multi meter reccomendations

[Olderama]

Hi all


looking at swapping tubes on my Genz Benz 60 so i need to purchase a Multi Meter
it will purely be for that only just want to get one that is easy for me to under stand lol

here is the manual requirements

SETTING THE BIAS – Generally your amp will only need to be re-biased if you are replacing the power tubes.
However, if you replace the Ruby Tubes® EL34 power tubes with the same brand and type having the same “PC’
number located on the label at the base of the tube, then re-biasing is not necessary. To re-bias your amp you will
need a small screwdriver and a multi-meter or volt/ohm meter set to measure DC voltage. (If you do not have this
equipment, skill, experience or do not feel comfortable making these adjustments, you should have a qualified technician
perform this procedure.)
1. First make sure the Tube Selector switch located in the Tube Bias section on the rear panel matches the
tube type installed. Then, with the Master Volume turned all the way down, turn the Power switch
ON leaving the Standby switch in the Standby position.
2. Set your test meter to read DC voltage. Then place the negative (black) lead of your meter into the black
Test Point located in the Tube Bias section on the rear panel. Then place the positive (red) lead of
your meter into the red Test Point. Depending on the size of your test leads, you may have to hold them in
the Test Points to assure a good connection.
3. After the tubes have warmed up for about a minute, turn the Standby switch to the Operate position and
read the voltage on your meter. With a small screwdriver, you will need to adjust the Bias Adjust trim
pot located just above the Test Points so that your meter reads about 0.600 volts if you are using EL34
tubes and about 0.450 volts if you are using 6L6 tubes. Turning the Bias Adjust trim pot clockwise
will increase the voltage and turning it counterclockwise will decrease the voltage.
4. After initially setting the bias, allow your amp to warm up for about 5 more minutes then retest and readjust
the bias as indicated above. Exact readings are not critical and some fluctuation is normal. Just try to get
as close to the target voltage as possible.
5. Your amp is now biased and ready to play!

cheers

Oldie

[sizzlingbadger]

You have 3 options...

1) Fluke
2) Fluke
3) Fluke


I have the Fluke 17B (you can find them on TradeMe)

[Rog]

Yep, Fluke is always my DMM of choice also. I still use my good old 8060A.

[Danger Mouse]

Agreed, Fluke. It's one of those buy right, buy once purchases

[borge]

Buying a fluke just to bias one amp is ridiculous, my 20 dollar DMM takes identical readings to my 15b, except the fluke can't test trannies so arguably had less value to a hobbyist.
The cheapest DMM you can find will do the job fine, even a $10 DSE special.

[Olderama]

Looking just to bias this amp and check pick ups

Cheers

[Bg]

I'd still buy a Fluke, you're looking at accuracy, repeatability and reliability.

[JHorner]

I got this http://www.jaycar.co.nz/Test-%26-Measur ... M/p/QM1524 . Seems fine. Sonar tech friend used it when diagnosing some non functioning gear of mine, he didn't say anything bad about it and he would definitely say if it was a POS.

[borge]

Looking just to bias this amp and check pick ups

Cheers

You'll need $5k for a Tektronix scope, at least $500 for a fluke, and another $1k for a snapon set to properly respect your fasteners.
They're all great quality, they'll pay for themselves in just a few generations

[sizzlingbadger]

I'd still buy a Fluke, you're looking at accuracy, repeatability and reliability.

Yep !

and I wouldn't stick the probes of a $10 MM into an amp with 400-600 VDC floating about.

[druz15]

RS Components do some pretty decent one if you don't wanna spend more than fiddy dollar

[sizzlingbadger]

To be fair if your on a budget then Isotech do a pretty good MM. If you want to check out trannies then you'll need an altogether different sort of protection.

[Anvil Amps Alan]

I often use an inexpensive Digitech meter which I bought from Jaycar about 8 years ago.
Have had no issues with using it for high voltage measurements.
I also use an analogue meter which can indicate changing or drifting voltages a digital type cannot.

[Cdog]

I often use an inexpensive Digitech meter which I bought from Jaycar about 8 years ago.

+1 I have that same digitech linked earlier, it's fine... (I also have a fluke 19)

Just be safe poking around in the amp Oldie, it's dangerous

[Olderama]

I often use an inexpensive Digitech meter which I bought from Jaycar about 8 years ago.

+1 I have that same digitech linked earlier, it's fine... (I also have a fluke 19)

Just be safe poking around in the amp Oldie, it's dangerous

Thanks
Nah I'm pretty safe as its an external set up for bias