Review teaser: Metrix MTX3282 Graphical Digital Multimeter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: mjlorton
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2012, 12:25:18 pm
content: I introduce the Metrix MTX3282 Graphical Digital Multimeter. A full review will be posted soon.See this PDF for details:http://docs-europe.electrocomponents.com/webdocs/0a57/0900766b80a57a09.pdfProduct Details - Chauvin Arnoux Metrix MTX3282-COM (RS232 & USB)Easy to use, the MTX 3282 multimeter from the MTX Mobile product family provides direct single-handed access to its functions, thanks to an electronic measurement switch. Equipped with a large multidirectional LCD screen, it has four 100,000-count digital displays and English/French bilingual menus.In order to optimise efficiency and safety during use, the "Ampere" and "Volt" measurement terminals allow automatic selection of the appropriate function, in AC+DC mode and default automatic range. The MTX 3282 communicates in all environments thanks to its optical RS232 and USB ports, and its Bluetooth technology.Large multidirectional LCD screenFour 100,000-count digital displays, bargraph, graphic measurement logVoltage: 100kHz specified bandwidth/0.03% basic accuracyCurrent: 50kHz specified bandwidth/0.08% basic accuracy3 measurement terminals with automatic selection, "full current autoranging"8-key electronic measurement switch with direct single-handed accessFunctions: SPEC, AUTOPEAK, HOLD, AUTOHOLD, REL, SURV, MATH, MEMFrequency measurements up to 2 MHz: duration, duty cycle, event metering"Favourite Measurement" key for physical quantity (conversion or unit)Memorization of 6,500 measurementsSupplied with USB + RS232 Kit & SoftwareSupply: LR6 batteries, AA NiMH rechargeable batteries, mains adapterSafety: IEC 61010, Cat. IV 600 V , Cat. III 1,000 VEMC: NF EN 61326-1Dimensions: 44 x 85 x 180 mm; Weight: 400 gIP51 casingDual channel multimeter to measure powerWill auto sense where the leads are plugged in and select the correct measurement.Option of remote wireless data logging to PC via Bluetooth

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2012, 06:18:20 pm
content: Interesting shape, really curious if the hinge of the clamp can survive a drop test, I mean the meter with the jaw opened facing the floor on impact.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2012, 11:12:04 pm
content: If you look at the PDF - the pic with it on the guy's belt shows the case format could be really good for anyone who needs to walk around equipment doing measurements

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2012, 09:48:15 am
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on April 16, 2012, 11:12:04 pmThey have that design for some time, and whenever I see it, I ask myself two questions1) Do they do competitions? I draw my multimeter faster than Wyatt Earp?2) What happens when things got horribly wrong? Do I prefer something exploding in my hands, or near my balls? Hypothetical, of course, because these meters are for sure absolutely safe, ...

author: mjlorton
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2012, 10:41:49 am
content: Quote from: nctnico on April 16, 2012, 05:32:47 pmIndeed! I'll cover pro's and con's of the odd design in the full review.Cheers.

author: mjlorton
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2012, 10:44:33 am
content: Quote from: BravoV on April 16, 2012, 06:18:20 pmGood question...I'll do my best to cover that in the review.

author: sotos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2012, 01:10:34 pm
content: Quote from: BoredAtWork on April 17, 2012, 09:48:15 amThis meter is only for engineers with big balls, after explosion they will survive.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2012, 05:18:10 pm
content: Quote from: sotos on April 17, 2012, 01:10:34 pmEngineers who manufactured their own steel balls

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2012, 06:09:54 pm
content: Mine are grade 1 hot isostatic pressed Silicon Nitride

author: lavo-1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2012, 07:56:21 pm
content: The clam shell design works brilliantly in rough environments. I had a MetraHit DMM that was clam shell designed and it was bullet proof. It's screen stayed scratch free for years as it was always protected when it was flung into my tool case, also it powered off when I shut the lid so battery lasted ages.I think more DMM's should employ this design, especially for Engineers/Techs moving from site to site.Just wish you hadn't said it was French as I was really interested up to that point.

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2012, 09:01:50 pm
content: Quote from: lavo-1 on April 17, 2012, 07:56:21 pmGossen still makes some, they call them METRAport.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2012, 10:13:50 pm
content: Quote from: robrenz on April 17, 2012, 06:09:54 pmsilicon carbide typecoated with 63/37 of course

author: mjlorton
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2012, 08:39:09 pm
content: The full video review of the Metrix MTX3282 Graphical Digital Multimeter is now up on my Youtube channel:www.youtube.com/mjlorton

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 20, 2012, 09:35:21 pm
content: Quote from: mjlorton on April 20, 2012, 08:39:09 pmGreat review MartinVery nice meter except the whimsical enclosure design.Graphing features really sell this one, other guys have catching up to do.Tilting display seems to work as a design element. Using buttons instead rotary selector is also good.Input terminals at the back ... maybe.But why oh why this totally irrelevant shape? Boss's daughter is a shampoo bottle designer perhaps.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2012, 10:06:51 am
content: Take it apart!

author: mjlorton
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2012, 08:20:39 am
content: Quote from: HAL-42b on April 20, 2012, 09:35:21 pmLOL...thanks for the feedback....yes...the shape and design are certainly not going to be everyone's cup of tea. I think it's something you need to hold and use to see how well it works....or not.I'll be posting another video on it soon to cover some of the Math functions and a power consumption test.Cheers,Martin.

author: mjlorton
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2012, 08:22:44 am
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on April 21, 2012, 10:06:51 amOk...well I'm about to post another video on it....let's see if I'm brave enough to do a DJ on it!

author: rr100
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2013, 09:35:58 pm
content: I've got a second hand one and I have a couple points to discuss/questions to ask.It looks like a great meter and quite unique indeed (this is why I got it) and I'm overall pretty pleased with it. However I was at first shocked about how poor the contrast on the LCD is. Perfectly usable (and much better with the backlight) but that's the big disappointment. Is this typical?Also I would be curious if there's any documentation/specs about isolation between probing terminals and the charging power supply (which by the wayis positive on the outside of the connector, the french had to do something different!)?I assume there aren't any firmware upgrades available....

author: rr100
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2013, 07:18:10 am
content: And another "what were they thinking" moment: as far as I can tell the software (SX-DMM v2.4, went through quite a few hoops on their web page to download the "new" version) can record only 30 000 data points and it would only record one "channel". It would download all 4 if you recorded something with the meter but it would record live only one (so you can't do V and A at the same time as you do on the meter itself!!!).It has 4 channels live capture as well but as far as I can tell you need multiple meters connected to your PC to use those!!!Just unbelievable.

author: quarks
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2014, 03:05:24 pm
content: Does anyone have a Service-/Calibration-Manual or knows where to find details about how to calibrate these Metrix MTX3281/82/83 DMMs?

author: elebot
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2015, 02:23:57 pm
content: Seems like the only option is the calibration software from the manufacturer "Soft Calibration MTX 328X V1.0", part no HX0059.But it costs more then the meter - seehttp://www.distrelec.de/de/kalibrier-software-kalibrier-software-metrix-hx0059/p/17609658

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 16, 2015, 03:44:15 pm
content: Where does the Game cartridge plug in ?

author: lapikichant
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 25, 2019, 11:00:09 am
content: I dig up this subject, as I used this multimeter for some years. It was a great unit. The real time graphic was nice and is missing on my Fluke 289 (Nice unit too, but on the Fluke, you have to start a record, stop it and then you can see the graphic).The clamshell design scared me at first, but by using it, I thought it was not so bad. When you put it in the bag, the screen remain protected. For sure it is not as robust as a monolithic body, but this implementation here is solid enouth not to be a problem, at least for my use.The biggest drawback for me was the low contrast display, and the low screen resolution, sometime a bit frustrating.The specific design of this device cannot please everyone, have pro and cons, but it is a good idea from Metrix to give a different product, instead of creating the same device already on the market. We have choiceQuote from: nctnico on April 16, 2012, 05:32:47 pmQuote from: lavo-1 on April 17, 2012, 07:56:21 pmtrolls... Nothing to do here...

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2019, 11:35:07 am
content: Someone was asking me about running one of their newer color units. Apparently this person owns one. I asked about documentation for the BT interface and battery life. Sadly the manual does not cover this. I also am not sure if the meter would have to be returned to the factory for alignment if needed, or if they would provide this information to the cal houses. I did ask this person if they would try a simple ESD test with it and make a video showing the results. If it can't survive that, I really have no interest in looking at it. They were going to do this but I never heard anything more from them about the meter.The cost is pretty steep and it's been my experience that this doesn't translate into a more robust design. The Gossen Ultra and UT181A are good examples.Most of the meters that have some sort of communications interface, can do real time graphing with Labview. This is really the way I would use the meter anyway if I wanted to log data.