Multi-Meter Question

[gordon_39422]

My vintage multi-meter has been through two generations of usage(my dad bought it back in the 70's from Radio Shack), and I have been advised by sevaral electronic wizards to replace it. At any rate, I would like to buy one that will cover any mods I make on my axe, as well as the mods I plan to make on my Hot Rod Deluxe. Would this be suitable for the tasks at hand? If not, some other suggestions are welcome!!!

http://www.radioshack.com/product.a...y_name=CTLG_011_008_002_000&product_id=22-810

Thanks, in advance, for the input!!!

Allen

 

[skyydogg01]

Re: Multi-Meter Question

if you really want to get a mulitimeter, get this one ... it's what we call "the Caddy"

http://www.home.agilent.com/cgi-bin...sg:pro&ID=1000001297:epsg:pro&COUNTRY_CODE=US

yes the one you listed would be fine. i see no use for capacitance, temperature, frequency or anything else that a meter offers. that should do you just fine.

does that one have continuity testing?

edit: yes it does have continuity ... you should be fine.

 

[Artie]

Re: Multi-Meter Question

That looks like it would be fine for ordinary guitar troubleshooting. The only real limitation I see on it is, a current limit of 20ma. Thats about how much one LED would draw. You could run into problems if you wanted to rebias an amp or something.

You could always augment its operation with an external amp meter later.

 

[bert123]

Re: Multi-Meter Question

I wanted to be able to test capacitance and I only work on guitars so I picked up a Triplett 2030C. It is pocket sized and usually goes for about $25.00.
TP2030
3-3/4 digit, 4000 count display
Hard, protective cover
AC/DC volts to 600V, AC/DC current to 400mA
Resistance, capacitance, frequency ranges
Duty cycle and relative mode
Diode/continuity beeper
Data/range hold
One year warranty

 

[Chi3f]

Re: Multi-Meter Question

if you aren't gonna use it much then i would go cheap. the one bert spoke of sounds fine. If you wanna spend a little money i would get a fluke. I use a 177 which you can get off ebay for around $135. I have to trouble shoot all day so i needed something reliable and that had all the functions the 177 has.

ac/dc volts
dc mv
resistace
continuity
capicitance
diode tester
ac/dc ma more accurate if what your reading is in ma
ac/dc amps up to 10a

also has minmax, hold and you can pick the range. the meter itself is auto ranging. also can turn on a backlit light so you can see it in dark spaces.

 

[Burkwieser]

Re: Multi-Meter Question

I just bought this one from Radio Shack last week. It covers the needs.

http://www.radioshack.com/product.a...y_name=CTLG_011_008_002_000&product_id=22-820

 

[proxy]

Re: Multi-Meter Question

if you aren't gonna use it much then i would go cheap. the one bert spoke of sounds fine. If you wanna spend a little money i would get a fluke. I use a 177 which you can get off ebay for around $135. I have to trouble shoot all day so i needed something reliable and that had all the functions the 177 has.

ac/dc volts
dc mv
resistace
continuity
capicitance
diode tester
ac/dc ma more accurate if what your reading is in ma
ac/dc amps up to 10a

also has minmax, hold and you can pick the range. the meter itself is auto ranging. also can turn on a backlit light so you can see it in dark spaces.

My school has a ton of those when I was taking a digital electonics class, great tools. Which reminds me I need to go out and try to fix my heated seats in my car.

 

[rspst14]

Re: Multi-Meter Question

I would also suggest a Fluke...I use a 111, bought it new on Ebay a year ago for $85.

Ryan

 

[gordon_39422]

Re: Multi-Meter Question

I DEFINITELY want to be able to Bias my amp. If that is the case with amperage, I will check into other brands/models that were suggested. I have no problem in spending money on worthwhile investments, but I am a little tight for cash currently. My amp is having some symptoms that suggest a need for re-biasing. Since the cost of having a tech do it costs about the same as one of the Radio Shack meters, I thought I could do it myself AND have a tool for future repairs/mods. What would be the safest max rating for amperage when taking amp biasing into consideration?

 

[gordon_39422]

Re: Multi-Meter Question

The only real limitation I see on it is, a current limit of 20ma. You could run into problems if you wanted to rebias an amp or something.

You could always augment its operation with an external amp meter later.

I am a little confused. The guide I am using refers to voltage for reference to biasing my amp.

The bias pot should allow us to read roughly 50mV to 100mV at the bias test point. If not refer to the trouble shooting section. 68mV is considered a good starting point for beginners, and is approximately the point where a lot of people like to bias their tubes. Fender recommends adjusting to 60mV, but that's a little on the cold side based on the plate voltage of these amps. Note that 68mV is for 6L6GCs, and similar power tubes only. If you've installed an odd pair of power tubes, like 6V6s, use the biasing calculator to make sure you're not biased too hot. From The Unofficial Fender Hot Rod Deluxe Owner's Manual.

If this is not the case, please let me know before I attempt this task and fry my amp or my jewels!

I have spent hours on the page, and have experience in the past tinkering with electronic cicruits. I have no doubt that when following these instructions, I can perform the tasks.

 

[mrid]

Re: Multi-Meter Question

I would also suggest a Fluke...I use a 111, bought it new on Ebay a year ago for $85.

Ryan

I <3 my Fluke!