RF Power Meters, DC Power Meters, Digital Multimeters

George and Jeremy discuss test and measurement equipment - RF Power Meters, DC Power Meters, and Digital Multimeters.

Digital Multimeter Comparison Video - https://youtu.be/tl76f0S3iOU

LM317 power supply Kit - http://www.ebay.com/itm/LM317-Adjustable-Voltage-Regulator-Step-down-Power-Supply-Module-LED-Voltmeter/141812241288?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D37470%26meid%3D8a24a918e95b4208bffa4707fe8c0eed%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D330942829760

Cheap kits and electronics - www.banggood.com
https://blog.adafruit.com/2016/08/11/portable-adjustable-power-supply-3dthursday-3dprinting/

Icom released a new ID-51 Plus2 - http://www.icom.co.jp/world/news/160808/ID-51_PLUS2_colorvariation.pdf

Kenwood TH-D74A Information - http://www.jvckenwood.com/en/press/2016/08/press_160808.html

KF7IJZ’s Raspberry Pi 3 Cluster - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJKhRLKXr-Q

Must have Digital Multimeter features

• Auto Ranging
• True RMS A/C Measurement
• Check max voltage and current specs
• Backlight
• Kick stand
• Continuity testing beep
• >4000 counts / 3 ¾ Digits - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4JFeU-o2kc

Nice to have Digital Multimeter features

• Capacitance
• Diode check
• Transistor check
• Frequency counter
• Computer connectivity
• High quality probes
• Impact resistant / weather proof case (rubbery)

What do you get as Digital Multimeter price increases?

• Precision
• “Nice to have” Features
• Non contact sensing
• Computer connectivity
• Accessories
• Power Handling
• Faster continuity test response

Good test probe characteristics:

• Silicone insulation not cheap wire
• Good strain relief
• Flexible
• Sharp probe points
• Removable alligator clamps

FLUKE TL71 10A PREMIUM DMM TEST LEAD SET FOR DIGITAL MULTIMETER PROBES NEW $18
Digital Multimeter Recommendations

• Tenma 72-7780 6000 count TRMS - $60 - http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/TENMA-72-7780-/72-7780
• Extech…
• Tenma 72- 10410 - $67 6000 count TRMS w/ USB - $67 - http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/72-10410
• Tenma 72-10415 22000 count TRMS w/ USB Connectivity $100 - http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/TENMA-72-10415-/72-10415
• EEVBlog Branded Bryman BM235 - ~$100US - https://www.eevblog.com/product/bm235-multimeter/
• Fluke 87V - $340 - https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-FLUKE-87-V-Digital-Multimeter/dp/B00T3LZLFG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469753599&sr=8-1&keywords=fluke+87
• Fluke 287- $450 -  https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-287-Electronics-Multimeter-TrendCapture/dp/B01HAWOWO0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469753537&sr=8-1&keywords=fluke+287
• Keysight (Agilent) U1272A - $390 - http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/KEYSIGHT-TECHNOLOGIES-U1272A-/72-8935

Clamp Current Probes - Tenma - $40 - http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/72-9180#review

RF Watt Meters:

• MFJ 822 (HF, 2m) - $60 - http://www.mtcradio.com/mfj-822-wattmeter-hf-vhf-1-8-200-mhz-300-w-mobile/
• MFJ 842 (2m,220,440) - $60 -
• Diamond SX-200 (HF 2m) - $90 - http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-000009
• Diamond SX-600 (HF, VHF, UHF) - $180 - http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-000013
• Bird Model 43 and slugs ($300 for meter + ~$50+ per slug)
• http://www.birdrf.com/Products/Wattmeters_Line%20Sections/PortableWattmeters/43_General-Purpose-Wattmeter.aspx#.V6tGLpgrKUk

DC in-line power monitor:

• Powerwerx Wattmeter-PP  $50 - https://powerwerx.com/watt-meter-analyzer-inline-dc-powerpole
• RC Digital LCD Watt Meter Battery Voltage Current Power Analyzer Tester - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-LCD-Watt-Meter-Battery-Voltage-Current-Power-Analyzer-Tester-60V-100A-RC-/281826900593?hash=item419e313a71:g:NZoAAOSwl9BWHPwg
• West Mountain Radio PWRcheck - $185 - http://www.westmountainradio.com/product_info.php?products_id=pwrcheck

Sparkfun - How to use a multimeter - https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/how-to-use-a-multimeter

Fluke - ABC's of DMMs (Digital Multimeters) - http://support.fluke.com/find-sales/Download/Asset/1260898_6116_ENG_M_W.PDF

Ideal Industries - Basics of Digital Multimeters - http://www.triotest.com.au/shop/images/basics_of_digital_multimeters.pdf

​EEVBlog Multimeter Videos

• DMM Buyers Guide for Beginners:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh1n_ELmpFI
• How a Multimeter Works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuCXsT3_WRE
• Multimeter Counts and Resolution:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4JFeU-o2kc