T&T: Fw: Multimeters

[Larry N. Brown]

> Hey all...
>  Can anybody tell me in laymans terms what the real usefulness of a "True 
> RMS" multimeter is as compared to the other nonRMS meters for boat use? I 
> ask this in light of the fact that 90% of my measurements are voltage and 
> of that prob 75% are DC. It is my understanding that RMS is really only 
> useful for measuring AC Current.
>
>  I am in the market for a new digital since my dog managed to knock my old 
> one in the drink. I have always had very simple (read cheap ~$40) meters 
> which have done everything except clamp on current. I know Fluke is a 
> quality name but true RMS and clamp on starts getting $$$ real quick. 
> Sears (Craftsman but who knows what brand they really are) sells what 
> looks like a very nice meter. NonRMS, clamp on AC and DC current and temp 
> probe fopr abt $80- 15% sale for Fathersday



Until you have a clamp-on ammeter, you'll never know how many uses there are 
for it. See exactly how much current your reefer draws, how your battery 
charger is doing, how much your VHF draws with the mike keyed @ 25 watts. 
I'll never purchase another meter without it. I shopped meters a year ago 
with approximately the same parameters and bought this one: 
http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/extech/clampmeters/ex700series.htm

At  $139, it was the most cost effective approach I could find.

Regards,

Larry and Teri
M/V Cigano, 47' Prairie Sundeck Cruiser
Lying: Slidell, LA
N 30 13.28
W 89 48.63