Electrical test meters,,,got one ?

[SPYDERLK]

Yep. Fluke digital automatic. Idiot proof. I should know.

Had a case where automatic was not "idiot" proof. I test stuf as a final check before they go out the door at work. A fellow had done final assembly on a system that charged its battery backup from AC, but actually ran from the battery. The charger was purchased speced to support the system at max demand. The guy checked that the charger and all system modes worked, but did not catch that the battery was discharging under the high demand mode. The reason was an automatic ranging meter. The meter set itself to a comfortable range - one range higher than was actually needed for the voltage. When I tested manually with a meter set to a more sensitive range I saw battery V constantly decreasing. He hadnt seen it because he would have had to look 10 times as long. The supplier had mistakenly supplied an identical looking lower capacity charger. Automation can mess you up ... right after it makes you complacent.
larry

 

[grsthegreat]

*********************************************************

Aw heck Willl, it took 8 or 10 replies go get off track on this one. Usually it only takes 2 or 3.:laughing:

ok, heres another one... how can i convert one of my electrical meters to a turkey temperature readout for next years thanksgiving dinner?

 

[Willl]

ok, heres another one... how can i convert one of my electrical meters to a turkey temperature readout for next years thanksgiving dinner?

80T-150UA

 

[jenkinsph]

I have an air probe that I insert in plenums that would handle that job easily. Should work with most meters The probe is long enough to stick into the center of a large turkey to get your reading.

What I use in my kitchen is a good quality thermometer with probe used in boiler systems and hydronic heating. These would normally be used to measure the temperatures in a heating system and are vastly superior to the crap sold to women to use in their kitchens.

 

[RickB]

Automation can mess you up ... right after it makes you complacent.
larry

That is a profound statement, Larry. I need permission to borrow that one.

FWIW, the meter I have had least joy with was the most expensive I have purchased. A Snap-On auto-ranging unit made by or cloned from Fluke. First and last auto-ranging meter I will ever own.

 

[jenkinsph]

Rick,
My Flukes are auto ranging but do indicate which range you are on. You can still use the meter in manual mode too, user selectable. I use a
Fluke 187 dvm, and the 336 current clamp/dvm.

 

[RickB]

Rick,
My Flukes are auto ranging but do indicate which range you are on. You can still use the meter in manual mode too, user selectable. I use a
Fluke 187 dvm, and the 336 current clamp/dvm.

True, but one needs to deselect auto ranging. I have other issues with this unit that are unrelated to the autoranging function. It boils down to a lack of confidence and general bad attitude on my part toward it at this time. It is simply an overpriced POS real or imagined. I have a MATCO that cost half as much that I would hang my hat on every time.

 

[jonyyuma]

On Simpson 260 be sure to read out your leads to make sure they have continuity? Use your other meter to do it? Sometimes they break inside without showing, then there is the stretch test ? They will stretch at the break? A battery usually brings mine back. Now I need to remember to remove the battery, to prevent leakage from it sitting?

 

[troutsqueezer]

Simpson 260. Used it professionally for years to diagnose and fix consumer electronics. Bought it in 1971 and still have it. As stated in an earlier post, it is as much how the needle swings as it is where the needle stops, especially when measuring across PN junctions of semiconductors. I could tell instantly if the solid state device was blown or not just by observing the needle swing.

Best combination for electronic troubleshooting just about anything analog is a 260, Fluke, O-scope, signal generator and Variac. You can make a living with just those five instruments.

 

[JD 4520]

Simpson 260. Used it professionally for years to diagnose and fix consumer electronics. Bought it in 1971 and still have it. As stated in an earlier post, it is as much how the needle swings as it is where the needle stops, especially when measuring across PN junctions of semiconductors. I could tell instantly if the solid state device was blown or not just by observing the needle swing.

Best combination for electronic troubleshooting just about anything analog is a 260, Fluke, O-scope, signal generator and Variac. You can make a living with just those five instruments.

Appreciate all who have provided comments on the Simpson 260 and hope to have it back and working soon. It is a great tool if one knows how to use it properly. Do you think I could locate a user guide somehow, somewhere?