GW Instek Bench Multimeter — is it 'ok'? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: 001
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2016, 06:28:31 pm
content: Hi!Anyone have GW Instek gdm-8245http://www.gwinstek.com/en-global/products/Digital_Meters/Benchtop_Digital_Multimeters/GDM-8245?It`s not 'hi tech' anyway but extra cheap (new $300 and used ~$50).Is it good for craft bench?

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2016, 06:46:34 pm
content: Its a good DMM for $50 as a measuring instrument and GW is reputable, but it will be overpriced at $300. It has many similar features to a HH meter but it has no safety certification beyond CE and no portability, and meters from Brymen can do as much as be portable and could be cheaper even in the EU.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2016, 06:56:21 pm
content: Still when looking for a mains powered 4.5 digit bench DMM the Vici 8145 (around $170 new) is hard to beat. I hate using handheld DMMs for bench work because they clutter the workspace too much, shut down automatically and always need new batteries at the most inconvenient times.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2016, 09:31:14 pm
content: I forgot to mention: if you are going to measure mains or similar voltages you really need a DMM with safety aprovals for your own personal safety.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2016, 11:53:53 pm
content: That is a steal at $50 and if you don't need safety certification as GW instek is reputed to make quality devices. A good 50,000 count DMM is > $250, new. As for the relay, its an older model so it has a reputation. I have not seen one complaint of damage to date.Quote from: 001 on November 11, 2016, 07:06:28 pm

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 12, 2016, 03:55:48 am
content: Quote from: 001 on November 11, 2016, 07:06:28 pmBargain for $50, buy it.Current spec is 0.2% (not 0.02% on the website!), 0.03% for voltage , dual display, great for $50.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2016, 12:38:52 pm
content: Quote from: saturation on November 11, 2016, 06:46:34 pmReally?Quote from: saturation on November 11, 2016, 06:46:34 pmQuote from: nctnico on November 11, 2016, 09:31:14 pmBench meters probably don't measure mains voltage very often. Even if they do, it's unlikely to be CAT III/IV mains voltage - for the reason stated above.Even if youdouse it for that you probably won't be holding the meter in your hand and it has a steel case to contain the explosion. I'm sure you can invent a scenario where this in itself is dangerous but a bench meter doesn't need to be as robust as a handheld meter IMHO.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2016, 12:54:05 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on November 11, 2016, 06:56:21 pmI just picked up a nice Fluke 37 for $20. It's basically a Fluke 27 in bench format with a 9V power socket. I can leave it switched on all day long.It's probably worthy of a teardown video for historical purposes.I wonder why they don't make a version of (eg) the Fluke 87 in this format. It's a really good idea.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2016, 01:22:25 pm
content: Quote from: 001 on November 12, 2016, 01:13:08 pmGW Instek isn't a very common brand but that is mostly due to lack of marketing.