Advice on ESE Multimeter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Hengy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2018, 05:47:14 pm
content: I just started a Electronic Systems Engineering degree, and I would like a new multimeter. I do not think my current meters (Radioshack!) are of good enough quality or accuracy to do the job. I have been wanting a new one anyways, and want one that will last a long time.Needless to say, I need to measure down into the uA range, along with a fast continuity test. Temperature would be a nice feature as well.I have kind of narrowed my choices, based on availability and shipping speed to my location. Here they are:1) Keysight U1232A2) EEVblog BM2353) Fluke 116*I would also consider a Fluke 87-V, if the justification is there. I can get 25% off with academic pricing, but it's still much more expensive than the others.*I read that, despite the Fluke 116s uA range, that because it's a "HVAC" meter, it is meant for flame sensors, etc, and is not suitable to measuring other uA ranges. Can someone shed some light on this?The places I have been looking arewww.tequipment.net, andwww.transcat.ca. Digikey also ships to me in 1 day, standard. They have the Extech and Amprobe multimeter series too.I am leaning towards the Keysight right now.I would appreciate any and all input!PS - side question: what is the "LowZ" feature used for?Thanks! Hengy

author: radhaz
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2018, 06:04:59 pm
content: Hioki are having an academic discount offer:https://www.hioki.com/en/products/academic/Might be worth looking at their wares.

author: Hengy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2018, 06:17:47 pm
content: I saw the Hioki meters, but I'm not familiar with them. I assume since they are sold along side Flukes, etc, they are a good brand..Any specific meter you recommend for my application?

author: threephase
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2018, 07:21:00 pm
content: As far as I am aware the Fluke 116 will read uA correctly up to 600uA, after that you are on overrange, so as long as you do not want to go above 600uA it should be fine.It doesn't have a separate input for uA, so it probably has quite a high input impedance, which may create issues in some circuits.The LowZ feature is used by electricians when testing circuits to see if they are truly energised or if it is an induced voltage present. The feature lowers the input impedance of the meter, so an induced or stored charge in the circuit drops and will no longer be present. A high input impedance may keep the reading displayed, giving the impression that the circuit is energised.At the price range you are looking at, you could consider a Tenma 72-3530 or a Flir DM64 if they are available to you. They have a higher current range with separate input jacks.Kind regards

author: HKJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2018, 07:43:05 pm
content: Take a look at Brymen, they have some very advanced meters at reasonable price (869s)You can also look at my list of meters here:https://lygte-info.dk/info/DMMReviewsGood.html

author: Hengy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2018, 10:23:20 pm
content: Thanks for the suggestions!Unfortunately, I had less time than I thought, as I need one ASAP. So, I pulled the trigger on the Keysight U1232A!Hengy

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2018, 10:58:16 pm
content: Quote from: Hengy on September 08, 2018, 10:23:20 pmDon't worry about buying the wrong one, you'll end up with loads more of them anyway.