DMMCheck Plus now available - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Ryzon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 21, 2018, 04:46:02 pm
content: Hey everyone,I received a message from Doug Malone less than two hours ago that a limited run of the DMMCheck Plus has initiated on a first-come first-serve basis:“Thank you for your inquiry. A DMMCheck Plus limited production run is in-process now with shipping starting November 1 after assembly, test, and aging is complete. Orders can be placed now via our online store and will ship in the order that are received.Regards,Doug”For those not familiar with this device, it is a precision reference for AC and DC voltage and current, Frequency for either one or an optional second frequency, and Resistance using four 0.1%, 10ppm precision resistors, all on a compact 3” x 3” board with an optional enclosure. Doug stopped making these a few years back, but looks like maybe had a limited run or two afterward, which I ended up missing. So, he was kind enough to alert me of this run, and I wanted to put it out there for others that I noticed had been searching too for a second hand copy or another production run. Hope anyone interested is able to get theirs before his quota is hit. I have no idea how many Doug plans to make this run, so I cannot help there, but I see at this very moment that not more than 13 can be added to the cart in his online store. I personally ordered two!

author: MiDi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2018, 12:35:13 am
content: Not a bad deal, shipping is 23.50$ to germany, thats quite cheap from US...

author: noidea
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 22, 2018, 01:24:25 am
content: Thanks for the heads up, there's one less available now :-)It will be handy for a reality check between all the different meters I have collected over the years. I thought there used to be an issue with shipping to Australia but my order went through ok

author: Dwaine
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2018, 02:22:39 am
content: I just bought one also....

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2018, 02:48:42 am
content: Always meant to get one, so leapt on it this time.

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2018, 04:58:31 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on September 22, 2018, 02:48:42 amYep same here, I'm not missing out this time - ordered.

author: iainwhite
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 22, 2018, 08:37:24 pm
content: Bought a 2nd - it was my birthday yesterday

author: maginnovision
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2018, 04:37:55 pm
content: Quote from: iainwhite on September 22, 2018, 08:37:24 pmHaha, I thought about getting a second too as I have had mine aging. Think I'll pass for now but they are really nice tools.

author: cvanc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2018, 08:12:40 pm
content: I got one from the last production run he made.Anyone who's on the fence, really, buy this. It's a remarkable device for the money.

author: Jackson
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2018, 03:31:07 pm
content: Just put in an order for one. They were marked as sold out yesterday, but Doug added some more stock this morning. Shipping date now estimated as November 18th.

author: jimdeane
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2018, 03:40:31 pm
content: THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOUI hemmed and hawed about buying one of these for a couple of years, and when I went to buy one -- he had stopped making them. I kicked myself for some time over that.There were still some in stock when I ordered a moment ago. THANK YOU AGAIN!

author: Jackson
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2018, 10:07:45 pm
content: Quote from: jimdeane on September 26, 2018, 03:40:31 pmGlad you could grab one. I've been wanting to get one myself for several months (I got almost all of my test equipment off a guy on craigslist last winter). Was worried when they went on sale over the weekend while I was out of town and sure enough, by Tuesday they were out of stock. I'm grateful that he added some more stock to the store this morning. He's going to have a very busy October and November assembling and ageing all those references.

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2018, 07:19:44 am
content: Out of stock!

author: sequoia
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 27, 2018, 07:29:09 am
content: I've had a PentaRef for a while, liked it so much ordered this one as well (couple days ago)... Glad that didn't wait any longer.Website has this notice now "A DMMCheck Plus limited production run is in process. Orders placed on or after September 26 will start shipping on approximately November 18. We apologize for the slow delivery.", so maybe there is hope that more stock will be available soon...

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2018, 08:36:42 am
content: Yes,,,, we can hope buddy!

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2018, 03:26:17 pm
content: Ordered a second and sent it to a friend.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 27, 2018, 04:26:14 pm
content: Quote from: sequoia on September 27, 2018, 07:29:09 amI gather some of that is because of the 250 hour ageing process.

author: Jackson
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2018, 05:35:21 pm
content: Quote from: sequoia on September 27, 2018, 07:29:09 amThat was posted when he put the second batch up for sale yesterday morning that has apparently sold out. If he does add more stock now I would imagine deliveries will be into Dec (or Jan if he takes time off for the holidays).

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2018, 05:43:37 pm
content: Quote from: sequoia on September 27, 2018, 07:29:09 amI assume Doug is pacing the orders to avoid the process becoming a grind. I was always my assumption that's why he halted orders before.

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2018, 08:09:34 pm
content: Quote from: Mr. Scram on September 27, 2018, 05:43:37 pmCool, i'll keep an eye out for more becoming available. Thanks for the heads up...

author: Ryzon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 29, 2018, 10:01:59 pm
content: Really glad most people here were able to get one. Hopefully, Terry01, that you will be able to get one soon too. I waited a few years myself, as I was late to the initial party, then missed at least one subsequent run that was made. I ended up finally reaching out to Doug when my standing search on eBay remained unfulfilled for many months. He was so very kind to alert me to the new run.I would also suggest giving consideration to his 10v .003% reference too. They are fantastic, and I just purchased a second one. I also have one of Ian Johnston’s PDVS2 variable voltage references; however, those are pretty pricey, but well worth the cost. Nice to have a few references to help gauge whether the reference or your meter has drifted.Best regards everyone!

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2018, 12:42:18 pm
content: I messaged the guy who makes them(Doug) and he said there will be more available "mid-November-ish" and he'll drop me a line when they become available. I thought that was nice of him as he's probably a busy man!So I'll just wait for a mail in 6 weeks or so. I did look at the other precision 0-10v but at £330 it's a bit more expensive and TBH I don't need that kind of precision over the full 0-10v range. I just need something that will give me a quick check if I need it.I'll probably end up with both but what the heck eh?

author: Ryzon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 30, 2018, 01:30:07 pm
content: Great to hear,Terry01!Regarding voltage references, it’s a shame he doesn’t have the PentaRef available. Those are pretty accurate, good resolution, relatively inexpensive, and you can select the five voltage values you want. Hope he starts making them again at some point!

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2018, 02:53:47 pm
content: Quote from: Ryzon on September 30, 2018, 01:30:07 pmThanksYou could maybe drop him a mail about the PentaRef asking if he will make any more in the future. He was very nice in his reply to me and kind enough to say he'd let me know when the next batch will be available for sale so I am sure he would do the same for yourself if he intends to make more of the PentaRef.He's for sure a nice enough guy.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2018, 04:48:00 pm
content: Doug is a class act. Very pleasant to deal with!

author: Moonbase
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2018, 03:28:56 pm
content: Argh! Seems I missed it—again!Just sent Doug an email.

author: noidea
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 11, 2018, 12:10:54 am
content: It seems Christmas is coming early this year, I got an email from Doug that my unit has been shipped.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 11, 2018, 03:22:51 am
content: Hopefully the rest will soon follow. I can't wait to try mine on my freshly calibrated HP 3478A.

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2018, 12:32:54 am
content: Quote from: noidea on November 11, 2018, 12:10:54 amMe too today!

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2018, 01:55:56 pm
content: Lucky gits! I must be further down the list than you. At least if he's started messaging folks that's good

author: Dwaine
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2018, 05:47:09 pm
content: Canada Post is on strike. So mine is sitting in some warehouse.

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2018, 07:50:58 pm
content: It has arrived!

author: noidea
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 17, 2018, 01:16:32 am
content: Quote from: Dwaine on November 15, 2018, 05:47:09 pmHi DwaineI think Doug has mixed up tracking numbers as the one he gave me is showing arrived in Canada this morning and I'm down under! 🌏I'm pm you the number if you want.Update, I've just checked my emails and he sent me two tracking numbers. Mine is in Sydney so 3/4 of the way to me.

author: Dirk C.
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 21, 2018, 09:47:23 pm
content: arrived yesterdayI would post a picture, but i don't know how.....Sent at 9.11 arrived at 21.11, works as expected.Dirk

author: noidea
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 21, 2018, 10:08:24 pm
content: I got mine the other day as well, unfortunately I haven't had a chance to try it out on any of my meters yet.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 25, 2018, 01:58:15 am
content: Mine came today. I let my meters warm up for about an hour. I did a simple chart. Since I am not into voltnuttery, I wasn't worried about tempcos. I know my office is warmer than the conditions the DMM Check was checked. I also didn't do % of accuracy either. Just simple readings. I highlighted in red any readings that were horribly off. Not surprising, the ANENG AN8009 was horrible on voltages and currents. Luckily, I will only be using it for low resistance measurements and continuity for which it works very well. The AN8008 was better on voltages, not so good on currents but not as bad as the 8009. Maybe it is time to get a Fluke 101 just in case I need to do anything but resistance. It is a remote possibility but the % is not zero.EDIT: Sorry but I am not able to display the results in the dialog box. Apparently it is smarter than me. I tried to paste the link and then did a copy/past from the spreadsheet and nothing worked. Sorry about the download.

author: Dwaine
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2018, 07:02:59 am
content: My unit showed up on Friday. Works great. I’m glad I did not miss this run.

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2018, 05:32:07 pm
content: There are a couple available in the on line store! Be quick!

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2018, 09:50:37 pm
content: Received my DMM check today!I was happy to check and see all my meters were as near as damn it, even my first Fluke 177 that I bought 2nd hand a while ago! I think my Keysight meter is the only one still in Cal so it's good to now have something to use as a reference. I only use them for hobby stuff but it's still cool to know they are reading near enough. I have the wee Chinese one that does the four different voltages but voltage is all it does and I didn't really trust it anyways so it's cool this one I can trust a lot more has other features too!A cool wee gadget!

author: malagas_on_fire
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2018, 10:04:13 pm
content: Well it begs me one silly question. is it worth sending a meter to a owner of one of those DMM checkers to verify the meter or getting into a lab?It depends of course of the desired resolution / precision but it's just for checking drifts on the specs due to aging.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2018, 10:11:29 pm
content: Quote from: malagas_on_fire on December 13, 2018, 10:04:13 pmNot worth sending a meter away somewhere. But worth trying to find a friend or acquaintance nearby with a known trustworthy meter to compare yours against.

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2018, 10:21:51 pm
content: Quote from: IanB on December 13, 2018, 10:11:29 pmI would agree with that too.I have a couple different references now that I have taken over the course of different meters being in Cal so between that and the couple actual reference points I have I am able to tell if any of them start drifting..... I think!

author: malagas_on_fire
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2018, 10:56:32 pm
content: Good idea if the reference is also good on the friend . I have one of those AD584 board for the voltage but nothing very accurate for current. The DMM plus is a AIO great solution for meter checking.

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2018, 12:03:24 am
content: Quote from: malagas_on_fire on December 13, 2018, 10:56:32 pmI'm sure it's the AD584 one I have too. It does 2.5v, 5v, 7.5v and 10v? I think they are a bit hit and miss depending which buyer you get it from. Some being so so and some being not so so so!The way I used mine was to check all my meters, 2 of which were in Cal at the time and use it as a reference point. It was a bit of a crap shoot relying on one meter to be correct then another then using that to check my other meters documenting the results which I was then able to see if anything changed over time.I'll do the same with the DMM check but I now have more reference points to compare against.I only use my meters for hobby stuff so nothing is too important.It's still good to have all the same.

author: Synthtech
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2018, 06:53:40 am
content: I had a good laugh a couple of months ago, I got one of those little Chinese Perspex box voltage references for a bit of fun, it had a sticker on the back with readings for each voltage which was claimed to be taken with an Agilent 34401A multimeter. I warmed up the little box, warmed up my own 34401A and hooked them together.I nearly fell over. My 34401A agreed with the marked values on the reference precisely. Every one of them. To the last decimal point. What are the chances of that?

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 14, 2018, 07:06:35 am
content: Buy a Lotto ticket!

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2018, 08:25:35 am
content: Quote from: Synthtech on December 14, 2018, 06:53:40 amI have heard others say the little Chinese ones are good for what they are marked up for then others say they are miles out and rubbish. The one I got wasn't bad at all either compared to what my in Cal meters were reading at the time but my 289 has been the best I have been able to check it against so nothing like your 34401A.That's good it agreed with your higher spec meter though so now you can sort of believe it. If you get another data point in then at least it gives you something to go off.The chances of them both drifting the exact same over time are into "buy a lottery ticket material" so where do you stop believing what your meter is saying or is it the other meter or the reference box or yada yada yada..... it could send you round the bend!Good to hear you got what you paid for though instead of just something thrown out the door in China.

author: Synthtech
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2018, 09:32:36 am
content: I think it was just a one in a million quirk of temperature and equipment, mind you I might try the test again tomorrow just for the heck of it and see if they are anything like the same.

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2018, 12:33:39 pm
content: When you do you better lay a cushion down because if they agree the same again you maybe really will fall over!

author: Flenser
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2018, 01:18:46 pm
content: QuoteWouldn't the chance that the documented voltages would match your 34401A measurement only be likely if the ebay seller used an instrument with similar, or better, specs to your 34401A and almost non-existant if the ebay seller used something with a lesser spec?

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2018, 02:51:09 pm
content: I’m sure it’s a 34401 that they claim to have checked the box with to start with. It’s very possible for them to agree on the reading. I wouldn’t say it would be an every day thing but certainly very possible. I can’t wait to see if they agree tomorrow too! :)f