Actron CP7677 REVIEW

Actron CP7677 way better than harbor freight's.
bought for tachometer use
harbor freight version: take reading, multiply by 50 & divide by number of cylinders, i'm not joking! (had to call them this isn't in the manual) and it has a selector for cylinders.
actron version: multiply reading by 10
also includes manual on how to troubleshoot engine sensors. has been very helpful.
highly recommended for any shadetree mechanic! 


Actron CP7677 Good as advertised.
I has a lot of options, i comes with a very well explained manual with photos of about anything you can do in your car (and it's a lot of tests) and with this cocodrile clips, a has to be tool if you are in the do it yourself clan, reminder! doesn't measure any AC voltage or amps, only DC.


Actron CP7677 Great, with two minor flaws.
I had been eyeing this multimeter for a while, and when it went on sale for half its list price, I grabbed it. It arrived promptly and works very well. The unit has a solid feel to it and the blue rubberized case around it and the "stand" behind are good features to have when working around places where it might get bumped like in the engine compartment. I found the included alligator clips a useful bonus - a lot many of the ones in the mid thirties price range don't have this.
Two minor flaws - it needs a 9 volt battery and doesn't ship with one. That was a minor annoyance - not many people have these just lying around the house. Why not design the meter using AA batteries or just ship it with a 9V battery?
Second is that there is no sticky film protecting the (rather large) LCD display. For a meter that is meant for harsh outdoor environments in which it might get scratched, this is definitely an oversight.
But overall I am pleased with my purchase and would definitely recommend it as a solid entry level multimeter.

Actron CP7677 Automotive TroubleShooter VOM for classic car.
This will perform any test a neophyte electrician will do. The instruction manual is well written and understandable. Instructions provided for most ignition tests of classic cars and sensor testing of newer cars.

Actron CP7677 Automotive TroubleShooter Good deal.
I'm a big fan of the high-end Flukes so I've worked with the best. Well, these defintitely aren't the best, but you can't beat what you get for the price. I got it for my brother for his car and it does the job well.

First, the bad:

1. No auto shut-off. You gotta make sure you turn it off or the battery will just keep draining away.

2. No auto-sensing. You gotta set the dial for the range you're looking for. But hey, I like it so much I don't care that I can't be so lazy.

And the good:

1. All the features. You get all the standards PLUS a tach and a dwell-meter! That'll about cover your carbureted cars.

2. Price. You can find multimeters that can't do the extras for the same price and even more. Great bargain.

3. Alligator clips. Simple things but it'd be a pain without them.

Plus, this thing will handle all the home electrical work.

As for the rest: I won't vouch for its durability but Actron is a decent company. They go towards affordable but not junky. The case is made of a light plastic, but it doesn't seem fragile. As for the tolerances, they're not bad:

DC Volts

Range: 200mV, 2V, 20V, 200V

Accuracy : ±(0.5% rdg + 5 dgts)

Range: 1000V

Accuracy: ±(0.8% rdg + 5 dgts)

AC Volts

Range: 2V, 20V, 200V

Accuracy : ±(0.8% rdg + 5 dgts)

Range: 750V

Accuracy: ±(1.0% rdg + 4 dgts)

DC Current

Range: 200mA

Accuracy: ±(0.8% rdg + 5 dgts)

Range: 10A

Accuracy: ±(1.2% rdg + 5 dgts)

Resistance

Range: 200 , 2K , 20K , 200K , 2M

Accuracy: ±(0.8% rdg + 5 dgts)

Range: 20M

Accuracy: ±(1.5% rdg + 5 dgts)

Dwell

Range: 4CYL, 6CYL, 8CYL

Accuracy: ±(3.0% rdg + 5 dgts)

RPM

Range: 4CYL, 6CYL, 8CYL

Accuracy: ±(3.0% rdg + 5 dgts)

Audible Continuity

Buzzer sounds at approximately less

than 30-50 Ohms.

So for the price, a good deal.