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View Full Version : What kind of digital temp monitor do you guys use?

Eek
07-30-2009, 02:12 PM
I looked around and see some people using UEI DT150 and Fluke II etc. but they are way out of my price range.. is there something good for under $85?
Planet
07-30-2009, 03:10 PM
You can find an older model Fluke 52 on ebay for around 40 or so. Just make sure it states its in working condition and you should be ok. They are great meters if you dont mind that it looks older.

I personally want to get rid of my UEI because it chews up batteries like no other where as the Fluke does not.
K404
07-30-2009, 03:15 PM
also make sure its calibrated :p Official Fluke certification aint cheap!

I have a CEM DT 630 and id recommend it to NO-ONE. If its measuring temps at a high temperature difference interface, the temps bounce around like a loon. NO use for benching
TehGh0st
07-30-2009, 04:34 PM
I actually use a Sears Craftsman 82334 Multimeter that reads temps.. Swapped in a different probe and it works just fine.

http://www.metersupport.com/pages/82334.html

http://www.metersupport.com/manuals/82334.pdf

I think I got it for $44

Chris
Gunslinger
07-30-2009, 04:57 PM
Check your local pawn shops as well. I bought a used fluke multimeter for $65
Eek
07-30-2009, 05:33 PM
Hm.. i guess i can look into used.. is it really important to get it certified and calibrated? (does it really matter that much?).. also is the bead type k probe the best for benching?

Tehgh0st- what kind of probe did you get?
Planet
07-30-2009, 05:36 PM
Eek,

Its ok if it is off a few degrees as most probes arent rated to -80C anyways. The temps are more to monitor any swing or where you start to see stability issues.

Jake
3oh6
07-30-2009, 06:06 PM
yeah, calibration isn't really required for our use as you are more worried about the number and delta of that number rather than the actual value. i use Extech TM200's. they seem to suit my needs just fine. pretty quick temp changes and they sip on batteries. i get them for about $120 CND up here, not sure what they are priced like in the states. here is the link to their page...

http://www.extech.com/instruments/product.asp?catid=64&prodid=405
Eek
07-30-2009, 07:02 PM
Hm.. i can't find the TM200.. but do you think this will work?

http://www.amazon.com/Extech-EX410-Ranging-Multimeter-Thermometer/dp/B00023RXGE/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1248998050&sr=8-10
3oh6
07-30-2009, 07:27 PM
hmmm, i have no idea how their DMM work as temp probes. it appears others have had good success in this thread with other brands DMM with K-Type probes. it's definitely a good price if it does the trick.
TehGh0st
07-30-2009, 08:55 PM
hmmm, i have no idea how their DMM work as temp probes. it appears others have had good success in this thread with other brands DMM with K-Type probes. it's definitely a good price if it does the trick.

Yeah I was quite surprised that it actually worked pretty well.

Chris
Planet
07-30-2009, 09:50 PM
A thermometer is just a finely finely tuned ohms meter that does some conversions. The hotter or colder the tip of the probe gets the more or less resistance the meter reads which changes the temperature.
3oh6
07-31-2009, 12:49 AM
A thermometer is just a finely finely tuned ohms meter that does some conversions. The hotter or colder the tip of the probe gets the more or less resistance the meter reads which changes the temperature.
blah blah blah, back to your noob-hole :poke:
Planet
07-31-2009, 01:05 AM
blah blah blah, back to your noob-hole :poke:

http://spoileralerts.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/banhammer15.jpg
3oh6
07-31-2009, 11:04 AM
this is more your speed...

http://www.fisher-price.com/img/product_shots/N1236_b_1.jpg
Eek
07-31-2009, 03:54 PM
okay. i got lucky and found myself a nice used fluke 51-2 for $70...

Now i got more questions. Lol, these question just keep popping up..

As for insulation, people recommend me to use kneaded eraser, but my local art store overcharges the hell out of it. $1.99 a piece compared to other people getting it at $0.55. i guess i would need about 10 or so.. which is about $20. I found a cheaper alterative.. i saw some people using modeling clay. The kind they used was a plasticine based call "Klean Klay".. i couldn't find them either but picked up some of this.

Vanaken Modeling clay- which is oiled based.. you guys think it's safe to use this as a insulator?

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m223/Jdmhoodz/IMG_0141.jpg

Also as for the multimeter, what setting do you guys use when testing for voltages?
K404
07-31-2009, 04:31 PM
10???? Are you insulating the whole mobo? :p I need <4 :D

...Assuming they come in a standard size....
Planet
07-31-2009, 04:53 PM
Dont see why that wouldnt work. May leave a weird grease trail on the mobo though.

Jake
Eek
07-31-2009, 06:31 PM
10???? Are you insulating the whole mobo? :p I need <4 :D

...Assuming they come in a standard size....

Well i'm insulating all around the socket and backside.. is 4 enough? they seem really small.

Also does anyone know if it's safe to cover the digital pwm ? do they overheat lol?

pic of them

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m223/Jdmhoodz/DSC00381.jpg

Anyone care to answer my multimeter question??

Again, so sorry for all these questions. I just don't wanna kill a $300 mobo.
Eek
08-02-2009, 10:59 PM
Ok.. i got everythiing figured out.. all that is left to know is it is save to cover the digital pwms. anyone?