Multimeter

[t_marat]

Is this multimeter a really crappy one?
http://cgi.ebay.com/EW-Mini-DIGITAL-MULTIMETER-VOLTMETER-DMM-E21_W0QQitemZ7617713138QQcategoryZ25412QQrdZ1QQcmd ZViewItem

I don't need something really precise, just casual measurements. This thing turns out to cost less than buying from a local shop.

[pingu]

The voltage and resistance measurement capabilities look fine to me - plenty good enough for car and general household / electronic things.

BUT according to the photos, it will only measure up to 200mA of current (and DC only, though DC only is not likely to be an issue).

Very few solenoids / bulbs in a car use less than 200mA (200mA at 12V is about two and a half watts) so that multimeter wouldn't be much use if you're trying to, for example, track down excessive current draw when your car is off - the multimeter would probably get fried (or hopefully, the fuse would blow).

[JD525IA]

If you need a shop or home meter, this will do fine. You aren't planning to calibrate any equipment with it, are you?

Also, most current functions on most meters are protected with fuses.

Of course, I hate dealing with any ebay vendor that is too stupid to catch simple spelling and grammatical errors in their listings. This guy is a real peach.

Let us know how it turns out.

JD

[t_marat]

I overlooked the direct current measurement range. 200mA is really too small.

[winfred]

you should be able find some digital meters in the $8-10 range locally, harbor freight usually has a couple in the $5 range in sale that are on par or better then that one, or hit a pawn shop or two and get a good meter at a good deal, i got my top of the line mac for $120 it probably had never been used it was so clean, older stuff is ofcorse cheeper

[Javier]

in the multimeter. You should think about it.

Javier

[Mitch90535im]

I believe I use the continuity (sp) feature on the cheap one I bought more than anything else. I don't believe this one has that feature.

[Mitch90535im]

you should be able find some digital meters in the $8-10 range locally, harbor freight usually has a couple in the $5 range in sale that are on par or better then that one, or hit a pawn shop or two and get a good meter at a good deal, i got my top of the line mac for $120 it probably had never been used it was so clean, older stuff is ofcorse cheeper

Winfred, don't know what the laws might be where you live, but that's pretty darn close to child porn here in the good ole' US of A.

[t_marat]

I bought one locally. Paid 3.2$!
DCV: 200mV-100V
ACV: 200, 750
Amperage: 200microA - 10A
Resistance: 200Ohms - 2MOhms
No measurement range for capacitors.
Guess more than enough
Wonder if someday China will start producing goods for free :)

[danzee]

Looks more suitable