Any recommendations on a good multimeter to use for a layout?
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Sears sell some nice ones, or Lowes. If you want the best get a Fluke.
Originally Posted by Helichuck:
Sears sell some nice ones, or Lowes. If you want the best get a Fluke.
Flukes are nice BUT $$$. Unless you need to measure your voltage/amperage/resistance to the Nth decimal place, save your money and go with the Sears, Lowes, Harbor Freight, Velleman etc.
When I was in electronic retails and someone asked about meters I would ask what they useing it for. If it was measure car battery or outlets etc I steered them to our economical model(s). If they were technicians and wanted more precision for home projects or breadboarding, I steered them to our middle range that had better resolution. And once in awhile I had the serious hobbist or engineer or electronics business and they wanted Flukes or better for high precision or some special functions that the lower price ones couldn't do.
My favorite meter for the layout is this clamp-on from Harbor Freight. It's inexpensive, works well, and has the bonus of measuring AC current without interrupting the circuit, very handy.
6 Function Mini Digital Clamp Meter
Got me a Fluke model 87. I do a lot more with it than workin' on the railroad, but when I need to, it's real nice.
I have two Fluke meters, but I like the one I posted for the layout, simply because of the convenient AC current measurement.
I also have Fluke meters, the Harbor Freight meter that John is showing and several of the Free Harbor Freight meters. ALL of them work fine for the layout. A couple of the Free Harbor Freight meters and the HF Clamp on meter is what stays in the train room.
Ron
The one GunnerJohn posted is great for the price. The audible continuity is important .... It comes in handy to help determine if your 10 pin PS2 tether cable is functioning properly. 
I bought one of these at the local hardware store, works well.
Rich, that looks like a Velleman but which model? I know Velleman meters are definitely accurate and won't break anyone's bank.
Good choice for both novice and experienced layout builders-owners.
Kenn
Originally Posted by OGR Webmaster:
I like the HF shown on their site fro $199.95 currently. As an ex HP guy, I have
a strong preference for HP and Fluke. I have an even stronger preference
for money in my pocket. That HF meter seems as good to me as the Fluke--
and I have a Fluke.
Al W.
The price of the HF meter on their site is $19.95 not $199.95.
Al W.
Originally Posted by ogaugeguy:
Rich, that looks like a Velleman but which model? I know Velleman meters are definitely accurate and won't break anyone's bank.
Good choice for both novice and experienced layout builders-owners.
Kenn
Originally Posted by OGR Webmaster:
Its a Velleman 850BL. We sell alot of them for about $20. See here
I have been using a BK Precision multimeter for the last 26 years, used basically on the layout for AC&DC voltages and current. I also have an old Radio Shack analog multimeter from the early 1970's. You may also want to check out Temna multimeters, also if my memory is correct the BK meter I purchased in the late 1980's was around $70.00.
John
I've got a sears craftsman multi with the temp attachment..never used that temp attachment yet though. AC/DC and the much used "beep" for continuity.
I like the HF one gunrunnerjohn showed...a clamp on amp gauge would be usedful given the surrounding space to clamp on with...in tight quarters it would be a problem.
Originally Posted by Burlington Route:
I like the HF one gunrunnerjohn showed...a clamp on amp gauge would be usedful given the surrounding space to clamp on with...in tight quarters it would be a problem.
I have other meters, but when it comes to checking current draw around the layout, I reach for that simple little HF model. I have a larger clamp-on as well, but it's in my shop, I got this one just for use with the trains.
How do we know if a particular unit has the "beep" for continuity?
Will the beep be listed in the description?
Normally, they do list that feature, if it's not listed, I'd assume it's not there.
Originally Posted by Bluegill1:
How do we know if a particular unit has the "beep" for continuity?
Will the beep be listed in the description?
This might help
I have a Sears that I liked also. WARNING check your batteries I had mine leak and it was a pain to clean.
franktrain
Well, I ended up buying a cheap multimeter at HF ($3) to play around with until I get a "real" multimeter.
Larry
I think you'll find out the HF meter will serve you well in the train room.
Ron
