2. misc-audio
  3. 190488-171531

I guess I need a new multimeter.

My Radio-Shack failed the drunken-drop-test, so I replaced it back in '20 with a Southwire multimeter from Lowes.  Recently it has been intermittently failing in the DC mA mode which I need to check bias on my amp.  By intermittently failing, what I mean is that when I select DC mA it does not seem to always go into that mode, as evidenced by no bias reading (when there obviously is current there) and it also shuts the current off to the tubes when attached to the bias plug and inserted into the bias jack on the back of the amp. 

This has happened on two separate occasions now, and I' do not want to risk damage to the amp, so I feel it would be prudent just to buy a new meter.  I don't need a "professional grade" meter, and what I was feeling inclined to doing was to either go to RadioShack's site and order one, or to order one through Amazon, but I was thinking that I would probably get some good suggestions if I asked for advice on the subject here.

TIA.

immatthewj
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,661 posts
 

I’ve been using a Beckman for 40 + years. A used one can be had on EBAY for less than 50 bucks!

erik_squires
16,055 posts
 

You could also have bad leads, by the way. 

I like Fluke but goodness they are expensive. Often on 20% off at Amazon during holidays. 

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,665 posts
 

check  local pawn shops you may find a use fluke in there for cheep. also military auctions etc. 

immatthewj OP
1,898 posts
 

You could also have bad leads, by the way. 

Thanks, @erik_squires  , I got to thinking about the "bias jack/plug leads" but not about the meter leads.  That actually sounds more likely than the meter intermittently not working on only DC mA doesn't it.   I know I have some spare meter leads some place, but I bet you are referring to the bias jack leads . . . and as I think about it, I am thinking that seems more likely.  The actual part of the bias plug/jack that inserts into the amp omhs out good with that same meter.

immatthewj OP
1,898 posts
 

. . . what I had been thinking was that when turned to mA it automatically defaults to DC mA and maybe when I use the mode button to switch to DC mA that, although it says it is in DC, it is not always actually switching to DC?

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