Discussion
We all know by now to check the batteries in our old computers and remove or replace them before they leak and damage the motherboard beyond repair.
I would _also_ like to remind the #RetroComputing community to check the batteries in your multimeter and replace them before they leak and damage the circuit board beyond repair.
In a “totally unrelated” question… I'm in the market for a new multimeter, what are Fedi's recommendations? 😅
edit: so far folks seem to like Fluke, Aneng, and Extech
Oops! Luckily I use mine often enough (read: forget to turn it off) that I have to change the battery often.
I don't really have a recomendation, just that you don't have to break the bank. Unless you need many decimals precision or work with high voltage, even the cheap chinese 5 euro meter is going to be fine. Maybe get something a bit better than that, build-quality wise, and maybe an auto-off is something to look out for though :)
CC: @smallsco@oldbytes.space
@gmc Yeah, lots of folks have been recommending Fluke but they're orders of magnitude more expensive than everything else out there. I'm sure they're great and all, but for hobbyist tinkering with vintage electronics (and the occasional handyman electrical work) I can get by with something much more basic. I would prefer a known-brand name over one of the cheap Chinese options from Amazon/AliExpress for the build quailty, as you said.
I'm currently looking at the Extech 355 - it's the same price as the Fluke 15B+ (roughly $160 CAD) but has some nice extras like NCV detection, a temperature sensor, and yes, auto-power-off 😁 And they're part of FLIR, also a well loved brand.
Looks to be a more than adequate instrument indeed. Personally, now that I am not "rich" anymore, I would never spend that much on a multimeter but just get what the local hardware store is selling. Although those often lack capacity measurement, which the extech does have.
Also, I try not to by from the USA.
CC: @smallsco@oldbytes.space
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