Digital Multimeter Choice Question

[jamikkim]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking at DMMs at my local electronics store and have two choices for <$50 that don't suck...Both are Digitech

Meter 1:$25

32 Range
3.5 Digit
Transistor Test
Diode Test
10A AC & DC Current
Continuity Buzzer
Temperature
Capacitance
Auto Power Off
Includes Holster
Includes Temperature Probe

Features include extra large display with 25mm high digits, 200Mohm range, 20kHz frequency, temperature, probe included, continuous, large style black case, yellow safety rubber holster with tilting bail and hang up clip, holster includes clips for holding probes in place, low battery warning, overload protection, 10Mohm input impedance and quality leads with finger protection, 1999 count which updates 2-3 times/sec.

Specifications:
DC Voltage: 200mV, 2V, 20V, 200V, 600V -/+0.5%
AC Voltage: 2V, 20V, 200V, 600V -/+0.8%
DC Current: 2mA, 20mA, 200mA, 10A -/+0.8%
AC Current: 20mA, 200mA, 10A, -/+1%
Resistance: 200ohm, 2K, 20K, 200K, 2M, 20M, 200M -/+0.8
Frequency: 20kHz Accuracy: -/+1.5%
Temperature: -20 degrees celcius to 1000 degrees celcius -/+1%
Capacitance: 2nF, 20nF, 200nF, 2uF, 20uF -/+4%
Audible Continuity: Response lower than 50 ohms
Input Impedance: 10Mohm on all ranges
Size: 95(W) x 200(H) x 45(D)


Meter 2:Auto Ranging, $30

- CAPACITANCE
- FREQUENCY
- DIODE TEST
- DATA HOLD
- RELATIVE MEASUREMENT FUNCTION
- HOLSTER INCLUDED

This auto ranging DMM is accurate and simple to use. Once the electrical value is chosen i.e. volts, current etc., the meter selects the most appropriate display range (with manual override) on the clear, no nonsense screen. Relative measurements can be made using the REL function. Other features include data hold, frequency, capacitance and diode test.

Specifications
• DC Voltage: 400mV, 4V, 40V, 400V 600V.
• Base accuracy: ±0.5% of reading
• AC/DC Volt: 400mV, 4V, 40V, 400V, 600V.
• Base accuracy: ±0.5% of reading
• DC Current: 4µA, 400µA, 40mA, 400mA, 10A
• Base accuracy: ±0.8% of reading
• AC Current: 400µA, 4mA, 40mA, 200mA, 10A
• Base accuracy: ±2.0% of reading
• Resistance: 400, 4K, 40K, 400K, 4M & 40M
• Base accuracy: ±0.5% of reading
• Capacitance: 4nF, 40nF, 400nF, 4µ, 40µF
• Base accuracy: ±0.5% of reading
• Frequency: up to 10Mhz ±0.05% of reading
• Duty cycle: 1% to 99% ±0.05% of reading
• Size: 75(W) x 45(H) x 150(L)
• Input impedance bottom voltage ranges: 10M



It seems that Meter 2 is more accurate and would be more convenient due to Auto-Ranging. Am I missing anything?


(There was an LCR DMM, but it came at a cost of reduced accuracy and range)

[carlspeak]

DMM #2 looks okay.
However, if you planning on building multiple speaker projects, I suggest you invest in a LCR meter as well. DMM #2 cap meas. upper limit is only 40 uF. An LCR's upper limit will be much higher and useful for caps in a woofer's parallel circuit that can easily go over 100 uF.