multimeter

[Andy]

What was that meter that everyone was buying from Radion Shack that measured hfe and capacitance along with the standard operations?  It was like 30 bucks.  If anyone has any recommendations on a really good one, please let me know.  I am making a Christmas wish list and want to get one.

[bwanasonic]

Well, some would argue if it don't say Fluke, it ain't worth sh*t, but you may want to browse:

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/

I picked up a decent (and cheap)  DMM there, and they are a good source for inexpensive soldering stations among other things.  They seem to have a good number of *loss leader* items to get people's attention and coming back for more. Of course the nice thing about Rat Shack is you can go to your local one and actually see the item in question. The bad thing being they will try to sell you a cell phone/sattelite dish and crappy batteries while you anxiously watch the meter maid circling your double-parked car outside.

Kerry M