New meter on a budget. Unity 139B? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Wojta
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2017, 02:26:40 pm
content: Hey all,I was looking for a new multimeter recently. I want something little bit better than the 20$ cheapos Ive been working with. Ive blown my latest one due to overvoltage and I wasnt able to fix it. It had no input protection at all. I want something decent. I was thinking about the uni-t ut139B, it looks to be really good value for money. If anyone could say few words about the 139B or suggest any other meter at the same price tag. Any suggestions will help. Im doing only low voltage stuff, ICs...Edit: I also read a lot about this meter in this topic:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-trms-uni-t-ut139c-dmm-is-available-now/Maybe someone who participated there could share his opinion on how the meter works over time.ThanksBtw: No, I cant afford a Fluke even though I could get 25% of the price as a student.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 30, 2017, 07:16:52 pm
content: I would recommend the UT139C. It is a good well built meter for $50. Yes, I have one.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2017, 12:25:35 am
content: Quote from: Lightages on January 30, 2017, 07:16:52 pmI'd second this (I also own one).FWIW, I've seen them on eBay for ~$35 shipped recently.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2017, 12:50:18 am
content: Quote from: Wojta on January 30, 2017, 02:26:40 pmWhat was your first meter and can you provide any information on the low voltage that was high enough to damage it?

author: Wojta
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2017, 11:03:42 am
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on January 31, 2017, 12:50:18 amIt was a meter based on the 7106 IC. It says DMM 3000 on the case but you cant really find it anywhere.The voltage that killed it was cartainly bigger than 1kV. I played with a transformer and 9V battery and somehow I generated this voltage... I dont really know much about transformers, maybe it event wasnt one, maybe just a component that seemed like it. Anyways thats how I killed it and Im sure I wont be doing this again...I was more tempted to bzy the 139B instead of the C as its cheaper and there doesnt seem to be a jump in accuracy, just in features I dont really need. I woul be a bit scared buying it from ebay. There is not really any warranty on it. Right?

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2017, 11:44:47 am
content: Quote from: Wojta on January 31, 2017, 11:03:42 amRight.

author: Wojta
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2017, 03:42:17 pm
content: Actually I was wrong about the meter I blew up, its a FKtechnics DMM3900.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2017, 08:12:48 pm
content: Quote from: Wojta on January 31, 2017, 11:03:42 amI can't recall if it has the same level of input protection as the C variant, so I'd suggest verifying whether or not they exist on the B model (I'd think so, but make sure as these are built to a price).No need to fear eBay IME of a few hundred transactions from sellers all over the world. Just use a little common sense and you'll be fine (i.e. buy from a seller that has a decent amount of positive feedback).As per warranty, no there isn't one. But they're cheap enough that it probably wouldn't be cost effective to try and use anyway if it did (shipping to China).BTW, here's theEnglish manual.

author: Wojta
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2017, 05:10:36 am
content: Thanks for your opinions guys. Im now a proud owner of the 139C.Have a great day all.