There are good and bad implementations of digital.
The problem is, it takes money and complexity to do digital readouts for analog information RIGHT. I won’t bore you with all the details, but suffice to say, it can be done correctly and well, but not cheaply.
As we like to say in engineering: “You can have it fast, cheap or easy. Pick two.”
One of the best voltmeters you can still get for general electrical work is the Simpson 260 or 270 series of VOMs. Built like a brick outhouse, they continue to deliver reliable readings. The 270 series is just a more accurate 260.
http://www.simpsonelectric.com/main/index.asp?p=Products&id=30&sid=38&ss=31
As for digital voltmeters: I use nothing but Fluke, and most any Fluke DVM is going to run you at least $200, new. I refuse to bother with any of the chi-com $5 to $20 DVM’s.
Yes, Flukes are wonderful devices. Rugged and accurate. I picked up a used one cheap a while back. Is is about 23 years old. I sent it back to the factory for calibration, and they sent it back saying it needed no adjustments. I now have 3 Flukes.
I once saw a Simpson 260 survive being dropped from the top of a telephone pole with only a crack in the case.
There are times when an analog meter is more useful than a digital. You need to have both in your arsenal.
OK! Like I said, I went the somewhat cheapo route to see if I like it and learn what it’s all about.
So I got an Eton FR600 Solarlink radio. It has AM, FM, SW, and emergency bands.
It powers by AA batteries, an internal Ni rechargeable, a solar cell on the top, or a hand crank.
So far, I have had no luck picking up any SW with it. But I only played with it a few minutes, I put it in the sun to charge good.
Has an extendable rod type antenna like on boom boxes, but one could easily alligator clip a 40 foot piece of wire to it.
So as I find out more, I may or may not report on what I find out. But at least now I got something to get me started.
Thanks to everyone for their ideas!!