DMM at Aldi (uk)

[anotherjim]

Needed another cheapo meter, so picked one up.
Haven't used it on any jobs yet, but here's some the specs...

Good points:
20Meg resistance range.
2.8v diode test
Continuity beep
Supplied 9v PP3 battery
Battery on-load test ranges. Tests 1.5v cell into 10ohm and 9v battery into 1.5K.

Bad points:
250VDC or 250VACrms maximum is no good for tube amp work, and given that the UK AC supply can legally be as high as 263Vrms 253Vrms, not really very good for mains testing either. However, supplied probes are 600v rated.
No transistor Hfe test.
"Soft" auto-off. Which usually means the battery will go flat by itself and if you don't use the meter for a while probably already will be - you had maybe better take the battery out before storing it.
3 screws to change the battery -  one is cunningly hidden under the QC passed sticker which you'll have to peel off! Fortunately, it comes with one of those soft rubber shell cases which will hold it together when you've lost those screws.
Supplied leads are point probes so you don't have a clip on option.
The "Hold" button latches down, which does hold the display reading, but basically stops it working. It won't even switch on if it is on hold. A dubious feature.

So, it's basically ok for a hobbyist, but not an unmissable bargain.

[nickbungus]

I love the man-aisle at Aldi.  14999 piece screwdriver set, £2.99

[anotherjim]

Just this morning I was looking at a garden hose fitting and noticed the nozzle had lost it's O ring. What did I also find in the man-aisle but a box of assorted O rings! Sorted.

[Kipper4]

Lidl heat shrink packs ?

[garyg]

man-aisle

I saw a stand up a while back who referred to the centre aisle of aldi (or was it lidl..?) as where you find all you need to dispose of a body; tarps, shovels, gaffer tape, chunky kitchen knives...

[EBK]

Aldi is a bit less awesome in the US.  Plenty of food, but not a whole lot of non-food.

[ChrisKelly]

BTW the max (legal) AC voltage is 253V in the UK.
The range is 230 -6% to 230 +10%
(I work for the electric board )

[anotherjim]

Ooops - 253V it is.
I noticed when I fitted the battery, what looked like a couple of 250v varistors on board. If that's what's providing the limit, I'm not sure how effective it is.

[amptramp]

Sooner or later if you are like me, you will acquire an set of DMM's that will all be optimized for various purposes.  I have a talking DMM that tells you the voltage you are reading - good for when you have one hand on one probe, the other hand on the other and the meter is someplace where it is not easy to read.  I have another with a transistor test function and another with a wooden platform that it stands in so you can read it when the holder is flat on the table.  I have several analog meters as well and they each have a different preferred usage.  Don't be afraid to start a collection.