twigg Posted May 7, 2012 Share #1 Posted May 7, 2012 For Father's Day, Christmas, Birthday ... or just because you are in Walmart and they have them on the shelves. Without one you are like the blind man, in the dark room, looking for a black cat ..... that isn't there!! This one is perfect, and it does "tach" too ... helps setting Idle Mixture: [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Equus-3340-Automotive-Digital-Multimeter/dp/B000KIMHRQ/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1336434517&sr=8-5]Amazon.com: Equus 3340 Automotive Digital Multimeter: Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41BBJ2IF%2BkL.@@AMEPARAM@@41BBJ2IF%2BkL[/ame] This one is decent and cheaper: [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Actron-CP7677-Automotive-TroubleShooter-Multimeter/dp/B0002LZU7K/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1336434517&sr=8-13]Amazon.com: Actron CP7677 Automotive TroubleShooter - Digital Multimeter and Engine Analyzer: Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51BSKJ7JKYL.@@AMEPARAM@@51BSKJ7JKYL[/ame] Even this will get the job done: [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Equus-3300-Hands-free-Digital-Multimeter/dp/B001O1X65A/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1336434517&sr=8-6]Amazon.com: Equus 3300 Hands-free Digital Multimeter: Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41MXDQOCOHL.@@AMEPARAM@@41MXDQOCOHL[/ame] If you are wealthy, or a pro ... then this would be nice to have: [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Fluke-77-4-Automotive-Digital-Multimeter/dp/B000U8WQ4U/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1336434983&sr=8-12]Amazon.com: Fluke 77-4 Automotive Digital Multimeter: Home Improvement@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31UUF4XwNDL.@@AMEPARAM@@31UUF4XwNDL[/ame] It should be the first thing in everyone's toolkit. Don't leave home without one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
etcswjoe Posted May 8, 2012 Share #2 Posted May 8, 2012 I thought everyone owned a multimeter and an O'scope. Thanks for the post good info, mine has saved me heartache numerous time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twigg Posted May 8, 2012 Author Share #3 Posted May 8, 2012 I thought everyone owned a multimeter and an O'scope. Thanks for the post good info. I should make allowances for the varied level of expertise, and be happy that folk are prepared to get their hands dirty. Digital meters can be daunting at first ... then you wonder how you ever managed without one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carbon_One Posted May 8, 2012 Share #4 Posted May 8, 2012 (edited) I have one of the more expensive ones from Sears but also have a couple of the cheap Harbor Freight meters like these - http://www.harborfreight.com/7-function-digital-multimeter-69096.html One I keep in the tool kit on the bike and the other in the garage tool box. Most times it seems I grab the HF one as often as not to check stuff. Another one I'll check out soon is the 2nd one. http://www.harborfreight.com/lcd-automotive-multimeter-with-tachometer-kit-95670.html Larry http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_20360.jpg http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_13487.jpg Edited May 8, 2012 by Carbon_One Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
etcswjoe Posted May 8, 2012 Share #5 Posted May 8, 2012 I should make allowances for the varied level of expertise, and be happy that folk are prepared to get their hands dirty. Digital meters can be daunting at first ... then you wonder how you ever managed without one. Having used them for what seems like forever I agree, I tried to be funny and I think I came off as an a$$ sorry. Lots of good info I think all can benefit from your post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flb_78 Posted May 8, 2012 Share #6 Posted May 8, 2012 I have a Fluke at work. I also had a couple of the cheapy Harbor Freight ones to do amperage draw tests. The $3 Harbor Freight meter is cheaper than replacing the $10 fuse inside the Fluke. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dingy Posted May 8, 2012 Share #7 Posted May 8, 2012 Digitals are great considering the cost, but for most stuff I prefer my Simson 260 analog (needle) meter. As long as it doesn't involve a circuit board directly. Not really sure why I prefer this antique over the 2 digitals I have, but I like it. The one with tach functions would be a great choice for a digital. Not real cheap at $70, but nice. Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bkuhr Posted May 8, 2012 Share #8 Posted May 8, 2012 I have a Fluke at work. I also had a couple of the cheapy Harbor Freight ones to do amperage draw tests. The $3 Harbor Freight meter is cheaper than replacing the $10 fuse inside the Fluke. Not supposed to be blindly probing AMPS and blowing fuses! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twigg Posted May 8, 2012 Author Share #9 Posted May 8, 2012 Digitals are great considering the cost, but for most stuff I prefer my Simson 260 analog (needle) meter. As long as it doesn't involve a circuit board directly. Not really sure why I prefer this antique over the 2 digitals I have, but I like it. The one with tach functions would be a great choice for a digital. Not real cheap at $70, but nice. Gary The second one on my list does tach too. Personally, I like the look of the one Carbon One pictured, with the inductive pick-up. I had a PM about setting the Idle Mixture, so for those who don't know .. If you use the Idle Drop Method you need a tach that can register rpm changes of about 50rpm. The bike Tach is not good enough for this, but most meters are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djh3 Posted May 8, 2012 Share #10 Posted May 8, 2012 I have to agree. Even if you buy the inexpensive one they are a must have at times. You can only do so much with a test light. I also have one of the what I would call "nice" sears jobs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reddevilmedic Posted May 8, 2012 Share #11 Posted May 8, 2012 hey...guess what? i just recently picked one up...i wonder what i should check... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twigg Posted May 8, 2012 Author Share #12 Posted May 8, 2012 hey...guess what? i just recently picked one up...i wonder what i should check... :rotf: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pmelah Posted May 8, 2012 Share #13 Posted May 8, 2012 (edited) ok which one does tach? thats what i want considering my rstd does not have a tach i may not be experienced with the rstd or any other bike for that mater but i can do basice stuff and can chase down problems and do quick fixes in a pinch. the top or bottom one or can both do it or just the one with the pick up Edited May 8, 2012 by pmelah add Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twigg Posted May 8, 2012 Author Share #14 Posted May 8, 2012 ok which one does tach? thats what i want considering my rstd does not have a tach i may not be experienced with the rstd or any other bike for that mater but i can do basice stuff and can chase down problems and do quick fixes in a pinch. the top or bottom one or can both do it or just the one with the pick up On the original list, the first two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twigg Posted May 8, 2012 Author Share #15 Posted May 8, 2012 Fluke Scope Meter only way to go. :rotf: Why mess around with the cheap stuff, when you could buy this: [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Fluke-190-102-Channel-ScopeMeter-SCC-290/dp/B007V55H5A/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1336440178&sr=1-1]Amazon.com: Fluke 190-102/S 100 MHz, 1.25 MS/s, 2 Channel Color ScopeMeter built-in DMM & SCC-290 Kit: Home Improvement@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51-sQBOVoZL.@@AMEPARAM@@51-sQBOVoZL[/ame] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reddevilmedic Posted May 8, 2012 Share #16 Posted May 8, 2012 dont forget batteries..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bongobobny Posted May 8, 2012 Share #17 Posted May 8, 2012 Digitals are great considering the cost, but for most stuff I prefer my Simson 260 analog (needle) meter. As long as it doesn't involve a circuit board directly. Not really sure why I prefer this antique over the 2 digitals I have, but I like it. The one with tach functions would be a great choice for a digital. Not real cheap at $70, but nice. Gary Yah Gary!! Bekieve it or not I still have my old Heathkit VTVM from the '60s... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuddyRich Posted May 8, 2012 Share #18 Posted May 8, 2012 :rotf: Why mess around with the cheap stuff, when you could buy this: Amazon.com: Fluke 190-102/S 100 MHz, 1.25 MS/s, 2 Channel Color ScopeMeter built-in DMM & SCC-290 Kit: Home Improvement You could just about get a dual channel o-scope for that. Then you just need a good HP spectrum analyzer and you could work on these bikes........ Now where did I put that old Simpson ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midrsv Posted May 8, 2012 Share #19 Posted May 8, 2012 The second one pictured from Harbor Frieght that has a tach got very poor reviews for that function on the HF site. I have a couple of digital meters but most of the time I still pick up my cheap $10 analog meter to check for voltage and continuity when I am not real concerned about actual reading and only need to see the needle deflect. Dennis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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