Replies

1. 
   PhillGiles | Sep 07, 2003 04:15pm | #1

   For many years I was happy with Future-Active Electronics. Recently they split into Active http://www.active-tech.ca/ and Future http://www.future.ca/ . Although I've only been to the Active store (it's close-by), I know that Future has a 1st-class catalog operation in the States.

   They are also our local source for Loctite adhesives.

   .

   Phill Giles

   The Unionville Woodwright

   Unionville, Ontario

1. 
   MIKEBUETTNER | Sep 07, 2003 10:41pm | #2

   I searched the web while looking for a multimeter. I ended up by an Ideal directly from the manufacturer as including postage it was actually cheaper. Love the meter. Very versatile.

   http://www.idealindustries.com/tm/ClampMeters.nsf

   bit

1. 
   junkhound | Sep 08, 2003 05:59am | #3

   To start for reference, I've a personal Fluke 77 and 123, plus company resources available to connect direct to Boulder standards.

   That said, I was amazed when I ordered (for kicks, expected junk) a $20 multimeter from Harbor Feight (also tried one of $4 ones) and found that the $20 unit was within 1/10 of 1% of accurate (the Flukes are within 1/50th but at 5 times the price even with the DIL getting an employee discount).

   Since the price was so cheap, bought 5 more of the $4 units and 2 more of the $20 units, all checked out within 1/10 of 1%.  

   If you are not doing anything requiring better than 1/10 of 1% accuracy (eg. 120 vac reads 120.2 or 120.1 vs 120) try out the cheapies. Laser trimming of chips must be really easy to do in production these days, probably the chinese factories standard is off??.  

2. 
   MalibuJim | Sep 08, 2003 09:35pm | #4

   I found quite a few Fluke meters on e-bay for almost half the price.  You need to know which model you want first.