Which Multi Meter?

[wilo76]

Morning people , OK I'm going to maplin or B&Q tomorrow to buy a multi meter and learn how to use one properly to test the components on my heli,s . my questions are ........what functions do i need (what type of multimeter) to test things like if the helicopters ESC is functioning properly,are components becoming overheated, is the motor taking the correct current, are lipos discharging properly under load etc ,and any other things that you guys would test!. i don't want to be spending over £40 with a max budget of £50. Can any of you guy,s recommend which one preferably from either Maplin or B&Q .

[steve_b]

I got this which is a general all purpose meter but then the only tests I've used it for is for checking voltages. To get the information you've mentioned then you'll need and ESC with logging capabilities as I cannot see a multimeter being much use because it'll be too big to strap to a heli.

UT60A Autoranging Digital Multimeter with PC Interface Free Delivery : Multimeters : Maplin

[Dedcalm]

Loggers would be better to test current under load etc. In fact you won't find an MM that will measure over 10 Amps generally anyway. Take a look at CPC or Farnell for MM options likely at a lower price with larger choice than Maplin or B&Q. RS are another option but generally you Pay more with them.

My MM does the usual Volts, Amps and Resistance and is sufficient for me for electronics, RC and electrical work.

[wilo76]

I got this which is a general all purpose meter but then the only tests I've used it for is for checking voltages. To get the information you've mentioned then you'll need and ESC with logging capabilities as I cannot see a multimeter being much use because it'll be too big to strap to a heli.

UT60A Autoranging Digital Multimeter with PC Interface Free Delivery : Multimeters : Maplin

wouldnt that type of esc be very expensive and overkill for twister 3d storm ?

[Mark_T]

wouldnt that type of esc be very expensive and overkill for twister 3d storm ?

Quite probably, but you can't do what you want to do with a multi-meter either.

I'll be very surprised if you actually use the meter for anything more than voltage checking or perhaps the occasional resistance check and you don't need to spend more than £10 for the level of accuracy we need.

[Dedcalm]

I was thinking more of an eagletree or similar logger that sits between pack and esc and also records throttle position etc... This was something I was going to investigate more in the near future.

[steve_b]

wouldnt that type of esc be very expensive and overkill for twister 3d storm ?

It would be overkill and expensive but you asked about something that would log currents, cell discharge under load, temps etc etc, but as Dedcalm has said you won't get multimeters to do what you want and the best place to log that would be on the ESC. Otherwise you could just leave the heli as stock and use the batteries recommended for it, I guess 3S, and all should be fine

[wilo76]

Quite probably, but you can't do what you want to do with a multi-meter either.

I'll be very surprised if you actually use the meter for anything more than voltage checking or perhaps the occasional resistance check and you don't need to spend more than £10 for the level of accuracy we need.

Thanks for the headsup, my missus will be happy that i dont need to spend as much now

[Mark_T]

Thanks for the headsup, my missus will be happy that i dont need to spend as much now

Here you go : Domestic Multimeter : Multimeters : Maplin

Enough for basic needs.