What voltmeter do you use? - RC-Monster Forums

Silver_Flame101 · **What voltmeter do you use? -** 10.04.2008, 08:26 PM

I need a voltmeter because I am working on some batteries and need to make sure the the cell voltages are the same before I charge them up. Can you guys recommend any to me? Thank you.

BrianG · 10.04.2008, 08:40 PM

I use a Fluke 97 multi-meter for higher precision measurements. But, I also use a couple of cheapie $20 meters for other things. I calibrated them using the Fluke, so they are pretty good too.

What meter you get depends a lot on what else you might want to measure. You can spend well into the hundreds, and even thousands if you get an oscilloscope...

For simply battery measurements, a cheapie one is ok...

JERRY2KONE · **Fluke -** 10.04.2008, 08:43 PM

Fluke meters is one of the best from my perspective. I have a few meters on hand and they all work fairly well, but the Flukes are tops for the money. You can find good meters at Home Depot, or Lowes hardware, or you can look on-line and order kits that have many different configurations. There are some that have Volt meter, Amp probe, and temp gun in one kit for about $150. Good luck hunting, and with your choices.

Tempted · 10.04.2008, 08:58 PM

I use a Blue Point by Snap On DVOM. Its great, always accurate and measures everything you need.

rabosi · 10.04.2008, 09:19 PM

When it comes to volts flukes are the best imo. But you can get by with a cheapo if you don't need it to be very accurate. Accuracy can be improved by calibration or comparison to a known good meter.

Silver_Flame101 · 10.04.2008, 10:18 PM

The prices of the Flukes scare me, but the best quality stuff usually has a lovely price to go with it.....

I was looking at this one. Any comments?

BrianG · 10:33 PM

Doesn't seem bad. Has a few nice features; true RMS reading, capacitance (but only goes to 400uF), etc. Here is the manual for more details: http://rsk.imageg.net/graphics/uc/rs...0816_PM_EN.pdf

There's a Fluke 79 on eBay with about half hour left if you act quick: http://cgi.ebay.com/Fluke-True-rms-M...d=p3286.c0.m14

Silver_Flame101 · 10.04.2008, 10:37 PM

I want to buy that so bad, but I don't have an Ebay account. (Big

huh?) It hurts to let it go. Thanks for the manual by the way, I'm going to check it out....

JERRY2KONE · 10.04.2008, 11:30 PM

Hey SF101 it is good to see that you came on here to ask for info and for sure you will get some good advice. I have adopted a kind of philosophy over the years about buying electronics and such. In our teens and even into our 20's we tend to go for the money saving deals in order to keep spending under control. The problem that I have found is that we end up waisting a lot of money buying cheapo stuff along the way and end up buying better stuff down the road once we learn to appreciate the top of the line. I guess it all depends on what kind of person you become and how much money you plan to make in your life from year to year.

Since realising this fact I now tend to do more research, consider the options, and try to get equipment that I know will out last me over time, and give me the kind of performance that I feel I deserve. So take this advice with a grain of salt and make a good decision based on your own thoughts. Good luck with that.

Silver_Flame101 · 11:37 PM

I am the type of person that buys the best first (Ok, the best I can afford or realisticly save up for

), such as buying a Hyperion instead of a Duratrash that will break later. Unfortunately (Or fortunately), I haven't really had too much first hand experience with a cheap buy gone wrong, since pretty much all of my purchases go by the "You get what you pay for" rule.

jayjay283 · 10.04.2008, 11:48 PM

Harbor freight $4.99, $3.99 if you go to the store LOL works fine, Wouldnt wire your house with it or anything (maybe you can, not much of an electrician) but hobbywise it works cool for my (not large) needs

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=92020

Silver_Flame101 · 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayjay283

Harbor freight $4.99, $3.99 if you go to the store LOL works fine, Wouldnt wire your house with it or anything (maybe you can, not much of an electrician) but hobbywise it works cool for my (not large) needs

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=92020

I don't know how much I would trust a $5 voltmeter, but I will keep that in mind......

And yes, I am deeply considering flying to their store so I can save some money on it....

JERRY2KONE · **Consider. -** 10.04.2008, 11:52 PM

Another thing to consider is if you purchase a good meter up front you can use it for more than just R/C stuff. Then you will always have a good meter for any project that may come up around the house in the future, as long as you take good care of your tools. So do your research and choose wisely.

jayjay283 · 10.04.2008, 11:53 PM

it works, ive checked lipos with it and checked them with my neighbors yellow $300 one and it was the same voltage, But resistance and stuff I dunno

Silver_Flame101 · 10.04.2008, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayjay283

it works, ive checked lipos with it and checked them with my neighbors yellow $300 one and it was the same voltage, But resistance and stuff I dunno

Oh really? That is very good to know. Does it measure to the hundreth?