Does anyone know/use a really fast autoranging meter? I'm looking at this one to try. (I didn't see a price yet) I think it takes .8 seconds to read but I got that spec somewhere else. https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/fastest-dmm-ohm-autoranging-suggestio... I'm so used to my ancient Beckman 310 being so quick, but it isn't auto-ranging, so that of course makes it slow if I have to turn the dial. -- Tony Miklos Tony's Jukebox Repair
On 12/20/2025 12:48 PM, Tony Miklos wrote:
Does anyone know/use a really fast autoranging meter? I'm looking at this one to try. (I didn't see a price yet) I think it takes .8 seconds to read but I got that spec somewhere else.
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/fastest-dmm-ohm-autoranging- suggestion-fluke-177-hioki-dt4261-keysight-u1233a/
I'm so used to my ancient Beckman 310 being so quick, but it isn't auto- ranging, so that of course makes it slow if I have to turn the dial.
A follow up even though no one was interested :) I bought that meter and yes it auto ranges in .8 seconds for resistance, diode test, and voltage. Finally a fast autoranging DMM! I tried resistance on a dirty volume control and the bar graph looks like it's darn near instant. I bought it from Amazon so after I'm done scrutinizing it, if I don't like it I can return it. One thing I didn't check out before buying it is the continuity test. Unfortunately, like every other meter I've used or asked about, they all show continuity and beep at up to 25 ohms (some even more). To me, that is a useless test. I think they should go down to at least 2 or 3 ohms before it senses continuity. -- Tony Miklos Tony's Jukebox Repair
I have extensive experience with Fluke DMM meters. They are a premium meter but with meters you get what you pay for. They also have a live meter range on the display in real time. Peak min max feature to capture high and low on test readings. The continuity beep function I think beeps through the complete range. It is useful for testing intermittent micro switches for opens. Have the meter beep on and slowly move the micro switch and listen for the beep to interupt. The beep is ultra fast and great for testing intermittents. Fuke meters are a professional meter but even there more entry meters like a Fluke 117 is all you would need for juke and pinball repair. large display, backlit, amp testing up to 10 amps, fast, everything you would need. I have a few models and my main one is a 189 but my travel tool kit I have a 117 as well. Hope this helps. Joey McDonald -----Original Message----- From: Tony <jukebox-list@lists.netlojix.com> To: Jukebox <jukebox-list@lists.netlojix.com> Cc: Tony <tonysjukeboxrepair@gmail.com> Date: Wednesday, 31 December 2025 5:52 AM CST Subject: [Jukebox-list] Re: Fast Autoranging DMM On 12/20/2025 12:48 PM, Tony Miklos wrote:
Does anyone know/use a really fast autoranging meter? I'm looking at this one to try. (I didn't see a price yet) I think it takes .8 seconds to read but I got that spec somewhere else.
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/fastest-dmm-ohm-autoranging- suggestion-fluke-177-hioki-dt4261-keysight-u1233a/
I'm so used to my ancient Beckman 310 being so quick, but it isn't auto- ranging, so that of course makes it slow if I have to turn the dial.
A follow up even though no one was interested :) I bought that meter and yes it auto ranges in .8 seconds for resistance, diode test, and voltage. Finally a fast autoranging DMM! I tried resistance on a dirty volume control and the bar graph looks like it's darn near instant. I bought it from Amazon so after I'm done scrutinizing it, if I don't like it I can return it. One thing I didn't check out before buying it is the continuity test. Unfortunately, like every other meter I've used or asked about, they all show continuity and beep at up to 25 ohms (some even more). To me, that is a useless test. I think they should go down to at least 2 or 3 ohms before it senses continuity. -- Tony Miklos Tony's Jukebox Repair _______________________________________________ Jukebox-list mailing list -- jukebox-list@lists.netlojix.com To unsubscribe send an email to jukebox-list-leave@lists.netlojix.com %(web_page_url)slistinfo%(cgiext)s/%(_internal_name)s Searchable Archives: http://jukebox.markmail.org/
I once bought a Fluke and returned it. It wasn't a cheap one. Try the continuity test with a 10-20 ohm resistor, it will beep. Also the auto ranging takes forever. The one I am *bragging* about wasn't cheap, it cost $328. The auto ranging is so much faster than a Fluke, it's like night and day. Fluke makes some good stuff, but very slow. As for testing switches with the continuity function, what good is a switch that has over 20 ohms yet the meter still beeps. On this new Hioki, the continuity test sucks like the Flukes. I haven't yet tried manual ranging it, then testing a switch. I hope it's as fast as my 46+ year old Beckman 310. That meter wasn't cheap either, it was over $100 back in 1979. A good friend of mine bought a hi-end Fluke many years ago. I always teased him saying that "it's just a fluke that it works at all". ;) On 12/31/2025 7:51 PM, joeymcd via Jukebox-list wrote:
I have extensive experience with Fluke DMM meters. They are a premium meter but with meters you get what you pay for. They also have a live meter range on the display in real time. Peak min max feature to capture high and low on test readings. The continuity beep function I think beeps through the complete range. It is useful for testing intermittent micro switches for opens. Have the meter beep on and slowly move the micro switch and listen for the beep to interupt. The beep is ultra fast and great for testing intermittents. Fuke meters are a professional meter but even there more entry meters like a Fluke 117 is all you would need for juke and pinball repair. large display, backlit, amp testing up to 10 amps, fast, everything you would need. I have a few models and my main one is a 189 but my travel tool kit I have a 117 as well. Hope this helps.
Joey McDonald
-----Original Message----- From: Tony <jukebox-list@lists.netlojix.com> To: Jukebox <jukebox-list@lists.netlojix.com> Cc: Tony <tonysjukeboxrepair@gmail.com> Date: Wednesday, 31 December 2025 5:52 AM CST Subject: [Jukebox-list] Re: Fast Autoranging DMM
On 12/20/2025 12:48 PM, Tony Miklos wrote:
Does anyone know/use a really fast autoranging meter? I'm looking at this one to try. (I didn't see a price yet) I think it takes .8 seconds to read but I got that spec somewhere else.
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/fastest-dmm-ohm-autoranging- suggestion-fluke-177-hioki-dt4261-keysight-u1233a/
I'm so used to my ancient Beckman 310 being so quick, but it isn't auto- ranging, so that of course makes it slow if I have to turn the dial.
A follow up even though no one was interested :) I bought that meter and yes it auto ranges in .8 seconds for resistance, diode test, and voltage. Finally a fast autoranging DMM! I tried resistance on a dirty volume control and the bar graph looks like it's darn near instant. I bought it from Amazon so after I'm done scrutinizing it, if I don't like it I can return it.
One thing I didn't check out before buying it is the continuity test. Unfortunately, like every other meter I've used or asked about, they all show continuity and beep at up to 25 ohms (some even more). To me, that is a useless test. I think they should go down to at least 2 or 3 ohms before it senses continuity.
-- Tony Miklos Tony's Jukebox Repair
Hi, All: Not the most experienced Juke guy, by any means, and I haven't tried any of the meters listed. But I am a 55 year experienced, FCC licensed electronics tech, and I was a test equipment repair guy in the Marines, so I think I can comment on this discussion. Correct, you can't go wrong with Fluke. That said, no matter how fast they are I've never seen a dmm that can replace an analog meter for intermittents. If you want to hook your meter to a pot and turn it while watching for bad spots, you are still just seeing a blur of numbers on a DMM. Intermittent switches can flicker pretty fast, and you can still miss things. I have also never been satisfied with DMMS for testing transistors and diodes. With experience, an analog meter can also give you a good idea of whether a capacitor is good by watching the charge time on the pointer in ohms mode. DMMs suck for this as well. For my everyday DMM I use a cheap ($30 ish) Uni-T UT203+. This meter gives you everything, including the wonderful clamp meter for ac and dc current. This thing is as bullet proof as anything I've ever seen. I have dumb-assed over 300v on the ohmmeter function and it doesn't hurt it. (I can't say that for my expensive Fluke meter.) That said, the auto ranging is frustratingly slow, as mentioned here. I still think you need to carry an analog meter for hunting bad switches and pots and for wiggling plugs while watching for bad connections. I carry a cheap little Elenco M-1250. This is an awesome little meter that doesn't break the bank if you bust it, and doesn't add too much space and weight to your tool box. It has the continuity beep also, but I never use that. Doesn't react fast enough and takes too big a swing in resistance to trip it. Just hook up the darn ohms function and watch for the meter to twitch. With experience, analog meters can tell you the difference between germanium, silicone and selenium, very helpful if you are trying to ID an unknown semiconductor. With experience, an analog meter can also give you a good idea of whether a capacitor is good by watching the charge time on the pointer in ohms mode. DMMs suck for this as well. In short, I have yet to see one meter that does it all. I always carry a DMM and an analog. You can own both for about $75. That's my 2 cents, and many folks might not agree, but a great many years has taught me this. Best Mike On 2025-12-31 18:51, joeymcd via Jukebox-list wrote:
I have extensive experience with Fluke DMM meters. They are a premium meter but with meters you get what you pay for. They also have a live meter range on the display in real time. Peak min max feature to capture high and low on test readings. The continuity beep function I think beeps through the complete range. It is useful for testing intermittent micro switches for opens. Have the meter beep on and slowly move the micro switch and listen for the beep to interupt. The beep is ultra fast and great for testing intermittents. Fuke meters are a professional meter but even there more entry meters like a Fluke 117 is all you would need for juke and pinball repair. large display, backlit, amp testing up to 10 amps, fast, everything you would need. I have a few models and my main one is a 189 but my travel tool kit I have a 117 as well. Hope this helps.
Joey McDonald
-----Original Message----- From: Tony <jukebox-list@lists.netlojix.com> To: Jukebox <jukebox-list@lists.netlojix.com> Cc: Tony <tonysjukeboxrepair@gmail.com> Date: Wednesday, 31 December 2025 5:52 AM CST Subject: [Jukebox-list] Re: Fast Autoranging DMM
On 12/20/2025 12:48 PM, Tony Miklos wrote:
Does anyone know/use a really fast autoranging meter? I'm looking at this one to try. (I didn't see a price yet) I think it takes .8 seconds to read but I got that spec somewhere else.
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/fastest-dmm-ohm-autoranging- suggestion-fluke-177-hioki-dt4261-keysight-u1233a/
I'm so used to my ancient Beckman 310 being so quick, but it isn't auto- ranging, so that of course makes it slow if I have to turn the dial.
A follow up even though no one was interested :) I bought that meter and yes it auto ranges in .8 seconds for resistance, diode test, and voltage. Finally a fast autoranging DMM! I tried resistance on a dirty volume control and the bar graph looks like it's darn near instant. I bought it from Amazon so after I'm done scrutinizing it, if I don't like it I can return it.
One thing I didn't check out before buying it is the continuity test. Unfortunately, like every other meter I've used or asked about, they all show continuity and beep at up to 25 ohms (some even more). To me, that is a useless test. I think they should go down to at least 2 or 3 ohms before it senses continuity.
I remember Ron Rich often pointing out that only an analog meter will catch a sloppy microswitch. Something ingrained in my tiny brain now. Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone Get Outlook for Android<https://aka.ms/AAb9ysg> ________________________________ From: mboessen--- via Jukebox-list <jukebox-list@lists.netlojix.com> Sent: Thursday, January 1, 2026 9:29:11 AM To: Jukebox mailing list <jukebox-list@lists.netlojix.com> Cc: mboessen@ktis.net <mboessen@ktis.net> Subject: [Jukebox-list] Re: Fast Autoranging DMM Hi, All: Not the most experienced Juke guy, by any means, and I haven't tried any of the meters listed. But I am a 55 year experienced, FCC licensed electronics tech, and I was a test equipment repair guy in the Marines, so I think I can comment on this discussion. Correct, you can't go wrong with Fluke. That said, no matter how fast they are I've never seen a dmm that can replace an analog meter for intermittents. If you want to hook your meter to a pot and turn it while watching for bad spots, you are still just seeing a blur of numbers on a DMM. Intermittent switches can flicker pretty fast, and you can still miss things. I have also never been satisfied with DMMS for testing transistors and diodes. With experience, an analog meter can also give you a good idea of whether a capacitor is good by watching the charge time on the pointer in ohms mode. DMMs suck for this as well. For my everyday DMM I use a cheap ($30 ish) Uni-T UT203+. This meter gives you everything, including the wonderful clamp meter for ac and dc current. This thing is as bullet proof as anything I've ever seen. I have dumb-assed over 300v on the ohmmeter function and it doesn't hurt it. (I can't say that for my expensive Fluke meter.) That said, the auto ranging is frustratingly slow, as mentioned here. I still think you need to carry an analog meter for hunting bad switches and pots and for wiggling plugs while watching for bad connections. I carry a cheap little Elenco M-1250. This is an awesome little meter that doesn't break the bank if you bust it, and doesn't add too much space and weight to your tool box. It has the continuity beep also, but I never use that. Doesn't react fast enough and takes too big a swing in resistance to trip it. Just hook up the darn ohms function and watch for the meter to twitch. With experience, analog meters can tell you the difference between germanium, silicone and selenium, very helpful if you are trying to ID an unknown semiconductor. With experience, an analog meter can also give you a good idea of whether a capacitor is good by watching the charge time on the pointer in ohms mode. DMMs suck for this as well. In short, I have yet to see one meter that does it all. I always carry a DMM and an analog. You can own both for about $75. That's my 2 cents, and many folks might not agree, but a great many years has taught me this. Best Mike On 2025-12-31 18:51, joeymcd via Jukebox-list wrote:
I have extensive experience with Fluke DMM meters. They are a premium meter but with meters you get what you pay for. They also have a live meter range on the display in real time. Peak min max feature to capture high and low on test readings. The continuity beep function I think beeps through the complete range. It is useful for testing intermittent micro switches for opens. Have the meter beep on and slowly move the micro switch and listen for the beep to interupt. The beep is ultra fast and great for testing intermittents. Fuke meters are a professional meter but even there more entry meters like a Fluke 117 is all you would need for juke and pinball repair. large display, backlit, amp testing up to 10 amps, fast, everything you would need. I have a few models and my main one is a 189 but my travel tool kit I have a 117 as well. Hope this helps.
Joey McDonald
-----Original Message----- From: Tony <jukebox-list@lists.netlojix.com> To: Jukebox <jukebox-list@lists.netlojix.com> Cc: Tony <tonysjukeboxrepair@gmail.com> Date: Wednesday, 31 December 2025 5:52 AM CST Subject: [Jukebox-list] Re: Fast Autoranging DMM
On 12/20/2025 12:48 PM, Tony Miklos wrote:
Does anyone know/use a really fast autoranging meter? I'm looking at this one to try. (I didn't see a price yet) I think it takes .8 seconds to read but I got that spec somewhere else.
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/fastest-dmm-ohm-autoranging- suggestion-fluke-177-hioki-dt4261-keysight-u1233a/
I'm so used to my ancient Beckman 310 being so quick, but it isn't auto- ranging, so that of course makes it slow if I have to turn the dial.
A follow up even though no one was interested :) I bought that meter and yes it auto ranges in .8 seconds for resistance, diode test, and voltage. Finally a fast autoranging DMM! I tried resistance on a dirty volume control and the bar graph looks like it's darn near instant. I bought it from Amazon so after I'm done scrutinizing it, if I don't like it I can return it.
One thing I didn't check out before buying it is the continuity test. Unfortunately, like every other meter I've used or asked about, they all show continuity and beep at up to 25 ohms (some even more). To me, that is a useless test. I think they should go down to at least 2 or 3 ohms before it senses continuity.
_______________________________________________ Jukebox-list mailing list -- jukebox-list@lists.netlojix.com To unsubscribe send an email to jukebox-list-leave@lists.netlojix.com %(web_page_url)slistinfo%(cgiext)s/%(_internal_name)s Searchable Archives: http://jukebox.markmail.org/
Yep. He is right about that. Also, again, bad pots. You just can't catch them on a DMM. I sure miss that crotchety old curmudgeon!! He bailed me out of a lot of frustrating juke box problems, and maybe whipped me with that sharp tongue of his once or twice.... On 2026-01-01 08:40, karl hjort via Jukebox-list wrote:
I remember Ron Rich often pointing out that only an analog meter will catch a sloppy microswitch. Something ingrained in my tiny brain now.
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone Get Outlook for Android<https://aka.ms/AAb9ysg> ________________________________ From: mboessen--- via Jukebox-list <jukebox-list@lists.netlojix.com> Sent: Thursday, January 1, 2026 9:29:11 AM To: Jukebox mailing list <jukebox-list@lists.netlojix.com> Cc: mboessen@ktis.net <mboessen@ktis.net> Subject: [Jukebox-list] Re: Fast Autoranging DMM
Hi, All:
Not the most experienced Juke guy, by any means, and I haven't tried any of the meters listed. But I am a 55 year experienced, FCC licensed electronics tech, and I was a test equipment repair guy in the Marines, so I think I can comment on this discussion.
Correct, you can't go wrong with Fluke. That said, no matter how fast they are I've never seen a dmm that can replace an analog meter for intermittents. If you want to hook your meter to a pot and turn it while watching for bad spots, you are still just seeing a blur of numbers on a DMM. Intermittent switches can flicker pretty fast, and you can still miss things. I have also never been satisfied with DMMS for testing transistors and diodes. With experience, an analog meter can also give you a good idea of whether a capacitor is good by watching the charge time on the pointer in ohms mode. DMMs suck for this as well.
For my everyday DMM I use a cheap ($30 ish) Uni-T UT203+. This meter gives you everything, including the wonderful clamp meter for ac and dc current. This thing is as bullet proof as anything I've ever seen. I have dumb-assed over 300v on the ohmmeter function and it doesn't hurt it. (I can't say that for my expensive Fluke meter.) That said, the auto ranging is frustratingly slow, as mentioned here.
I still think you need to carry an analog meter for hunting bad switches and pots and for wiggling plugs while watching for bad connections. I carry a cheap little Elenco M-1250. This is an awesome little meter that doesn't break the bank if you bust it, and doesn't add too much space and weight to your tool box. It has the continuity beep also, but I never use that. Doesn't react fast enough and takes too big a swing in resistance to trip it. Just hook up the darn ohms function and watch for the meter to twitch. With experience, analog meters can tell you the difference between germanium, silicone and selenium, very helpful if you are trying to ID an unknown semiconductor. With experience, an analog meter can also give you a good idea of whether a capacitor is good by watching the charge time on the pointer in ohms mode. DMMs suck for this as well.
In short, I have yet to see one meter that does it all. I always carry a DMM and an analog. You can own both for about $75.
That's my 2 cents, and many folks might not agree, but a great many years has taught me this.
Best
Mike
On 2025-12-31 18:51, joeymcd via Jukebox-list wrote:
I have extensive experience with Fluke DMM meters. They are a premium meter but with meters you get what you pay for. They also have a live meter range on the display in real time. Peak min max feature to capture high and low on test readings. The continuity beep function I think beeps through the complete range. It is useful for testing intermittent micro switches for opens. Have the meter beep on and slowly move the micro switch and listen for the beep to interupt. The beep is ultra fast and great for testing intermittents. Fuke meters are a professional meter but even there more entry meters like a Fluke 117 is all you would need for juke and pinball repair. large display, backlit, amp testing up to 10 amps, fast, everything you would need. I have a few models and my main one is a 189 but my travel tool kit I have a 117 as well. Hope this helps.
Joey McDonald
-----Original Message----- From: Tony <jukebox-list@lists.netlojix.com> To: Jukebox <jukebox-list@lists.netlojix.com> Cc: Tony <tonysjukeboxrepair@gmail.com> Date: Wednesday, 31 December 2025 5:52 AM CST Subject: [Jukebox-list] Re: Fast Autoranging DMM
On 12/20/2025 12:48 PM, Tony Miklos wrote:
Does anyone know/use a really fast autoranging meter? I'm looking at this one to try. (I didn't see a price yet) I think it takes .8 seconds to read but I got that spec somewhere else.
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/fastest-dmm-ohm-autoranging- suggestion-fluke-177-hioki-dt4261-keysight-u1233a/
I'm so used to my ancient Beckman 310 being so quick, but it isn't auto- ranging, so that of course makes it slow if I have to turn the dial.
A follow up even though no one was interested :) I bought that meter and yes it auto ranges in .8 seconds for resistance, diode test, and voltage. Finally a fast autoranging DMM! I tried resistance on a dirty volume control and the bar graph looks like it's darn near instant. I bought it from Amazon so after I'm done scrutinizing it, if I don't like it I can return it.
One thing I didn't check out before buying it is the continuity test. Unfortunately, like every other meter I've used or asked about, they all show continuity and beep at up to 25 ohms (some even more). To me, that is a useless test. I think they should go down to at least 2 or 3 ohms before it senses continuity.
_______________________________________________ Jukebox-list mailing list -- jukebox-list@lists.netlojix.com To unsubscribe send an email to jukebox-list-leave@lists.netlojix.com %(web_page_url)slistinfo%(cgiext)s/%(_internal_name)s Searchable Archives: http://jukebox.markmail.org/ _______________________________________________ Jukebox-list mailing list -- jukebox-list@lists.netlojix.com To unsubscribe send an email to jukebox-list-leave@lists.netlojix.com %(web_page_url)slistinfo%(cgiext)s/%(_internal_name)s Searchable Archives: http://jukebox.markmail.org/
Yes, that is correct, unless your DMM is fast enough and set manually to low range, then they work just fine for the job. Mine old one did/does. If you have a slow meter, no, not so good. On 1/1/2026 9:40 AM, karl hjort via Jukebox-list wrote:
I remember Ron Rich often pointing out that only an analog meter will catch a sloppy microswitch. Something ingrained in my tiny brain now.
-- Tony Miklos Tony's Jukebox Repair
On 2026-01-01 6:40 a.m., karl hjort via Jukebox-list wrote:
I remember Ron Rich often pointing out that only an analog meter will catch a sloppy microswitch. Something ingrained in my tiny brain now.
I do find that my fixed range cheap DMM finds defective switches easily on the Ohms or even on the Continuity setting. As I teach my staff, use jumper wires to hook the NO switch to the meter. Then slowly activate the switch until it just trips. Note that the resistance is in the 1 Ohm range or so. Now slowly continue to depress the actuator - if the reading bounces around the switch is usually defective. A good microswitch stays at the same reading throughout the activated state. This also works on NC side, just the opposite, read closed, slowly press the actuator, if the reading bounces around replace the switch. I have them run this test on ALL the microswitches in a machine, it solves so many intermittent issues! John :-#)#
________________________________ From: mboessen--- via Jukebox-list <jukebox-list@lists.netlojix.com> Sent: Thursday, January 1, 2026 9:29:11 AM To: Jukebox mailing list <jukebox-list@lists.netlojix.com> Cc: mboessen@ktis.net <mboessen@ktis.net> Subject: [Jukebox-list] Re: Fast Autoranging DMM
Hi, All:
Not the most experienced Juke guy, by any means, and I haven't tried any of the meters listed. But I am a 55 year experienced, FCC licensed electronics tech, and I was a test equipment repair guy in the Marines, so I think I can comment on this discussion.
Correct, you can't go wrong with Fluke. That said, no matter how fast they are I've never seen a dmm that can replace an analog meter for intermittents. If you want to hook your meter to a pot and turn it while watching for bad spots, you are still just seeing a blur of numbers on a DMM. Intermittent switches can flicker pretty fast, and you can still miss things. I have also never been satisfied with DMMS for testing transistors and diodes. With experience, an analog meter can also give you a good idea of whether a capacitor is good by watching the charge time on the pointer in ohms mode. DMMs suck for this as well.
For my everyday DMM I use a cheap ($30 ish) Uni-T UT203+. This meter gives you everything, including the wonderful clamp meter for ac and dc current. This thing is as bullet proof as anything I've ever seen. I have dumb-assed over 300v on the ohmmeter function and it doesn't hurt it. (I can't say that for my expensive Fluke meter.) That said, the auto ranging is frustratingly slow, as mentioned here.
I still think you need to carry an analog meter for hunting bad switches and pots and for wiggling plugs while watching for bad connections. I carry a cheap little Elenco M-1250. This is an awesome little meter that doesn't break the bank if you bust it, and doesn't add too much space and weight to your tool box. It has the continuity beep also, but I never use that. Doesn't react fast enough and takes too big a swing in resistance to trip it. Just hook up the darn ohms function and watch for the meter to twitch. With experience, analog meters can tell you the difference between germanium, silicone and selenium, very helpful if you are trying to ID an unknown semiconductor. With experience, an analog meter can also give you a good idea of whether a capacitor is good by watching the charge time on the pointer in ohms mode. DMMs suck for this as well.
In short, I have yet to see one meter that does it all. I always carry a DMM and an analog. You can own both for about $75.
That's my 2 cents, and many folks might not agree, but a great many years has taught me this.
Best
Mike
On 2025-12-31 18:51, joeymcd via Jukebox-list wrote:
I have extensive experience with Fluke DMM meters. They are a premium meter but with meters you get what you pay for. They also have a live meter range on the display in real time. Peak min max feature to capture high and low on test readings. The continuity beep function I think beeps through the complete range. It is useful for testing intermittent micro switches for opens. Have the meter beep on and slowly move the micro switch and listen for the beep to interupt. The beep is ultra fast and great for testing intermittents. Fuke meters are a professional meter but even there more entry meters like a Fluke 117 is all you would need for juke and pinball repair. large display, backlit, amp testing up to 10 amps, fast, everything you would need. I have a few models and my main one is a 189 but my travel tool kit I have a 117 as well. Hope this helps.
Joey McDonald
-----Original Message----- From: Tony <jukebox-list@lists.netlojix.com> To: Jukebox <jukebox-list@lists.netlojix.com> Cc: Tony <tonysjukeboxrepair@gmail.com> Date: Wednesday, 31 December 2025 5:52 AM CST Subject: [Jukebox-list] Re: Fast Autoranging DMM
On 12/20/2025 12:48 PM, Tony Miklos wrote:
Does anyone know/use a really fast autoranging meter? I'm looking at this one to try. (I didn't see a price yet) I think it takes .8 seconds to read but I got that spec somewhere else.
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/fastest-dmm-ohm-autoranging- suggestion-fluke-177-hioki-dt4261-keysight-u1233a/
I'm so used to my ancient Beckman 310 being so quick, but it isn't auto- ranging, so that of course makes it slow if I have to turn the dial.
A follow up even though no one was interested :) I bought that meter and yes it auto ranges in .8 seconds for resistance, diode test, and voltage. Finally a fast autoranging DMM! I tried resistance on a dirty volume control and the bar graph looks like it's darn near instant. I bought it from Amazon so after I'm done scrutinizing it, if I don't like it I can return it.
One thing I didn't check out before buying it is the continuity test. Unfortunately, like every other meter I've used or asked about, they all show continuity and beep at up to 25 ohms (some even more). To me, that is a useless test. I think they should go down to at least 2 or 3 ohms before it senses continuity.
-- John's Jukes Ltd. 7 - 3979 Marine Way, Burnaby, BC, Canada V5J 5E3 Call (604)872-5757 (Pinballs, Jukes, Video Games) flippers.com "Old pinballers never die, they just flip out"
On 1/1/2026 1:35 PM, John Robertson via Jukebox-list wrote:
On 2026-01-01 6:40 a.m., karl hjort via Jukebox-list wrote:
I remember Ron Rich often pointing out that only an analog meter will catch a sloppy microswitch. Something ingrained in my tiny brain now.
I do find that my fixed range cheap DMM finds defective switches easily on the Ohms or even on the Continuity setting.
As I teach my staff, use jumper wires to hook the NO switch to the meter. Then slowly activate the switch until it just trips. Note that the resistance is in the 1 Ohm range or so. Now slowly continue to depress the actuator - if the reading bounces around the switch is usually defective. A good microswitch stays at the same reading throughout the activated state. This also works on NC side, just the opposite, read closed, slowly press the actuator, if the reading bounces around replace the switch.
I have them run this test on ALL the microswitches in a machine, it solves so many intermittent issues!
John :-#)#
John, (I think) you forgot about continuing to read the resistance as the switch is approaching the open position. (NC and NO) Quite often they get more resistance as they approach the opening state, before they click/snap. -- Tony Miklos Tony's Jukebox Repair
On 2026-01-02 9:24 a.m., Tony Miklos via Jukebox-list wrote:
On 1/1/2026 1:35 PM, John Robertson via Jukebox-list wrote:
On 2026-01-01 6:40 a.m., karl hjort via Jukebox-list wrote:
I remember Ron Rich often pointing out that only an analog meter will catch a sloppy microswitch. Something ingrained in my tiny brain now.
I do find that my fixed range cheap DMM finds defective switches easily on the Ohms or even on the Continuity setting.
As I teach my staff, use jumper wires to hook the NO switch to the meter. Then slowly activate the switch until it just trips. Note that the resistance is in the 1 Ohm range or so. Now slowly continue to depress the actuator - if the reading bounces around the switch is usually defective. A good microswitch stays at the same reading throughout the activated state. This also works on NC side, just the opposite, read closed, slowly press the actuator, if the reading bounces around replace the switch.
I have them run this test on ALL the microswitches in a machine, it solves so many intermittent issues!
John :-#)#
John, (I think) you forgot about continuing to read the resistance as the switch is approaching the open position. (NC and NO) Quite often they get more resistance as they approach the opening state, before they click/snap.
Resistance shouldn't change on a new microswitch, or one that is working properly as you near the hysteresis point. It should be the same or within milliOhms of zero Ohms. Increasing resistance indicates a failing contact surface and time to replace - or dismantle and polish if you can. John :-#)# -- John's Jukes Ltd. 7 - 3979 Marine Way, Burnaby, BC, Canada V5J 5E3 Call (604)872-5757 (Pinballs, Jukes, Video Games) flippers.com "Old pinballers never die, they just flip out"
On 1/2/2026 12:43 PM, John Robertson via Jukebox-list wrote:
On 2026-01-02 9:24 a.m., Tony Miklos via Jukebox-list wrote:
On 1/1/2026 1:35 PM, John Robertson via Jukebox-list wrote:
On 2026-01-01 6:40 a.m., karl hjort via Jukebox-list wrote:
I remember Ron Rich often pointing out that only an analog meter will catch a sloppy microswitch. Something ingrained in my tiny brain now.
I do find that my fixed range cheap DMM finds defective switches easily on the Ohms or even on the Continuity setting.
As I teach my staff, use jumper wires to hook the NO switch to the meter. Then slowly activate the switch until it just trips. Note that the resistance is in the 1 Ohm range or so. Now slowly continue to depress the actuator - if the reading bounces around the switch is usually defective. A good microswitch stays at the same reading throughout the activated state. This also works on NC side, just the opposite, read closed, slowly press the actuator, if the reading bounces around replace the switch.
I have them run this test on ALL the microswitches in a machine, it solves so many intermittent issues!
John :-#)#
John, (I think) you forgot about continuing to read the resistance as the switch is approaching the open position. (NC and NO) Quite often they get more resistance as they approach the opening state, before they click/snap.
Resistance shouldn't change on a new microswitch, or one that is working properly as you near the hysteresis point. It should be the same or within milliOhms of zero Ohms. Increasing resistance indicates a failing contact surface and time to replace - or dismantle and polish if you can.
John :-#)#
I've dismantled more than one Seeburg cancel switch to clean and polish it! I've also had new switches fail the test, but after a few clicks, they seem to work fine. -- Tony Miklos Tony's Jukebox Repair
On 2026-01-02 5:24 p.m., Tony Miklos via Jukebox-list wrote:
On 1/2/2026 12:43 PM, John Robertson via Jukebox-list wrote:
On 2026-01-02 9:24 a.m., Tony Miklos via Jukebox-list wrote:
On 1/1/2026 1:35 PM, John Robertson via Jukebox-list wrote:
On 2026-01-01 6:40 a.m., karl hjort via Jukebox-list wrote:
I remember Ron Rich often pointing out that only an analog meter will catch a sloppy microswitch. Something ingrained in my tiny brain now.
I do find that my fixed range cheap DMM finds defective switches easily on the Ohms or even on the Continuity setting.
As I teach my staff, use jumper wires to hook the NO switch to the meter. Then slowly activate the switch until it just trips. Note that the resistance is in the 1 Ohm range or so. Now slowly continue to depress the actuator - if the reading bounces around the switch is usually defective. A good microswitch stays at the same reading throughout the activated state. This also works on NC side, just the opposite, read closed, slowly press the actuator, if the reading bounces around replace the switch.
I have them run this test on ALL the microswitches in a machine, it solves so many intermittent issues!
John :-#)#
John, (I think) you forgot about continuing to read the resistance as the switch is approaching the open position. (NC and NO) Quite often they get more resistance as they approach the opening state, before they click/snap.
Resistance shouldn't change on a new microswitch, or one that is working properly as you near the hysteresis point. It should be the same or within milliOhms of zero Ohms. Increasing resistance indicates a failing contact surface and time to replace - or dismantle and polish if you can.
John :-#)#
I've dismantled more than one Seeburg cancel switch to clean and polish it!
I've also had new switches fail the test, but after a few clicks, they seem to work fine.
Yes, I should have added toggle the switch a few times to be sure it is at its best. The switching action polishes the contact faces... John :-#)# -- John's Jukes Ltd. 7 - 3979 Marine Way, Burnaby, BC, Canada V5J 5E3 Call (604)872-5757 (Pinballs, Jukes, Video Games) flippers.com "Old pinballers never die, they just flip out"
participants (5)
-
joeymcd -
John Robertson -
karl hjort -
mboessen＠ktis.net -
Tony Miklos