Vichy VC99 Multimeter  Review and Teardown - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: electronupdate
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2012, 11:58:00 pm
content: This is a $35 auto-ranging multimeter. I have seen it on lots of blogs and online discussion and it seemed like a pretty good value. It was hard to resist buying at that price...The meter's measurement functions and specification are good on paper. I put it through the paces and indeed, it seems to be as advertised.It's definitely built down to a specific price however.It's interesting how you can buy a multimeter anywhere from $10 to $100 in $10 increments these days, with each increment in $'s buying just a bit more quality. Good measurement accuracy, however, seems to be common even in these very low cost meters.

author: samgab
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2012, 12:21:17 am
content: Thanks. I was actually pleasantly surprised by your review, it was quite informative and you come across as quite knowledgeable about the subject.I wasn't expecting much from this meter, as I've seen it come up in reviews in the past, and seen tear-downs of it, but horses for courses: For a hobbyist, who only uses it for small electronics projects that aren't mains powered and are low energy devices, this could be quite adequate.

author: GEuser
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2012, 01:10:42 am
content: I got one of these a few months back off the bay , its ok imo , sometimes a bit slow on auto but fine when set to manual .Is there a way to speed it up a bit or is the chip running at max already?I tried to look but it looks like the IC is under the display , cheers ...

author: Wartex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2012, 01:30:54 am
content: awesome review, just one complaint: when measuring voltage with parallel meters, stick one lead of the reference into the black of 1st meter and another into the red of 2nd meter, this way you compensate for meter-meter jumper resistance.

author: Rick
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2012, 03:47:37 pm
content: Time to buy:) It's only $35... it's a "no brainer"Thank you for the very objective review.

author: HKJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2012, 06:08:51 pm
content: Quote from: Wartex on October 22, 2012, 01:30:54 amWith 10 Mohm in the meter and maybe 60mohm in the leads, it is not going to change anything.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2012, 07:19:17 pm
content: Quote from: Rick on October 22, 2012, 03:47:37 pmFor USA members, this Fluke 77 IV for $35 USD Buy It Now may be a good deal (with the usual ebay caveats) if you don't mind a missing battery door and no probes.http://www.ebay.com/itm/160907013378Feedback on prior 77 IV sales in the last 2 months suggest you have a good chance of getting a good deal.Unfortunately, they don't ship outside the USA. A new Fluke 77 IV costs $346 CDN + taxes. I'll live without a battery door for 1/10th the price of a new one.

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2012, 07:38:26 pm
content: I got one of these VC99s a while back specifically because it used the same chip with the RS232 functionality people had been hacking. I didn't expect much from the accuracy, I just wanted something I could mod and not worry about potentially breaking. The serial port isn't brought out to any kind of connector, but it's still on the IC pins. What I did was wire up a RN-42 bluetooth-serial adapter from sparkfun and now I have a wireless datalogging multimeter. I put the bluetooth board into deep sleep mode, so it doesn't use much more power at all unless it's transmitting, and even then it runs all day on a set of AAAs.When I checked it against my Keithley 175 and Brymen 857 using my DMMCheck ref, it was surprisingly accurate in all the ranges I could check and tracked the other meters pretty well in the other ranges... for now... Well within spec.... for now...I'd say it's a great buy for what I use it for, which is a spare meter for general low voltage use or as a wireless datalogger checked against a better meter when I need that (which has been super handy to have).

author: Rick
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2012, 09:24:02 pm
content: Quote from: retiredcaps on October 22, 2012, 07:19:17 pmThis one categorically refuses to ship outside USA.Although I managed to convince several people who normally would not ship abroad. But the shipping cost is prohibitive. For those who complain about China Post delivery times, I have just discovered a nice and cheap alternative on aliexpress.com. One seller suggested to ship with DHL global mail (not the same as DHL express) for only $7 extra cost. You need to use moneybookers though, apparently paypal does not work there.

author: Ivanko1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2012, 09:24:46 am
content: Are there examples of how to do a review of the meter?

author: Kevin.D
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2012, 10:07:25 am
content: Thats a nice common sense , objective review ,giving only the information nescessary .Like you say it's very easy these days to make an accurate meter , something like this ideal if your only using it on low voltage electronics or as an often needed second meter to your expensive high cat rated one .

author: Rick
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2012, 09:12:54 pm
content: Quote from: retiredcaps on October 22, 2012, 07:19:17 pmBesides that it is quite risky to buy from people who have many negative and neutral comments... even if I were in USA I wouldn't buy from him.

author: Amarbir[Lynx-India]
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2012, 07:19:18 pm
content: Quote from: electronupdate on October 21, 2012, 11:58:00 pmSir ,can you share that website link of vichy please

author: electronupdate
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2012, 09:02:39 pm
content: Hi Amarbir,Their english web site is:http://vicimeter.com/en/index.aspTo the person who asked if the autoranging of the meter can be speed up: The main controller chip appears to be a "FS9922-DMM4" from Fortune Semiconductor. If you google it, a pdf data sheet is readily available. The only oscillator control appears to be crystal. In theory that that could be replaced with a higher value, however, this would be overclocking outside of the data sheet so there is no guarantee it work(and the frequency counter, for sure, would now be inaccurate).

author: GEuser
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2012, 03:29:53 am
content: Thanks electronupdate , i'll look at it a bit later but i gather it'll have a crystal there that is already at maximum ratings(speed)i hope , did you notice the frequency in the review? but don't fret if you did not as i'll look in mine at a later date , yet it will be interesting to have a look anyway of the data sheet of the ic .cheers....edited>added> just took a quick look and 4mhz in data-sheet , and wow , alot of features in that small ic imo ...

author: Amarbir[Lynx-India]
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2012, 07:21:03 am
content: Quote from: GEuser on October 27, 2012, 03:29:53 amWell,please keep us posted GEuser

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 27, 2012, 06:33:05 pm
content: Haven't read all of the thread but people saying its good, you kidding ? they are a hapless piece of shit ! don't buy one if you want reliable measurements. You can get an amprobe AM220 for about the same price

author: Amarbir[Lynx-India]
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2012, 06:46:41 pm
content: Quote from: Simon on October 27, 2012, 06:33:05 pmWell,Simon everything in The Vichy VC99 Seems Better Then The Amprobe .The Only Thing Is Safety At Higher Voltages and if someone can remain careful or does not intend to do those measurement its not a bad multimeter ,Plus BTW the amprobe is ugly looking to me Yukkk .

author: trisonic
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2012, 10:16:27 am
content: does it have the backlight?

author: Rick
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2012, 12:24:15 pm
content: Quote from: Simon on October 27, 2012, 06:33:05 pmThe video demonstrates that it is reliable out fo the box for low energy measurements. Now may be he can tell us again in 1-2 years time.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 28, 2012, 01:29:31 pm
content: Quote from: Amarbir[Lynx-India] on October 27, 2012, 06:46:41 pmMine always had problems with the resistance measurement, it was very slow to react and auto scale and was not acurate. the selector soon started playing up and needed some turning up and down to clean itself before use. I was a pile of shit, the AM220 is much more reliable, I'd never be able to trust the VC99 so why buy it if i need another meter to back up it's results

author: Amarbir[Lynx-India]
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2012, 02:42:11 pm
content: QuoteSimon ,Might be a little deoxit kinda contact cleaner on the pcb track for selector switch does the trick .Also I Still Rate is Very good multimeter reason .1 : Vichy "Possibly is sold much more worldwide then many many brands "

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 28, 2012, 02:56:54 pm
content: Quote from: Amarbir[Lynx-India] on October 28, 2012, 02:42:11 pmWhy does that make it any better ? if you want to be a sheep be my guest, it makes a half decent backup meter but no more, I would not rely on one. I reflogged mine, didn't have the time of day for it !Look at dave's under $50 meter shootout, he didn't think much of the one he got, i think it was at the bottom of the scale overall and i agree with his assessment.

author: Amarbir[Lynx-India]
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2012, 03:21:34 pm
content: QuoteWell,Correct me if you want to .Whats the percentage of users of advanced safety featured multimeters ? .In my country i would say less then 10% .So from those 90% multimeters meters like the vichy should and will be rated high .Atleast they are better if not in safety then accuracy wise .I would say that a very very large percentage of people out there use that wasp coloured dirty looking 4 dollar multimeter .Atleast this is better then those .Try n understand we cannot and will not compare these meters with the flukes and the agilents .PS : On the lighter note simon i just nailed this On Ebay->http://www.home.agilent.com/en/pd-1765026-pn-U1253B/handheld-digital-multimeter-45-digit-with-organic-led-display-oled?nid=-34618.920237&cc=IN&lc=engFor Just USD 210 + Shipping

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 28, 2012, 03:26:15 pm
content: As you say this multimeter cannot be compared a a fluke 17B but is was made to imitate one and lead into the false illusion that it is as good.I would not like to stake anything on that unit maintaining accuracy over time. As noted the calibration trimmers are not even fixed in place. as I said my own one was not reliable for resistance measurements, I had to buy another meter because i was finding i could not rely on it. If your happy to work with such unreliability then that is your affair.

author: Amarbir[Lynx-India]
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2012, 03:36:30 pm
content: Quote from: Simon on October 28, 2012, 03:26:15 pmWell,EEVBLOG Does Exactly This .It converts you from a electronics buff to a electronic wizard .I possible know more about these instruments atleast in my own city then anyone else why ? .All thanks to EEVBLOG .You saw sirs video ,he clearly stated that in safety this meter is not even close to a fluke in testing it was and hence he recommended it for low voltage ,current testing only .It totally depends on the us of the same .

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 28, 2012, 04:16:20 pm
content: and you are not listening to me. i have owned this meter too, and I found the ohms measurement to be unreliable and the autoscling very slow, the meter is just usable.

author: Amarbir[Lynx-India]
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2012, 05:07:20 pm
content: Quote from: Simon on October 28, 2012, 04:16:20 pmGuys ,Do Some of you share simons viewpoint ? ,BTW Simon i Have the Vichy VC97 Would Like To Give a Teardown Too .

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 28, 2012, 05:44:28 pm
content: Take note of THE word spoken at 30s CONFIDENCE!

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2012, 05:49:37 pm
content: How do you not understand? The ohms range for electronics is a essential tool, if it's crap means it's crap and i have sold away my VC99 for the very reason, IT'S A HEAP OF SHIT

author: Rick
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2012, 07:51:16 pm
content: electronupdate's video shows very clearly that it is more accurate than the fluke 17 it is compared to. Watch the video again pls.Now I need to see that myself when mine arrive. I also bought a dmmcheck circuit so that I can test it. I shall also buy precision resistances and see if all that is said is true. I shall let you know in this thread if you want.There is too much direct advertising going on (not only on eevblog, let's be fair) so everybody can check him/herself if it suits his/her needs.I think it is ok for hobbyists. I still keep my DM-10 cheap multimeter which is 25 years old and I am not afraid of measuring 220V with it... so why not using this one?

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 28, 2012, 07:54:50 pm
content: that is the thing, it is suitable for hobbiests but has ranges that go beyond the needs. I don't trust it, my AM220 does all that I need and I have far more CONFIDENCE in it.

author: trisonic
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2012, 10:17:38 am
content: Quote from: trisonic on October 28, 2012, 10:16:27 amnobody can help me?

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 29, 2012, 11:58:59 am
content: can't remember, don't think so

author: Rick
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2012, 12:45:32 pm
content: Quote from: Simon on October 28, 2012, 07:54:50 pmIt's only 1-2 % accurate. Even a hobbyist may have better expectations.I was looking at AM140 but when I saw the specs I gave up.Accuracy: "whatever"+30-40 LSD on current ranges. Unless you pay for the brand name for me it is not acceptable.Like that Chinese brand Brymen which offers 500.000 count but each time the accuracy is <whatever>+40-60 digits, the question is why do we have the extra 1-2 digits if there is that much uncertainty on them. Is it worth having that last digit ? Do I get it right?

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 29, 2012, 12:47:02 pm
content: no it's not worth having that last digit, but it "looks good" and inspires "confidence" in the unit that it does not warrant

author: Tepe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2012, 03:41:46 pm
content: Quote from: Rick on October 29, 2012, 12:45:32 pmWhere have you found this +/- 40 to 60 digits?

author: GEuser
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2012, 04:44:45 pm
content: Quote from: trisonic on October 29, 2012, 10:17:38 amNope no lights , but its there on the ic(the function) .ps-check out a previous post with the ic number and take a look at the datasheet , seems common mm usage going by the net .

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2012, 05:26:45 pm
content: That's AC. Not DChttp://www.tme.eu/en/details/bm869/portable-digital-multimeters/brymen/

author: grenert
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2012, 06:25:01 pm
content: On the Brymen, note that the specs are actually only given for 4-1/2 digits (50,000 counts).It would be reasonable to multiply the "+/- n digits" x 10 to get an estimate for 500,000 count mode.

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2012, 08:56:40 pm
content: Don't mix up accuracy and resolution.http://www.eevblog.com/2009/08/21/eevblog-26-multimeter-counts-accuracy-resolution-calibration/

author: ProBang
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2012, 09:24:40 pm
content: Hello.An interesting comparison starts here. For one AM-140 you can get five VC99...But, if it's necessary:Quote from: grenert on October 29, 2012, 06:25:01 pmAt AC V the 500,000 count mode doesn't exist. It's only available at DC V.To compare the AM-160/Extech MM-570/Brymen-859 or Brymen-869 (nearby AM-140/Extech MM-560/Brymen-857 or Brymen-867) with the Vichy-99, it would be reasonableto divide the "+/- n digits" /10 to reach the same level of visible counts in display.Vichy claims at the best range 0.8% + 5 Digits at AC V. Sine-wave RMS.Brymen claims at a usual range (not the best!) 0.5% + 40. True RMS.E.g. measuring exact 24.000 V AC and doing some math...Vichy99 is in spec between23.75and24.25V.Brymen-869 can show you23.840 and24.160 V.Which multimeter is more accurate?Don't forget:- TRMS- Brymen/Am etc. are fast as hell- Measures are repeatable- Higher resolution- Better construction- More safetyGreetings,Hartmut

author: Rick
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2012, 12:23:39 am
content: We overlooked the fact that it has not trms... I forgot it too when buying.Now the discussion has become more complete. So that review did not include that point unfortunately. He should have mentioned it in the video. Higher resolution is another point. Vichy has only 4 digits.Excellent.

author: GEuser
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2012, 02:42:17 am
content: Not that i'm missing anything , but should-not the Bryman be far far better as its 183eu compared to 30? , lets talk about fishing

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2012, 10:09:02 am
content: TrueRMS converters have a fair bit of noise that's for sure and if you say the last digit on 50k mode is insignificant, well, doesn't the fluke 289/289 have almost the same specs?

author: Salas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2012, 07:12:56 pm
content: Quote from: Rick on October 28, 2012, 07:51:16 pmThe 17B can be tweaked by doing its trimmers to significantly better accuracy. I have done it and I recommend it. 17B's thing is construction quality and meeting input overload spec. UNIT-T UT61E combines performance and a fair build, a natural choice for say $20-25 more than the 99. Vichy is slow, 61E is very fast.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 30, 2012, 07:26:11 pm
content: Quote from: Salas on October 30, 2012, 07:12:56 pmWrong! you are altering it's interpretation of the measurement in the particular circumstances you are in. Change the room temperature drastically and it will be off again. The idea of a guaranteed accuracy is that you know that within a stated varied range of temperature, humidity and whatever else the manufacturer cares to stipulate you are guaranteed a result to that level of accuracy.

author: Salas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2012, 08:01:20 pm
content: Yeah, right. I did it at a month or more ago 30C and today is 20C. The pic is now.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 30, 2012, 08:09:40 pm
content: and how do you know the exact voltage you measured to at least one order of magnitude better than the meter does ?

author: Salas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2012, 08:39:19 pm
content: It just follows my other 2 meters better in all cases. One is MS8218 which is good for accuracy. See Horton's test. No cal claims, works better practically, that's all. Shows nearer to my 61E mostly.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 30, 2012, 08:41:51 pm
content: so you used one potentially inaccurate machine to calibrate another - the blind leading the blind....... You need a voltage source that is known to be at least one order of magnitude better than the meter, so if you can read down to 10mV you need a voltage source accurate to 1mV

author: Salas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2012, 09:12:38 pm
content: I have ordered AD581LH for rechecking. Correction, 3 blind mice it is, UT61E agrees well too.

author: Rick
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2012, 10:36:27 pm
content: Quote from: T4P on October 30, 2012, 10:09:02 amSo if we want real 5-6 digits accuracy we need to buy an accurate bench multimeter, is this the conclusion?

author: T-23lol
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 16, 2012, 12:00:06 am
content: Hello, I have a little problem with my Vichy VC99. I have damaged my temperature measurement part of multimeter by high AC current. I have been measuring temp while my probes for voltage measure was conected to the multimeter and circuit with 230V. I know ... i have been stupid.Now It displays only OL .I have changed transistors Q1 and Q2 whitch was exploded but i have also damaged rsistor R39. This resistor is absolutely cooked and I don't know value of this one. Please can somebody help me and tell mevalue of resistor R39?Thank you very much for your help and sorry for my bad english.

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2012, 06:43:47 am
content: I think this is the IC used in the meterhttp://www.ic-fortune.com/upload/Download/FS9922-DMM4-DS-11_EN.pdfMaybe you can find the equivalent of R39 in the datasheet, and maybe Fortune recommends a particular value in the datasheet or provides information how a designer should derive a value.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 16, 2012, 08:24:36 am
content: Quote from: T-23lol on November 16, 2012, 12:00:06 amA good opportunity to dump that piece of junk and get something safer and more reliable.

author: Rick
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2012, 04:43:21 pm
content: Yeah it's not good. Very slow... I am hating it now.

author: T-23lol
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 17, 2012, 02:14:16 am
content: Thank you for your help Bored@Work. But my VC99 have R39 100R value. In scheme in that PDF it is 180R but this is too much and my meter have been showing to me 190°C in 22°C room :-D . So I put there potentiometer and tried to find good value of R39.for Simon and other: I don't have money to have multimeter or even 2 like fluke for example. For my purposes (hobby, education and little works) is this perfect machine. I am student and I don't have money for expensive multimeters. I am using this Vichy and other 2 multimeters like Excel DT9205A and china RE830B and they are fine.I know, I can kill myself when I will be measuring high Voltake like 1000V and multimeter explode but i will not measure somethink like that. Maximal what can happen to me is that I will make some idiocy like that one with measuring temperature without disconnecting previous measuring and i will damage my multimeter. But it is not so horrible and it is not so frequent.I think that if I buy something like Vichy VC99 and I don't need make measurements 8-10 hours in day every working day in year and if I will not make money with my equipment, then buying something like fluke for example for 200€ it is too luxury and it is only throwing money out of window.For Rick: Yeah, I know, the worst is that delay when I am waiting for beep when I have been controlling short circuit. But for that I am using my cheap excel multimeter ant that beeps immediately. Delay in other functions is not so bad I think and I don't have problem with that.Again, this is great multimeter for hobby and so. Enough reliable, accurate and for very good price.(Sorry for my bad English, I believe that you understand what I wanted to say) Thank you

author: Rick
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2012, 02:50:44 am
content: You can buy a Fluke 27/FM for as low as $25 on ebay. I have bought one (for $35) recently it is spot on for Volts, Currents and resistances, except that it is 3200 count but the great advantage is Fluke 27/FM is true rms (the full grey one, sometimes misleadingly the yellow ones with charcoal front are also presented as True RMS by sellers). As pointed out by people in this thread earlier, VC99 is not true rms. You can buy a fluke 83 (I believe this one is not trms) for about $60-$70 if you find the right opportunity. Recently they have sold even a Fluke 87 for $48 (with some scratches on the lens but there are apparently products such as Novus 1 2 3 that I haven't tried myself yet, to polish the lens), a fluke 83 was sold for $38 a few days ago. Really, you need to watch and jump on the good opportunities. Yesterday a brand new Agilent U1272a was sold for $191, it costs $390 on amazon or more if you buy from an authorized dealer... May be people know something about it and can tell us. I don't know.VC99 is also slow on voltage and other measurements I noticed, not only the continuity test. Or is it just mine???

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2012, 06:24:08 am
content: yes, the VC99 is slow in every imaginable way.Anyway, the fluke 83 is NOT true-rms

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 17, 2012, 06:53:56 am
content: You can buy an amprobe 220 for the same price as the VC99, that's what I did.

author: Rick
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2012, 02:57:41 pm
content: After all we said if there are still people who are interested in the VC99 I can sell my second VC99 for $25 (yes I have been stupid enough to order 2) when I receive it. But shipping by registered mail may cost as much as the multimeter itself (Turkish post is not China post). I shall forward it without opening the nylon bag. I have bought it on aliexpress which turned out to be another horror story. Still waiting to receive it...

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2012, 05:42:05 pm
content: Seriously ... there are better meters for 25$ of my currency, like the UT90D or the UT61A or the ET-997 (not the TR version, that's TrueRMS)

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 17, 2012, 08:37:01 pm
content: the VC99 cost me £30, the AM220 also cost me £30 !

author: Rick
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2012, 09:26:15 pm
content: Actualy when VC99 is already connected to a power supply, it follows fairly quickly the voltage and current changes. The problem is when you connect it to a device for the first time. Then it spends a lot of time till it updates the display (1-2 seconds?).

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 17, 2012, 09:31:38 pm
content: no the meter is just plain shit, to defend it just makes one look like and idiot

author: electronupdate
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2012, 01:19:27 am
content: Quote from: T-23lol on November 16, 2012, 12:00:06 amR39 on my unit is 100 ohms.With the small creepage distances on this meter it would be a very good idea to unplug any other probes when the temperature sensor is in place.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2012, 05:18:45 am
content: Quote from: Simon on November 17, 2012, 09:31:38 pmExactly! I have never seen a worser piece of shit! (Apart from the GS-PRO)

author: Kesh
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 22, 2012, 06:49:59 pm
content: The Vichy is not shit. I have succesfully built and debugged many devices with it. Maybe Simon got a duff one. QC is usually what you pay most for, more than design, components and construction. As my work isn't mission critical, this isn't a problem.It is not the best DMM in its price bracket, neither is it shit.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 22, 2012, 06:52:05 pm
content: it is an unreliable piece of shit end ofmine looked just fine, but didn't work.

author: Kesh
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 22, 2012, 06:56:17 pm
content: You seem to think that your experience, your requirements, are somehow universal.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 22, 2012, 06:57:39 pm
content: No I just know a piece of shit when I see oneAn unreliable meter has no use but for an ugly paper weight

author: Kesh
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 22, 2012, 07:01:33 pm
content: Quote from: Simon on November 22, 2012, 06:57:39 pmYou can't say "No" and then go on to do exactly what you are denying doing.I'll say it again. Slowly. Your experience is not everyone's experience.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 22, 2012, 07:06:38 pm
content: The meters may look good when bought but they quickly degenerate. Inexperienced users or users that have not used another meter before will not have anything to compare to. The VC99 is widely advertised as a replacement for the very popular fluke 17B and it is as such that I came across it. It is a farce and a lie.On the other hand you are assuming that the meter is great because you have had ONE good experience.

author: Kesh
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 22, 2012, 07:14:30 pm
content: Quote from: Simon on November 22, 2012, 07:06:38 pmI have not claimed it is "great". I have said it is not shit. I also said that neither is it the best, even in its price bracket.Its marketing as a fluke is a lie and a fraud, agreed. I now own a fluke 87V and it is incomparably superior. But for 95% of what I do the Vichy is fine.I just think hyperbole and categorical statements, without any context about what the device is being used fo, is as daft and juvenile as Mac vs PC vs Linux debates.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 22, 2012, 07:17:33 pm
content: Quote from: Kesh on November 22, 2012, 07:14:30 pmThe "context" you refer to, was just trying to turn the damn thing on !, then trying to measure a resistance with any degree of acuracy and without unrealistic delays in making it's mind up to what the reading will be. Is that self explanatory enough

author: johansen
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2013, 07:09:58 am
content: I've used two of these meters for about 2-3 years now and i have to say that although they are the cheapest 5999 count mulitmeters on the planet, and i've had some issues with them, i would rather buy 10 of these meters than 1 of the well known 40,000 count Fluke equivalents.After discovering that the 10 amp Shunt is actually only a meagre 5 milli-Ohms, i drilled two holes in the back of the meter and glued a terminal strip to the back and soldered #12 wires from the terminal strip to the shunt.that 0-10 amp range is really 0-60 , however an external 5 milliamp shunt rated for 60 amps would be required. either that or divide by 10 would be more reasonable.The 0-600mA range is really a .48 ohm resistor with a couple others in series (unsure) both have burden voltages of .3 volts. meaning full scale current is 0.3 volts drop. the meter leads it comes with are 24 gauge or smaller.. 0.5 ohms is about what you'd expect, and what's a banana plug between friends (if you know Kelvin? ehehehe)oh, btw, take out the current shunts and you have a microvolt volt meter.i have nothing to complain about, it runs on rechargeable AAA batteries just fine.the ohms measurement could have easily delved past .1 ohms....but to do that i just use two meters, a D cell battery and a calculator.

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2013, 08:46:29 am
content: You say that because you can't afford a fluke prrrrrrrrr

author: johansen
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2013, 08:08:33 pm
content: i am a cheap bastard.btw, those cheap 100g/500g/1Kg drug scales on ebay are really 2.4uV to 2.4mV volt meters connected to a strain gauge.couple that to a precision 2.4/24/240mA current source and you have a 1 micro ohm to 1 ohm resistance measurement device ... much cheaper than a professional micro ohm meter and just as accurate. kelvin clips are on ebay for a couple bucks.

author: KARADENIZ
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 21, 2013, 09:36:32 pm
content: if 6000 counts are ok, I think vichy vc99 is for 32$http://goo.gl/Z5WJfra good choice because of its accuracy.Vichy has the same chip like Uni-t UT61B, UT61C und UT61D (Chip FS9922-DMM4)http://goo.gl/ARBWZ2

author: johansen
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2013, 10:26:27 pm
content: interesting, i edited my post, i've been using these things for 2 years and never noticed they are 6000 count lol.i wonder if there is some way to modify the ohms scale for 1/10th the value. meaning boost the current source 10 fold.

author: johansen
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2013, 11:56:02 pm
content: well i figured out how to multiply the 600 ohm and the 6000 ohm readings 10 fold.and divide the 6000 volt range by ten.There is a small problem of auto ranging does not work when the meter attempts to change the range between 6000 and 60,000 ohms.Take resistor 25 in the datasheet which is connected to pin 21 of the chip and solder in a 112ohm resistor across it, to make it 100 ohms vice 1Kwhen you take the back of the meter off, you'll see a variable resistor accessible through a small hole in the board, in the top left corner next to what looks like a DIP-8, but its not a DIP-8, it is 4 resistors. you can measure them to identify them, as 1M, 100K, 10K and 1K, or you can take my word for it, (the bottom one is 1K. you'll need a 112 ohm resistor to make it 100 ohms.I tried to use a 10 ohm resistor, but the meter is unstable, the "resolution*" means that you're going to be reading either 110 or 95 ohms, for a 1 ohm resistor. *remember we're dealing with microvolts here

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2015, 12:33:38 am
content: Quote from: pascal_sweden on April 29, 2015, 12:18:27 amThe quick answer is that if you can't figure this stuff out it really won't matter.... and you probably will be better off not buying a crappy VCanything.

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2015, 12:57:43 am
content: Is a turd with 10 flies on it animprovementon a turd with only 5 flies on it?(And yes I know I posed positive stuff about these meters earlier in the thread, but I also acknowledged the turd-ness then too. Even turds are useful sometimes...)

author: pascal_sweden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2015, 08:01:32 am
content: I found the specs for VC99 on DealExtreme.Apparently it is 3 6/7 multimeter, with 6000 readings.Still no backlight. Was hoping for the latter.However I still have a question: if the highest number on the display is 5999.How does this work out when measuring 1000V and what is the accuracy?It is easy to understand for 600mV, 6V, 60V, 600V ranges, but how does it work out for the upper range between 600V and 1000V? How is that represented on the screen?Other question: the precision of the multimeter is not only defined by the number of digits but also by the number of samples that are taken and averaged.How do these meters perform here in relation to a real Fluke?And what about the sample rate?If I am correct, multimeters can be characterized by safety on inputs, sealing of housing to keep blast inside, number of digits, number of samples that are taken and averaged, and actual sampling rate.

author: rolycat
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2015, 08:42:03 am
content: Quote from: pascal_sweden on April 29, 2015, 08:01:32 amThe resolution is 1V between 600V and 1000V, and accuracy is given as 0.8% +3 counts in the manual (which is readily available online, btw).QuoteAnd many other things.Why are you so interested in junk like the Vichy meters? The Uni-T UT139C can be bought for a similar price and reportedly offers much better build quality. It also has a backlight and true RMS.

author: sync
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2015, 08:48:52 am
content: Quote from: pascal_sweden on April 29, 2015, 08:01:32 amI don't think it takes several samples and average them for a reading. This is unusual for DMMs like this. They just using a dual slope ADC which gives the reading directly. Thus one sample per reading.QuoteFrom the specifications: ~3 samples/s.

author: pascal_sweden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2015, 06:37:40 pm
content: Quote from: rolycat on April 29, 2015, 08:42:03 amI needed a cheap multimeter for low voltage measurements that is accurate.From the review video of Martin Lorton, I learned that the Vichy is quite accurate, and therefore I decided to go and buy it.I happened to buy the Vichy VC97+ from AideTek on Ebay.Recently I found out that there is a VC99 out there as well, and I was curious about the difference.I did miss out on the absence of the backlight, when buying the multimeter.However I was convinced that the meter has True RMS, and I really hope that it does.On some forums there is an indication that the VC97+ version has True RMS.

author: pascal_sweden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2015, 09:41:17 pm
content: If HRC fuses are that much better, can't you just replace the glass ones in a normal meter with HRC fuses of the same size and ratings? Or is there something special there that would make this not possible?

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 04, 2015, 11:04:37 pm
content: There are so many things that go into the safety design other than just the types of fuses. There is spacing of traces, clearance between parts, ratings of components, and the design of the case and plastics. You can change the fuses to higher rated fuses but this is no guarantee that it increases the actual safety of the meter. It certainly will not degrade the safety but it is only going to make you feel better.Some meters obviously benefit from installing an HRC fuse and at least one manufacturer has done this to some meters being sold in the EU but also have had to derate their meters to lower CAT ratings than they had originally.

author: rolycat
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2015, 11:08:41 pm
content: Quote from: pascal_sweden on May 04, 2015, 09:41:17 pmA normal meterhasHRC fuses. IEC regulations now require them in all new meters.Replacing the glass fuses in cheap meters is possible - you can get 1500A breaking capacity HRC fuses in the 20x5mm size. They are highly unlikely to meet this specification if fitted in such a meter, though. If you are intending to work with high energy circuits it would be better to save your money and put it towards a safe meter.

author: pascal_sweden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2015, 01:45:11 am
content: Interesting question: How much extra would a Chinese multimeter cost, when they make the design more safe? Let's say the price to make something safe is 100 USD, then the Chinese companies would still be able to provide a competitive product, given that their meter costed 25 USD before, and would now cost 125 USD. They could make a "gold" edition of their multimeter

author: johansen
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2015, 12:34:21 am
content: it would cost whatever it takes to redesign the injection mold.. considering they probably stole it from someone else.it would cost whatever it takes to redesign the circuit board to provide room for a proper fuse.and it would cost 2$ more for a fuse.maybe another 10 cents for some movs and better resistors.

author: pascal_sweden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2015, 10:33:24 am
content: So that really confirms that the A-brands are overpriced.Basically you can make the safest digital multimeter in the world for only 50 USD.I wonder what the big companies have to say over that? Maybe it's time that their Royal Reign is over.

author: rolycat
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2015, 10:58:25 am
content: Quote from: pascal_sweden on May 13, 2015, 10:33:24 amTosh.As johansen pointed out, theycouldmake a somewhat safer meter by copying features from a decent brand, but it's not going to be "the safest in the world", and certainly not for $50.Chinese companies competing principally on cost will always skimp on safety, build quality and anything else they can get away with.If you want a safe, well engineered multimeter without paying the "Fluke premium", buy a Brymen. They are even Chinese, albeit the Republic of China.

author: pascal_sweden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2015, 11:53:02 am
content: I am considering the Brymen 869s:http://www.brymen.com.tw/product-html/cata860/Bm860L3.htmBut what is the difference between Brymen 869s and Brymen 869?

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 13, 2015, 12:36:58 pm
content: From a VC99 to a BM869s?The "s" version is just the latest updated model to comply with the latest safety standards.

author: pascal_sweden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2015, 03:00:36 pm
content: I will still buy some extra Vichy VC97's. The Vichy VC99 is not much better than the VC97, and I like the dial options better on the VC97.For some test experiments it's good to have several multimeters at hand, so that you can keep them connected to different test points.It would be overkill to buy 5x Brymen BM869s units, moreover unaffordable as wellIt will do with one Brymen BM869s. I can always use it as a reference to double check the accuracy of the other cheap bastards lying aroundBrymen seems to be a good company. Exactly the company which I have been looking for. Fluke quality at an affordable price. In fact I believe the design is very good looking, and definitely same or even better than Fluke, but then again, this is personal opinion and taste.

author: Taso
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 11, 2021, 10:08:23 pm
content: Hi, one question. I would like to purchase this multimeter.I currently use a uni-t UT210E clamp meter with which if I measure voltages and by mistake I am not in V voltage mode, the multimeter rings to warn me that I have made a mistake in selecting the rotary switch.But it does not burn with these errors.vici v99 would behave the same and is it protected against these errors?many thanks

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2021, 10:17:55 pm
content: Quote from: Taso on April 11, 2021, 10:08:23 pmWelcome to the forum.VC99 is a dumb DMM in that it has no measurement mode warnings...... just checked mine.

author: Taso
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 12, 2021, 10:25:38 am
content: OK, thanks, but so if I measure voltage V while it is set in "ohm" it burns out?

author: Kris0725pl
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 31, 2024, 10:08:40 pm
content: Hi all...i purchased broken vici vc99 multimeter. Anybody know values for vr5 vr4 vr1 and vr2?My cpu is broken but i purchase on ali fs9922 dmm4On my pcb version VC99_V0.9 2020.04.18 i have resistor R14 100ohm but is broken....no problem.Q1 and Q2 propably is broken. i have continous on pins...On R23 is somethings wrong...resistor have 49.2k when i dewsoldering it. But on pcb have under 30k.Anybody help with vr4 etc?

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2024, 01:37:54 am
content: Replacement parts are going to cost more than a new meter