The difference is this...
Unless an AC meter is actual peak-to-peak, it measures Root Mean Square. Combine that fact with adequately fast sample time and you are talking about an EXPENSIVE DMM...Capiche?
Throw enough money at something and miracles happen.
But this isn't the miracle mile. It's a forum where just buying a DMM is an event. And I have read threads where comments consisted of "Oh you paid ten dollars? I paid eight and at harbor Fright, sometimes they're giving them away as a promotion".
A $300.00 meter is going to be a hard-sell.
And cheap meters have sample rates 5 times to 10 times slower than a top quality meter like a Fluke. And RMS+cheap meter ain't gonna work.
Sooooooooo................................................................
One thing that WILL work beautifully, and is cheap is the listed analog meter.
There are no moving decimal points to configure into a reading. Teaching this subject to cruising sailboat captains and crew I know just how far technical can be pushed.......and it isn't far.
