$500 multimeter recommendation - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: headingwest
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 19, 2013, 03:04:07 am
content: Hi All,My better half has offered to buy me good multimeter, AUD$500'ish budget. What would your top recommendations be?I've been using the Victor 86E - a lovely chinese product - but it's time to step up a bit.Thanks for your help.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 19, 2013, 03:14:55 am
content: I guess you have to ask yourself what you want to do. $500 might be much better spent on two multimeters. One is not enough many times and four can be required for some things.If you really must spend $500 on only one multimeter then a nice one would be this:http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/agilent/multimeters/u1252b.htmHard to beat it for features and quality.If you think you might want to have two meters then I would suggest a Brymen BM869 and a Brymen BM257 both with their optional USB cables. Two great meters, both with good safety with the BM869 having the highest safety rating in the industry.Of course there is Fluke......

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2013, 03:23:15 am
content: If you're looking in the $500 range, then I'm going to adamantly insist on two $250 multimeters. There's not much you're going to get in the $500 meter that the $250 one won't have. Go for dataloggers if you can find decent ones.

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2013, 03:27:09 am
content: Are you limited to just one meter or the budget?(I'd hope the budget)If handheld, I'd get 2 decent meters. Not sure what the market is like, but for that price (in Canada), you can get anywhere between 2 to 4 secondhand Fluke 87 types. Or something like a U1272a + UT61E or a BM869 + UT61E.I'd personally probably go with a BM867 with logging kit+ 2*UT61E. (this fits if we convert AUD to CAD and buy shipped to Canada)

author: Ferroto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2013, 03:36:54 am
content: You can get yourself a Rigol 1052E for less then $500. I'd just stick with a Fluke 87, $500 bucks is abit much to spend on a meter.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2013, 03:39:13 am
content: I think its better to tell us a bit about your self like are you hobbyist, electrician etc, and your normal usage for this new upcoming meter.

author: jmole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2013, 03:42:26 am
content: unless you're considering a bench meter, you should look into those handheld scopemeters by fluke. Believe you can pick up a used one on ebay for around $500 depending on the model.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2013, 04:32:06 am
content: for that price you can get two 34401 meters on ebay.can't go wrong with those...

author: headingwest
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 19, 2013, 04:38:48 am
content: I'm a keen hobbyist with one years experience working with microchips and small boards. Mains voltage for testing faulty equipment but not design.I need to repair the coffee machines we import:http://www.coffeemachine.com.au/product/hlf-fusion/I am working revision 3 of a control board to let android phones control coffee machines:http://divapid.com/While trying to build a robot - like most hobbyist are:http://jimsrobot.com/So what do I really need:instructions in English - I'm sick of guessing what the manual sayslogging preferredprecise small voltage / currentdigital troubleshooting toolsplus stuff I haven't thought of yet but will need in the next few yearsnew not second hand - it's a gifta very understanding wife

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 19, 2013, 05:14:27 am
content: Based on what you want to do I repeat my recommendation for these two meters:http://www.tme.eu/en/details/bm257/portable-digital-multimeters/brymen/#$111 USD plus shippingplus the USB cable for logging when you need it:http://www.tme.eu/en/details/kitbrua-20x/meters-software/brymen/$31 USD plus shippingor get it from Franky, iloveelectronics here on this forum, when he gets it back in stock for $135 shippedplus he has the USB cable too when he has the BM257 in stock, I forget the pricePlus get the Brymen BM869:http://www.tme.eu/en/details/bm869/portable-digital-multimeters/brymen/#$240 USD plus shippingand the USB cable:http://www.tme.eu/en/details/kitbu-86x/meters-software/brymen/$52 plus shippingAll in it should come under the $500 price including the shipping.With these two really well built meters you will be able to have high accuracy and high safety plus the logging of both meters at the same time to a computer. The dual temp measurement of the BM869 will come in handy with the coffee machines as will the high safety of the meters when you are poking around the high power heater controls.So you will be able to log current and voltage at the same time and figure out power, or log voltage or current vs temperatures, etc....The BM869 is for high accuracy and high resolution and with dual temperatures, and the BM257 is the small one for poking around in smaller places and has a non-contact voltage detector to let you know if you have a live circuit before you actually touch something. Both should take a beating.

author: Ed.Kloonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2013, 07:28:08 am
content: Yeah also want to say, for $500, go with two (different) meters. Unless you have a reason to need one meter worth half a grand.

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2013, 08:29:02 am
content: Quote from: free_electron on April 19, 2013, 04:32:06 ami dont find any of them below 500 on ebay

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2013, 08:41:55 am
content: Quote from: M. András on April 19, 2013, 08:29:02 amme either

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2013, 09:26:10 am
content: Quote from: Fsck on April 19, 2013, 08:41:55 am^^^Wot e Sed^^^Usually at least £350 each

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2013, 09:36:53 am
content: Its obvious Vincent did his last ebay transaction at yester-years.

author: eevblogfan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2013, 09:39:07 am
content: heysorry but I think you went nut'soplease have a look at the lovely 2'nd hand HP3478Acan be easly picked up for 100~150$ , so 2 can easly be bought ,and besides , If you need two top end multimeters for that price ( and new ) I'll suggest buying 2X 87V from some ebay seller , you can easly tell one that he'll do 2 for 500$ including shipping , I did found one for 147$ including shipping but that's rear , so please go for one of those , I would but some 3610A and two 3478A if I was you ,Cheers !

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2013, 12:16:52 pm
content: Quote from: headingwest on April 19, 2013, 04:38:48 amnew not second hand - it's a giftWell the New criteria , prob. rules out any 6.5 digit meter.The understanding wife ... Is prob gonna cost more than $500 (in shoes)/Bingo

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2013, 12:28:26 pm
content: I suggest you a good fluke or agilent plus an hp 34401aSo you have one strong and portable, and another one advanced and super accurate

author: commongrounder
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2013, 07:19:42 pm
content: Fluke 289. Hands down best. Logging with trendplot built in. Measures just about everything. I treasure mine.

author: olsenn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2013, 08:12:30 pm
content: Check out the Rigol DM3058E (http://www.rigolna.com/products/digital-multimeters/dm3000/dm3058E/). It costs $449 new, and is definitely your best choice unless you get a steal off some used Agilent stuff on eBay. The DM3058E is the same as the regular DM3058 except it doesn't offer GBIB or LAN connectivity (It still can be controlled remotely via USB or RS232).It is 5 1/2 Digits, 0.015% DCV accuracy; 240,000 count, and 123 readings/sec. It has extremely advanced features for a DMM including histogram plotting and other statistical analysis, can measures in dbm and other less commonly used formats when desired, features all the common measurements as well as capacitance, junction (diode) voltage, frequency, custom sensors; it has a continuity buzzer, and the display is pretty nice.If you are looking for a handheld meter, I'd highly recommend looking for a used Fluke 87 on eBay, or even a 28-II. One thing I would recommend though, if purchasing used, is to pick up some precision voltage references from TI free samples page to ensure basic calibration. Some precision resistors can also come in handy for calibrating resistance/current measurements.

author: kxenos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2013, 10:50:13 pm
content: My beloved Beauty I Take Care Honestly off, decided (after speaking with her mother, I believe) that our family budget can afford a bench multimeter some months ago, so I bought a Keithley 2000 from ebay. There is also a forum member that sells a keithley 2015 in a very reasonable price, if he still has it. My point is, if you have a chance to get something of 500$ don't waste the opportunity for things that you could get anytime. Plus a decent bench DMM is a nice bit of kit to have.

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2013, 10:56:25 pm
content: Quote from: kxenos on April 19, 2013, 10:50:13 pmI can only second that , and i got a 2055 from KJDShttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/keithley-2015-teardown/msg213757/#msg213757It was calibrated in May 2011 , and is spot on my 10v Geller reference.Just get a probe set from ebay or ... If you decide to get the 2015 , there's just the 2015 in the package./Bingo

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 19, 2013, 11:09:29 pm
content: You guys keep missing one important point. He said NO USED EQUIPMENT.A new Fluke 289 is $600+A Fluke 87V is a nice meter but lacking some features for the price.The Brymens I mentioned cost less together with the PC cables and software than the Fluke alone. Two meters and each with PC software for less than the price of one 87V. It seems a no brainer to me and you can't beat the safety rating of the Brymen BM869. It is built to very high standards and is very accurate too.

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2013, 08:36:44 am
content: Used precision 5+ digit multimeter are much better than new

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 20, 2013, 08:47:20 am
content: Quote from: headingwest on April 19, 2013, 03:04:07 amAgilent U1272Ahttp://www.triosmartcal.com.au/2251-agilent-u1272a-dmm-digit-water-dust-resist.html

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2013, 05:19:16 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on April 20, 2013, 08:47:20 amI'd check if the PSU + Free meter also applies to OZhttp://uk.farnell.com/agilent-technologies/e3610a-u1272a/bundle-psu-bench-30w-free-u1272a/dp/2250753Almost reachable for$500/Bingo

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 20, 2013, 10:09:46 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on April 20, 2013, 08:47:20 amAh c'mon Dave! We are trying to get him to follow your advice to get two meters!

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2013, 11:46:25 am
content: I have the solution!!!Buy a 250$ meter and use the remaining 250$ for buy something sweet for your girlfriend-wife

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 21, 2013, 11:49:03 am
content: Quote from: Lightages on April 20, 2013, 10:09:46 pmBut he asked for ONE!Hardly anyone in here gave him the advice he was asking for, so I did

author: Ed.Kloonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2013, 12:12:20 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on April 21, 2013, 11:49:03 amTrue dat. A few of the accessories on the linked page and you're pretty spot-on I thought.

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2013, 04:24:37 pm
content: Remember this is a gift, SO, when you pick your gifts you generally do not ask for:Used stuffThings that weren't offered to you (getting 2 meters instead of 1, a scope etc.)Extra accesories (but that is not a strict convention)That's how I see it.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 21, 2013, 04:38:52 pm
content: I did suggest the U1252B!That would be my preference for ONE meter.

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2013, 07:45:48 pm
content: It all depends on his needs, really.

author: olsenn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2013, 07:58:02 pm
content: I'm still sticking to the DM3058E, haha; but if he's specifically looking for a handheld that Agilent should do nicely (I still prefer Fluke, what both are great meters).

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2013, 08:00:31 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on April 21, 2013, 04:38:52 pm+1

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2013, 09:52:26 pm
content: People, and an high end gossen metrawatt?

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 21, 2013, 10:13:17 pm
content: Quote from: ivan747 on April 21, 2013, 04:24:37 pmYep, and he's from Oz. So it's gotta be from an Oz supplier, or possibly ebay (but why would you do that and get no warranty?)So what would go get if offered ONE meter up to the value of AU$500?I vote the U1272A. Feature packed, and you get a nice cal certificate with values.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 21, 2013, 11:06:37 pm
content: Just curious Dave, why the U1272A over the U1252B for you?

author: peter.mitchell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2013, 08:42:37 am
content: I WAS going to suggest the Gossen Metrahit Energy, because it can do volts + amps at the same time, so it's like getting two metersthen i looked at the price D:

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 22, 2013, 09:17:13 am
content: Quote from: Lightages on April 21, 2013, 11:06:37 pm- Completely new design- More rugged- Better IP rating- Low Z mode- Smart Ohm mode- tighter count spec- 300 hours vs 36 hours battery

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2013, 09:21:12 am
content: ...and the big one: internal data logging. 10,000 versus 100 points only for the 1252B.Also, CAT rating up to 3000 meters and there is a BT module available.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 22, 2013, 09:31:01 am
content: Quote from: Wytnucls on April 22, 2013, 09:21:12 amI think the BT is available for both.Complete no-brainer though really, U1272A wins hands down.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2013, 09:46:11 am
content: Features in favor of the 1252B:50,000 count on both displays (dual display)Square wave generatorCapacitance 100mF high range instead of 10mF on the 1272Aand yes, the BT adapter is available for both.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 22, 2013, 06:57:50 pm
content: It looks like it comes down to personal preference. But seeing as I have never seen nor used either I only have a weak opinion this one.

author: mark5009
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2013, 10:21:38 am
content: I'm also from Oz (Sydney). I got a used Fluke 8842A (no RMS module) delivered for around $200 from eBay. 5-1/2 digits and lovely to use. Then you have $300 left over to get yourself something else, perhaps newer? But, unless you have a good idea of what you are after, maybe second hand and flexible is the way to go?.. m.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 24, 2013, 10:49:19 am
content: Quote from: Wytnucls on April 22, 2013, 09:46:11 amNot close to making up for the poor battery life and other stuff IMO.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2013, 04:46:30 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on April 24, 2013, 10:49:19 amFWIW, I don't find it much of an issue for bench use. But I keep an eye on the battery indicator (I've figured out how low I can go before the meter to goes flakey), and swap it for a fresh one.For field work OTOH, I could see it as a notable issue.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 24, 2013, 05:32:54 pm
content: Hmmm, I thought your many complaints about the U1272A in your review would make it less of a recommendation.The annoying beepOff position on the dial (personal preference)Buggy firmwarePulse measurement error with DC offsetCapacitor measurement "big fail" on low caps, and errors on others "way out there"Overload protection recovery problemsYeah the battery life on the U1252B is horrible, but it will use a rechargeable and you can leave it on charge anytime you aren't using it. It doesn't log like the U1272A. It does have other features the 1272 doesn't. Maybe it has firmware bugs too but they haven't been mentioned that I can remember.Actually, for either of these, $400+ they should be damn near perfect. I see little to criticize on my Brymen BM869. It just works and has no bugs and has a higher CAT rating too!Maybe he should just get the Fluke 87V and be done with it.