Best DMM you can get with a budget of max $300? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: stian
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 05:59:40 am
content: Hello.I am new to this forum and this will be my 2nd postI am sorry if this is the wrong place to post.Just merge this topic with the correct one if this is the wrong place to post.Anywho, i have saved up 300 dollars for a new dmm.Im no electrician. so i want a dmm suted for electronics. (high voltage/current inst my thingy)I know many of you guys will just go. fluke fluke fluke fluke.But yea. fluke is good. but verry expencive. quality costs right?I took a look at the bm869s brymen which seems to be a good dmm. but i like to hear what other have to say about variouse brands.And i want a NEW dmm. Not a used one. even tho there are many nice ones on ebay.I also took a look at the EEVblog BM235 Multimeter. maybe that is an option?A dmm with datalogging would be nice though.These dmm i currently have ( 2x cheep brandless chinees) are utterly useless, and one good old fluke 12B that was given to me that is somewhat usefull.Please help me guide me in the right direction.

author: HKJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 06:32:38 am
content: Look at Keysight and Brymen meters.You can also check my list to get some ideas what you want in a meter:http://www.lygte-info.dk/info/DMMReviews.htmlBut the list is mostly cheaper meters (I will be adding some more expensive meters later).

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 06:38:30 am
content: Keysight U1241C. Bought one. Extremely happy with it. Does both ends of the scale from electrical to electronic work.

author: stian
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 07:13:01 am
content: Thanks for the suggestions.Im not sure about that keysight, the brymen seems to give more bang for the buck though.The Keysight one seems to be verry robust made. IP67 and all that.But i have no plans on going for a swim with any dmm anytime soon or do any climing where wher i can drop it from a high placeIm not doing any field work that requires such robustness.I also heard that Keysight isnt that good. such as the continuity test is real bad. but thats what i heard people say.I have no experiance with either keysight or brymen so i cant tell and have to rely on other peoples experiance with them.A bench top dmm could also be a option for me if they where a bit cheaper.i guess i'll have to go watch more reviews of variouse dmm's :\

author: BU508A
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 07:49:33 am
content: I have a Brymen BM869s, the EEVBlog badged Brymen BM235 and an Agilent U1252B. All have their advantages and disadvantages but for low energy daily-use electronics I would recommend the BM235. It is a good meter.Reasons:- good performance- good bang for the buckYou can get it here for example (no affiliation whatsoever):https://www.welectron.com/Handheld-Multimeters

author: PartialDischarge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 07:54:20 am
content: For that kind of money you could buy at least 16 AN8008 multimeters

author: BU508A
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 08:03:17 am
content: Quote from: MasterTech on February 02, 2018, 07:54:20 amMaybe someday, when I'm bored, I'll buy one of these AN8008 or 8009.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 08:22:39 am
content: Quote from: stian on February 02, 2018, 07:13:01 amJust some comments on the above:1. I've dropped my U1241C several times already. Never rely on something handheld to never get be dropped because it will be. My Fluke 8024B and 77 are cracked from general use. This just bounces. Also I tend to drag it out to the car occasionally. It literally just goes everywhere without a second thought if it's going to get buggered.2. Continuity test is instant on this. Far better than any other meter I've ever used.3. One reason I bought the keysight is because they actually have decent service and spares support. If there's a problem, they will fix it. I can get spares for some HP kit which is current line that is 20 years old as well and still being sold (E3630 for example).4. It ships with the USB cable and opto-isolator unlike some models where you have to pay extra. It talks standard SCPI commands over serial. No proprietary bullshit command language.5. Runs on AA batteries and they last a long time. Some meters are still using 9v batteries.This is my first and only keysight meter for reference. The other option was the 87V but I don't need the extra resolution and I certainly don't need the price tag. Some of the earlier OLED based meters have a terrible reputation as the screens burn out in no time at all but this is a standard backlit LCD."screenshot"

author: nidlaX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 08:27:49 am
content: Get the BM869s if you can tolerate its size, you won't regret it. No reason to consider any alternatives. From what we've seen in reviews, teardowns, comparisons, and torture tests, there is no other meter that has better value for money in this price range. The only reasons to consider other meters are 1. they have special features that the Brymen doesn't have (graphical display / logging, OLED, Bluetooth, IPX certification, etc) or 2. you want a meter that's less bulky. Otherwise, it's THE meter that does all basic electronics measurements well AND is extremely robust.

author: evava
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 08:35:48 am
content: Quote from: stian on February 02, 2018, 05:59:40 amMaybe you could even consider UT181a, I am very happy with it (and it is in your budget).I use that as nice complement to my Fluke 289 (bought second hand).Where first is worse, there second is better and vice versa.Both are fine and my most used meters today.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 08:48:18 am
content: You get plenty of bang for your money with a Uni-T. If you’re not poking around high energy circuits it’ll do the job. Then again so will a DT830.

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 08:51:06 am
content: a good used Agilent or Fluke in Evilbay

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 08:54:01 am
content: Quote from: BU508A on February 02, 2018, 07:49:33 amBrymens and Flukes are the ones to look at, IMHO. Fluke will give you less features for the money but theyareyellow and can be a lot easier to get hold of.Quote from: nidlaX on February 02, 2018, 08:27:49 amAgree. If the budget is $300 then this is the meter to go for.Quote from: bd139 on February 02, 2018, 08:48:18 amIn that price range I'd go for an ANENG 860B+. Only $20, and mine has been the most-used multimeter on my bench for the last few months. I also throw it in my case twice a week and take it to club meetings and stuff where other people use it, no worries (I did put a screen protector on it though).If you only have crappy meters at the moment then maybe you could start with one of these. It won't be money wasted - you need more than one multimeter anyway!

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 09:06:59 am
content: I might buy one of those Aneng jobbies.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 09:37:54 am
content: Quote from: bd139 on February 02, 2018, 09:06:59 amSome meters are just "grabbable". It should be a score in multimeter reviews - "grabbability".nb. I have an AN8008 as well but it scores quite low on that scale even though I'm generally in the "smaller is better" camp.

author: BU508A
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 10:03:06 am
content: I'll throw the Fluke 101 in the ring:https://www.markhennessy.co.uk/budget_multimeters/fluke_101.htmExample on ebay:https://www.ebay.com/itm/331240275780

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 10:07:59 am
content: Since OP is going for an electronics friendly meter, I would suggest to give HIGH priority to any meter with a fast accurate Continuity mode and buzzer.Most -almost affordable come overpriced- Flukes are THE leaders in that department,even the older 87/85/83? series and vintage 8060A styles from years ago have killa Continuity mode and buzzer.Most other brands lose it in this very vital real world electronics troubleshooting function.Other multimeter functions you can get by with a bag full of landfill bound $20 cheapies,or feature filled competitive brands with red or orange holsters, s e x y curvesand battery munching eye candypowering slowing decaying OLED displays

author: Synthtech
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 11:08:25 am
content: Take a look at Hioki’s DT4256, it would be in your price range. Japanese built and designed with their own custom multimeter chip. My Hioki DT4282 leaves my Keysight U1282A in the dust in terms of autoranging speed and continuity function. Japanese quality all the way.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 11:12:23 am
content: Quote from: MasterTech on February 02, 2018, 07:54:20 amNote the qualifier "best" in the title.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 11:13:57 am
content: Quote from: nidlaX on February 02, 2018, 08:27:49 amI don't own a BM869s, but it seems to be a very well liked meter even when you don't factor in price. The BM235 doesn't have a bar graph, so I'd pick something that does.

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 11:18:28 am
content: If I was you buddy i'd look at getting 2 meters.Maybe 1 of the Aneng ones around £30 and spend the rest on a Fluke 177 or Brymen 867s or something along those lines. Then you have 2 meters for when you need to measure V and A together or whatever and you also have meters to check against each other so you can see if one is wandering out of Cal, or whatever.You'll know if that applies to you or if you just want 1 meter but if you looking at getting into electronics i'd suggest the 2 meter route.Good luck however you go...

author: PartialDischarge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 11:28:34 am
content: Quote from: Mr. Scram on February 02, 2018, 11:12:23 amI though it was clear I was trying to make a funny comment, but I'll always recommend anyone to get at least1

author: anishkgt
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 12:17:40 pm
content: I have the BM869s. Bought as second dmm after the extech 300. Has the data logging as well haven’t tested it yet though.Www.Georgehobby.wordpress.comEquipments: DSO104z, Hakko FX888D, Brymen BM869s

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 01:16:08 pm
content: Quote from: Terry01 on February 02, 2018, 11:18:28 amDefinitely.I don't care how much you paid for a meter, if you don't regularly contrast/compare/crosscheck with another meter then you can't have true confidence in the numbers shown on screen.An old Fluke 12B will do for this but the $20 Chinese meter market is amazing right now. It's worth getting one no matter what other meters you own, even if it's only to see what $20 gets you these days.

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 01:32:57 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on February 02, 2018, 01:16:08 pmI have a Hyelec MS89, Ex Tech 505, Fluke 177 and a Brymen 867s all bought in that order as I got to know more about electronics and what I needed. It's all a learning curve. I listened to all the guys who know better and took out what applied to me and went from there. I also have 1 of those cheap £10 voltage reference and I compare them all now and then, it takes about 5 mins! I know none of it is top end stuff but I now know through a quick check that my stuff is stable. I know none of it is scientific but it's enough for what I use or need.Not everything that that the more experienced guys tell you will apply to you but you will find that you can find out most things that do by listening to everything. Very little is wasted knowledge although not all applies to you.Getting a couple meters was one of the things I learned early on from listening to others and I can confirm it was good advice. These forums are invaluable to people looking to learn electronics.

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 02:08:06 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on February 02, 2018, 01:16:08 pm+1QuoteMore likely you will very quickly want to measure two voltages or voltage and current simultaneously.Two meters to check each other is fine but remember the old proverb - A man with one watch knows what the time is, a man with two watches is never sure. You'll wind up buying a thrid, then a more accurate one and by then it will be too late....

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 03:59:43 pm
content: I have said this before; the BM525 is probably a better overall meter than the BM869. Why? Well no one generally needs 50,000 counts, nor the 0.02% basic accuracy.The BM525 has 10,000/6,000 counts, 0.08% basic accuracy, all the other features of the BM869 but also has internal logging. It can log up to 87000 measurements at up to 20 times per second. These can then be downloaded by the optional USB cable. The BM525 also has an autocheck feature which automatically determine if you are measuring voltage ac or dc or resistance. It can be useful sometimes.The price for them BM525 is around $220 plus you need to buy the USB cable. The BM869 is around $260 plus you need the USB cable as well. IMHO, people would be better served by the BM525 as a general all round meter than the BM869.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 06:44:02 pm
content: Quote from: stian on February 02, 2018, 07:13:01 amLook at the Vichy VC8145. It is a very nice bench DMM for electronics work. Quick continuity, big backlit LCD and for your budget you can almost buy 2.

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 07:07:00 pm
content: I'm a fan of my Brymen BM867s - for the budget you can get the 869, but the 867 still does a great job and is quite accurate, though no data logging unless you get the cable. If you can wait a couple months, the 121GW should be available outside of the kickstarter in that ballpark.You could easily manage a 5.5 digit bench DMM in that pricerange used, and if you're lucky you may be able to find a 6.5 digit in the same range, and you'd be able to get data logging through GPIB or similar.

author: HKJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 07:37:58 pm
content: Quote from: DaJMasta on February 02, 2018, 07:07:00 pmHow much do it cost to get a GPIB connection to the computer (Cable and GPIB interface)?I avoid GPIB when looking for equipment, I fear it will be a lot of trouble and money to get a working setup, maybe I am wrong and just to lazy to find the right solution.

author: stian
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 10:40:18 pm
content: Quote from: DaJMasta on February 02, 2018, 07:07:00 pmThats a long waiting time.What will the prizetag be for the 121GW?I been watching some videos about misc dmm's and have to say im leaning towards the bm869 at the moment.There is so many great sugestions in here that im almost more confused now than what i was before i started this thread.Also. i need to order a dmm from outside my contry. "Norway", because, well everything here is like 2-4x more expensive than what it should be.https://www.welectron.com/Handheld-MultimetersSeems to be a nice distributor located in Germany for the Brymen.Any other ones i should know about aswell? "not only Brymen but distributor in general"This suggested Vichy VC8145 also caught my eye. but cant find any distributor. All my search ends up on ebay and im no big fan of ebay.I have had to many bad experiance with them in the past.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 11:21:29 pm
content: Quote from: stian on February 02, 2018, 10:40:18 pmYou can also buy the VC8145 through Aliexpress.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 11:37:45 pm
content: Quote from: stian on February 02, 2018, 10:40:18 pmTME.eu is another trustworthy vendor:https://www.tme.eu/en/details/bm525/portable-digital-multimeters/brymen/bm525s/Also bear in mind Lightages' suggestion about the BM525s.

author: nidlaX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2018, 11:43:02 pm
content: Quote from: stian on February 02, 2018, 10:40:18 pmI would not recommend getting the 121GW if it's going to be your only / primary meter. It's a beta product right now, and you can read all about the teething problems in the three stickied threads.About the BM535 vs BM869s, I would still pick up a BM869s if it's going to be your primary meter. The extra resolution and accuracy are useful for checking the validity of other meters you may end up buying. That said, if you have to have datalogging, the BM535 is a good option.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2018, 05:58:21 am
content: Quote from: stian on February 02, 2018, 05:59:40 amThat's a big shift going from the 869s to the 235 in one post. With that span, you may want to think about what you really need before buying something. Download the manuals and start reading.

author: ChrisG
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 03, 2018, 07:42:34 am
content: Without a doubt the BM869s. A 5.5 digit 2nd hand bench dmm which is still in spec and of very good quality is not soeasy to get

author: Someone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2018, 08:42:05 am
content: Quote from: MasterTech on February 02, 2018, 11:28:34 amThere are some users on here using that emoticon as a inflammatory exclamation mark, so its not clear to anyone what it means.

author: Oldnormanbates
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 03, 2018, 01:17:39 pm
content: Quote from: stian on February 02, 2018, 05:59:40 amGo to Banggood and buy one for under $20 or even less, just look at overall specs and good ranges. Shoot, I haven't bought a fluke or even a main brand since being a Ham for over 50yrs. Now when I was Director of Engineering for Companies in Seattle, We would pick up Flukes, but typically because there was some crazy spec that required it or more over it had a Calibration Certificate. N7PB RememberTubes Paul OldNormanBatesSent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk

author: DougSpindler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2018, 02:07:22 pm
content: WAIT....... I posted a similar question about a month ago. I was login for.a meter which can also do data logging. The $50 Dave did a review on is serial and no longer available. So nice person suggested I look at the Mooshimeter. I wound up buying one. I’ts a different from the other DVMM in that it has two channels so one can measure voltage in one circuit an current in another at the same time and do data loggin at the same time. It was only $100. What makes this a bit of a different animal is the display is on your smartphone which has it’s advantages and disadvantage. It is very well made and comes in a nice case.May not be what you are looking for..... But where can you buy a dual channel DVMM for $100?

author: Robomeds
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2018, 12:02:33 pm
content: If used is an option, the Fluke 187/189 is hard to beat. So much of what is great about the 87 plus a lot more. The 189 has logging and both have outputs though they are, to the best of my knowledge, via proprietary connectors and protocols.

author: Candid
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2018, 01:17:08 pm
content: Quote from: stian on February 02, 2018, 10:40:18 pmWelectron is a really good seller in germany and one of the Brymens surely will fit your needs. As Joe suggested you should have a look in the manuals. Getting a good dmm is one thing getting the right dmm for your needs another.You may think about getting two dmms. For me personally I often use the more simple but extremely robust and small Fluke 107 as daily dmm when I am not at the bench or when I need a second one at the bench. At the bench I like the Brymen 235 or the Fluke 28II. I bought the EEVBlog Brymen 235 to support Dave otherwise I would have bought the BM869 as bench dmm. But this is my personal view.

author: Deridex
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2018, 05:56:23 pm
content: So far i can recommend the Keysight 1241C. We got a few of em at work. I can't remember any Problems with these.Ps: The continuouty-beeper seems to be as fast as the fluke ones.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2018, 10:08:09 pm
content: At this price range I vote for the Brymen 867/869 and perhaps the 525 suggested by Lightages. I have a BM857 (previous generation) and I really like it, but it lacks the dual display feature of the 867/869.I also have a U1273A that is quite good as well - this meter has the dual display, which shows AC/DC or AC/frequency simultaneously, as well as a few additional capabilities that I use frequently, such as Zlow and a very wide range resistance and capacitance meters (300M and 30000uF). The LCD version (U1272A) is also cheaper.BTW, Fluke is not alone in having good continuity tester. Brymens and Keysights have that as well.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2018, 10:22:31 pm
content: I see a lot of handhelds bein recommended and wonder how appearantly so few get fed up with changing batteries.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2018, 10:29:36 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on February 04, 2018, 10:22:31 pmNot everybody goes for an Agilent with OLED screen...?My meter gets 1000 hours use from a 9V battery, that's years of use in reality.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2018, 10:31:02 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on February 04, 2018, 10:22:31 pmThat's because it's rarely needed. Other than second hand meters that came with spent batteries, I don't think I've changed any batteries.Meanwhile, the Brymens suggested here are fairly solid kit, while the Vichy bench meter isn't something I would really rely on. It's fine as a guesstimeter, but that's about it.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2018, 11:46:43 pm
content: Quote from: Mr. Scram on February 04, 2018, 10:31:02 pmIn my handheld the battery always died when I needed it the most. And how about auto-shutdown? That is pretty annoying too. I only have one handheld DMM which goes along to customers. The rest are bench DMMs. I'm not quite sure where you want to go with your remark about Brymen versus Vicy. Both are low end brands and I don't expect the inside to be better or lesser quality between the two. Last time I checked (using my Keysight 34461A) my VC8145s meet their specs.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2018, 02:08:37 am
content: Quote from: nctnico on February 04, 2018, 11:46:43 pmEven with my U1273A with its shiny OLED display I really thought that battery was going to be a huge problem, but that didn't happen. Auto Power Off is something quite annoying at times but it can be easily disabled.Despite your VC8145s are still in cal after all those years, Vici's offerings in the handheld market are light years behind Brymen! There is absolutely no comparison in robustness and build quality between a VC99 or a VC9807A and anything that Brymen has had in a long time.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2018, 07:40:26 am
content: Quote from: nctnico on February 04, 2018, 11:46:43 pmDecent handheld multimeters generally have a setting to turn off auto-shutdown. I checked the manual for the Brymen BM869s and it sports this option. Though even the cheap AN8008 can apparently do it too.Although I'm not arguing against a bench meter. It's just that when the choice is between a top end Brymen or a Vichy the Brymen seems to be the obvious winner. I don't think Brymen and Vichy are in the same league. Brymen has proven itself for a while now and is tested quite thoroughly by a critical crowd.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2018, 09:58:39 am
content: Quote from: rsjsouza on February 05, 2018, 02:08:37 amBut my point is not about Vici's handhelds but their very cost effective bench-top model which IMHO has excellent value for money (even for using in a business like I do). Brymen doesn't seem to have bench-top meters at all.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2018, 12:39:23 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on February 05, 2018, 09:58:39 amI see your point about the VC8145 and I agree it seems quite a good value. Perhaps I should have marked the target of my statement (see above) - this sentence is what I objected on my previous post.

author: 3db
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2018, 01:18:15 pm
content: @stianI bought my BM869s from Welectron in Germany (via Amazon in UK) and can confirm that are a great outfit to deal with.I bought a BM257 from TME in Poland a few years ago and had no problems with them.I reckon Welectron would be the better company if you are looking for test gear.3DB

author: Deridex
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2018, 06:20:18 pm
content: I think autoturnoff is nothing bad aslong you can turn it off and the dmm notfies me when shutting down

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2018, 11:15:28 pm
content: Quote from: rsjsouza on February 05, 2018, 12:39:23 pmI've looked at the VC99 and a few different Brymens and don't see how the Vici would ever be considered to be in the same class. I've put that BM869s I have through a lot of tests. I don't remember the Vici getting off the starting line.