Here are three product roundups from Test & Measurement Designline.
10 Multimeter Makers With Models Under $150. If you have only one piece of test equipment, it should be a multimeter. Not only is it handy around the ham shack, you’ll also use it for home and auto maintenance. Here are some you can get for under $150.
One model that wasn’t mentioned is the Extech 330 (shown at right). It’s available on Amazon $42. Based on my recommendation, the guy who runs the makerspace in our public library purchased a bunch of these for their lab.
16 6.5-Digit Bench DMMs from 7 Companies. The DMMs described above are generally 3-1/2 digit multimeters. If you really want to make accurate measurements—and have money to burn—you could buy a meter with more digits. This product roundup looks at sixteen 6.5-digit bench/system multimeters found on engineering lab benches and in automated test systems.
A couple of years ago, I got a good deal on a Keithley 2110 5-1/2 digit DMM. I really love it. It makes me feel like a real professional when I use it.
USB Oscilloscopes from Pro to Hobbyist. Although great benchtop scopes are available for $500 or less, for some applications, a USB scope would work better. Here is a list of 17 companies that offer two and four channel oscilloscopes at prices from less than $100 to nearly $10,000.
John says
Dan
Thanks for this post. I am in the market for a DMM now to replace my very old Wiggins test meter that I used for many years. The Ham hobby requires more data than gross AC voltage and current.
Can you post about good test leads for the DMM. I don’t mind investing in good tools. I just want to buy once.
I am also interested in thermocouple leads if you care to write about them. I am trying to figure out a digital temperature control circuit now. Simple on/off to keep an oven at constant temp (for my wife’s ceramic hobby).
Funny how the radio hobby can take you off on tangents
Thanks for your blog, the contribution to HR360, and a great study guide series for a curious old soldier like me. I especially liked reading the CW guide. Very interesting stuff.
Yohei, N8YQX says
I used to buy cheap equipment, but now I buy used industrial/lab equipment on eBay. The market’s flooded, so they’re relatively cheap, and good equipment lasts a long time. Plus, good equipment just works better (try comparing the response rate of a cheap multimeter vs a Fluke, and you’ll never go back).
Couple examples…
I picked up a barely used Fluke 87 with leads and case for just over $100 (shipped). I also picked up a used HP (not Agilent, not Keysight) frequency counter (512 MHz, 10 s gate) for $50 shipped.
And unlike the consumer grade equipment, if it breaks, the service manual can be easily found with Google.
I’m not saying if someone gave me a new Rohde & Schwarz, I would not accept, but as a hobbyist, the used equipment market has allowed me to purchase good equipment relatively cheaply.