Is this multimeter good?

[cakire82]

I had a 25$ gift card for Lowes which was expiring today. So I went to the store and bought an multimeter thinking I could use it for guitar electronics. Some applications I could think of was
- Testing pickups
- Measuring pickup DC resistance
- Measuring POTs
- Testing shielding
- Output jack connection.
My experience with guitar electronic is limited so this is all I can think of.
This is the multimeter I have bought. I have the model 61-310.

http://www.idealindustries.com/products/test_measurement/multimeters/resi-pro_310_series.jsp

What do you think about this particular model. Would it have any limitations considering guitar electronic? Any cons or pros?
Depending on your comments and suggestions I can always return this one and get another ones. Thank you all in advance.

 

[Fikealox]

Re: Is this multimeter good?

It looks great, mate. It'll do everything you're likely to want it to do (and more).

 

[cakire82]

Re: Is this multimeter good?

So, I won't be missing any of the feature that 312 or 314 can offer right? Is Capacitance, Frequency or AC Current useful feature to have?

 

[dominus]

Re: Is this multimeter good?

I use the $4 Harbor Freight one, I'm sure yours is fine.

 

[eschoendorff]

Re: Is this multimeter good?

I use the $4 Harbor Freight one, I'm sure yours is fine.

I actually have a couple of those - one in the garage, one inside, one with my guitar crap. :approve:

 

[JLD23]

Re: Is this multimeter good?

According to the specifications for the 61-310 you should be able to measure AC voltage. I only need this feature when I'm working on my tube amp. If you are just working on guitars the 61-310 should meet your needs. With the 61-312 you add capacitance but I'm not sure this would really be useful for your applications. I occasionally check the value of a capacitor but not often. In fact, the users manual for my meter (Radio Shack model 22-812)states "Capacitance measurement accuracy depends on the measurement method and differs with different types of capacitors. The meter's measurement is for reference only." I'm more likely to check resistance (potentiometers and resistor values). I've never used the frequency function on my meter and, quite honestly, am not knowledgable enough to know why I might need it. You'll probably do just fine with the meter you purchased.

 

[cakire82]

Re: Is this multimeter good?

Thanks guys. This multi-meter looks like a keeper.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Is this multimeter good?

I actually have a couple of those - one in the garage, one inside, one with my guitar crap. :approve:

me too

have Fluke at work

round the house

bunch of the cheap HF ones

 

[cakire82]

Re: Is this multimeter good?

Yes, It can measure the AC voltage but no the AC current. Can you think of an application that I might need the AC Current measurement for?

According to the specifications for the 61-310 you should be able to measure AC voltage. I only need this feature when I'm working on my tube amp. If you are just working on guitars the 61-310 should meet your needs. With the 61-312 you add capacitance but I'm not sure this would really be useful for your applications. I occasionally check the value of a capacitor but not often. In fact, the users manual for my meter (Radio Shack model 22-812)states "Capacitance measurement accuracy depends on the measurement method and differs with different types of capacitors. The meter's measurement is for reference only." I'm more likely to check resistance (potentiometers and resistor values). I've never used the frequency function on my meter and, quite honestly, am not knowledgable enough to know why I might need it. You'll probably do just fine with the meter you purchased.

 

[Blue313]

Re: Is this multimeter good?

It looks great, mate. It'll do everything you're likely to want it to do (and more).

Pretty much. If you don't know what you need, this will seriously be plenty.

 

[cakire82]

Re: Is this multimeter good?

yes
bias a tube amp lately

Now, this is a good plus. I will have to consider this. Thanks.

 

[JLD23]

Re: Is this multimeter good?

cakire82, When I bias my Fender amp I am measuring DC voltage at the bias point. To measure AC current you must break the circuit and connect the test leads of your meter (not yours but one that is designed to measure AC current) to the two circuit connection points. I don't think this is anything that you need. If you are unfamilar with working on tube amps by all means read everything you can get your hands on before starting. I spent several months reading forums, books, articles in mags and asking questions before every removing the back panel. An excellent source of information is "The Unofficial Fender Hot Rod Deluxe Owner's Guide." A Web search should lead you to the site. Even if you don't own a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe there is a wealth of information available from this site. There are probably many others. I don't mean to discourage you, in fact quite the opposite. Just realize that there are lethal voltage in a tube amp even when the power is off. It is easy to learn how to safely disipate these voltage and then check the results with the meter you have purchased. Sorry for digressing on a forum intended for the discussion of pickups.

 

[cakire82]

Re: Is this multimeter good?

cakire82, When I bias my Fender amp I am measuring DC voltage at the bias point. To measure AC current you must break the circuit and connect the test leads of your meter (not yours but one that is designed to measure AC current) to the two circuit connection points. I don't think this is anything that you need. If you are unfamilar with working on tube amps by all means read everything you can get your hands on before starting. I spent several months reading forums, books, articles in mags and asking questions before every removing the back panel. An excellent source of information is "The Unofficial Fender Hot Rod Deluxe Owner's Guide." A Web search should lead you to the site. Even if you don't own a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe there is a wealth of information available from this site. There are probably many others. I don't mean to discourage you, in fact quite the opposite. Just realize that there are lethal voltage in a tube amp even when the power is off. It is easy to learn how to safely disipate these voltage and then check the results with the meter you have purchased. Sorry for digressing on a forum intended for the discussion of pickups.

Thanks bro. You are right I have close to no experience with tube amps and biasing them. I will consider all your suggestions and advices. I was not planning buy a multimeter at all actually. I had to use the gift card and there it was. I think this will do the work.