So with all the talk with dvm for measuring ac noise and all, I began looking to upgrade from my cheap dmv meters, I'm not really electronically wired, but I can follow step by step instructions when measuring electrical stuff. I have been looking on line at some like a fluke 16 (which is auto ranging) Does that mean they are pretty much plug and play?  seen some used ones on ebay for less than 1/2 the price of new.  Being that I don't have a lot of experience with them other than measuring battery voltage and continuity testing, its hard to tell what your getting until you get it and start playing with it.

 

I also need one that's sufficient for testing outboard motor ignitions, capable of hooking up a peak reading adapter, testing stators and coils and such.

 

Any recommendations of whats out their, pics, model type. web links ?

I don't think you have to go super expensive.  Make sure it has the options that you want/need.  I have one from radio shack and it is easy to use.  It does everything that I need it to do.

From what I understand you don't necessarily need an expensive DVM, just one that is sensitive enough to read low enough for AC noise.

A good DVM should be able to read AC volts in the millivolt range. Then should be able to read across variable frequencies.

 

Lot of cheap DVM's only can read 110 VAC and 220 VAC at 60 Hz. So when you attempt to use one of these you end up with numbers in the 29-31 Volt AC range which is no where near correct. I tend to favor Fluke but there is many of quality name brand digital volt meters out there.

When buying on E-Bay look out for Chines knock-offs.  If the price is super low and it says it's shipped from Hong Kong I don't think I buy it. 

probably going to go with a fluke I don't know if it will be used or new, As much as I would use it, I would think a used one would be fine, been seeing them for around $ 75-100. or about $ 150.-200 new. they are auto ranging so I assume they should be able to read ac millivolts.

if you are going to spend ~$100 then take a look at the ex470 from extech( I think). I have been really happy with mine

5 minutes ago, Me78569 said:

if you are going to spend ~$100 then take a look at the ex470 from extech( I think). I have been really happy with mine

great. thanks

...and don't think of it as spending $100 on just digital volt meter. Think of it as buying another quality tool for your toolbox for keeping your vehicle repaired.

A good multimeter is really a critical tool to have.

My mission exactly! I just got done trouble shooting an outboard motor ignition. (Borrowed a fluke from work)) with the local marine shop getting 80 bucks an hour to trouble shoot and several ignition parts on the motor averaging 2-300 bucks eachI could not afford to be throwing parts at it. 

 

If you can find a DVM that has different styles and sizes of clips, pins and probes it can make life a little easier as well.

Over the years I've custom made most of my custom pins out of paper clips and bailing wire. Yes it much better to use a proper pinnig device than forcing the wrong size pin into a socket.

My old EX530 took a dump a couple months ago, really disappointed in it.  A couple years ago it fell and broke the stand and battery cover off.  Then finally this happened.

 

 

Basically the knob no longer works.

 

Edited June 13, 20168 yr by Cowboy

As for my Fluke I bought back in1988 when I went to ITT Tech for electronics and computers. Still a great meter still accurate.

Cowboy,

 

I hope my 470 last longer.

I hope so too.  The stand wasn't even out when it fell and broke it off.  I have no idea why the knob broke.

 

My old fluke started giving me random readings last month as well...  I hope it's the battery.

Edited June 13, 20168 yr by Cowboy

I should replace mine being it's age but it continues to function well. The probes are hacked from another meter. I replaced the battery 3 times now and blown plenty of fuses.

Here's what I'm using right now.