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which do you prefer? Analoq or Digital multi-meter

Iron Woode

Iron Woode

Elite Member
Super Moderator
I was wondering about this.

Is there any logical reason to get an analog version over a digital? Does it even matter?

which would be the better buy?

TIA.
 
I've only used digital ones before I can't really compare, but it seems like it'd be much easier to read, especially if you're measuring things that could have a really wide range like resistors. I'm a n00b, so I can't read the color codes...
 
The only time I prefer an analog meter is for trying to trace stray currents. DMs just cannot detect these as accurately as an AM.
 
I think analoge multimeters are really cool, and would like to have one, but digital is easier to use and better suited for real world use, so that's what I have.
 
hmmm....

an interesting assortment of opinions.

I can get a decent analog MM for $7.00 or a decent digital MM for $20.00.

 
I prefer digital, but I know people who prefer analog for things that don't need precision. Analog is a must for measuring changing voltages, you can see the needle sweeping through the range along with its acceleration. On a digital meter, you'll just get a bunch of varying numbers.
 

I prefer digital with auto range because I don't have to select the range. Analog are nice to look at, but it is a pain to adjust the zeroing screw for Volt & Ohm.

 
Digital will give you a more accurate measurement usually (if you badly want decimal point accuracy)

Analog is more fun to use and sometimes helps give a better understanding of what exactly you're doing through measurement. If you need to measure something with an AC current, it can sometimes be more useful.
 
I would think analog would be necessary at times for measuring time-dependant properties. Digital could really mess that up depending how the integrating works.
 
Analog is more susceptible to damage if you have the wrong scale selected. For a DMM, it will just display overload. But for an analog, the arm will swing and if left at the max position too long, it will get damaged. And an analog meter is less rugged.
 
You'd have to be pretty wacky to preferr an analog over a digital MM.. lol
 
Analog vs. Digital
  • ...even the most stubborn of ancient technicians now rely almost exclusively on DMMs (and your author even finds the bar graph feature increasingly unnecessary). Though analog multimeters have an advantage or two, there is not much reason to invest in one at this late date.
I went through a pile od cheaper analog units, due to the fragile nature of the mechanism. I was thrilled when the digitals came down in price to the point where I could easily afford one.
 
Originally posted by: Eli
Originally posted by: duragezic
You say you can buy a quality DMM for only $20? Linkage?
Click to expand...

Nobody said anything about quality, lol.
Click to expand...

I picked one up at Autozone for about 15 bucks -- I rarely have to use it, so it doesn't get beat on much at all. Does the job when I need it to..definitely not industrial grade, though. 😛
 
Digital provided it has a diode checker.
You need the extra voltage to bias the PN junction.
Otherwise an analog is neccesary.
 
Depends on what is being measured. Some things (peak reading, slow signals) are best viewed on analog. I like the Fluke with both digital and analog displays, but use both.
 
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