Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => AmpTools/Tech Tips => Topic started by: snoof on December 09, 2009, 03:26:59 pm

Title: Sperry multimeters??
Post by: snoof on December 09, 2009, 03:26:59 pm
anyone have an opinion on these??  Thinking about getting one, as it's got all the features I want.  I just roasted my Mastech...
Title: Re: Sperry multimeters??
Post by: scarlett amps on December 09, 2009, 03:46:37 pm
In my opinion they are total junk. But i only use Flukes so YMMV. Actually the meter circuit specialists sells at
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/8883 is a pretty dang good one. its also free with any $50 purchase. so if you need some other gear or just splurge on a good meter you get two for one.
Title: Re: Sperry multimeters??
Post by: snoof on December 10, 2009, 09:58:42 am
man, that CS meter so looks like my Mastech that I killed...

http://www.p-mastech.com/products/04_dm/ms8264.html (http://www.p-mastech.com/products/04_dm/ms8264.html)

thanks for the heads-up

Edit:  It actually IS the same meter, look at the model # on the CS meter; ms8264.  The "official" Mastech ones cost $35 - $40 though, hmmmm.

Title: Re: Sperry multimeters??
Post by: scarlett amps on December 10, 2009, 07:43:44 pm
ive seen those meters all over ebay under different names as well. how did you kill yours? so far mine has survived quite well but i havent sent hi volts to it while set on ohms by accident yet :laugh: thats the main reason i use flukes actually, they laugh at that and keep right on ticking. i figure 1 fluke for $200-$300 bucks or 10 mastechs for a lifetime. either way it costs the same.
Title: Re: Sperry multimeters??
Post by: snoof on December 11, 2009, 09:17:48 am
Quote from: scarlett amps on December 10, 2009, 07:43:44 pm
how did you kill yours? so far mine has survived quite well but i havent sent hi volts to it while set on ohms by accident yet

Not totally sure.  I have done the HT > meter set at Ω a few times over it's lifetime though :huh:.  here's what happend; I had it across HT w/ little clamp probes (set to read HT), and when i turned the amp on, HT was shorting to grnd through the meter.  Ack!  couldn't figure out what was up.  then the meter started displaying all sort of crazy shit.  in the trash it went.  those little clamp probes can be a blessing and a curse.  Picked up a $35 unit at electronics supply yesterday that'll get me by for awhile till I find exactly what i want.  

Quote from: scarlett amps on December 10, 2009, 07:43:44 pm
i figure 1 fluke for $200-$300 bucks or 10 mastechs for a lifetime.

Unfortunately, can't afford a Fluke outright...  :crybaby2:
Title: Re: Sperry multimeters??
Post by: Justa on December 15, 2009, 09:44:46 pm
Quote from: scarlett amps on December 10, 2009, 07:43:44 pm
ive seen those meters all over ebay under different names as well. how did you kill yours? so far mine has survived quite well but i havent sent hi volts to it while set on ohms by accident yet :laugh: thats the main reason i use flukes actually, they laugh at that and keep right on ticking. i figure 1 fluke for $200-$300 bucks or 10 mastechs for a lifetime. either way it costs the same.

I have trying to figure out why I haven't smoked my Fluke with the mistakes I have made.  I just did the hi volts on ohms trick a couple days ago.  :sad:  The Fluke seemed to laugh it off, not even a blown fuse and I am trying to figure out if I really did screw up like that.  I still don't believe it.