Buying a pocket DMM - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: McMonster
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2011, 02:12:21 am
content: I've decided it's time to buy another meter, a pocket one this time. I did some research and narrowed it down to two meters, Brymen BM27 and Extech DM220, but I'd like to get some opinions and possible alternative devices.What I am looking for is a very small and light meter I can carry to work or use conveniently on my limited bench area. It has to be a good quality and with decent accuracy on volts and ohms ranges, include a non-contact voltage detection and good protection level so it won't explode in my face. Frequency counter, duty cycle and diode test would be nice, current measurement and other functions not critical, but won't hurt either.Brymen:Has decent specs on AC and DC voltage ranges and resistance, frequency counter up to 30 kHz, 4kV overvoltage protection and is riddiculously small. It can also measure capacity and current, but only up to 2000 microamps. Is such a small current range practical? I think I may use it for very low power digital stuff, but it sounds limited anyway. What worries me is that even though it has overvoltage protection I can find absolutely no info on user replaceable or resettable fuse.It also has LoZ measurement and AutoCheck feature that sounds like Fluke's Auto-V but it also includes resistance. I read the theory from Fluke's materials so just a quick question, is this useful on a hobby level?Extech:A bit less accurate, more expensive and bulkier than Brymen, built-in voltage detector and a flashlight. Has 200 mA current range, duty cycle and relative measurements. There's a clear info it has 0.2A/500V rated fast resettable fuse, but no mention of overvoltage protection. It's not really better than BM27, but I had to find something to compare to.If someone can recommend other meter that's easily available in Europe and under about 40 EUR (I can pay more only if it'sreallyworth it) then let me know.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 30, 2011, 02:29:36 am
content: Did you find anything useful in previous topics about pocket meters? I believe there have been several.

author: McMonster
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2011, 03:04:38 am
content: They mostly talked about cheap meters like UNI-T. There were also Amprobe meters but with much less functionality and the Extech I mentioned. Other than that nothing I could locate from distributors.

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2011, 07:22:29 am
content: What about this?http://www.sjelectronics.co.uk/acatalog/PM50-series.pdfI might buy one myself.David.

author: ciccio
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2011, 07:54:00 am
content: Quote from: djsb on December 30, 2011, 07:22:29 amThey are now labeled AMPROBE.I have one of these (a PM53): it works like a charm, and the battery life is really long, but it has the intrinsic disadvantages of a small meter: fixed test leads, no way to keep it upright for a better reading, etc.The "auto" function helps because the single button operation is a little impractical.No current ranges.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 30, 2011, 08:27:13 am
content: There was a thread some time back on the best pocket meter.I still have a pocket multimeter shootout on my mind...Dave.

author: McMonster
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2011, 08:52:14 am
content: Quote from: djsb on December 30, 2011, 07:22:29 amI didn't check them because I thought they have no voltage detector, but I was mistaken. More interesting, this series is nearly identical to Brymen pocket meters, the difference is only in the color of the case and price. Amprobe's are much more expensive here, about 25 euros of difference between BM27 and PM55, which looks like exactly the same device. Brymen wins then.QuoteYes, I've found it, what I listed in the first post plus PM5X mentioned above is all that's left available here (shipping from abroad would double or triple the cost) and with the features I want.

author: paf
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2011, 10:28:58 am
content: Here are some things that I found on the Internet:High end:Kyoristu 1030http://www.kew-ltd.co.jp/en/products/multimeters/1030.htmlKyoritsu 1018http://www.kew-ltd.co.jp/en/products/multimeters/1018.htmlHioki Pen typehttp://www.hioki.com/product/324660/index.htmlHioki Credit Card typehttp://www.hioki.com/product/324460/index.htmlSanwa "small wallet"http://overseas.sanwa-meter.co.jp/index.php?pm3Sanwa Credit Card type:http://overseas.sanwa-meter.co.jp/index.php?pm7aMedium range:Brymen BM20 series:http://www.brymen.com/product-html/cata20/Bm20s.htmThey share the looks with the Amprobe and Greenlee multimeters:http://www.amprobe.eu/en_GB/showproduct/123/PM55A/http://www.greenlee.com/product/pdmm-20/start.htmlElma 25 (a clone)http://www.elma-instruments.no/_nb-NO/v:2278;130070?visma5.prodno=5706445410224DerEE MP11 ( looks like a Sanwa, but DerEE have other models)http://www.deree.com.tw/de-11.htmLow end:APPA imeter 3 & 5:http://www.appatech.com/appa_product_home.php?pdid=20080331041729373515&&kindid=2005081003113623241Benning MMP3 (clone)http://de.benning.de/en/corporate/products-services/testequipment/digital-multimeter/benning-mm-p3.html"I don't like it" class:Unitrend: 300V Max AC? No Way. Here we have 400 Volts between phases.http://www.uni-trend.com/UT118B.htmlhttp://www.uni-trend.com/UT10A.htmlMastech 8211:http://toolboom.com/en/Digital-Multimeter-MASTECH-MS8211D.phpIf the multimeter is off, then the first position is miliAmps, with test probes shorted!Anyone has more sugestions?Many thankspaf

author: Short Circuit
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2011, 12:30:42 pm
content: A resettable fuse use unlikely because of their high internal resistance.Also, only 2amps... Ask yourself; how often do you actually use the amp range at all? And how often above 1 amp?In my company I have switched to Agilent U1231A meters for regular use because of their included calibration. Noamp range at all, and haven't missed it. Usually on first R&D designs, when current consumption is to be examinedmore extensively, I simply add 1ohm or 0.1ohm resistors on the various supply lines, so I can measure the currentwith a voltmeter without interrupting the circuit.And when it comes to not being fused; just make sure you don't try to measure on low impedance high currentcircuits such as mains or battery packs, and you may actually appreciate the fact that it has no fuse. On my Fluke189, I actually bent the fuse clips to accept standard 32x6mm fuses because those $$$ 400mA fuses blow soridiculously fast.

author: McMonster
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2011, 03:01:03 pm
content: Quote from: Short Circuit on December 30, 2011, 12:30:42 pmTwomiliamps in BM27.If it can measure any current at all I just expected it has some protection, but I don't need it in pocket meter.QuoteSounds like a good idea.Thanks for pointing more meters too. I see more clones, Brymen BM2X, Amprobe PM5X, Grenlee PDMM-20, Elma 25, all the same series of devices, just the brand, price and case color differ (sometimes). If I give up built-in non-contact voltage detection I may get a broader choice, but I think I'll get BM27 or other clone, whichever's cheaper.Thank you all for help.

author: Short Circuit
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2011, 03:32:59 pm
content: Ah, oops, misread.Well, that is a rather useless feature.Guess they wanted to go beyond the obvious, but couldn't arrange the space for the transistor HFE socketAnyway, the sense resistor is 6kohms, so unless at mains voltages, it's not really a problem. And to be honest,these pocket meters don't look like very safe devices for mains related work anyway.(http://www.brymen.com/product-html/cata20/Bm20L4.htm)

author: McMonster
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2011, 03:43:27 pm
content: The current range on those clones is meant to be used for fire sensors, at least Amprobe's promotional materials say so.That's why I want just a non-contact voltage detector, it only interests me to occasionally check for possible live wires, I'd take a real meter if I wanted to measure it.

author: FenderBender
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2012, 02:12:43 am
content: That Kyoritsu 1030 looks like a really cool little meter. Cool form factor and a lot of functionality. Anyone have any experience with Kyoritsu? I typically think Japanese electronics are good, and judging by their other stuff..they almost seem like the Fluke or Gossen of Japan.

author: jancelot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2014, 11:28:25 pm
content: Add also the Dawson DDM190 and DDM190D, both pen type.

author: ciccio
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2014, 08:33:21 pm
content: I had a pen-type multimeter, some Chinese stuff rebranded by the Italian distributor, but I could not get used to it: most of the times the "pen" was in a position that made reading the display really uncomfortable, if not impossible. There was an HOLD button, but I did not like the idea.In other occasions it was too bulky to reach the point to be measured.I sold it as soon as possible, and bought the AMPROBE PM53. The probes are thin, the leads are of sufficient length to reach the measurement points.For what I've seen later, it's made by some OEM manufacturer, and you can find it with other brands an maybe lower prices, but now, after five years, it still works like a charm (see my previous post) and still with the original battery.Best regards

author: echen1024
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2014, 09:16:48 pm
content: Quote from: FenderBender on January 01, 2012, 02:12:43 amKyoritsu and Hioki are really high end meters, and very expensive. Hard to come by in the US and EU however.

author: jancelot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2014, 09:28:18 pm
content: Quote from: echen1024 on July 08, 2014, 09:16:48 pmYou can find the Kyoritsu 1030 at tme.eu for 60€ and at ebay for 40€. Another thing to consider is the invoice and warranty, which probably would be more difficult at ebay.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2014, 09:46:22 pm
content: Quote from: ciccio on July 08, 2014, 08:33:21 pmThe Amprobe PM53 is made by Brymen. Seehttp://www.brymen.com.tw/product-html/cata20/Bm20L2.htm

author: echen1024
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2014, 01:46:07 am
content: Quote from: jancelot on July 08, 2014, 09:28:18 pmTequipment does as well, but for some of their other modles, the pricing just shoots up.

author: RobertHolcombe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2014, 06:23:27 am
content: I use a Fluke 179 at work, and I've been looking for a second more compact and pocket-friendly meter for use in our workshop, and I've been eyeing the Fluke 107, its not available in Australia but can be had from Ebay for ~$100 shippedI'm going to buy one just to see how they are, if its not suitable I'll just use it at home, if I like it I'll buy a second oneThe only review I've seen was mjlorton's and it looks solid, and does what I need for simple jobs

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 10, 2014, 01:24:19 am
content: I am not sure this isn't obvious to everyone but.....Please don't think of a pocket meter being anything that a quick check instrument for electronics, batteries, and automotive and other low voltage/energy work. They should never be used for electrical work, electrical distribution boxes, or anything that is above 300V peak to peak or DC unless you know the current limit of the circuit. They should not be a convenient meter to have in your pocket should you come across a problem in the factory and left your main meter behind. This is a recipe for injury in the long run.OK, safety police mode off......P.S. 300V can still do a lot of damage so use that limit as my personal limit. If I were to advise a newbie, no more than 100V P/P or DC.

author: dexters_lab
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 10, 2014, 08:20:04 am
content: i love my fluke 101 & 107 meters, ok maybe not quite 'pocket' sized but the 101 is pretty close and cheap too

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2015, 12:43:42 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on December 30, 2011, 08:27:13 amWhat happened to this?I was looking for a half-decent pocket meter today and there don't seem to be any. Every time I find something interesting (eg. Brymen BM27) it turns out to be made of purest unobtainium.Are there any decent pocket meters to be had? Current measurement is optional.(I mean something that can really fit in a pocket, Fluke 101 is too big)

author: kwass
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2015, 12:56:10 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on May 08, 2015, 12:43:42 pmHave you read this fairly recent thread:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/pocket-multimeter-recommendations/

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2015, 01:34:36 pm
content: Quote from: kwass on May 08, 2015, 12:56:10 pmNope.Forum search for " pocket multimeter" comes up with precisely 6 results so I missed it.But yeah, Uni-T UT120C.$17 ... with uA measurement? Sold!PS: The Brymen BM27 pops up again in that thread. I like the look of it but where on earth do they sell them?

author: jancelot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2015, 02:08:48 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on May 08, 2015, 01:34:36 pmhttp://www.tme.eu/en/katalog/?idp=1&search=bm27&cleanParameters=1

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2015, 12:37:07 pm
content: Quote from: jancelot on May 08, 2015, 02:08:48 pmOK, thanks.But ... twice the price of the UNI-T? I'll have to think about the feature sets very carefully.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 09, 2015, 02:15:54 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on May 08, 2015, 12:43:42 pmI have accumulated 4 or 5 units, but have a longer list (10 I think).Thought about shooting with what I have, but so key ones are missing.QuoteI don't like current measurement on a pocket meter. Never had the need for it, and I don't like having the same input leads and being able to short them out with a switch and a meter with minimal protection.

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2015, 06:38:00 pm
content: considering the size of the typical pocket multimeter, you really shouldn't even be dreaming of any decent current measurement capabilities. "full size" dmms aren't that thickness for amusement, everyone would be making thin (because it's in!) dmms if they could though I guess the weight of the dmm is relatively low compared to the metal tools you'd typically accompany it with in the cat III and IV workspace.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2015, 06:52:50 pm
content: It is possible to make thin with a polyswitch as protection for mA/uA measurements, like on the UT120C. The Gossen 30M is not thin, but also has a polyswitch on the mA range and is rated CAT II 600V.Of course, if you need to measure more than a few hundred milliamps, that won't work.

author: jancelot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2015, 07:10:32 pm
content: I can't make up my mind between them:Brymen BM22Brymen BM27DER EE DE-19SUNI-T UT118B (pen type)UNI-T UT120CKyoritsu KEW 1030 (pen type)Dawson DDM350 (pen type)The DE-19S and the DDM350 run on 2xAAA batteries, the rest of them on button size which are more expensive and probably have less runtime. Which one is the best??

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 09, 2015, 07:29:22 pm
content: I agree with Dave. I never have liked current current measurements on the same jacks as volts, and with a pocket meter with current and volts on the same leads is asking for problems. But if the CAT rating is up to date and has proper third party testing then this should no longer be a problem. If it meets the standards (with proof) it should be able to be trusted to not blow up in your handEven then, the possibility of damage to a circuit still exists when you make the error of connecting leads in current mode when not intending to. Nobody can say that it won't happen, it will.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2015, 07:38:16 pm
content: If measuring amps is important, a mini clamp meter is a possible solution. More expensive, heavier and longer, but should still fit in a pants pocket.

author: jancelot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 03, 2015, 07:47:35 am
content: I'll go finally with the BM27. It has Lo-Z and NCV and is overall good for general home and car testing. The Kyoritsu 1030 and Dawson pentype are very big for the features they have.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 03, 2015, 07:53:49 am
content: I now have 8 units sitting here:Any more I should add?

author: kwass
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 03, 2015, 04:26:47 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on September 03, 2015, 07:53:49 amThe Uni-T UT120C and the UEI DM5B.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 03, 2015, 10:07:23 pm
content: The Sanwa PM7a is popular, its been in production and upgraded for ~ 20 years. The new versions are marked made in China, its rarely cloned. I found a China factory making a very close clone or maybe its the OEM because spec wise all 3 meter pictured below have the same accuracy, same battery and same size. The clamshell case is very rigid and protects the interiors from abrasion and splashing. The drawbacks for being compact are short small nonstandard probes, 2-5% accuracy, watch batteries, and CE CAT II 500V for Sanwa or Radio Shack and 250V for Allsun, FWIW. I've used 2 Radio Shack versions since the mid-1990s up to today.The PM7a typically sells for $50-70, while the China clone is $15. The Radio Shack was $30 when it was available.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 03, 2015, 10:22:25 pm
content: The Digitech circled in red is an APPA i meter 3.http://www.appatech.com/appa_product_moa.php?pdid=20080331041729373515&&kindid=2005081003113623241http://www.appatech.com/upload/pdmodel/pdmodel_image12536930606869.jpgThere is also an APPA i meter 5 which looks similar, but has slightly different functions.http://www.appatech.com/upload/pdmodel/pdmodel_image12536931647962.jpgAmprobe resells the i meter 5 as its own called the PM-60. The Amprobe PM-60 can be found on ebay for $9.95 USD + $3 s/h for USA residents. I have no affilation with ebay seller or Amprobe.http://www.ebay.com/itm/181778942933

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 03, 2015, 10:25:20 pm
content: The red Amprobe in Dave's picture is a Brymen meter rebadged. If it is the PM-51, 5ky, who did the recent $50 multimeter shoot did a review of it.

author: MarkF
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2015, 02:17:20 am
content: Have you seen the new Flukes? The Fluke 101,106 or 107.TheFluke 101is $50 on Amazon.

author: kwass
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2015, 03:09:15 am
content: Quote from: MarkF on September 04, 2015, 02:17:20 amLooks nice, but it's pretty gigantic compared to the others here. According to Fluke it's: 130 mm x 65 mm x 27mm . The PM-60 is 112 mm x 56 mm x 12 mm for example.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 04, 2015, 03:30:01 am
content: Quote from: kwass on September 04, 2015, 03:09:15 amYes, not a pocket meter. Might as well have a regular meter with current in that form factor.

author: kwass
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2015, 05:07:50 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on September 04, 2015, 03:30:01 amThe UEI DM5B that I mentioned has removable leads and current measurement in 3 ranges up to 5A in the same size case as most of these other pocketable ones. Of course safety considerations are minimal but it does have tiny replaceable fuses.