12-18-2011, 12:29 PM
Kelly:
What Texasrocker said. Analog meters are so much easier to read when trouble shooting circuits. I never take my eyes off the circuit as I can see out of the corner of my eye what an analog meter is doing. 95% of the time I do not need the accuracy of a digital reading. Simpson 260 have always been the gold standard of analog VOM's. Still pricey but worth it. That said my all time favorite is the Heath IM 28 VTVM. The large display makes it so easy to use.
I also use a $10 VOM, flea-bay out of HongKong, that is accurate and works well, albeit with a smaller movement.
Variac, best source is a swap meet.
What Texasrocker said. Analog meters are so much easier to read when trouble shooting circuits. I never take my eyes off the circuit as I can see out of the corner of my eye what an analog meter is doing. 95% of the time I do not need the accuracy of a digital reading. Simpson 260 have always been the gold standard of analog VOM's. Still pricey but worth it. That said my all time favorite is the Heath IM 28 VTVM. The large display makes it so easy to use.
I also use a $10 VOM, flea-bay out of HongKong, that is accurate and works well, albeit with a smaller movement.
Variac, best source is a swap meet.