Hmm, a pair wired up permanently as volt and amp meters for DC would be good. I'd also add wal wart power so I wouldn;t have to worry about the batteries wearing out.
I'd just get some cheap digital meters on eBay, but even the cheap chinese meters cost as much as the HF multimeter. The MM is much bigger, but more useful than a plain voltmeter.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
On mine, there is one fuse to protect the amps circuit. I picked up some extra fuses at Tadio Shack. They might not have them anymore.
Guess how much to replace meter if it falls off the layout and gets damaged? My meters do bounce so never an issue so far. Lol. Just have to be continually aware of position.
Some have a loco fall off the layout when not paying attention. Don't laugh.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
I have three for some years. Picked up fourth couple years ago.
Reads about 13.6 VAC on my NCE Power Cab. Never found a need for expensive RMS meter. Some rivet counters will disagree.
One I use one on the 20 ma scale with a few external components for a DCC amp meter.
One to read voltage and one to read current at the same times is nice.
One in the car is nice. Works good for electrical in the house.
Longer leads are nice and flee clips for digital circuits are good.
Keep some double clip leads handy.
http://www.trainelectronics.com/meter_HF/index.htm
http://www.trainelectronics.com/Meter_Workshop/index.htm
Look for a Harbor Freight coupon if you have one near you. $2.99 or sometimes even FREE. Perfectly good meter for model railroad work. The same meter is often sold by "model railroad" tool suppliers for $15 or so. They are often cheaper to just replace the meter when the batteries finally wear out.
I have several of these stashed all over the place, in the garage, in my model railroad toolbox, in my desk, and in my car.
Shanny10
B&O, C&O, PRR
Just lovin trains
I need to purchase a multimeter. I have an HO layout currently running DC and may purchase some DCC locomotives. I have had the layout for years but since I have retired I have been spending more time working on it. I do not need the most expensive meter just a good one. Any recommendations?