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Vintage threads from the first ten years

Recommend multimeter for tube amp work

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7/2/1999 6:09 PM
John K.	Recommend multimeter for tube amp work This should be an easy one. Quality without getting rediculous in price. The last time I used a meter, digital watches didn't exist.

7/2/1999 8:08 PM

If money is not an object. Fluke HP beckman etc. When working on tube amps you have to make sure the meter can handle the DC voltage. Make sure the probes and wires can handle the voltage. Some meters are only rated to 400v DC and the probes are cheap, cheap probes can get you in trouble tips break, tips are to long making it easy to short thing out etc. You get what you pay for, do not overlook the probes

7/3/1999 4:58 AM
Bruce	Tech America has a "decent" auto ranging Metex DMM on sale for $40.00 for the next couple weeks. It even comes with a computer interface deal. Bruce

7/3/1999 1:13 PM

Hi, John. My suggestion would be to spend a little more and get a good one, such as a Fluke, that will last the rest of your life. I have had cheap DMM's in the past, they are very easy to blow up and very difficult to fix. (Now come on, how many of us have measured HV in a tube amp while the meter is set to measure ohms???) I have found Flukes to be nearly indestructible; the model 8060A I now use I found in a pawn shop for $75. It didn't work; I replaced all the fuses (including the hidden internal one) and it worked fine, it even checked out within specifications! One of the best buys I have ever made.

7/5/1999 1:36 AM
Rob	I recently noticed that Tektronics has put out a DMM that has just a single voltage position instead of Ac voltage and DC voltage. It provides simultaneous AC and DC readings. Sounds pretty quick for checking caps. but the price is $300ish.

7/6/1999 3:07 PM
Doc	That Tek meter sounds pretty neat. It would be just the ticket for checking power supplies. You could read the DC rail voltage and the AC ripple current (hum) simultaneously.

7/6/1999 3:37 PM
Mook	I say, get one that has a (decent) built-in capacitance meter. If money IS an object, Electronix Express has a RSR VOM that: AC - 750V, DC - 1000V Current - up to 10A Resist - up to 40M Capac - up to 40uF For only $42. Mook

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