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Test Meters - Fluke? UEI? Other?

Ken_8
Ken_8 Member Posts: 1,640
We need VOM's with the following additional features:

1) DC micro-amps (for flame rectification signals)

2) A/C amps

We are looking at the Fluke #16/322 kit for ~$190. and the

UEI DL250 for ~$140.

Any suggestions as to what's best for our use and where to snag the best deal?

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Comments

  • I bought a UEI meter

    at least 15 years ago, to measure DC microamps. It does everything else, too, but that's why I bought the $150.00 dollar meter.

    I still have it, it's the only meter that I use now, and I've only put one battery in it since I bought it.

    The only thing ever to go wrong with it, is I wore out the case cover. I used to use it many times a day.

    It has duct tape on the cover hinge now.

    I love the thing.

    Noel
  • DaveC
    DaveC Member Posts: 201
    Please - don't snicker...

    but my Radio Shack 22-167 meter does all that - and I don't remember paying more than $70 for it, over 8 years ago. The only thing I don't like is that it shuts itself off, after 10 minutes (to save batteries?) - and that's inconvenient when you are monitoring something for extended periods. I certainly wouldn't endorse most of RS's other stuff - but the Fluke might be a high percentage "stolen vehicle", if not totally necessary to have such a high end product.
  • Firedragon_4
    Firedragon_4 Member Posts: 1,436
    Check this out

    http://www.web-tronics.com/my980.html

    it is virtually the same meter that CCT gives out at the Carlin U Series and I've been very impressed with it's capabilities and functionality.

    I've bought lots of stuff from this outfit and they also carry other lines including Fluke.
  • Ken, I use

    the UEI DM383B it does everything listed and more. I do however find that on spark ignition systems some digital meters get interference from the spark generator and will not register microamps. I revert to my old faihtful Honeywell W136 for microamps, it is an analog meter and the one I use is 40 years old and still ticking. They are still available and for microamps they are great. They also have an AC voltage and DC voltage capacity on them.

    Those two meters go with me every time I do a call. I also have some cheap amprobe meters radio shack specials small and easy to carry in for intial checks on some jobs. They are real cheap about $29.95 last time I checked and the can do a lot.
  • Glenn Harrison_2
    Glenn Harrison_2 Member Posts: 845
    I've always been partial to Fluke,

    and the 16 is a good choice. However the resolution is not low enough for some ignition controls, as it only reads to 1/10th of a micro amp. But for the price it is a good starter meter. I personally have the 89-IV, now the 189,and it reads everything, but the price tag is high. You might want to look at the new 87-V series.

    I'm not a fan of UEI. The last time Ilooked at them they looked cheap and poorly designed, that may have changed tho.

    You probably should look at Fieldpiece too. They have a modular meter system where you can buy a base unit, then get the powerheads to test what you want to test for now, and you can get more powerheads as you advance your services, and as new features become available. A couple of our newer guys have Fieldpiece units they purchased thru school, and they really like them, and I have tyed their meters too, and like them also.
  • Ken D.
    Ken D. Member Posts: 836
    Meters

    I have both a Fluke and an older UEI I am using for backup.I do like the Fluke, although UEI does a competent job. One of our mechanics recently bought an ATP (Amprobe)DMM. I have used it and like it also. They all make different models with different features, so no matter what you can find one to suit you.
  • m dewolfe
    m dewolfe Member Posts: 92
    vom


    Everyone has there favorite test gear and knows all of its ins and outs. I am very fond of my simpson 260 with the built in reset switch. as an analog meter its the best there ever was, strong easy to read in low light,never blew a fuse yet. I recomend it highly
  • Ken D.
    Ken D. Member Posts: 836
    VOM

    Amen to that. I would love to have a Simpson again. Best meter that was ever made, bar none. I wonder if they are still available?
  • m dewolfe
    m dewolfe Member Posts: 92
    simpson

    Simpson meters are still available thru WW Grainger or at
    WWW.grainger.com Thats where I bought one for my "new" guy.
This discussion has been closed.