Aug 16, 2016
George and Jeremy discuss test and measurement equipment - RF Power Meters, DC Power Meters, and Digital Multimeters.
Digital Multimeter Comparison Video - https://youtu.be/tl76f0S3iOU
Cheap kits and electronics - www.banggood.com
https://blog.adafruit.com/2016/08/11/portable-adjustable-power-supply-3dthursday-3dprinting/
Icom released a new ID-51 Plus2 - http://www.icom.co.jp/world/news/160808/ID-51_PLUS2_colorvariation.pdf
Kenwood TH-D74A Information - http://www.jvckenwood.com/en/press/2016/08/press_160808.html
KF7IJZ’s Raspberry Pi 3 Cluster - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJKhRLKXr-Q
Must have Digital Multimeter features
- Auto Ranging
- True RMS A/C Measurement
- Check max voltage and current specs
- Backlight
- Kick stand
- Continuity testing beep
- >4000 counts / 3 ¾ Digits - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4JFeU-o2kc
Nice to have Digital Multimeter features
- Capacitance
- Diode check
- Transistor check
- Frequency counter
- Computer connectivity
- High quality probes
- Impact resistant / weather proof case (rubbery)
What do you get as Digital Multimeter price increases?
- Precision
- “Nice to have” Features
- Non contact sensing
- Computer connectivity
- Accessories
- Power Handling
- Faster continuity test response
Good test probe characteristics:
- Silicone insulation not cheap wire
- Good strain relief
- Flexible
- Sharp probe points
- Removable alligator clamps
FLUKE TL71 10A PREMIUM DMM TEST LEAD SET FOR DIGITAL MULTIMETER PROBES NEW $18
Digital Multimeter Recommendations
- Tenma 72-7780 6000 count TRMS - $60 - http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/TENMA-72-7780-/72-7780
- Extech…
- Tenma 72- 10410 - $67 6000 count TRMS w/ USB - $67 - http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/72-10410
- Tenma 72-10415 22000 count TRMS w/ USB Connectivity $100 - http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/TENMA-72-10415-/72-10415
- EEVBlog Branded Bryman BM235 - ~$100US - https://www.eevblog.com/product/bm235-multimeter/
- Fluke 87V - $340 - https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-FLUKE-87-V-Digital-Multimeter/dp/B00T3LZLFG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469753599&sr=8-1&keywords=fluke+87
- Fluke 287- $450 - https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-287-Electronics-Multimeter-TrendCapture/dp/B01HAWOWO0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469753537&sr=8-1&keywords=fluke+287
- Keysight (Agilent) U1272A - $390 - http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/KEYSIGHT-TECHNOLOGIES-U1272A-/72-8935
Clamp Current Probes - Tenma - $40 - http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/72-9180#review
RF Watt Meters:
- MFJ 822 (HF, 2m) - $60 - http://www.mtcradio.com/mfj-822-wattmeter-hf-vhf-1-8-200-mhz-300-w-mobile/
- MFJ 842 (2m,220,440) - $60 -
- Diamond SX-200 (HF 2m) - $90 - http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-000009
- Diamond SX-600 (HF, VHF, UHF) - $180 - http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-000013
- Bird Model 43 and slugs ($300 for meter + ~$50+ per slug)
- http://www.birdrf.com/Products/Wattmeters_Line%20Sections/PortableWattmeters/43_General-Purpose-Wattmeter.aspx#.V6tGLpgrKUk
DC in-line power monitor:
- Powerwerx Wattmeter-PP $50 - https://powerwerx.com/watt-meter-analyzer-inline-dc-powerpole
- RC Digital LCD Watt Meter Battery Voltage Current Power Analyzer Tester - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-LCD-Watt-Meter-Battery-Voltage-Current-Power-Analyzer-Tester-60V-100A-RC-/281826900593?hash=item419e313a71:g:NZoAAOSwl9BWHPwg
- West Mountain Radio PWRcheck - $185 - http://www.westmountainradio.com/product_info.php?products_id=pwrcheck
Sparkfun - How to use a multimeter - https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/how-to-use-a-multimeter
Fluke - ABC's of DMMs (Digital Multi Meters) - http://support.fluke.com/find-sales/Download/Asset/1260898_6116_ENG_M_W.PDF
Ideal Industries - Basics of Digital Multi Meters - http://www.triotest.com.au/shop/images/basics_of_digital_multimeters.pdf
EEVBlog Multimeter Videos
- DMM Buyers Guide for Beginners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh1n_ELmpFI
- How a Multimeter Works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuCXsT3_WRE
- Multimeter Counts and Resolution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4JFeU-o2kc
