Good cheap multimeter?

[monkeybutt]

I am about to begin my first build and figure I should get a multimeter.
Problem is I don't know what features I'm likely to need. I would like to spend 20$ or less but would gladly pay more for increased utility.

thanks in advance for any suggestions. M.B.

 

[potatorage]

I would buy a couple cheap 3$ harbor freight or ebay multimeter, so that you can learn what not to do with one of those things before you break an expensive one

 

[thenate1]

I just got this one>>>so far so good
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EVYGZA Under $20

 

[wesnewell]

Search ebay for digital multimeter. You can buy as many as you want for under $3 shipped.

 

[irv]

Hello,

Sorry to hijack, but how's the accuracy on the ebay multimeters? I got one, but now the voltage readings between the ebay multimeter, my hobbyking RC charger, and my 6s voltage monitor (the ones that connect to the balance wires) are all different. Is there a good way to test which one is most accurate? Or should I consider them all as rough guides?

 

[bobc]

Ahh - the digital multimeter; precise..... but wrong!
If you need a genuine voltage reference you need a calibrated decent meter. Even then you will be fooled by "unexpected" waveforms.
For example, every meter in the world will display a different value while measuring the same current in a brushless motor lead, particularly so if you have a "true rms" reading meter.
I tend to steer clear of "true rms" reading meters - they cost more & have too many variables regarding bandwidth, form factor and integration time; I prefer the cheaper DC averaging type - at least you know what you're getting with them.
I have a few of the cheap ebay style meters & find they generally work better than you have any right to expect - until LCD segments or the switch fail - but that can be several years & lots of abuse later.
I recently got a DC clamp- on meter from CDC in UK for £20 and that seems very effective & good quality too. http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=25471
Irv - you'll have to borrow a high class meter from somewhere to see what's right - if you know someone who works in a electronics manuf. they MUST have quality instrumentation with up to date calibration.