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This topic comprises 2 pages: 1 2
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Author
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Topic: Multimeters in the booth
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Ken Lackner
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1907
From: Atlanta, GA, USA
Registered: Sep 2001
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posted 02-02-2002 01:27 PM
Do any of you use a multimeter for any work in the booth? I supposed this would a apply more to the techs than the projections. But I want to be a tech, which is why I am currently studying electronics.I went to Grainger to check out what kind of meters are available. I just wanted to get an idea of what's out there and the prices. The guy said he couldn't even begin to help me with selecting one unless I knew exactly what I needed it for - what measurements I would be taking and what ranges I would be using. So, what do you guys use your DMM's for? About brand names. I know Fluke is really good. Are there others? Are there any to avoid? I'm currently looking at the Wavetek Meterman models 35 XL (almost sounds like a Simplex projector, eh?  ) and the 2015 because I can get a good educational discount on those. Anybody know anything about these two meters? Thanks in advance for your help. ------------------
This one time, at Projection Camp, I stuck a xenon bulb....
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Will Kutler
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1506
From: Tucson, AZ, USA
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 02-02-2002 02:21 PM
Whenever you use a meter, visual inspection of the component is also a must! On one ocassion, I had to work on a Christie SLC console where the contactor relay crapped out resulting in much burned up wiring. I used the meter to inspect all of the system components, and had to do an emergency run to ACE Hardware where I purchased new wire and terminals. One wire in particular tested ok, but my gut told me to replace it as the insulation had sustained a little heat damage. Well, I did not listen to my gut and reused that wire that tested good. The system ops checed ok once I completed repairs. About a week later, that lamphouse was once again having problems striking. I knew straight off exactly what it was. I replaced that wire, and all was good. Anyhow, once I removed that wire, I tested it and it still tested good. So the moral of the story is to use the meter, but also rely on visual inspection!
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John Walsh
Film God
Posts: 2490
From: Connecticut, USA, Earth, Milky Way
Registered: Oct 1999
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posted 02-02-2002 02:24 PM
Fluke, Wavetek, Beckman, Simpson are all good meters. Fluke was quite aggreessive in their marketing a few years ago which is why you see many around today. Fancy meters include frequency, capactance, inductance, true RMS, so you could pay a lot for one if you want extra features. Many digital meters have overload protection (fuseless) on them to protect the meter if you, say, try measuring 240 volts while leaving it set to measure restance. I'd also get the protective cover (usually an option) to protect the meter if you drop or bang it somehow. I tend to avoid meters that require you to buy optional "attachments" that attach to the meter. If you are buying a meter that will stay in the booth and used by several people, I'd suggest a cheaper ($40) analog VOM meter. If you are buying it for your own use, then get something good. I've used a classic analog Simpson 260 (series 5) meter for almost 30 years. Has the right ranges for booth use. While the digital meters are tempting, I like having the analog meter to watch for strange things like having unexpected capactance in a circuit. But I admit it's a bit big to haul around. Almost as important as the meter is: Get good probes/leads. Nothing's worse than trying to measure something and having to wiggle the leads to stay connected. Get pointy probes, alligator clips, hooks, bananna jacks, etc. Usually you can buy a kit with everything.
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Brad Miller
Administrator
Posts: 17775
From: Plano, TX (36.2 miles NW of Rockwall)
Registered: May 99
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posted 02-02-2002 02:33 PM
Been there done that Will and I couldn't agree more. A tip to Ken, if the wire that looks charred is "extra large" but still tests ok, definitely replace it! That sucker will be carrying a lot of current and a damaged section will keep the current from flowing freely. Also you can get replacement wire and clamping connectors at big places like Home Depot, but don't be surprised if they don't melt apart within a week. Many electrical items that the Home Depot sells is not quite up to what your lamphouse is capable of doing to it. Make sure whatever you are doing the cable and connectors can handle the load. When in any doubt, get an experienced tech to make the call or contact the manufacturer for an opinion or their replacement cables.BTW, you should invest in a digital camera if you are going to get into any tech work. Many times a description just isn't good enough, but a quick email with pics will allow another tech to be able to see what your problem is and talk you through it. And don't touch that big round cylindrical thing!!! Them capacitors can be overly exciting to the unsuspecting.  (No, I have yet to actually shock myself on one, but have seen well seasoned techs do it.)
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Dave Macaulay
Film God
Posts: 2321
From: Toronto, Canada
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 02-03-2002 11:33 AM
You're kidding about the Simpson 260, right?
It is a fine analog test meter, but it's the size of a lunchbox, heavy, and quite delicate. This is a bench meter, not one to use on or in a projector and particularly not one to travel with.
I've used the 260, other analogs, and digital meters. I carry a Fluke 87 that's small, light, and near bulletproof. Thee is no extra feature of the analog meter that I miss or need - and I use some features in the 87 that no analog has.
Not needing batteries to measure voltage and current is a sweet deal, but I'm not giving up half my toolbox to a 260.
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Ken Lackner
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1907
From: Atlanta, GA, USA
Registered: Sep 2001
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posted 02-03-2002 12:48 PM
Thanks for all your input!We have Simpsons -- perhaps even the 260, I don't remember -- in the electronics labs at my school. I prefer the BK Precision DMMs that every station has. My booth already has a very cheap analog meter. I am looking to buy one for myself. Are true RMS and frequency going to be measured in the booth? That's the main difference between the Wavetek 35 XL and 2015 that I mentioned in my first post. (I edited the first post to include links to those models on the Wavetek website.) The 2015 looks really nice, but it's twice the price, even after student discount. So what do you guys think? Brad, thanks for the tip on the caps.  ------------------
This one time, at Projection Camp, I stuck a xenon bulb....
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