DMM with Graphing capabilities at a decent price - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: +sync
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2016, 08:31:53 am
content: First of all, I'm a total newbie, and that must show - sorry for that!Then, thank you for the amazing piece of work - that excel spreadsheet is great.However, I don't see what gives "graphing capabilities" (I might see "Logging", which is linked to that, but "Graphing" is the next step, ie "Log + Graph").Would you mind to point to something decent at a decent price (<= US$300 if possible or not so far), provided that- it has graphing capabilities- at least 1000 points in memory- the work is mainly computer electronics, up to ~30V, ~10A, usually DC- nice display if possibleThank you.

author: kj7e
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2016, 03:51:37 pm
content: A used Fluke 289 or a new Uni-T UT181A should both work well. I know there are others but those are two from the top of my head.

author: +sync
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2016, 05:42:41 pm
content: Thanks.Maybe I should have added I need at least a20Hz sampling rate(20+ samples a second).The new UT181A looks pretty good for the price (~$300 on ebay) and its OLED display. However according to a few posts it doesn't sample more thantwicea second!Maybe I need a pocketoscilloscopefor graphing capabilities! (have already an old Kyoritsu 1009 for other measurements)

author: R_G_B_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2016, 09:03:23 pm
content: if its for electro-mechanical applications?you could use something like this:http://tractortech.com/waveforms/waveform.htmlR_G_B

author: +sync
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2016, 10:24:57 am
content: Thanks R_G_B_, it's indeed for electromechanical applications, based on motor... controllers.But if I understand correctly your post, all these nice graphics require the Vantage graphing mm.Which, correct me if I'm wrong, is actually a handy oscilloscope.Which requires also, for current graphing, like most oscilloscopes, a "low amp probe" adding another ~$150 to the system.Actually, I should have mentioned this earlier but as previously warned I'm more on the dev side. The pros who wander on this site and me may have different needs, in particular:? the circuit may be cut to install a MM in order to measure current (no need of an external probe).Thanks blueskulland I like the idea of using Arduino for sampling DC V/A (love C/C++ dev), but building a device myself...better call the fire dept now...Would you know any plug n play board based on Arduino (...) or connected to Arduino/other that (all DC)• can bear 10A for measurement (or does some tricky electronics bridges to measure it without enduring the power)• sustain 30V• sampling at 20+ Hz• sends collected data to USB (or serial), better real-time but even "after sampling" is OK if that makes it easier to findEdit note: the "?" above is actually an arrow (unicode). The page being UTF-8, it seems the storage (mysql, files...) on this site is not UTF-8 or anyway doesn't store/load correctly the encoding coming from the page/DB. No complaint. Merely a remark.

author: R_G_B_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2016, 04:00:00 pm
content: Quote from: +sync on January 21, 2016, 10:24:57 am

author: +sync
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2016, 08:35:08 pm
content: Quote from: R_G_B_ on January 21, 2016, 04:00:00 pmIndeed. The Vantage seems rather old... but if it does the job..Basically I'm down to either- the snap-on Vantage thing- the new Brymen BM525s (sampling up to 20Hz!)(I give up on having nice graphics...)

author: _Wim_
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2016, 09:10:39 pm
content: How about something like this (haven't used this, but seems nice):https://moosh.im/mooshimeter/

author: +sync
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2016, 09:41:55 pm
content: Quote from: _Wim_ on January 21, 2016, 09:10:39 pmLooksreallyniceActually... cannot believe it still... justordered one!Makes me really wonder what's inside (and what's not) the very expensive stuff .... (security but, still...)Sounds like the many features are embedded within a couple of chips..Seriously, all this time looking for something decent, what did I see- my kyoritsu 1009 still being sold in 2015, for $70! (bought that many years ago)- the only graphing stuff sampling at more than 5Hz not-so-expensive is the above snap-on Vantage => 1998 stuff- most things sample at 1HzGuys, you won't like it, but I think you are being ripped off!This new thing is the future. Starting...

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2016, 03:52:29 pm
content: This has great capabilities and cost effective. If you already own or wish to own a Keysight DMM, even its most budget models have IR logging via USB port, I added the bluetooth dongle for $50 and its reliable. Compare the overall features and maximum data set to see what is best for you.http://www.keysight.com/en/pd-2090364-pn-U1177A/infrared-ir-to-bluetooth-adapter?nid=-536902461.1006710.00&cc=US&lc=engQuote from: _Wim_ on January 21, 2016, 09:10:39 pm

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 22, 2016, 07:13:40 pm
content: Quote from: +sync on January 21, 2016, 09:41:55 pmHah, ok, if you say so.

author: _Wim_
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2016, 08:05:26 pm
content: Quote from: +sync on January 21, 2016, 09:41:55 pmGlad you like it. Let us know what you think about it after using it for a little while.