Tom and others,
Radio Shack used to carry alligator clip adapters p/n 270-354, which would
slip over pointed test probe ends. And p/n  270-334 mini-hook adapters which
could attach the probe to a wire. These numbers are from their 2002 printed
catalog. They do not put out a printed catalog now. These numbers are still
on their website. Even sightlings use these adapters, because even they are
limited to two hands. Many times I would clip the ground probe to a
convenient ground and use the other probe. For less than $10.00 these should
make your test probe leads more usable.
Lynn
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----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom Behler" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, March 05, 2005 9:59 PM
Subject: some preliminary thoughts on the Omega HHM1/HHm2 talking
multi-meter


> Hi, all.
>
> Believe it or not, it's been two weeks since I received my new Omega HHm
> talking multi-meter, but just got to it today, since my mid-term grading
> crunch is now over.
>
> Here are some brief observations:
>
> The meter is a very well-constructed and rugged unit.  It can run off
either
> a 9-volt battery, or an AC wallwart adapter.  The meter reads both AC and
DC
> voltage, plus AC and DC amperage.  It also reads ohms.  The meter also has
a
> temperature read-out, with thermal couplers to read the temp in either
> fahrenheit or centigrade.  You can even take two different temperature
> readings and compare them to one another if you'd like.
>
> The speech is very clear, and there's even a volume level switch to make
the
> voice louder or softer to suit your needs.
>
> The meter speaks all functions, whether accessed from the function knob on
> the side of the unit, or the function buttons on the face of the unit.
>
> The only thing I'm a bit disappointed with  is that the meter probes are
> rather short, and are merely straight probes, which means you have to try
to
> place them on the terminals of the voltage source, while simultaneously
> pushing the read-out button on the positive probe.  This almost seems to
> require three hands at times.  In fact, if anyone has any suggestions as
to
> how I might readily hook small allegator clips to the probes for easier
use,
> please let me know.  This might be a case where I'm missing an obvious
> solution to a minor problem.  I know the old ratshack meter had an
allegator
> clip on the negative or ground lead, which really did come in handy
> sometimes.
>
> In short, my overall impressions about this meter are quite favorable, and
I
> think it's well worth the $249 I paid.  I'd recommend that if anyone has
the
> interest and the money to purchase one, you might do so soon, since I was
> getting hints from the folks at Omega that demand has been lower than they
> had expected.
>
> My XYL has just about finished scanning the manual for the meter.  Once I
> have the chance to review it, I'll let everyone know.  I'll also send it
to
> Handihams, and Icanworkthisthing.com.
>
> Best 73 from Tom Behler: KB8TYJ