digital multi meter

[LagerDrinker]

Digital multimeters are probably one of the last tools i would recommend buying. I hear a bunch of people already saying "wtf kind of advise is that". My reason for that is modern electronics are very reliable to say the least. Also once you have ohmed out everything and checked continuity and and checked voltage you are back to square one.
Think of it this way...the time it takes you to learn how to use a meter and apply your newly learned knowledge on your poor running bike you could have simply checked for loose grounds, loose b+ cable, gas in tank, and checked for vacuum leaks. your bike only needs a few things to run air, fuel, and spark. air is easy, you look at your filter to see if its clogged. fuel, assuming you own a manual you can find out if your getting fuel and enough. spark, an old spark plug installed on one wire and touched to engine and crank will tell you if theres spark.
but if you must have a meter a simple Digital meter will do. i recommend a autorange style, the less different settings will make it easier to use. now if you need more than that there are multimeters with all types of features that would blow your mind. from database to ocsilliscopes with several channels to view several different things at once. mostly for checking secondary spark, speed sensors, crank sensors and such. but prices go up quick.
Here are mine:
Bottom left is simple meter, bought used for 15bux about 15 years ago
Bottom right was first high end scope, cost around 800 used
Top is newest snap on vantage pro, cost...not saying



my advise is check craigslist in tools section for some dumb kid who went to auto school but couldnt make it. a good used meter depending on brand name would be in 40-80 dollar range, and a bit more for a Fluke(brand) meter. do homework on model though cause basic Flukes can be bought new for around 120.

[LagerDrinker]

I almost forgot... when possible get a meter with a plain style fuse for amp readings. typically 10A, most flukes use special fuses and kinda pricey but most of all can sometimes be hard to find unless you have a radio shack store around you. always go with the fast blow fuses.
Wabiker is an electronics guy so he may have some things to say about all this.

[GCC]

Yeah, expensive meters and flukes you talk about are just like many other tools you really don't need. Digital torque wrenches? Even the full time wrench has a hard time justifying one, but they are pretty cool status symbols.

My $15 digital multimeter does everything I ask it to and everyone otta have one.

[klown]

Yeah flukes are pricey, but they are the best. I got a craftsman for $15. Don't think I've ever used it for the bike though. It really came in handy when troubleshooting the cruise control on my v dub. Cruise control module went to shit. How much for that snap on one you got? That looks like a sweet piece of electronics.

[LagerDrinker]

Originally Posted by GCC

Digital torque wrenches? Even the full time wrench has a hard time justifying one, but they are pretty cool status symbols.

its a bit more than statis symbol. the digital torque wrenches toggle between ftlbs and Nm's with push of a button. no worrying about converting 65nm to ftlbs. and i am a fulltime tech working on vw's and hobbies are mostly domestic vehicles.

[Hoosier XLC]

Damn LD, nice Meters, and I thought my Fluke was nice.

[GCC]

Originally Posted by LagerDrinker

its a bit more than statis symbol. the digital torque wrenches toggle between ftlbs and Nm's with push of a button. no worrying about converting 65nm to ftlbs. and i am a fulltime tech working on vw's and hobbies are mostly domestic vehicles.

So you think that justifies the $400 or so price tag? I would think after years of wrenching and using a torque wrench the conversion of ft lbs and Nm's would be second nature.

[Tailspnr]

LOL......damn LG....how can you say that a multi-meter is not a tool that you would recommend? I guess it all depends on what your doing/repairing/building and what your level of knowledge regarding electronics. I'm no electronic guru but I did take enough electronic classes after highschool to know my way around and I would never be without my meter.

I just got done building my chopper that included wiring up the whole thing. Theres no way in hell I'd even be close........no I'd already be insane had I not had my Fluke by my side. Relay plugs wired backwards and it took me a fraction of the time to figure it out than had I not had it, checking for continuity on over 2 dozen connections.........I cant even imagine doing all that without my trusted Fluke.


Bet Jammy runs in and tells me I'm starting shit again..........3 days after Christmas.....LOL

[LagerDrinker]

Originally Posted by GCC

So you think that justifies the $400 or so price tag? I would think after years of wrenching and using a torque wrench the conversion of ft lbs and Nm's would be second nature.

Bought my digital torque wrench used for 125bux, and yes i do ok with getting close to the different torque figures in my head but if im only gonna get close then why use a torque wrench in the first place?
seriously, 400 bux i wouldnt pay for.

[LagerDrinker]

Originally Posted by Tailspnr

LOL......damn LG....how can you say that a multi-meter is not a tool that you would recommend? I guess it all depends on what your doing/repairing/building and what your level of knowledge regarding electronics.
Bet Jammy runs in and tells me I'm starting shit again..........3 days after Christmas.....LOL

LOL, i like a little heat. You answered your own question, not everyone knows how to use one or not even know what they are looking at.