[Test-Equipment] What is the "classic" digital meter?

[Jerry K]

Whatever you get needs to be able to read at least 1000VDC, and 1200 is
better. I've owned several Fluke 8600A's, and they are excellent (and
relatively compact). Unfortunately, I had power supply problems with all
three of them over time, usually something to do with the nicad battery
charging circuits, and finally got tired of messing with them. I liked the
way they worked, though, when they worked. They used a fairly small red LED
display. My favorite "classic" was the earlier (and larger) Fluke 8300
series, which used 1/2" orange nixie tubes for a display (8 or 9 digits,
don't remember), had autoranging, and worked great. I love the classic look
of large nixie displays. Kind of big (19" wide), but only about 3" tall, so
they make a nice base to set other test equipment on top of on the bench,
like matching it up with a clean HP nixie display counter. Either of the
Flukes are available for almost nothing at hamfests and Ebay (as are the
excellent HP nixie tube counters), but I'd buy two or three to be sure I
could keep one working. Ha. Before I went for a digital meter, though, I'd
go find a good clean working Heathkit, Eico, or RCA VTVM with original
probes. Much more useful for boatanchor work than any digital meter.
73, Jerry W5KP


-----Original Message-----
From: test-equipment-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:test-equipment-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Doug Shields
Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2004 9:48 PM
To: Test-Equipment at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Test-Equipment] What is the "classic" digital meter?


Hello all,
     I just subscribed so I apologize if this topic has been discussed.  I
have been a ham for over 30 years and I have decided that I should put
together some "classic" test equipment for my bench.  I have a nice Simpson
260 meter in the roll top case.  I have a Bird 43 wattmeter with the
appropriate slugs.  I just picked up a good HP 8640B signal generator.  Next
I want to get a good Digital meter.  Is there a DMM that is considered to be
a classic?  I thought of several meters but I don't what is considered to be
the one DMM that every good tech should have on the bench.  Any opinions?

Doug  W4DAS


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