New member! - 1st Question

[Shuez]

Hello,

I am glad to be getting into this! I want to buy a faily nice multimeter, but I am unsure about what kind of min/max values I should be concerned with when it comes to Cap test and Frequency test. I get the values for V (both AC& DC) and for Resistance, but I am still in the dark with reading Cap values & Frequency. Also, What could I use the Frequency test for?

Here is the one I am looking to buy so far...please tell me what you think!

Thanks :-)

http://www.multimeterwarehouse.com/mas344f.htm

[Shuez]

I also wanted your opinion on these 2 stations...now I know how much many of you love the Xytronics models, but the CSI one looks like a Hakko and there is also another one you can search for on ebay that is called a Madell

so I am debating:

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/3528

or

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7508

thanks again!

[Chris R]

there is a thread on soldering stations here...

http://www.diystompboxes.com/sboxforum/viewtopic.php?t=19096&highlight=circuit+specialists+free

This thread also mentions how you can get a free DMM with a purchase over $50.

Chris

[Shuez]

If you look at this awesome DMM (it is like a Trek tricorder!)

http://www.web-tronics.com/new5in1dmmin.html

and click on the image to enlage it, you can clearly see that one of the top right functions you can select in this mode is hFE, but tier is no socket for this...how does it test the transistor then? Would it be with a third lead?
I found one site all in German that said this thing can do the hFE test. I would be posistive that it could if it is clearly shown on the LCD of the device. What do you all think? It also does temp, but has no connector on the front like some, BUT it does say that is comes with a temp lead.

Could I asume that I could probably use a third test lead for hFE? Has anyone ever seen a meter with the function, but with no socket? Your help is appreciated :-)

[Samuel]

There's also no hFe setting on the dial on the front, so maybe the next model up does hFe and they just use the same LCD screen? Just guessing...

[brett]

Hi.  You're certainly going for a high quality DMM (and high price).  I've built and designed many pedals with a simple $10 one.

I thought this one looked excellent;http://www.multimeterwarehouse.com/m3900f.htm

If you're going to get into this VERY seriously, you might want a 'scope one day, which will cost at least $100 second hand.

[Fret Wire]

While we're spending your money, :twisted:  here's a few suggestions:

http://circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7501

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/6262

http://www.electronickits.com/gold/capacitancemeter.htm

I own both of those and can speak from experience..they are good. The solder is like night and day compared to 60/40.

Like they said, Circuit Specialists gives you a free DMM with purchases over $50. The model they give you changes all the time.