For 10 years my primary multimeter has been a Radio Shack 22-811 42-Range Blah Blah digital meter, and it has served me well. I had two of these, keeping the oldest one as a backup. The newer, primary meter needs to be replaced. I looked for a meter with similar functions and bought a Fluke 15B+ even though it cost three times what I paid for the Radio Shack meter. The Fluke wouldn't give an accurate reading below .01uF. (It was off by at least 25%.) So I returned it for a refund.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48669647632_6a10a5f5b1.jpg

The Fluke was also bigger and heavier, which did not appeal to me. So, I'm asking for suggestions to replace the Radio Shack meter. Got any advice?

Thanks,
Henry

I'd stick with the fluke (I hear they are very hard to kill). You can get one of those $15 Chinese ESR/capacitor/resistance/inductance/semiconductor testers that eBay is full of and or a Heathkit C3 and either will be a better cap checker than any DMM.

Tom, thanks for the response. The multimeters I've used have been reliable down to about 200pF. I don't know if the Fluke I bought was an exception, or if they're all inaccurate at that level. If someone has a similar, recently-purchased Fluke, I'd like to know how accurate it is at 500pF.

I had an RS meter like that, until I killed it somehow with a high voltage surge. It was a very nice meter for the price, I have to say I miss it!

I would be tempted to try a different Fluke, like the 115, capacitance specs look good.

https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-115-Compact-True-RMS-Multimeter/dp/B000OCFFMW/ref=sr_1_3?crid=MYY7EHHCFYZS&keywords=fluke+115&qid=1567534131&s=gateway&sprefix=fluke+115%2Caps%2C203&sr=8-3

not affiliated,
jr

I've actually had three RS 22-811s. I killed one in similar fashion, and the newest one just wore out. Now I'm using the oldest one, which I've actually had for 14 years. I'll take a look at the Fluke 115. Thanks

Do you feel lucky? How about a used 22-811 on the ‘bay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Radio-Shack-Model-22-811-Auto-Ranging-DIGITAL-MULTIMETER-VOM-DMM-nice-works/153502070809?epid=1118329083&hash=item23bd6fb819:g:P1UAAOSwSzxc6ZwO

not affiliated,
jr

I'll pass on the ebay item. I bought the Fluke 115. It looks better than the Fluke 15 in several respects. Couldn't get it in designer colors, but with the bright yellow case there will be less "Where the heck is that meter?" moments. Thanks for the suggestions.

Yes the fluke is the way to go. Mine is 30 yrs old & never missed a beat.
Falls on the concrete floor once a week. Has been over voltaged on
AC & DC & on ohms. I bought both my sons one years ago & no
failures on any of them.

73 Zeno:smoke:
LFOD !

Agree that Fluke is "the good stuff." Spend the money and it will be the last meter you'll need to buy.

I received the Fluke 115 a few days ago--an Amazon purchase. I've tested it in every way I know, and it's flawless. Maybe the last meter I'll ever need. Thanks for the help.