Compact Digital Multimeter

[GeorgiePorgie]

I need to check  voltage the setup for my Renology Solar Kit. If I buy this thing, will I ever need it again?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Dawson-Compact-Digital-Multimeter-DDM420/206051362

 

[Trebor English]

There are cheaper meters but that's not terrible.  

If your system always performs flawlessly you won't ever need it again.  You don't even need it now if your system is already correct.

However, you might have two rainy days in a row.  You might have a screw get loose and have a bad connection.  You might have a light burn out.  You might have an inverter fail.  You might have a battery get old.  You might have a fuse blow.  

My first wife's approach is "I don't know how to use it so I won't know that I need it"  so I'll order something else from Amazon instead.  

If you want to have your own electric utility you need to have someone maintain it.  That could be a friend.  If you are solo boondocking then that's you.

 

[highdesertranger]

IMO everybody should have a multimeter. highdesertranger

 

[John61CT]

Ammeter better, includes volts.

AMP Hour(AH) counter even better

 

[WalkaboutTed]

I use mine still , even though I finished building the three solar systems on the vans and trailer. I have two. The first one I got was inexpensive, but I found that I wanted a multimeter with a clamp DC ammeter. I use them both. I also lend the cheap little one without worry as it wouldn't kill me to lose a $20 item.
Ted

 

[B and C]

I have a very small and old digital multimeter (DMM) that I have had for at least 20 years. About the size of a pack of cards. I keep it in a place easy to get to so I can check voltage quickly when needed.

I also carry an DC amp meter similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/Meterk-Auto-...0683&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=dc+amp+meter&psc=1
to check out amperage draws on the circuit I am testing. It resides in the very back of a drawer in its' pouch with the batteries removed. I don't hardly ever need this but when I do it is invaluable. It is also a regular DMM.

If I could only have one it would be the second one.

 

[highdesertranger]

digital multimeter (DMM)

thank you B and C. highdesertranger

 

[rm.w/aview]

I need to check  voltage the setup for my Renology Solar Kit. If I buy this thing, will I ever need it again?

You'll find the meter has functions that you'll use beyond the solar check up. I've had analog meter for more than four decades and then got a digital one as it's easier to read. Use them both fairly often for various reasons, the dial or selection choice on each shows what for. In addition to a clamp meter, also put a non contact voltage tester, an outlet/receptacle tester, and an alternating current(AC) voltmeter in with your stuff, they all come in handy and are all rather cheap.

 

[WanderingCanuck]

I'd never be without one. There are just so many things they can quickly check, and there are lots of economy models like the one you've linked to.

 

[bullfrog]

It will save you burning up a lot of screw drivers trying to work a hot circuit you thought was off!

 

[bigsallysmom]

I carry one and even bought additional tips so I can test without needing a second pair of hands for those awkward places.

 

[bullfrog]

It is really unbelievable how cheap these things have become but being old I'm easily surprised. I saw where Harbor Freight was giving them away again the other day. I remember paying big bucks for just a volt meter, I scrounged one out of an aircraft salvage yard wired up some leads and used it till I could afford a good Fluke meter. It took me days to figure out what that beep was!

 

[MikeRuth]

Probably have a half dozen of them, can't imagine life with out one!

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

Free with purchase and coupon at Harbour Freight

 

[bullfrog]

One thing I have always done is insure the meter is working properly by doing an ohms check for zero while touching both leads together and checking a know good source to insure the meter is reading properly before taking readings.