Gary, You're right on the money with the safety issue. I was using an inexpensive, off-brand MM to check the supply voltage on a tower strobe unit when it unexpectedly shorted. My hearing and vision returned several seconds after the BANG / FLASH.
I was working alone without eye protection but - quite luckily - my only injury was to my pride. ( I DID at least have one hand in my pocket...) I learned that full-time eye protection and quality instruments can be crucial. Doug ----- Original Message ----- From: Gary To: [email protected] Sent: Friday, May 25, 2007 11:13 AM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Multimeter In that price range, a Fluke 179 will do nicely. If you can find a clean, working Fluke 87 III or 87 V under $200 get it instead. If you can find a clean, working Fluke 189 that would be the best of my suggestions to get. As a beta tester for Fluke I have thoroughly tested these and other models in very rough and hazardous industrial environments with no failures. They're not for everyone but you've made a good choice looking for a Fluke first. If you haven't already I'd recommend getting familiar with the IEC1010 standard by which many high end mulitimeters are now rated for safety. Fluke has an excellent application not available on this entitled "The ABCs of Mulitmeter Safety". If you've never seen an unrated or worse a rated but untested brand X meter blow up then you may want to look through their training videos as well, it's a real eye opener for those who use those inexpensive, unrated meters on AC power systems. All current Fluke DMMs are catagory rated per IEC1010. Gary
