Protek 506, is it still a good choice? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Electric flower
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2014, 08:10:56 pm
content: Hello,Im looking for a decent multimeter for low price and i came upon Protek 506 for 50$, it has been few years since it was bought but it is brand new, never used. I searched on forum and internet and i haven't found anything that would help me, if there is someone who has it i would appreciate few answers to my questions?- how many measurments per seconds it does?- have you had any problems with it?- do you think it's a good multimeter?- are there any flaws with it?- is it logical to buy a multimeter that has been out almost longer than im alive?Also i'm not planing to use it for measuring something more than mains.Thanks for your time and help, cheers.I have read what Dave has said for newbies but i don't know where else i can post this, searching gave me no result.

author: qno
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 08:03:23 pm
content: If this is your first multimeter it is fine.If you already have a 8 1/2 digit meter it is not so precise.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 09:36:41 pm
content: It's an OK meter, nothing much wrong with it.Lots of choice in that price bracket these days though.

author: Electric flower
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2014, 03:28:16 pm
content: Just one more queston, Protek 506 or Uni-t ut 61E?

author: qno
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2014, 06:39:29 pm
content: The Uni-T is a generation newer.It will probbably have nicer backlight display and be a little more responsive.I would compare specs and make your choice.

author: Electric flower
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2014, 06:47:58 pm
content: Quote from: qno on February 12, 2014, 06:39:29 pmUni-T 61E is newer, it doesen't have a nicer backlight becouse it doesn't have one, it isn't really responsive since it has only two measurments per second. If i were able to make choice by looking at the specs i wouldn't bother people on forum. Still thanks for your time and trying to help.

author: kx5
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 12, 2014, 09:29:27 pm
content: Protek's backlight is kind of... crappy.The 9 volt battery is also a disadvantage.

author: tequipment
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2014, 02:06:03 am
content: IF memory serves me the protek 506 had one key advantage.. it has a max current of 20a when most meters are 10a

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2014, 03:30:34 am
content: I have a protek 506.Yep, it does indeed have a 20A range. (marking says max 30sec)I damaged mine running it at 10A for 5min continuous. A small signal diode got too hot and went open. Was an easy fix.The construction inside is pretty old school. Two boards with lots of passive stuff.As far as meters go, it does work fine, although the inductance/capacitance ranges aren't very useful.The main issue i have with it is the auto power off current, it uses quite a bit and runs flat pretty fast.Using the power button is fine though, that's a proper toggle switch.The continuity range is pretty slow, 300ms or so, but that's usual for cheap meters.