Multimeter for the RV-12iS

[rv12iS-builder]

Electrical newbie question: Is there a multimeter that is especially well suited for the RV-12iS and Rotax 912iS engine? The only thing I know is that Van's required tool list for the RV-12iS says to get a multimeter with continuity check capability. If you built an RV-12iS, which multimeter did you use?

Thanks!

 

[Jonas1ne]

No special “Rotax” multimeter is needed.
Most RV-12iS builders use a Fluke 115 or Fluke 117 because they’re reliable and have a fast, clear continuity beep exactly what Van’s is getting at.
Budget option: Klein MM600/MM700 works fine too.
If you want one that just works and lasts, go Fluke 117.

 

[D-Dubya]

+1 for Fluke. Don't try to save a few bucks and go cheap. Many people that have done that end up getting a Fluke eventually anyway.

 

[ravenstar]

I’ve had an inexpensive Klein for over a decade and it has been sufficient for my RV-12 project.

 

[N8DAV8R]

I'll offer the other perspective. In general I prefer and advocate for high quality 'luxury' tools. In that respect the Fluke is a worthwhile investment.

That said, for the task, it would be hard to find a meter that was not sufficient. You don't need to spend hundreds on a meter to accomplish what is necessary on your build. You can walk into any big box store, probably even a lot of gas stations, and buy a meter that will work. Continuity is the most basic function a meter performs. They all do it.

 

[N804RV]

You don't need an expensive multimeter for 98% of what you'll use it for. The inexpensive Klein multimeter will work just fine for testing continuity, checking for voltage, eyeballing ac ripple, and getting an idea of how much current a circuit is drawing. Think of it like its scrambling eggs, not making a soufflé.

Its that 2% that you'll need a real 4-line miliohmmeter and eventually an antenna analyzer. That's when you want to make sure you've got better quality avionics test equipment. But those can often be borrowed.

 

[N8DAV8R]

Its that 2% that you'll need a real 4-line miliohmmeter and eventually an antenna analyzer. That's when you want to make sure you've got better quality avionics test equipment. But those can often be borrowed.

FWIW, I am regularly flying the RV-12is that I built and I have absolutely no idea what this refers to.

Sounds interesting and good learning opportunity, but probably not relevant to what is posed as a very specific question about building the RV-12is.