Multimeter spreadsheet (80 manufacturers and over 400 meters listed) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2014, 07:22:51 am
content: Here is a list of the most interesting multimeters forelectronicwork and their main features for a quick comparison. It is not an exhaustive list and will get updated as time goes by.If you spot some glaring mistakes, let me know and I will correct them.Don't fret too much about quoted prices, as they vary wildly from one region to another.If you feel I have left out some worthwhile DMMs, squawk here and I will try to include them.All meters listed have a count of 6,000 or higher, have auto-ranging and are true RMS.All meters (except MetraHit M30) must be able to test diodes, resistance, capacitance, frequency and current.You will find green highlights for above average features and amber highlights for poor or missing important features.Every cell with a red triangle has a note attached to it.Some app notes to help you choose a multimeter:1.ABCs of DMMs - Multimeter features and functions explained2.ABC of multimeter safety3.Dual impedance digital multimeters4.Why true RMS?5.How robust is your handheld multimeter?6.Multimeter measurements on variable frequency drives7.Ten dumb things smart people do when testing electricity8.Testing your test leads9.How to use Fast/Peak Min/Max on your DMM10.Understanding specifications for precision multimeters11.Who sets the rules for electrical testing and safety?12.Why ruggedness matters in a digital multimeter13.Burden voltage14.National Instruments: Multimeter resolution15.Fuse marking codesHere are the links for the most recent files (6March21):Handheld metersBench metersMeter EMC testingMeter safety testingHere is a sample of the database:

author: Wh1sper
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2014, 01:19:24 pm
content: I've just discovered Metraport 32SWhich I found as very useful universal MultimeterThe 40s is the current model.I think it would fit in the excel list as a further Metrawatt Item.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 24, 2014, 09:07:59 pm
content: Thanks for this Wytnucls. It should help people who have no idea what is available.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2014, 04:53:58 pm
content: Quote from: Wh1sper on February 24, 2014, 01:19:24 pmThe 32s is very unusual. Input protection is rather strange. A 380VAC fuse on the mA range and a resettable circuit breaker 240VAC/50VDC, combined with a 500VAC fusible link. The AC bandwidth is not great at 1kHz only.The form factor may suit some people though.

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2014, 05:19:52 pm
content: Uh, the BM869 is only 251$ for the meter and ~60$ for the IR connection cable. (tme.eu) (USD cost)and not everyone really needs the IR cable or computer logging.you should probably add a little tab for cat 2/3/4 ratings, and possibly scratch off the ratings for meters whose internal construction does not satisfy those ratings.I really love your idea though.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2014, 05:59:12 pm
content: Quote from: Fsck on February 25, 2014, 05:19:52 pmIn Europe, you have to add VAT to the TME prices, which is quite substantial. As I said, those prices will vary from one region to the other. You will have to do your own research to find the best deal, delivered to your house.CAT ratings are not that important for electronic work. Most of those meters are rated CAT III 1000V/CAT IV 600V anyway. I try to limit tab numbers for better readability. Fuse voltage rating is quoted, which is a good indication of general safety.

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2014, 06:02:34 pm
content: Quote from: Wytnucls on February 25, 2014, 05:59:12 pmI think it's the same outside of the EU. and I don't believe for outsiders(of EU) that there is a cheaper place to buy from. even Franky got price-stomped on by tme.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2014, 06:15:50 pm
content: The latest spreadsheet, with non true RMS meters removed, and some Gossen meters added.I have cleaned up the layout, with green highlights for best features and amber, for below average ones.(The spreadsheet is updated in the first post)

author: KedasProbe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2014, 07:05:04 pm
content: The BM869 has %4-20mA, maybe you can change temp. to '2'Maybe also add the BM867Maybe also add a column to indicate optional connection to PCAlso if possible add a hyperlink in the excel file to the specsheet if availablehttp://www.brymen.com/product-html/cata860/BM860_Catalog.pdf

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2014, 07:13:23 pm
content: This along with the bench counterpart would make a great Multimeter Comparison page, say on wikipedia (as we have nowhere else the community can colorabate + edit).

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2014, 07:48:36 pm
content: Quote from: KedasProbe on February 25, 2014, 07:05:04 pmThanks, correction will appear soon, BM867 will be included. PC connection is under IR.Will see about spec sheet.

author: Legit-Design
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2014, 10:02:33 pm
content: What about including some actual measurements and tests from meters? We should have good data about some of the meters from this forum alone. I know it might be a lot of work, but cheaper meters like Uni-t always have their quirks. Like ut61e has high burden voltage because of the relatively high value resistors in current range, where as ut61d as example has low burden voltage. From what I've understood from EEVblog and TheAmpHour Fluke meters always exceed their specs, because all the drift of all the components has been included in the error calculations of the specs.Specs quoted from manufacturers don't always tell the whole truth, for example ut61e can also measure hertz far higher than what they actually tell in spec.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 25, 2014, 10:22:54 pm
content: I can see why you might want independent specs or performance included in this but these are variable and have nothing to do with what is promised by the manufacturer. One person's experience is not guaranteed in anyway and could mislead someone to buy something based on mistaken results or fanboyism. Maybe a simple index of whether the meters generally meet their spec and build quality would be in order but it would be a horrendously huge task to compile such a meta opinion.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2014, 12:11:45 am
content: The latest spreadsheet was updated with a few meters added and also with hyperlinks to each manufacturer's internet site.

author: Nermash
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2014, 08:21:52 am
content: If I may, only two small points to be corrected IMHO:1. Fluke 87V does not have LowZ mode2. Both Fluke 287/289 have InputAlert jack warning

author: Wh1sper
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2014, 08:44:00 am
content: Quote from: Wytnucls on February 25, 2014, 04:53:58 pmI like it very much, because it has an unique hold feature, it allows to connect the test object, wait for acoustical feedback. The measure is frozen until I drop it.And the continuity test is incredible fast; about 50ms!

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2014, 08:46:10 am
content: Quote from: Nermash on February 26, 2014, 08:21:52 amThanks Nermash, corrected.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2014, 09:09:56 am
content: Most of the Gossen meters have that auto hold feature. If the next measurement is very close to the first one (less than 100 digits on the 26S), you get two beeps . If the new measurement is different, only one beep.The first measurement is used as the reference throughout.The 32s is only rated CAT II 300V, which is fine for automotive or electronic work.

author: Wh1sper
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2014, 09:34:50 am
content: Quote from: Wytnucls on February 26, 2014, 09:09:56 amAs this is my first Gossen after 10th of years this was new to me.I like it!My first was one of the first 3-1/2 DMM ever. Nothing more than displaying the Measurement :-)

author: TMM
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2014, 10:07:53 am
content: Uni-T UT71 is rated at 5A continuous

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2014, 10:19:11 am
content: Great work , thanks !Although there are many others more, I think these extra specifications are interesting aspect as well, suggesting to add 2 more columns for "Operating" Temperature and Altitude if applicable or stated by the manufacturer.These are for Fluke :87 V, 287 and 289 :Operating Temperature : -20 °C to 55 °COperating altitude :87 V : 2000 m287 & 289 : 3000 mAgain, just a suggestion.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2014, 10:50:43 am
content: Quote from: TMM on February 26, 2014, 10:07:53 amOops, quite right, forgot about that. The 61E too.Corrected.Also added Fluke 187 and 189 to the list.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2014, 10:53:40 am
content: Quote from: BravoV on February 26, 2014, 10:19:11 amInteresting aspects, but they will only affect a minority of users, so best left out I think, but thanks anyway.

author: AllanMN
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2014, 04:34:56 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on February 25, 2014, 10:22:54 pmI think this would be great, if say, you don't recognize a Fluke from a whatever... Some indication of general "trustworthiness" would be helpful since I only recognize one to two brands.I just spent some time doing my home style "calibration". I bought a DMM check and in short, my 30 year old Fluke 8050A's spec'd to be about 0.1% accurate, look to be more like 0.01% accurate after 30 years. Some cheap UEI meters are much newer, and at the edge or just outside their specs of 1%.

author: Frost
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2014, 04:42:52 pm
content: Quote from: AllanMN on February 26, 2014, 04:34:56 pmIf it's new, the meter normally will be delivered together with a calibration certificate.