Greetings,

IMHO, the most important thing about a Fluke meter is not the quality
of its build, but where it is built.

Sure, Flukes cost more, but there built in the USA (AFAIK). You're
getting some of your money back in the taxes they pay (assuming you're
an American, an Iraqi, or a North Korean (eventually)).

You may not like how much Fluke charges, but you can be reasonably
sure that they're not going to use the extra cash to invade Taiwan or
launch nuclear missiles at YOU.

Back to your question:

Although I don't think its made anymore, my favorite DMM was a Simpson
467. Very convenient for field/industrial use when "worn" with the
high quality, real leather carrying case (which allowed the meter to
dangle from your neck -- look out for door knobs!). It also had a
swell set of features.

Although I do own a Fluke, I generally use a cheap, but well liked
(non-ROC) VOM at work, and a Triplett 630-PLK at home. (I think I'm
the last person that has ever bought one new, but, as they're still
for sale, you can beat me if you wish: http://www.triplett.com/) I've
grow ever more fond of VOMs with age, and ever less fond of DMMs.
Something about the way their digits keep staring at me whilst they
drain, albeit slowly, their batteries disquiets me. g

If your keen on investigating your meter choices, you might want to
look around the eclectic collection offered (mostly exclusively) on
line at Electronix Express/RSR Electronics
(http://elexp.com/on_web.htm). Not only do they have what may be the
worst FET-VOM ever built, but they also offer a Triplett Model 3250
DMM with a Head-up-display. (You wear a transparent monocle upon which
your test results are displayed.) Anyone ever try it?



Cordially,
Richard Kanarek