new multimeter  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Boschi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2020, 04:38:14 pm
content: after 3 years of use, my beloved an8008 died unexpectedly (or more correctly the resistance/continuity/ capacitance functions).now, id like to buy another (better) multimeter. i have already ordered a an8009 to use as my daily driver around the bench (so low energy/voltage stuff), but i also want a high quality DMM for when i probe around mains voltage (and also because 2 DMM are better than one).i am leaning toward a fluke, specifically the 17B+, wich here cost about 100€. what do you recommend in the 100-150€ price range?thanks!edit: also, do you have any raccomandation about good quality silicone test leads? just in case the original ones are not

author: Benta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2020, 06:56:19 pm
content: Why not choose the "EEVBlog Multimeter", the Brymen BM235? If you want the blue EEVBlog version, it's difficult to buy in Europe, but the "normal one" is the same except for the colour

author: HB9EVI
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2020, 07:13:20 pm
content: can't do much wrong with the Fluke 17B+. got me some months ago a Fluke 289 (sure, different price league), a real solid beast compared to my flimsy Unitrend and the old Voltcraft; for the bench I use a Rigol DM3068, but I'm sparing it from measuring in mains circuits, this is why I got the Fluke - like that I'm 100% on the safe side

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2020, 09:10:59 pm
content: The Fluke brand of DMM seem to be quite good quality, but at a redicilous pricepoint, so I won't even buy one even if they put a reasonably priced version on the market.If I was looking around for a quality meter, then it would very likely be a Brymen meter. Qualtity is very comparable with that other brand,but you can buy two for the price of one of that other brand.

author: tunk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2020, 10:03:48 pm
content: Why not take the AN8008 apart, there may be a bad contact in the rotary switch.

author: xavier60
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2020, 10:33:22 pm
content: I have a strong preference for DMMs with the Diode test beep feature that many Fluke models have, but not all(18B+).Some new Brymen models do Diode test beeps.It should also be able to light up white LEDs and display up to 3V on Diode test.If the DMM is powered by AA or AAA cells, consider using Low Self Discharge NiMh cells to avoid likely damage causedby electrolyte leakage as had happened to my AN8008.

author: Boschi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2020, 09:30:59 am
content: Quote from: tunk on November 26, 2020, 10:03:48 pmalready tried, the contacts seems ok, but when i switch to resistance it reads hz instead, and it doesnt allow me to switch to the secondary function of hz, so i assume is some kind of software issue (?)Quote from: Doctorandus_P on November 26, 2020, 09:10:59 pmwow, you are SO right, likethis BM 867s. i found it for 160€ and it has so many functions that im not sure i know how to use them all.also, by checking brymen catalog, if i avoid the electrician multimeters (the most basic ones) they all cost around 160€ or more.the only two drawbacks that has (for me) are the somewhat low diode test voltage (2v) and the 9v battery instead of 2xAAA, which are minor things.what do you think about it?

author: xavier60
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2020, 09:44:04 am
content: The 9v battery instead of 2xAAA is an advantage. Read my previous post.

author: Boschi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2020, 09:45:22 am
content: arent 9v battery still alkaline? dont they leak like AA or AAA?

author: xavier60
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2020, 09:50:48 am
content: Quote from: Boschi on November 27, 2020, 09:45:22 amAlthough they are alkaline, I have only seen them leak long after they have been fully discharged.AA and AAA alkaline cells often leak while still functioning normally.

author: nightfire
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2020, 09:55:09 am
content: Welectron in germany carries also the EEV Edition of Brymen DMMs and ships also abroad.Brymen also would be my choice for a new DMM for hobby use, if I would buy new.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2020, 09:58:01 am
content: Quote from: Boschi on November 27, 2020, 09:45:22 amYes, alkaline cells do leak, no matter what shape they are, makes sense ?More details here ->YARA2 : 9V Alkaline cells do leak, check your expensive gears often guys ...

author: xavier60
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2020, 10:11:00 am
content: That means it's no longer safe to leave 9V alkaline batteries in my Fuke 77 DMMs. The battery sits on the main PCB.

author: xavier60
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2020, 10:22:42 am
content: In one of them I found an Energizer NiMh that I had put in so long ago, I had forgotten it was there. It still reads 7.8V.Definitely LSD.https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1-x-Energizer-Rechargeable-9V-battery-Recharge-Power-Plus-NiMH-175mAh-Block-PP3/112198005527