what brand is a good DMM

 Currently, my main meters are a Fluke 88, BluePoint, some off-brand yellow Fluke-lookin wannabe, a Radio Shack data logging meter and a big boxful of Waveteks.

 I've had the Fluke for about a decade now. Last year I personally calibrated it.. I was surprised how accurate it still was. I've got lots of extras for it; pressure vacuum module, IR temp probe, Thermocouple module, RPM pickup, half dozen current transformers,  and a mess of various test leads. I really like the 'bed of nails' type aligator clip.. very helpful for probing wires.

 I only wish the fuses for the Fluke were cheaper.. one day I'll set up a pair of test leads with an inline fuse to prevent popping the meter fuse.. at least I can find the fuses now at Lowes and Home Depot.. but they usually run about $5 each.

 Of course, I recommend the Fluke meter.. but you can get a cheapo until you have the money for the Fluke.. once you have the Fluke, you can use the cheapo for doing current measurements. That's what I've ended up doing.. it saves me a fortune buying fuses. I always end up doing a current measurement, then attempting to measure voltage (but leaving the meter on current setting.. fuses don't last long like that.)

 Also, it's sometimes handy to be able to monitor multiple points all at once..

 Hope this helps..

 Jim