DMM upgrader! recommendations?

[claytushaywood]

I want to get a nicer multimeter- something that will read hfe's over 1000, germanium testing capabilities would be cool (though not nescessary), and is there a unit that I can test capacitors using the test leads instead of having to insert them into the multimeter itself?

Thanks!

[chromesphere]

You might be after 2 different devices.  Theres no DMM i know that will read germanium transistor hfe's.  The only device i know of (and is a popular one around here) is the atlas DCA.  It can measure all sorts of transistors, indentifies the pinout of the transistors, amongst other things.

For the DMM, i got a BK Precision 2709B:
http://www.bkprecision.com/products/multimeters/2709B-auto-ranging-true-rms-tool-kit-digital-multimeter.html

Does capacitance, ridiculously fast continuity tester which was a must for what i needed, and a whole bunch of other stuff i probably will never need.  It was about $100.  In that price range you have many options.  I would suggest watching the EEVBLOG DMM shootout:

$50 price range: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoeUgMFLyAw

$100 price range: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-_dUB8vy8U

Good luck and hope i helped.
Paul

[selfdestroyer]

For semiconductor testing I use a Peak Atlas DCA75 Pro and I love it.

http://www.peakelec.co.uk/acatalog/dca75-dca-pro.html

You can get the non-pro version for just over $100 and it just lacks the USB connection and maybe a few smaller details. Check them out.

I am trying to get myself a Atlas LCR which is a passive component tester. On my growing list of "tools I need someday".

[alanp]

Just ordered a DCA55. I'm far too lazy to bother with RG Keen's breadboard, DMM, and precisely measured resistors.

[Vallhagen]

is there a unit that I can test capacitors using the test leads instead of having to insert them into the multimeter itself?

I actually think that most multimeters with cap measurement does this. My (good old) Fluke 12 does it, the BK precicion DMM (Chromespheres link) does it as well. Just connect the leads to the component. A little warning though; cap measurement may not be as accurate as other quantities, measured with a "simple DMM". But accurate enough for Jazz. Or punk.

***

That Atlas thing looks interesting. Can it tell how leaky a germanium transistor is?

[Gledison]

You might be after 2 different devices.  Theres no DMM i know that will read germanium transistor hfe's.  The only device i know of (and is a popular one around here) is the atlas DCA.  It can measure all sorts of transistors, indentifies the pinout of the transistors, amongst other things.

For the DMM, i got a BK Precision 2709B:
http://www.bkprecision.com/products/multimeters/2709B-auto-ranging-true-rms-tool-kit-digital-multimeter.html

Does capacitance, ridiculously fast continuity tester which was a must for what i needed, and a whole bunch of other stuff i probably will never need.  It was about $100.  In that price range you have many options.  I would suggest watching the EEVBLOG DMM shootout:

$50 price range: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoeUgMFLyAw

$100 price range: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-_dUB8vy8U

Good luck and hope i helped.
Paul

Hey Paul, ive a got a cheap one on. Ebay( XL830L) . It measures hfe of NPN and PNP! Of course the prob might be that is not taking the leakage in account! There is anyone try to layout the Keen's test for a small pcb? Breadboarding all the time might be a pain...

[pickdropper]

For semiconductor testing I use a Peak Atlas DCA75 Pro and I love it.

http://www.peakelec.co.uk/acatalog/dca75-dca-pro.html

You can get the non-pro version for just over $100 and it just lacks the USB connection and maybe a few smaller details. Check them out.

I am trying to get myself a Atlas LCR which is a passive component tester. On my growing list of "tools I need someday".

I have the DCA75 Pro as well.  The DCA55 lacks the USB connection for curve tracing and things like that, but there are other functional differences that I believe make the DCA75 a better investment.  One of the main things is the ability to accurately measure FETs.