I second both of the above!
If you smash the meter - ypou are only out a couple of bucks.
And 90% of the time it is accurate enough for any model railroad work.
The 10 amp setting comes in handy!
BOB H - Clarion, PA
Exactly what Randy said -- the Harbor Freight $2.99 digital VOM is perfectly adequate for model railroad use.
I, too, have 4 of them here at home and at the club, and have never needed anything more accurate or expensive for measuring DC, AC, and DCC voltages on a layout, or performing a continuity check with one of them.
I do have a couple more professional grade (and much more expensive) meters, but never use them on the layout since getting the HF ones.
The ones you can get for a buck or two, or even sometimes free, at Harbor Freight are more than sufficient for model railroad needs. No need to spend big bucks on a fancy meter. I have like 4 of the things scattered throughout the house.
The sad thing about the HF ones is that it's usually cheaper to just buy a new one than it is to buy new batteries when the batteries wear out.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Some of the videos show a multimeter by Sperry, a SP-10-A, which I cannot find anywhere and I was wondering is someone could suggest another brand that would be similar to Sperry's. It seemed easy to use and I certainly fit the "beginner" category. Thanks
Kent from Oak Forest, IL