

I don't know I like flukes and they will never do you wrong, well my 115 does all the above mentions things I didn't look to close at the other ones though. plus the res on the flukes is like 4 places.

[ricksi30 923]

the Velleman are nice oscope to use. I have used one back in the day the bigger display and simply to use layout of the device is nice to use!

as for a DMM i own and LOVE my fluke 115

but on ebay you can get them here are a few I seen off hand

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fluke-114-Electrical-TRMS-Multimeter-NEW-/160631466051?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item256661a843#ht_2339wt_1129

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fluke-115-True-RMS-Multimeter-/120758099334?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c1dbe5d86#ht_500wt_1146

http://cgi.ebay.com/FLUKE-117-TRUE-RMS-MULTI-METER-NEW-PACKAGE-/150639219458?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2312cc1302#ht_500wt_1146

keep in mind the flukes are AUTO range so all you do is set it to resistance and it will auto range it to what it has to, plus they have a back light on them plus they hold the lowest/mid/average/highest reading on the display.

I don't know I like flukes and they will never do you wrong, well my 115 does all the above mentions things I didn't look to close at the other ones though. plus the res on the flukes is like 4 places.

Awesome man, thanks for going out of your way. I've always heard good things about fluke.

[CrazyKenKid 64]

no worries man! anything to help!

[topgun 262]

So I'm sick of borrowing other peoples DMM's and O-scopes. Anyone hear anything about this http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=390-500&FTR=390-500 Also can anybody suggest a decently priced handheld O-scope?

Thanks, Rick

I've got a Velleman HPS10 handheld O-scope if you are interested...

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=320-290&FTR=velleman%20oscilloscope

Now back on topic. It all depends on what you are doing, for basic use, a cheap-o DMM will work just fine, but they do give really off readings with low batteries.

Might be interested shoot me a PM with your price to 85741? Thanks

*edit*