Ordering a new Multimeter from eBay

[Ofek Deitch]

Hi everyone !

My multimeter stopped working a few days ago, so now I wanna order a new one from eBay. (Mostly 'cause it's cheap... )

But I'm not sure which is good and which is not... so... Here's a link to the search results page:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_nkw=digital%20multimeter&_clu=2&_fcid=100&_localstpos&_stpos&gbr=1

And I would like everyone to comment below and recommend on the better ones.

I want the multimeter to have a big screen and a stand on the back so I can make stand instead of lying on the table.

Notice!
I live in Israel. So the seller must ship it to Israel. If he does not, then don't comment on the multimeter...


Thanks a lot!

Ofek

[Jdansti]

Your link shows three meters, so I'm not sure which one you're interested in.  In my opinion and after workining with electrical engineers, Fluke is the industry standard.  Get one if you can afford it. 

The Snap On meter shown on the link is probably made by Fluke (based on a quick search). 

The $3 cheapie is a gamble. My experience with these is that the accuracy of their readings is good enough for my stomp box work, but I would NEVER use one for measuring voltages above 110V because the "Cat" rating on these is usually too low to trust with higher voltages. I don't need a meter exploding in my face. The other thing I've experienced is that sometimes these don't work right out of the box or they die after a short time. Expect very poor quality leads that will probably break after a few uses. The leads are usually one piece moulded and can't be repaired. You'd pay 5-10x the cost of the meter for a decent set of leads (although they might not fit this meter's jacks).  If you go this route, buy 2 or 3 if you can afford it.

Summary: Fluke is always a winner. El cheapos are hit and miss.

[Ofek Deitch]

Ok thanks!

Well I own a cheap ass one and its probes broke too!

This multimeter looks nice:
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/mastech-2-lcd-multimeter-temperature-tester-overload-protector-1-x-6f22-144127

It isn't a FLUKE but it has a stand on it's back too, so it's good enough..

Have you ever tried this one before?

Thanks

[greaser_au]

Fluke is the industry standard.

I don't know why this is...  It's probably because they are calibratable.   Even after 20 years as a service tech, I have to say I prefer my Mastech MY68 (I think I paid $AUD26 for it at retail) - even the supplied leads aren't too bad.

0.005% accuracy isn't much use if many of the display segments are faint or blank,  or if I have to wait some seconds for a reading...

david

[digi2t]

If you don't want to pay Fluke prices, but want something that is robust enough to last a good long while, then check out the Wavetek Meterman line. Fluke aquired them back in 2000. Good solid meters, at very decent prices. I've owned one for several years now, using it at work (industrial environment), and at home. It's a good solid meter.

I consider them akin to "Honda", while Fluke is the "Acura" line.

Cheers,
Dino 

[Jdansti]

I haven't used Mastech or Wavetek, it sounds like y'all have had good luck with them.

Something else to consider is whether you want a true RMS meter or an averaging one. You'll pay more for true RMS. I've only had a couple of times when I needed true RMS for stomp boxes.  If you can find a good inexpensive one, it would be more versital than one without true RMS.