I've been able to do most of my trouble shooting w/ a good, descriptive
manual (bentley) and a quality analog meter(needle type). I have replaced
the fuse many times in the meter, but that's why it's there! The needle is
good for seeing subtle/quick changes.
  However, my next piece will be a digital Fluke-type (get a rubber "shock"
case for when it falls out of the engine bay onto the concrete) meter w/ the
audible ohmmeter (great for wire tracing) and auto-overload protection. (for
those times when one runs out of fuses!!)
  Dan

>> I would like to poll the list for which test meter is suitable for
>> troubleshooting the electrical/electronic systems.  I see the following
>> gradations:
>>
>> 1.)  Basic needle meter - radio shack or equiv. $100
>> 2.)  Basic Digital meter - just digits; 3 1/2 or something $250
>
>my "basic" digital meter was about $25. It has served me
>very well...
>
>dave
>