Ohm meter or Multimeter

[erotikpanda]

Hi all,


I am collecting items into my shopping cart, amongst which is KFL+ and since I will be building coils for it I will need to know the resistance, I do already have a decent multimeter that I use on my KTS+ and pro tank II to check the resistance, shorts and voltage of the battery.

When researching KFL+ I read through the manual and they briefly explain how to check the resistance on the build (which implies a use of multimeter) similar to the way I check the resistance on the pro tank (red on the centre pin and black on the case, I'm sorry for the simplistic description, too long of a day and the brains are off).

Long story short, do I really need to get a dedicated Ohm meter or will the multimeter method do? My primary concern is safety, I don't want to go lower than 1.1-1.2 on kayfun. While I see the attraction in getting the Ohm meter right away, but the 25$ price tag (from where I will be ordering all the parts and KFL+) is a little much. (I will be ordering one from FT at some point, since it's much cheaper there).

Thought? Multimeter suffuse and keeps me safe with the readings and such or Ohm meter is a must after all?

Thanks for any responses!

 

[suspectK]

Multimeter would be fine. I recommend getting one that can be calibrated, but they are a tad expensive. My fluke 1587 gets calibrated once a year, mainly for use with jobs, but it's good to know that it is always going to be where the reading is..

No need to buy an ohmmeter, if you have a multimeter that functions well.

 

[KrisAinTX]

An ohm meter won't hurt. You can check resistance with a multimeter, but I love the convenience of my ohm meter. I build my RBAs/RDAs on it, and just switch it on to check the builds. Safer than having the RBA/RDA sitting on a mod, and accidentally firing it while you're working (I've never had that happen before, I swear! )

All in all, you don't need one. But they're convenient and useful. I primarily use my multimeter now just for battery checkups.

 

[sda2010]

I do not believe most multimeters will precisely read low ohm readings. I think you are better off with one that you connect to your atomizer (the small box type that atomizer screws into), or one built in to your PV. I believe the less leads or wiring between your coil and meter, will give you the most accurate results.

 

[suspectK]

^That's why you need a dependable meter, and do a resistance check of the leads before measuring.

 

[Thrasher]

some of those cheap box meters have been known to drift as much as +/- 0.4 ohms which really isnt a benefit. especially if trying to get right around 1 ohm or lower. the only advantage i think is convenience. but in my opinion if you already have a decent MM you rely on then your good to go. i dont even test the atty connection just touch the wire screws real quick and go with that no need to even take it off the mod.

 

[Traver]

I agree with Thrasher the only advantage of the ohm meter is convenience. Don't forget to zero your meter by touching the two leads together and adjusting to zero and you will be fine.

 

[FearTX]

Multimeter would be fine. I recommend getting one that can be calibrated, but they are a tad expensive. My fluke 1587 gets calibrated once a year, mainly for use with jobs, but it's good to know that it is always going to be where the reading is..

No need to buy an ohmmeter, if you have a multimeter that functions well.

I have not stepped into rebuildables, I do agree that these cheaper ohms meters will most likely perform like cheaper multimeters. I use one my Flukes or Fieldpiece to check the resistances on my protank coils. Just for fun.

There are some decent multimeters out there that can be "zeroed" and have consistent readings. You do not have to buy a 200$ meter, I just use them because I own them and they get calibrated for free by my work.

My MVP2 seems to be consistent with my meters, at least over the course the last week.

 

[jme715]

+1 for fluke multimeters

They are expensive but from the makes/brands I've used at work, they seem to be the best!

 

[erotikpanda]

Thanks for the input guys!

some of those cheap box meters have been known to drift as much as +/- 0.4 ohms which really isnt a benefit. especially if trying to get right around 1 ohm or lower. the only advantage i think is convenience. but in my opinion if you already have a decent MM you rely on then your good to go. i dont even test the atty connection just touch the wire screws real quick and go with that no need to even take it off the mod.

That was another thing I had in the back of my mind, with my multimeter I have what most inexpensive multimeters experience, when I touch the wires together it shows resistance of 0,4 ohm. On one hand it shows that it's not exactly a good multimeter, or much accurate for that matter, on the other hand, how on earth would I be able to find out the existing resistance on a box meter.

Basically, what I am looking at here is a chance of having a box meter misreading and being mistaken to the actual resistance or sticking with my multimeter and adjusting the reading to the margin of error.

I guess I will go with my multimeter for now, I'm planning to start with 2,0 ohm builds (closely replicating builds of experienced people) and gradually going down to 1,1-1,2 Ohm. KFL+ will be my daily use so I don't exactly intend to cloud chase, rather consistency and reliability with, to certain extent, longevity. For the "at home fun times" I'll be getting Omega or Patriot RDA in couple months or something, along with some batteries to handle sub ohm resistance.

As far as comfort for building, I got that covered, I'm slowly building a tabletop workstation/mod holder.

So psyched to get KFL+ and start using my nemesis!

 

[Thrasher]

ost inexpensive multimeters experience, when I touch the wires together it shows resistance of 0,4 ohm. On one hand it shows that it's not exactly a good multimeter, or much accurate for that matter,

this is actually the resistance of the wire leads and not really related to the meter itself even the best meters show some wire resistance its just the better ones can be zero'd out

 

[danny4x4]

Since you already have a multi meter, you can use it first and order the resistance box meter from fasttech. It's not an essential, and the time taken to get it delivered doesn't matter. So, at the price fasttech is selling,why not?

 

[Stosh]

The great thing about a multi-meter is you can also check Volts, the charge on your battery coming off your charge or going on your charger. If the charger is going bad, or your mod is discharging too far, this is the only way you'll know...

 

[dice57]

You are fine with and multi meter for sure. Do enjoy the conveyance of a atomizer ohm reader. Makes for a nice platform to hold the rba when mounting the coil and wicking. Can pick on up for as low as $18.

 

[allin7days]

Hi all,


I am collecting items into my shopping cart, amongst which is KFL+ and since I will be building coils for it I will need to know the resistance, I do already have a decent multimeter that I use on my KTS+ and pro tank II to check the resistance, shorts and voltage of the battery.

When researching KFL+ I read through the manual and they briefly explain how to check the resistance on the build (which implies a use of multimeter) similar to the way I check the resistance on the pro tank (red on the centre pin and black on the case, I'm sorry for the simplistic description, too long of a day and the brains are off).

Long story short, do I really need to get a dedicated Ohm meter or will the multimeter method do? My primary concern is safety, I don't want to go lower than 1.1-1.2 on kayfun. While I see the attraction in getting the Ohm meter right away, but the 25$ price tag (from where I will be ordering all the parts and KFL+) is a little much. (I will be ordering one from FT at some point, since it's much cheaper there).

Thought? Multimeter suffuse and keeps me safe with the readings and such or Ohm meter is a must after all?

Thanks for any responses!

I like my good old analog meter($15) for measuring the resistance in niddle, lol.

 

[AttyPops]

A somewhat decent meter (can be had for $25.00 or so) will be accurate enough. And like Thrasher said, can be used for more than just ohms on an atty connector.

Resistance of a button? (Try hooking your mech's button up to one of those screw-on meters....:/) or voltage and amperage (with a special connector that's easy to build) or unloaded voltage, or battery voltage...

or working on your car, or checking outlets, or continuity, some measure frequency, etc....

or you can get a special dedicated "uni-tasker" e-cig ohm meter. Up to you.

If you get a DMM...get an auto ranging digital meter.

 

[AttyPops]

This guy is just pure fun to watch. Now, don't let him scare you for e-cig use (not super high voltage), but he has lots of great tips for meters in general. If you're the type that cares about "good tools", it's worth listening to the whole thing for info. If you think you'll ever have the meter near high power stuff (not e-cigs)....pay attention to the safety info. He names several manufacturers at the end.

As to the "how accurate at low ohms" question, IDK what to say. Mine seems fine, but it's an $80.00 ish meter (IDK what it would cost today).

 

[AttyPops]

If I remember correctly, this review of $50.00 meters is good, and I remember I ROFL'ed several times.

OK, I'm done.

(Jumps off soapbox and walks away)

 

[jerry74]

if we run two wires from the ohm meter, wont it work the same as a multimeter for ohm? like to check aios-td?

 

[BarbRU]

i think Om meter will be enaf