Multimeter

My old Beckman Tech 310 that I got from my grandfather many years ago crapped out on me so I'm in the market for a new one.

They all offer the basic features of testing, but I would like one that tests batteries under load.

I'm hoping to keep the price as low as possible, but I understand that it might get pricey with the battery test feature.

Any ideas?

I emailed the people at http://www.multimeterwarehouse.com/ and asked them which of the many units they sell has what I'm looking for. They promptly replied and suggested this unit.

http://www.multimeterwarehouse.com/MS8221f.htm

It has the regular functions found in meters and a battery tester with built-in load for less than $30. w00t

Looks like that would work for most applications. I think my meter is a Sears Craftsman? or Radio Shack with all the bells and whistles, but doesn't have a load tester for batteries. I have the cheap $5-10? battery tester from Radio Shack that works good.

I had a Micronta that I got at Radio Shack around 1985. Analog needle, one of my oldest "friends". I put in a floodlight for my buddy and forgot my toolbox at the corner of his house. I thought I had lost the toolbox, looked everywhere. The rain and snow got to it over the course of the winter before I found it myself by accident! I recovered and restored some tools and got the plastic box back; but was sad to have to throw that multimeter away after 22 years!

What kind of batteries are you testing? I recommend the Fluke multimeters, I got one as a graduation gift when I finished tech school 15 years ago and it's still good. I have an amps probe for mine which is a shunt, they make a carbon pile for testing automotive batteries but autozone is cheaper. (free)

I have my 1974 Radio shack with a needle that is still my preferred tool. I bought a digital a few years back, Yucccck, give me a needle!