(solved) yes yet another hand held DMM thread. what one is better? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: whitevamp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2016, 05:37:50 pm
content: ok I am in need of a new DMM and cant decide what one to get, they all seam not to live up to there safety rating.But that ok it will live on my bench. and i will use my fluke 8502A ( the ohms card gave out and need I need to fix it.) for the dc and ac measurements, i need it for Resistance, diode, Continuity. once in while i probably would use it to check mains .. like maby once a year.so the choices are.UNI-T UT136Bhttp://www.uni-trend.com/productsdetail.aspx?ProductsID=118&ProductsCateId=219&CateId=219Mastech MS8268http://www.p-mastech.com/product/detail/464Extech MN36http://www.extech.com/instruments/product.asp?catid=49&prodid=298or squeeze blood out of the proverbial turnip and get BK Precision 2407Ahttp://www.bkprecision.com/products/multimeters/2407A-mini-pro-auto-ranging-digital-multimeter.html<-- the absolute most i could spend. this one is 35.00or if there's any other ones that any one would recommend over these ones. max is the 35.00 us. but would prefer to stay at 25 or less.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2016, 05:46:08 pm
content: IMHO you shouldn't go for a cheap meter if you want to use it for measuring mains!

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2016, 05:51:53 pm
content: While none of them are particularly exciting, my choice would be the Extech MN36.

author: whitevamp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2016, 05:59:37 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on May 25, 2016, 05:46:08 pmyeah I know i have already had one let go of the magic smoke from checking mains.but I only have 35 at the max i can spend.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2016, 07:29:51 pm
content: How about trying to get a used Fluke, Agilent or Tektonix DMM? It will probably have some scuff marks but as long as the casing is intact that shouldn't be a problem.

author: whitevamp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2016, 08:44:23 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on May 25, 2016, 07:29:51 pmhave thought about this, but all the ones on ebay that i have bid on i get out bid in the last 1 min of auction.and the ones i have seen with buy it now are doa, etc, or way more then what i can afford.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2016, 08:51:23 pm
content: Other than the good advice from Wytnucls who preparedhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/multimeter-spreadsheet/You could look at Joes thread where he looks at many low priced DMM's and a Fluke 101mightbe a good choice for you.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hear-kitty-kitty-kitty-nope-not-that-kind-of-cat/I know it's a big thread but well worth some study if you have some time.

author: bitwelder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2016, 05:10:50 am
content: Quote from: whitevamp on May 25, 2016, 05:37:50 pmCan you explain what's this need to *yearly* check the mains?It doesn't seem you want to monitor mains anomalies (as it would need a dedicated instrument permanently connected to the mains).

author: julian1
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2016, 07:49:46 am
content: I have an "inexpensive", made in China, Fluke 15B+ .After opening it up, it was reassuring to see it using the same make and spec Bussman HRC fuses as the Fluke 87V.I would recommend the meter, but the fuses alone probably cost $25.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2016, 11:49:02 am
content: Quote from: julian1 on May 26, 2016, 07:49:46 amLooks like about an $80 meter on eBay.No need to measure current? Save up another $15 and get the Fluke 101.About $50 with shipping. May be cheaper now.Quote from: whitevamp on May 25, 2016, 05:59:37 pmWhat brand and model? What were you doing at the time?

author: TheRadioGeek
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2016, 02:35:27 pm
content: I have a Sinometer VC97 that I got from Amazon for $36.00. I like it a lot and I think it's a good meter for around the house and the workbench.I did a you tube review of it if you want to see it.Good luck.Theradiogeek

author: whitevamp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2016, 04:16:09 pm
content: Quote from: bitwelder on May 26, 2016, 05:10:50 amif i need to check them IE: change a plugin out, or run a new line. not a typical thing i would do.

author: whitevamp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2016, 04:22:09 pm
content: Quote from: whitevamp on May 25, 2016, 05:59:37 pmWhat brand and model? What were you doing at the time?lol umm this was about 20+ yrs ago and it is umm i think an off branded elenco. ( i still use it but not for mains. ) it lifted up the copper trace off the pcb.and if i remember right i was checking a 110 line.

author: whitevamp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2016, 04:55:13 pm
content: thank you all for the input on this question i had.I have decided to try and save up some $$$ and get like a fluke 118+ or keep an eye out on ebay, for a handheld or a bench meter. ( might take me 4 months, or more. ) and live with the out of tolerance meter that i have been using. ( yes the one that magic smoke escaped from. ) ~10% out.

author: kasone
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2016, 06:49:35 pm
content: I was going to buy a Fluke 101, but I found a new in the package Fluke 110 on the online auction site. I was the only bidder and paid $34.00 plus shipping. The differences over the Fluke 101 that I have noticed are: 1. Has a bar graph, 2. has max and min function, 3. Does not have frequency.There are presently a Fluke 110 and a 110Plus on the online auction site with a starting bid of 99 cents.I am happy with my purchase.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2016, 08:25:32 pm
content: Quote from: whitevamp on May 25, 2016, 05:37:50 pmIf you don't need current then the absolute safest meter (by a huge margin) is the Fluke 101. You can get them for about $42, shipping included.Quote from: whitevamp on May 25, 2016, 05:37:50 pmOr....if it'sreallyjust once a year then get something cheap and take your chances. Triple check it's in the AC mode. Don't hold the meter in your hand, hold just the probes.(hold both probes in the same hand if possible.Remember to never do it alone (so the other person can call an ambulance).Wear safety goggles, big gloves, rubber boots, a thick woolen coat... put a mattress on the floor behind you. Remember to record it all on youtube so we can laugh.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2016, 12:56:25 am
content: Looks like they discontinued the 110. Actually every Fluke I tested including the 101, 107, 115 and 17B+ did very well except for the 87V which fell way short. To date, the meter I pushed the hardest was 5Ky's Fluke 107. I am not sure if the the 101 could handle that same level or not. Certainly in the sub $50 range, I have yet to see a meter as robust as the 101!Quote from: kasone on May 26, 2016, 06:49:35 pmQuote from: Fungus on May 26, 2016, 08:25:32 pm

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 27, 2016, 01:17:57 am
content: Perhaps you can get a bargain on a 2nd hand meter?http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fluke-25-Multimeter-/272246264564?hash=item3f632452f4:g:oHMAAOSwLpdW-YlQhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/Fluke-77-Digital-Multimeter-Test-Meter-/291772686104?hash=item43ef01df18:g:qC8AAOSwneRXRNpGhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/Fluke-37-Digital-Multimeter-/152102629607?hash=item236a05f0e7:g:dE8AAOSw6btXRPx8http://www.ebay.com/itm/Klein-Tools-Digital-Multimeter-MM1000-/121992714575?hash=item1c6755194f:g:7eYAAOSwdGxXIrqD

author: evava
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2016, 10:49:59 am
content: Oh, Fluke77 - unfused 10A terminal?(sorry, If I missed something)Quote from: EEVblog on May 27, 2016, 01:17:57 am

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2016, 11:46:26 am
content: Just spend the $110 on Fluke's fused test leads and your good to go!Quote from: evava on May 27, 2016, 10:49:59 am

author: mos6502
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2016, 02:02:16 pm
content: Quote from: evava on May 27, 2016, 10:49:59 amThat's got to be some kind of rare special version. I have a 77 and it's definitely fused. Looks like this:

author: kasone
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2016, 04:09:19 pm
content: Here is a Fluke 112http://www.ebay.com/itm/152104475441?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AITThe 112 has the current measurement capability.Same seller also has a Fluke 110. Both presently have a 99 cent bid on them.One other feature of my 110, It is a true RMS meter.

author: mzacharias
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2016, 07:30:47 pm
content: The earliest version of the 77 was unfused on the 10A input.Somewhere while still in "Series I" production, the fuse and holder were added.I wince a bit whenever I see an unfused on on eBay.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2016, 07:45:24 pm
content: I really love that Fluke 37.Wonder how ridiculous the postage to Spain is...Edit: The seller replied "$56"For $35 I'd buy it right now. For $35+$56 plus a probable $30 hit on import duty ... I dunno.Edit 2: There's a guy on eBay France selling them for 20 Euros + 15 for postage!Will I, won't I...?

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2016, 10:19:49 am
content: Quote from: Fungus on May 27, 2016, 07:45:24 pmI did.I was reading the manuals and it looks like it's a Fluke 27 in a benchtop format, complete with carrying handle and compartment for storing the leads, etc.3200 count, 0.1% accuracy,1000 hourbattery life,chunky... What's not to like for 35 bucks? Can't wait to take it along to Arduino club.(let's hope the fuses are intact...)

author: mos6502
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2016, 03:17:48 pm
content: Quote from: mzacharias on May 27, 2016, 07:30:47 pmOh well. You have to remember those are from a time when doctors recommended to pick up smoking to help with digestion.

author: whitevamp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2016, 05:31:47 pm
content: whelp i just ordered off that auction site a Klein Tools MM1000 for 18.39 buy it now price.lets hope it works good.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2016, 06:57:22 pm
content: Quote from: whitevamp on May 28, 2016, 05:31:47 pmThe MM1000 is similar to the UEI in Dave's $100 shootout.It will be interesting to see how these two auctions end for the Amprobe meters. 1 cent bid with no minimum/reserve and 50 minutes left to go as of this post.http://www.ebay.com/sch/edcarrawayjr/m.html

author: whitevamp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2016, 07:09:13 pm
content: Quote from: retiredcaps on May 28, 2016, 06:57:22 pmgood too knowQuote from: retiredcaps on May 28, 2016, 06:57:22 pmyeah it will be.

author: whitevamp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2016, 07:52:49 pm
content: Quote from: whitevamp on May 28, 2016, 07:09:13 pmAmprobe - Compact Digital Multimeter 15XP-Bi bit the bullet and bought it for 5.50

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2016, 09:14:47 pm
content: Quote from: whitevamp on May 28, 2016, 07:52:49 pmI got its predecessor called Meterman 15XP for 99 cents about 5 years ago off ebay.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2016, 12:51:49 am
content: $5.50 US, that's cheap! Met your $35 max!Quote from: whitevamp on May 28, 2016, 07:52:49 pm

author: whitevamp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2016, 01:13:50 am
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on May 29, 2016, 12:51:49 amwhelp i went over by 14 i had just bought 2 used mm1000 for 18.39 ea + free S&H and that new 15xp-b for 5.50 + 6.50 S&H

author: karoru
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2016, 02:24:38 am
content: Quote from: Fungus on May 26, 2016, 08:25:32 pmMost electricians I know (mind that mean age is 50) use cheapest clamp meter they could find at local hardware store and by some miracle are still alive and doing their job just fine. And before advent of DMMs they used lightbulb with two wires and they also weren't being electrocuted on a daily basis. Heck, I couldn't even kill a 2.5$ "QC PASSED" brand DMM with an insulation tester that goes to 1.5 kV, only injury was my hand being sore after rotating that stupid crank for too long. I don't know where does the assumption that every cheap meter blows after getting close to mains socket come from. Well, ohms range circuit on a cheapie won't probably be happy after getting 230 V to the test leads, but analog meters also die pretty horribly after trying to pull such a stunt and nobody considers them "unsafe".