Handheld DMMs cling to magnetic surfaces
By Dan Strassberg -- EDN, January 23, 2003
Whereas most design engineers don't wear hard hats on the job, those who sometimes work in tight spaces—for example, when they troubleshoot equipment in crowded racks—will like a standard feature of a new Wavetek Meterman handheld-DMM line. Mainly targeting hard-hat workers, such as electricians and plant-maintenance people, the XR series includes a Magne-Grip holster, which lets you attach a meter to flat, vertical, magnetic surfaces—even surfaces that are relatively smooth (Picture). All you have to do is slap the magnet against the surface; the operation takes less than half a second. (In a quick test, the magnet held the meter in place better on a drawer front covered with matte-finish paint than on a vertical galvanized-steel sheet. The sheet was too smooth, and the meter slowly slid down.)
The series comprises five models with suggested prices of $59.95 to $149.95 and resolutions of ±2000 to ±10,000 counts. The three higher-priced units make true-rms ac measurements, and the top-of-the line unit measures true rms ac plus dc. All units have 10A-maximum ac and dc current ranges. Maximum basic dc error is as low as 0.1% of reading. Three units accept temperature probes.
Wavetek Meterman Test Tools, 1-877-596-2680, www.metermantesttools.com.
