Amprobe AM-150 dmm - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: teslafan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2015, 01:37:26 am
content: Anyone have any knowledge about this model? I'm considering it as my 2nd dmm. The AM-140-A & AM-160-A seem to be pretty good IIRC. My only dmm now is the Fluke 27/FM.Thanks

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2015, 01:57:00 am
content: Discontinued model. Brymen made. Poor backlight and poor true RMS bandwidth. May be useful as a data logger.

author: teslafan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2015, 03:00:50 am
content: Thanks much!A AM-140-A with upgraded fuses good or AM-160-A?

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 24, 2015, 03:13:27 am
content: The AM160 has better accuracy and temperature measurement if this counts to you. Either is a nice meter, just older design by Brymen and with bad back lights.If you want something by Brymen in a more modern design:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Greenlee-DM-830A-Digital-Multimeter-True-RMS-AC-DC-1000-V-/171643119902?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27f6ba291e#shpCntIdThis is the equivalent of the Brymen BM829.Then you might want to look at the Brymen BM857s or BM859S which are the equivalent of the AM140 and AM160 respectively but in a Brymen case instead of the Amprobe case. These are available fromwww.tme.euand they ship to the US.There is also the Brymens you can't get from our friend here, iloveelectronics:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brymen-BM829-Digital-Multimeter-Dual-Display-AC-DC-TRMS-Dual-Temp-10-000-Count-/201070664254http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brymen-BM869s-Digital-Multimeter-500-000-count-Dual-Temp-AC-DC-TRMS-PC-Logging-/171272486755Did I just complicate your decision?

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2015, 04:13:55 am
content: The AM-160 in Martin's video is out of spec.See Martin's Amprobe AM-160-A part 1 video.At 11:49, he starts measuring the following and the meter should be 0.02% +2D. Martin is incorrect in his video saying 0.03%. Manual clearly states 0.02%.1.5007 - (DMMcheck is 1.5000) - 1.5000 x 0.02% = 0.0003 + 2D or 5 counts. AM-160 is 7 counts out. FAIL5.0021 - (DMMcheck is 5.0000) - 5.0000 x 0.02% = 0.0010 + 2D or 12 counts. AM-160 is 21 counts out. FAILIn a follow up video, Martin had to adjust the AM-160 to get it within it specifications. However, most people won't have the equipment do it.It won't be the first or last time that a more expensive multimeter is out of specification especially when in the 0.02% range. Lightage's experience with the UEI DM397 is another example.

author: teslafan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2015, 04:25:10 am
content: Quote from: Lightages on January 24, 2015, 03:13:27 am

author: teslafan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2015, 04:31:21 am
content: Quote from: retiredcaps on January 24, 2015, 04:13:55 amYOUR DMM RECOMMENDATION THEN?

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2015, 11:02:43 am
content: Fluke 17B+ if you're not too fussed about true RMS.http://www.ebay.com/itm/FLUKE-17B-F17B-Digital-Multimeter-Meter-w-Free-Case-/171627884707?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27f5d1b0a3Not a bad price, considering that a set of TL75 and a temp probe cost about 50$ by themselves.

author: teslafan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2015, 12:58:30 am
content: Wytnucls,Had/have this 1 in my watch list: Fluke 15b $82 @ebay, OK too? This model going into your spreadsheet for the next update?1ST Project Goal: Is it possible/cost effective for a newbie to fix all the bugs i.e., no backlight, drift issue, make it Windows 7 compatible, add an adapter to the PC cable or replace cable w/USB type, & make 1000v fuses capabile, upgrade fuse sockets, make power off capable, make more yellow/blue button features, fix slow display speed, & +? to make the uni-t ut61e ideal?Thanks.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2015, 06:04:24 am
content: I only list true RMS meters in the spreadsheet.61E mods could be a fun project, but unlikely to turn that frog into a DMM prince.

author: teslafan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2015, 06:24:06 am
content: Quote from: Wytnucls on January 25, 2015, 06:04:24 amWytnucls,Gotcha, makes sense. Also good to know spreadsheet only TRMS only, thanks.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2015, 06:40:19 am
content: Quote from: teslafan on January 25, 2015, 12:58:30 amSadly, the simple answer is No.You might be able to improve it a bit ( i.e. upgrade fuses & add backlight), but you won't be able to do everything you'd want, as some of the limitations are the result of the chip used.Assuming your budget is still ~ $135 (from Franky's thread), you're looking at the BM257, or possibly a BM829 if you can find a deal (think you could swing one of these for ~$150 if you're patient).For a lower cost Uni-T, you might want to consider the UT139C.

author: teslafan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2015, 07:54:46 am
content: Quote from: nanofrog on January 25, 2015, 06:40:19 am

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2015, 10:53:02 am
content: Quote from: teslafan on January 25, 2015, 07:54:46 amThat would be another good one, particularly the newer version, BM857s (it's what TME is shipping for example). I didn't list it in this thread, as it's ~$170 with shipping (figuring it is out of budget since you hadn't already picked one up).I own the older BM857a, and it is a really nice meter. Continuity isn't the fastest, but it's quite usable. It was also a bit scratchy (non latching type), but this was solved by using better probes than came standard. And quality probes will add another ~$20 - 30, depending on what you go for (just leads, or abasic kit).

author: teslafan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2015, 11:49:59 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on January 25, 2015, 10:53:02 am

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 26, 2015, 12:03:54 am
content: If you want a reliable solid budget meter, then the UT139C is hard to beat right now. It has a fast continuity test and is built much better for safety than most of the Uni-T offerings. You can it with confidence IMHO.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2015, 12:39:15 am
content: Quote from: teslafan on January 25, 2015, 11:49:59 pmYes, TME sells it.It's currently still listed as BM857a on their site, but a member that recently purchased one confirmed it's actually the newer BM857sversion.Even the olderaversion is nothing to be ashamed of owning. Protections are quite good, and the backlight does work (not pretty, but you can read the value on the screen). I wouldn't be concerned over them (you can update the fuses if you wish; it was an option at the time for distributor or rebrand orders, instead of mandatory for CAT compliance at the time), and the backlight is a non-issue with good bench lighting (won't need to use backlight). So if you happen to come across a good usedaversion at the right price, it would certainly be worth owning.

author: teslafan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2015, 01:36:00 am
content: Quote from: Lightages on January 26, 2015, 12:03:54 amWhen I need a 2nd dmm I believe this is the way I'll go. Very good, thanks

author: teslafan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2015, 01:39:56 am
content: Quote from: nanofrog on January 26, 2015, 12:39:15 amGotcha, will keep all this in mind for down the road for a more accurate upgrade dmm when I have a needed project, appreciate the details, thanks.

author: teslafan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2015, 09:59:35 am
content: Well, as it turns out, I chose to return the Fluke 27/FM 'cause I discovered that it came with the wrong fuses(15A & 1A, not 10A & 320mah).So, I bought a UNI-T UT136B for $18.55 to my door for my 1st dmm for now. This should be a good OK dmm for a newbie's 1st dmm for gen'l electronic purposes per Lightages video right?Thanks for all the support. You guys are terrific!

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 28, 2015, 05:35:29 pm
content: Wow, that was quite the downgrade! Yes the UT136B is the cheapest meter I think you would want. It works. Do not use it on high energy circuits and keep the probes out of the wall socket and it will do what you need.

author: teslafan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2015, 10:37:30 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on January 28, 2015, 05:35:29 pmOK, THANKS!

author: teslafan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2015, 05:36:08 am
content: Quote from: nanofrog on January 25, 2015, 06:40:19 am

author: teslafan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2015, 06:42:02 am
content: Quote from: Lightages on January 28, 2015, 05:35:29 pmNOW I'VE CHANGED MY MIND & SOLD IT (UT139C) TODAY 2/13/15 & HAVE THE UNI-T UT136B FOR SALE TOO. DECIDED I WANTED BETTER, UPPING MY BUDGET TO $150ISH CATEGORY. CONSIDERING FLUKE 185, 1 CON = RARELY COMES AVAIL. I KNOW, BRYMEN BM857S, 1 BIG CON = I DON'T LIKE THE REFLECTIVE SCRN $129 NU + S/H @TME, AMPROBE AM-140-A, CONS = BACKLITE, DATA LOGGING SW, NO TEMP, WEAK STAND, NO EASY FUSES ACCESS $160 NU AT AMAZON, UNI-T UT 171B, CONS = UNKNOWN BATTERY LIFE & ALSO MIGHT BE OVER MY BUDGET? AND MAYBE FRANKY RECOMMENDED MASTECH MS8250, CONS = MIXED OPINIONS IN HIS REVIEWS $60 +/-. SUGGESTIONS, COMMENTS? THANKS

author: teslafan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2015, 07:31:29 am
content: Quote from: Wytnucls on January 25, 2015, 06:04:24 amNOW I'VE CHANGED MY MIND & SOLD IT (UT139C) TODAY 2/13/15 & HAVE THE UNI-T UT136B FOR SALE TOO. DECIDED I WANTED BETTER, UPPING MY BUDGET TO $150ISH CATEGORY. CONSIDERING FLUKE 185, 1 CON = RARELY COMES AVAIL. I KNOW, BRYMEN BM857S, 1 BIG CON = I DON'T LIKE THE REFLECTIVE SCRN $129 NU + S/H @TME, AMPROBE AM-140-A, CONS = BACKLITE, DATA LOGGING SW, NO TEMP, WEAK STAND, NO EASY FUSES ACCESS $160 NU AT AMAZON, UNI-T UT 171B, CONS = UNKNOWN BATTERY LIFE & ALSO MIGHT BE OVER MY BUDGET? AND MAYBE FRANKY RECOMMENDED MASTECH MS8250, CONS = MIXED OPINIONS IN HIS REVIEWS $60 +/-. SUGGESTIONS, COMMENTS? THANKS

author: teslafan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2015, 07:33:03 am
content: Quote from: retiredcaps on January 24, 2015, 04:13:55 amNOW I'VE CHANGED MY MIND & SOLD IT (UT139C) TODAY 2/13/15 & HAVE THE UNI-T UT136B FOR SALE TOO. DECIDED I WANTED BETTER, UPPING MY BUDGET TO $150ISH CATEGORY. CONSIDERING FLUKE 185, 1 CON = RARELY COMES AVAIL. I KNOW, BRYMEN BM857S, 1 BIG CON = I DON'T LIKE THE REFLECTIVE SCRN $129 NU + S/H @TME, AMPROBE AM-140-A, CONS = BACKLITE, DATA LOGGING SW, NO TEMP, WEAK STAND, NO EASY FUSES ACCESS $160 NU AT AMAZON, UNI-T UT 171B, CONS = UNKNOWN BATTERY LIFE & ALSO MIGHT BE OVER MY BUDGET? AND MAYBE FRANKY RECOMMENDED MASTECH MS8250, CONS = MIXED OPINIONS IN HIS REVIEWS $60 +/-. SUGGESTIONS, COMMENTS? THANKS

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2015, 02:32:53 pm
content: Quote from: teslafan on February 14, 2015, 07:33:03 amCan you please stop posting in the ^ format?I ask, as all caps + bold + underlined make it hard as hell to read IMHO (I get the mental picture of someone ranting on a soap box at full volume in the middle of the road during rush hour traffic in a major city).Maybe use some space between sentences as well where appropriate (make use of the Enter key).As per a meter, the average $100 unit isn't going to get you what you're after, let alone something in the $40 - 60 range.Now given you've gone back to ~$150, I'd recommend the Brymen BM857S or the BM257S as your best fit for your budget (do you want higher counts, or a larger dual display at the cost of counts; keep in mind, 6000 counts is all you need for the vast majority of tasks).FWIW, TME is out of stock on the BM857s; they do show stock for the BM857a's and BM257s though. Franky also has the BM257s available.BTW, you can find faults/compromises in even the most expensive units. And has it happens, what issues the BM857 and BM257 do have, are minor and can certainly be lived with.

author: teslafan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2015, 04:12:08 pm
content: Thanks, & I'll back off the can't miss it wording.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2015, 06:22:05 pm
content: Quote from: teslafan on February 14, 2015, 04:12:08 pmTruly appreciated.Much easier to read your post since the actual message is no longer camouflaged in a black jumbled mass.

author: Yago
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2015, 06:47:11 pm
content: On the 857 that is not the lcd screen that is reflective, it is part of the case over the screen.Not helpful but worth note the added protection.The thing that may be of help is you can get films with anti reflective coating and stick one over the display. 3M make them for phones and cameras etc.

author: teslafan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2015, 10:32:10 pm
content: Good idea, thanks for going to the trouble of sharing that.