UEi DM391 v. DM393 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Brossman
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 02, 2015, 07:19:35 am
content: Hey all,Just here for my first visit after watching Dave's videos for some time. It's quite the forum! I have searched, but not quite found the answer I'm looking for...I work on electronics for guitar/effects, and also tube amplifiers. I need a new (decent) meter to suit my needs that won't let me get killed by HV... Dave's shootout (#99) told me the DM391 would be right for my needs, but they don't have TRMS, etc which may be useful to me. But I'm a hobbyist, not a pro, so do I really need these extras?I have been able to find either model for under $100 USD through fleabay, so it seems I'd be better off going for the extra features, but why spend if I don't need? Any brief thoughts from more experienced (enlightened) folks for either choice? And thanks for taking your time to help a not-so-noobie Forum-noob!- BR

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 02, 2015, 07:32:10 am
content: I am sure if you search around bit you will find many recommendations for meters around $100 and less. You really should say where you live so you can get the best answers. A few:First from a member on the forums who is trustworthy and will give you better service than most big companies:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Uni-T-UT139C-True-RMS-Digital-Multimeter-with-Temperature-NCV-Backlight-/171213085325A nice meter with TRMS, most features you would want, and good input protectionhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/Brymen-BM257s-Digital-Multimeter-6000-count-Brand-New-Fluke-alternative-/200922627340Over your price mentioned but a REALLY good meter with full safety and very rugged, higher accuracy, and compactSome others:http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/amprobe/multimeters/am-270.htmGood safe meter with most features but horrible back lighthttp://www.testequipmentdepot.com/amprobe/multimeters/am-530.htmanother pretty good onehttp://www.testequipmentdepot.com/bk-precision/multimeters/2709b.htmDave also liked this oneThat should get you started. Keep in mind that two meters are very handy for many things. So maybe think about two UT139C meters instead of one $100 meter.

author: Brossman
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 03, 2015, 05:56:09 am
content: Thanks for the advice! I am in Indiana, USA, so looking to get some stateside. I think I'll do you one better and get the BM257 and the UT139c... may help to have a couple, eh? I'd rather a decent one, than two junkers, already got one in the $50 range, so... That'd make 3 yea? Either way, if I have to go with one, it will be the 257s... Thanks so much! Seems better bang for buck after all.

author: Brossman
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 03, 2015, 11:20:31 pm
content: What is the viability of the Fluke 27/FM that are widely available for <$100 on Ebay? Are they worth the money, esp. for multiples? Thanks again...- BR

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2015, 11:24:17 pm
content: Quote from: Brossman on June 03, 2015, 11:20:31 pmSee Dave's review.

author: Brossman
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 04, 2015, 12:03:34 am
content: I've watched through a couple times, making sure I've heard all the necessary bits over and over. BUT, that video is not for the 27/FM that predates by some years, as Dave's has 2003 marked on the PCB...I'll refer to the OP when I asked what meter SHOULD suit my needs for working with guitar electronics (effects, inst. wiring) as well as vacuum tube amplifiers (nothing too outrageous?). I'm curious about bang for buck WRT necessary features and safety... as well as longevity and reliability. No real Electrician work needed, hence I've ruled out the Fluke 117 and other highly spec'd (eg. Cat IV 600v, Cat III 1kV), though I do work with circuits that can be upwards of 700VDC (Power amp and PSU) and 6V heater circuits up to 12A...So, is it a safe bet to go with an OLDschool 27/FM (<$100 USD shipped, or should I look at getting a NEW BM257 (for about $135USD shipped)? Frankly, I'd rather pay enough money to feel safe, as would my partner, but I can't afford over $150 as I am a graduate student (in an unrelated field, mind you)... It's all just a hobby.Thanks again!

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 04, 2015, 01:35:00 am
content: The 27/FM is a great meter! It is built to last, is sealed to IP67 (basically), and will probably outlast anything you are likely to own. It is a great general electrical multimeter and if you do general electrical work and some electronics and don't want to worry where you use it, it is a hard to beat value. It is huge, heavy and missing some nice features. No capacitance, temperature, the continuity test a bit slow, no back light, no frequency, the latest version is not TRMS, and 3200 counts. It has the famous touch hold and super long battery life.The BM257s has all the things missing from the 27/FM, but is not water and dust proof, no touch hold, and shorter battery life. It has in addition the option to for PC connection, 6000 count,higher accuracy(wrong it has lower accuracy), jack alert, auto check, and a non-contact voltage detector. The last two are probably not high on the list of priorities for most people. The size is very nice and it runs on AA batteries and works just fine on rechargeables. The digits are nice and big and the continuity test is almost instant.I have both and am happy that I have both. Tell me that I can only have one meter and it is either the 27/FM or the BM257s and I would pick the BM257s in a heart beat. If you can get both you have a great combination of meters. The 27/FM might be all you need but if you are working on electronics the BM257s is much more featured.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 04, 2015, 01:38:33 am
content: I also should say that I have a UEi DM397. The design is great, nice features, a bit slow, but I have had some issues with it and got a replacement from UEi that still has some issues. It is an old design along with the lower models in the series. The 393 might be a good choice too. Look for reviews here and on youtube.

author: Brossman
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 04, 2015, 07:05:46 am
content: Thanks so much for all the detailed explanations of your opinions. I do believe that was exactly what I needed to pull the trigger I have been leaning toward the BM257s since your first post (excellent sales pitch, Mr. Distributor). I think I may try to score one (or more) Fluke 27/FM since they sound like they could be handy for many things... sounds like a sweet piece for the mobile repair and diagnosis.WRT the UEi DM393, I think I have opted to ditch that in favor of the superior protection, screen size/clarity, and otherwise more modern conveniences of the Brymen meter.Regardless, this has been several weeks of (inconsistent) thought as to how much to spend. I'm chomping at the bit for an auto-ranging meter that isn't total crap, problem being there are many that are not TOTAL crap. Thanks for your time and input... it is very much appreciated.- BRP.S. - How did I manage to hijack my own thread? And the first one here, to boot..?

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 05, 2015, 06:12:32 pm
content: I am glad the information was helpful. This has to be the first multimeter thread where you didn't get 20 people responding with 20 different opinions!

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2015, 06:47:17 pm
content: The OP only required information about UEi meters in the thread title. That may explain the lack of interest.

author: Brossman
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 06, 2015, 02:18:45 am
content: I know that the UEi meters don't seem like really great meters. Dave's shootout led me to believe that it was simple, yet contained enough features to be useful to me, including the screen clarity, long battery life, and mid-level price, hence my interest. Admittedly, I may have simply I just felt a sense of nostalgia to my old Gameboy with the green screen... Lack of interest towards OP aside, I am happy to say I got the BM257s for $135 USD shipped - not bad!