Looking for accurate/decent high res DMM in around $200 range - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2016, 03:38:10 am
content: Did some quick searching on Amazon and I'm thinking of getting the Fluke 115. Also what is the main difference between that one and the 117? They seem close but have two features that I'm not sure what they are: AutoV and Volt alert. (guessing that's a non contact sensor?)https://www.amazon.ca/Fluke-115-Compact-True-RMS-Multimeter/dp/B000OCFFMW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464922836&sr=8-1&keywords=fluke+multimeterI mostly want to have a decent high res volt reading (ex: to get in the mv range) and decent accuracy. Will this meter suit those needs? What about the accuracy for capacitance and ohms? I have several cheaper meters so this will be my good one for when I need a really precise measurement. It has a 6000 count, is that considered decent compared to say a hardware store brand meter? I know there are much more expensive DMMs but looking to stay under $300.

author: imidis
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2016, 04:34:36 am
content: AutoV is for draining ghost voltages and Volt Altert is the non contact voltage sensor.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2016, 04:48:54 am
content: Auto volt detects AC or DC voltage and selects the appropriate range automatically.

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2016, 05:22:37 am
content: Ah ok, so I can probably get away without those I imagine, at least for electronics work. I do have a DMM that has a NCV sensor for when I do electrical.So is the 115 a decent buy? Think I'll pull the trigger. Just want to make sure I'm not missing better options in this price range.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2016, 05:30:54 am
content: Quote from: Red Squirrel on June 03, 2016, 05:22:37 amSince I'm in Canada as well, I say for $220 CDN, the Fluke 115 is a bad buy. If you don't mind buying used, look at your local kijiji/craigslist and you should be able to get it for $100 CDN or less.Let me look at amazon.ca pricing for options and reply back a bit later.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2016, 05:33:56 am
content: @Red Squirrel, what city do you live in if you don't mind disclosing? That way, I can view your local kijiji/craigslist for options.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 03, 2016, 05:41:18 am
content: Just a suggestion for an alternative.http://www.tme.eu/en/details/bm829/portable-digital-multimeters/brymen/bm829s/orhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/Brymen-BM829S-Digital-Multimeter-Dual-Display-AC-DC-TRMS-Dual-Temp-10-000-Count-/201070664254?hash=item2ed0beda3e:g:OjIAAOSw6BtVSryT

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2016, 06:07:38 am
content: After a quick 15 minute look at amazon.ca (Canadian site), here are some top contenders to consider that will meet your requirements.1) Greenlee DM-510A for $202.72 Canadian- OEM is Brymen- identical to the well liked BM257, but just in a green holster- Dave did a quick look in eevblog2) Greenlee DM-810A for $213.82- OEM is Brymen- 10,000 count with basic 0.08% DCV accuracy- dual displayIf you like smaller form factor (similar to Fluke 115), then consider the 510A. If size doesn't matter, then the 810A might be the better meter with better accuracy.If you are buying new, I suggest buying from a reputable Canadian distributor so that if anything goes wrong, you can return it easily and quickly without worrying about customs, international shipping, duty, etc.I do have Fluke meters, but I bought all my used and/or abused for about 25% or less off CDN MSRP. And yes, I do have some Greenlee/Brymen meters so I can recommend with first hand knowledge.PS. If you are looking for another inexpensive meter that you can purchase in Canada, check out this threadhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/canadian-tire-mastercraft-dmm-new-and-old-revision-teardown/?all

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2016, 06:51:47 am
content: I was actually looking at Greenlee as well. The DM-810A does look pretty nice. Might go for that one:https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B003TO5YUA/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&psc=1It's on sale too.Rather buy new, so Kijiji is not really something I want to do.

author: CustomEngineerer
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2016, 07:22:44 am
content: For the amount you are looking to spend I also recommend the Greenlee. I got the Greenlee DM-860A (same as Brymen BM869) a couple months back and have been very happy with it.Edit: In addition to coming from a local distributor, another nicety of the Greenlee's is that they come with a lifetime (limited of course) warranty.See:http://www.greenlee.com/products/DMM%2540cTRMS%2540cAC%2540FDC%2540cCAP(DM%2540d810A).html?product_id=17753

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2016, 07:33:17 am
content: Decided to pull the trigger on the DM-810A. It's on the way.

author: CustomEngineerer
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2016, 07:42:23 am
content: I'm sure you will enjoy it. Link to thread with lots of info on the Brymen BM869, including several good videos.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/brymen-bm869-short-review/

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2016, 09:33:30 am
content: Quote from: Red Squirrel on June 03, 2016, 07:33:17 amHow much? I can't find it on amazon.ca?

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2016, 09:45:42 am
content: Oh wait, my mistake, was the 810A.https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B003TO5YUA/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&p;sc=1

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2016, 06:45:27 am
content: Forgot to report back that it came in the other day. Played with it a bit, and really happy with it. Lot of features that I've never had before on any of the cheaper ones, like duty cycle of PWM or even frequency. I can see that being useful when playing around with MCUs and such. Pretty happy with it and I'm sure it will serve me well.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2016, 07:32:19 am
content: Good to hear you're liking it. I've had a DM-820A for a while and it's a great meter. I recently checked its capacitance metering with an IEC decade box (4% tolerance) and was happy to see that it was good over the box's range (100 pF to 100 uF).