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Author Topic:  Multimeter
James Quackenbush

 

From:
Pomona, New York, USA
Post  Posted 31 Dec 2017 3:34 am    
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I have had the bug to build my own amp for years......It might be time after seeing so many builds popping up...... What brand multimeter is a good one to go with, or better yet,what model ? Thanks guys and gals......Jim
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Scott Duckworth


From:
Etowah, TN Western Foothills of the Smokies
Post  Posted 31 Dec 2017 3:46 am    
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This place has some good prices... https://www.allelectronics.com/index.php?page=seek&id%5Bm%5D=pattern&id%5Bq%5D=multimeter

Also, don't rule out Harbor Freight... https://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result/index/?dir=asc&order=EAScore%2Cf%2CEAFeatured+Weight%2Cf%2CSale+Rank%2Cf&q=multimeter
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Robert Parent

 

From:
Gillette, WY
Post  Posted 31 Dec 2017 5:19 am    
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Fluke is the goto brand for most everyone in the trades....

The freebe one at Harbor Freight works fine if you just need something minimal once in a while. I have several of those around the house and they all get used.

Robert
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Jack Stoner


From:
Kansas City, MO
Post  Posted 31 Dec 2017 6:07 am    
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To build your own there is more to it than just having a multimeter.
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Len Amaral

 

From:
Rehoboth,MA 02769
Post  Posted 31 Dec 2017 8:07 am    
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I prefer a multi-meter with a dial that lets you select a function rather than a full auto multi-meter. Get the alligator clip adapter also.
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James Quackenbush

 

From:
Pomona, New York, USA
Post  Posted 31 Dec 2017 8:59 am    
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Thanks guys......

Jack,
I’m just starting to build my tools needed.....I have a soldering station, then multimeter, then ?... I’m sure it will be a slow process.....🙂
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Randy Beavers


From:
Lebanon,TN 37090
Post  Posted 31 Dec 2017 9:33 am    
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James, I really like the Fluke 117. It's user friendly and will do more than I'll ever need from it.
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James Quackenbush

 

From:
Pomona, New York, USA
Post  Posted 31 Dec 2017 9:48 am    
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Hi Randy, You read my mind.....Certain items I don’t mind paying for......Tools is one of those items......Thanks.....Jim

BTW.....Nice playing, and your DR sounds GREAT.......Really good choice of speaker too !
Sometimes ya gotta put in some weight to get the tone ......👍
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Michael Maddex


From:
Northern New Mexico, USA
Post  Posted 31 Dec 2017 9:50 am    
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James, if you have never tackled an Electronics Project before, you might want to start with something smaller and simpler than an Amp. The Tools and Skills that you would acquire building a Stomp Box or other smaller Project will go a long way when you get to the Amp Project. AES offers some nice Effects Kits:

https://www.tubesandmore.com/products/kits

Of course, there are many Vendors for Electronics Kits.

As to your original question about DMMs (Digital Multimeters), I would say any Brand Name from an established dealer with the Features That You Need, especially if it is On Sale, will do the job. The suggestions already offered look good and as mentioned above, over time you will wind up with multiple Test Instruments. I am currently using a Micronta and a BK Precision; neither are new.

HTH. Good Luck with your Electronics Projects! Have An Electrifying New Year! Cool
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James Quackenbush

 

From:
Pomona, New York, USA
Post  Posted 31 Dec 2017 10:33 am    
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Hi Michael,
Thanks for the info and the link.....Much appreciated ...... Jim
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Steven Paris

 

From:
Los Angeles
Post  Posted 31 Dec 2017 11:49 am    
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Best amplifier kits for the $$$ are the Webers. This is a Deluxe Reverb style:
https://www.tedweber.com/6a20-c-kt
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Jack Stoner


From:
Kansas City, MO
Post  Posted 31 Dec 2017 11:59 am    
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What Michael Maddex said is what I should have said. Proper soldering techniques are a must. Bad/Cold solder joints will drive you crazy finding them. Proper wiring techniques including wire routing is important. If you buy a kit such as the Mojotone's they have instructions on how to route wiring.

I used to do amp repair, at a minimum I had a Multimeter (in those days typically techs had Analog VOM's and not Digital VM's, today I have a DVM), an O'scope and a sine/square wave generator. That is minimum needed to troubleshoot if you get it together and it doesn't work. If you are working with tubes, a tube tester comes in handy (best is to replace with a known good tube but tube testers can help).
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ajm

 

From:
Los Angeles
Post  Posted 1 Jan 2018 8:28 am    
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If you are going to use it for amp building, you should make sure that whatever meter you get will measure probably a minimum of 500 volts DC.
I have seen some less expensive ones that go to 400.
With the higher voltages in tube amps this could be a problem.

Kits (effect pedals): There are other companies that make pedal kits as well.
I have a friend that knows next to nothing about electronics.
He doesn't even have a DVM, and had to actually go out and buy a soldering station to get started.
Several years ago he got the bug to build some pedals.
Two of the companies he frequented were General Guitar Gadgets and Build Your Own Clone.
I can only remember when he had a problem twice, and they were very minor.
BYOC in particular is very clear with their instructions, and as a bonus the pedals actually sound good.
There are plenty of demos on Youtube.
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Mike Scaggs


From:
Nashville, TN
Post  Posted 2 Jan 2018 12:10 pm     Re: Multimeter
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James Quackenbush wrote:
I have had the bug to build my own amp for years......It might be time after seeing so many builds popping up...... What brand multimeter is a good one to go with, or better yet,what model ? Thanks guys and gals......Jim


One word "Fluke" the 117 is a good versatile meter
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James Quackenbush

 

From:
Pomona, New York, USA
Post  Posted 2 Jan 2018 2:04 pm    
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The Fluke 117 it is !!!.......I’d rather spend the money now and get a good mm rather than having to pay less for a mm that is not accurate....Sometimes ya gotta dig a little deeper and get a better quality tool.......Thanks to all for your help.....It’s much appreciated.....Jim
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