Rigol DM3058 vs Siglent SDM 3055 Bench multimeters - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: mrt6644
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2016, 06:19:54 pm
content: I have searched and didn't find this.I am looking for a reasonably priced bench multimeter. Under 500 $US. Which means a 5.5 digit desktop.The 2 that I have focused on are the Rigol DM3058 and the Siglent SDM3055.Yes, I know they're Chinese made, and they're not as good as Fluke, Agilent, etc, etc.But this is where I am for price and necessity.Does anyone know of pro's and con's of these models? Which is better?I like the fact that the Siglent has trend graphics with a bigger screen.I like Rigol in general. I have a scope and power supply made by Rigol.I find them to be decent for the money.If someone can help me choose I would be very happy.This seems like an obvious comparison yet Im very surprised that there are no Youtube videos on this.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2016, 06:32:22 pm
content: How about a used Agilent 6.5 digit DMM? Since the new models came out they are dumping the old models. What is important for you? If accuracy isn't important then you could save a ton of money and go for the Vichy VC8145.

author: mrt6644
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2016, 06:42:10 pm
content: I have to be honest and admit that the level of accuracy in a 6.5 digit is not necessary for me.I have some good handhelds but what I want is the convenience of a bench meter for working at my "lab."Much of the time I work on stuff in the garage or elsewhere so the handheld are good for that.But I want a bright, easy to read screen with big numbers for lab work.I like the features of modern bench meters for programming, etc.Most of all, the work I do really doesnt require that much accuracy.But since the Siglent and Rigol are basically the same price, I might as well figure out which sucks less

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2016, 08:26:31 pm
content: Quote from: mrt6644 on October 21, 2016, 06:42:10 pmHere ^ the Siglent is excellent. I have a SDM3055 as a demo unit and it spends all its time on my bench.There's a # of threads on the 3055, Siglent have the FW pretty good on them now, I'm not aware of any outstanding problems/bugs with them.As with any long threads about a product you'd be best advised to read it from the end not the beginning to get a better picture of how they are NOW.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-new-bench-dmm-sdm3055/

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2016, 08:56:45 pm
content: Quote from: mrt6644 on October 21, 2016, 06:42:10 pmI wouldn't rule out the VC8145 entirely. It has a big display with backlight. This was one of my requirements for a bench meter as well. I do have a Keysight 6.5 digit DMM but I still use the VC8145s (I have 2 of them) the most. I never tried to control the VC8145 over the serial port though. Somebody has reverse engineered the protocol so remote control shouldn't be a problem (seehttp://www.26th.net/blog/vichy-vici-vc8145-digital-multimeter-rs232-protocol/). One of the things I really like about the VC8145 is instant continuity which is something higher end DMMs have problems with (short delay which is annoying IMHO).

author: mrt6644
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2016, 04:52:43 am
content: Ive scrolled through hundreds of posts on this section, searching too.Yet there are far more posts, reviews on the Siglent than the Rigol.I guess that's a sign.Ive looked at both models' features and they are pretty close.I do like the Siglent screen better. The graphing looks neat but I have a scope.Surprised Eevblog or Lorton or anyone else hasn't done a video comparison.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2016, 05:08:49 am
content: If you want to save a few $ there's also the more recently released 4 1/2 digit SDM3045X.Not quite as much functionality though, compare the datasheets.Comparison page:http://www.siglentamerica.com/prodcut-db.aspx?id=176&tid=37&T=2