T&T: Multimeters

[Bob Peterson]

Joel, one distinct benefit of a genuine RMS meter is they will show actual
AC voltage coming from your MSW inverter.  A non-RMS will give a false
reading from modified sine wave inverters.  That was why I bought one from
Sears.  They sold a genuine RMS multi-meter, the model #82022, for $39 and
it has worked flawlessly for me for several years now.

Bob Peterson
"Lopaka Nane"
47' Lien Hwa CPMY
San Francisco 

-----Original Message-----
From: trawlers-and-trawlering-bounces@lists.samurai.com
[mailto:trawlers-and-trawlering-bounces@lists.samurai.com] On Behalf Of Joel
Wilkins
Sent: Friday, June 01, 2007 10:20 AM
To: trawlers-and-trawlering@lists.samurai.com; j6626@yahoo.com
Subject: T&T: Multimeters

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
   
  Thanks
  Joel Wilkins
  m/s Miss Magoo
  C-45, #98
  S. Pasadena, FL