Searching for a basic multimeter with max hold, dutycycle etc. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: johnk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2013, 11:28:24 am
content: Hello there EEV-Community,I'm recently looking for a multimeter, but I couldn't find one which fits my needs. I've been watching the 50$ multimeter shootout from Dave and also searched via Google. The Extech EX330 seems to be really good for it's value, but I'm missing the function of peak measuring (I really don't know why they but the useless "hold" function in it instead).I think this function is pretty useful when you e.g. try to find out if a pin of your microcontroller has been high for a short time or not (or if it has been low at any time, but I don't think I need an extra function for this, I could just swap + and - at the multimeter right?).Also the multimeter should be able to measure AC and PWM frequencys and duty cycles. I would appreciate if it could also determine capacitance and had an auto rang function.Price shouldn't be higher than about 60$.Greetings JohnPS: I live in Europe, so it would be nice if the multimeter is available here. (not a must, but it would be easier for me to get)

author: PA4TIM
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2013, 12:10:45 pm
content: AC and pwm, for other things as pure sinewaves and over 1 kHz (or higher, depending on the meter) you need a TRMS meterWhat frequency and crestfactor you need ?Switching leads will not help. He will give the negative peak, not zero. Besides that, the meter must be fast enough to capture the transition. Cheap meters often are very slow. I do not even know if one of my meters (around 30) has peak hold because I never used it or missed it. I use a scope for one-shot events.Most meters measure Capacitance through DC. Perfect for new caps with a known good ESR, if ESR is higher this increases the RC time and the bad cap with loss of capacitance and a high ESR will show a much higher C as it has in real. (so only use it for new caps or in combination with an ESR meter.I think you need to adjust your needs or your budget.

author: johnk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2013, 12:24:01 pm
content: Thanks for the reply.So with an normal multimeter (like the ex330) I cant measure PWM frequencys? (I think 1khz would be all right, since a pwm for Leds doesn't have to be faster).Also I only own an analog scope so I can't measure peaks with it.The capacitance determination is not that important for me. It would be ok if it can only be used with new capacitors or had a variation of 20% or so.

author: PA4TIM
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2013, 01:15:06 pm
content: Quote from: johnk on September 06, 2013, 12:24:01 pmwhy not. On your screen has a graticule. You count the lines between zero Volt (no input level) and the top of the waveform. That is called VpeakGenerations of techs have done it this way. And you can use the trigger level to find peaks or use single shot. OK, it is not like a modern DSO where you can record and look befor the triggerpoint. But on the other hand, most analog scopes do not miss as much transients as a DSO (that measures only a few % of the time) Analog scopes are lighning fast in that area.But first, download the manual. Your find the answer there. I'm tpo lazy to copy it so look the numbers up yourself. But, yes, it can measure dutycycle, Yes it can measure frequency. It is not TRMS, it is even worse, they state the AC Voltage specs only for 50/60 Hz.It is a mini multimeter, handy in your toolbox or drawer in case of need (but that is just my opinion, most users here think a low price is the most important and best feature of an instrument )

author: johnk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2013, 01:57:10 pm
content: Thanks for your effort!Yeah I know I can measure frequencys with the scope, but it takes much more time.If my scope had a one shot ability I wouldn't need it in the multimeter, but I don't think mine has one.Could you tell me if it has one? I don't know what the switch right of the screen is good for (Auto + - + - X). Also I don't know what I should use the two connectors right under it for?! Here is a picture of it:

author: PA4TIM
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2013, 02:37:52 pm
content: Never seen a scoop like that. It looks (east) German, somewhere from the seventies ? Probably around 5 or 10 MHz.The knob is trigger. In auto you always get a trace. In + or - you only get a trace if the amplitude reaches the set level. You set a level on the upgoing part of the trace with + and the downgoing part of the trace with -. So if your signal is 5Vp and you want to see if it sometimes is 6V you can set the trigger level at 6V (with the use of a signal generator for instance) and then you have no trace until that event happens.No single shot here but trigger does the same. Single shot was intended for most for using a camera (I'm told)The connector with Z is for Z modulation. Look that up with google if you want to know but I do not think you will use it. The other is the sawtooth of the scope. In old scopes this is often there. This is for instance usefull if you use a sweeper/ wobbulator. You connect the sawtooth to the signalgenerator that has a sawtooth input, (be carefull, Tektronix has models where the amplitude is 100V) ansd then you can align filters. So priobably you will never use it.X is the horizontal input. For making X,Y measurenments like comparing two frequencys, checking modulation or again, when used with a wobbulator that has its own sawtooth.Measuring frequency is easy. Just count the number of graticukle lines for on whole periode. Then multiply it by the position of the timebase knob and then do 1/time = frequency. Not the fastest way and if you do this very often and it needs to be precise then buy a counter or build one (this is real easy, you can use an arduino and even the software is downloadable. Even making it it very accurate is easy. I builded one a few months ago as read out for a signal generator.

author: johnk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2013, 02:48:36 pm
content: Many thanks, I will try to play around with the trigger modes! Your right the scope is pretty old and from east germany.And since it seems to be no common feature of multimeters I will probably build a PWM-frequency counter with an Attiny by myself.Thanks for you help!

author: MasterOfNone
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2013, 12:00:24 am
content: Disclaimer:This suggestion comes with absolutely no guaranty.Me (The Suggester) accepts no liability for any damage or injury that occurs during the use or misuse of the equipment suggested.This suggestion should not be used as a guaranty of the quality, accuracy or reliability of the suggested equipment. Therefore any deficiencies with the suggested equipment should be settled between you and the equipment supplier (and/or equipment manufacturer), and not between you and me (The Suggester).The responsibility of determining if the suggested equipment is fit for purpose is with you, and not with me (The Suggester).Suggestion:Sounds like a good idea building something yourself. But if you have no intension of ever using the Multimeter for high voltages (or high currents), you could try a VICHY VC99. You would get all the features you stated and a few more, and all for less than your budget.Notes:1: This suggestion was not meant to cause offence to anyone, but if you feel offended by this suggestion and feel the need to respond, then please respond in a non aggressive manner stating why find this suggestion offensive. The suggester knows how passionate some forum members get about the quality of Test Equipment.2: The suggester, suggestion was only suggested because the Original Posters seems to need the equipment for hobby use, which suggests it may be replaced at a later date when their equipment is being updated.3: The suggester has not taken into account any delivery charges or taxes.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 07, 2013, 02:19:10 am
content: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Digitek-DT-2843R-AC-DC-True-RMS-Multimeter-Backlight-and-Temperature-/171080136251?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27d52bb63bThis is a better meter, better built, True RMS, than the Vichy. I did a review on this too. Franky is a great guy too and you and contact him here directly as iloveelectronics an he will give a bit better price than on ebay.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2013, 02:52:23 am
content: Here is a new one (to me at least), which looks interesting. 6000 count with USB PC connection. No peak hold or true RMS, but Max/Min.http://www.ebay.com/itm/DIGITAL-MULTIMETER-VOLTMETER-THERMOMETER-Ohm-USB-CD-BP-w-Software-USB-cable-/190886448437?pt=AU_B_I_Electrical_Test_Equipment&hash=item2c71b80d35

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 07, 2013, 03:10:15 am
content: One thing annoys me: CAT III 600 V / CAT II 1000 V near the input jacks. There's no way that this meter meets those specs. They specify 600 V fuses, and most functions (all except V/A) are only protected to 250 V. I'm not a safety junky who thinks everything should be designed to survive a direct lightning strike, and I think there's a large market for meters with a lower price, more features and less safety features, but why can't they just be honest with the safety ratings? Nobody in their right mind is going to use this for an industrial 600 V circuit anyhow, so I doubt that they'd lose many sales with honest ratings. I would be perfectly happy to recommend a CAT I 100 V to newbies, since that clearly indicates that the meter is not suitable for mains use.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2013, 03:23:57 am
content: I totally agree with you Alm. In their defense, this meter was made by Mastech before 2006. Regulations have changed over the years and fuse voltage requirements are fairly new ones. This one was supposedly built to standard IEC1010-1 2001 CATII 600V. I guess the onus would be on the buyer to find out what that standard means safety wise.http://www.mastech.com.cn/html/en/products-va19.htmThe meter was reviewed on this site in 2011. The general conclusion was pretty negative. Mastech's poor quality reputation is well deserved.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/product-review-dmm-latest-va-mastech-va18b/

author: johnk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2013, 10:44:22 am
content: Thanks for the replys and suggestions, but I already own a cheap multimeter. (witch can't hold peaks or measure duty cycles)As you guest I, in deed, will use the multimeter for low-voltage-circuits most of the time, but in some projects I may want to control some household devices, so I want a "real" CATII 300V at least.I will take a closer look at the suggested ones, but I don't think they will have the safety standard I need.

author: danb35
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2013, 11:42:17 am
content: With some patience, you can get a Fluke 87 series DMM on eBay for around $100US. I know that's more than your specified budget, but there wouldn't be any question about the safety features, it has frequency and duty cycle, and the min/max mode works well. You could also consider the Brymen BM257, which runs a little over $100 new, but also seems to meet your requirements. As always, if you're willing/able to stretch your budget, there are more options.

author: PA4TIM
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2013, 11:47:33 am
content: QuoteSo I thought you are looking for a cheap multimeter.QuoteBut now I think I was wrong . The meter that will forfill all your needs is for instance the AgilentU1241B or a bit cheaper but less accurate the U1231A but There are models above and in between these too. All TRMS (also AC+DC), frequency, capacitance, dutycycle, min/max, the 1241 is fast enough but they do not measure duty cycle.If you want all you want and more then a model from the the U1250B range will be your choise. I bought 3 years ago a blue one from this range and I really love it. It is my most used hand held. It also has a squarwave generator in side, can measure temp, logging, peak hold, min max, capacitance, frequency upto 20 MHz, measure two things at the same time, for instance voltage and frequency or DC on the main display and AC ripple on the second.

author: johnk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2013, 12:41:05 pm
content: @PA4TIM: I'm sorry for the confusion. By cheap I meant I own a REALLY cheap one (may have cost 15 bucks or so), witch has no auto-ranging, cat ratings, frequency measurement or something like that. It's just usable for low-voltage current and voltage determination.The U1231A looked quite ok, but it can't measure current (witch may not be absolutely necessary, I will think about it).The Brymen BM257 looks pretty interesting (although I never heard of Brymen), I will take a closer look at it, whereas I don't think I will find a Fluke multimeter at a reasonable price on ebay in Europe. All these multimeters look quite nice to me it may be worth saving for them.I will keep you up to date. Thanks for your help so far!!

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 07, 2013, 05:37:47 pm
content: Yes the Brymen BM257 is a much safer and much better built meter than the Digitek DT2843R. It is also much more expensive, 3 times the price. One of the best deals for it is to be found from our friend here iloveelecronics. He sells them for $137 shipped worldwide but he will give you a bit better price if buy from him outside of ebay by contacting him here.If you have the money to spend, I highly recommend the BM257. It will handle almost anything a hobbyist will use it for. I would consider it safe for any household electronics and electrical work including work in the distribution panel. Its is lacking only in two ways IMHO in that the True RMS is AC reading only, it does not read DC. It also will not light LEDs on the diode test but to me that is not any kind of deal breaker.

author: Spock
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 07, 2013, 05:59:23 pm
content: Hi,If you are in Europe I can really recommend that you look into new Sanwa line-up.I bought CD772 DMM and I'm very happy with it.Here are some pros:really top quality materials - elastomer case.very good and precise knobHRC fuses and spare one included inside DMMTrueRMS up to 1kHzvery sharp LCDuA range, temperaturecontinuity also signaled by red LEDmetal screw holesvery nice battery compartment removable with batteriesAnd some Cons:crappy backlight - two amber LED's on one sidescratchy buzzerCapacity range up to 100uFOf coure you have relative, hold, manual range etc - you can download manual from Sanwa webpage. Refresh rate is 3 per/sec.I bought it for 220 PLN (Poland) - that gives ~70 USD.One of the best price/ratio from Japan.I can also recommend Kioritsu brand - very nice DMM's.I do have in my hands those yellow one few post earlier and believe me - plastics are crappy, and those Velleman or rebranded will not survive 1m fall.Summary sheet:

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2013, 06:10:36 pm
content: The Sanwa meter is well made, but pretty basic, with no Max/Min or Peak Hold, as required by the thread.It might not measure duty cycle either, but I could be wrong.

author: Zbig
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2013, 06:12:29 pm
content: Having seen Brymen products recommended here on numerous occasions and not knowing anything about this brand, I went to thewww.brymen.comand the sheer horror of looking at this site threw me right back to the times of personal "home pages" circa 1997, with glittering text, ponies and stuff. Are they for real? Is this their official website?Pure horror. I have never seen anyone going full Geocities since the beginning of the millennium. How's that for instilling my confidence in the quality of their products?

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2013, 06:15:47 pm
content: It is weird, but their meters are not made by their webmaster, luckily...

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 07, 2013, 06:16:20 pm
content: Without hijacking this thread too much, I can say yes they are a serious company. The make very good meters, and they are the OEM for some Amprobe, Extech, and other brands. Some of their meters are also rebranded as Greenlee, some MiniPa in Brazil etc....You can complete confidence in their meters. I have had some email conversations with Brymen and have mentioned that their site is causing them to lose sales but they seem rather unconcerned.

author: Spock
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 07, 2013, 06:17:12 pm
content: Quote from: Wytnucls on September 07, 2013, 06:10:36 pmYou are right.With requested price range from first post (60$) it will be very hard to find one even if you take better chinese (UNI-T,etc) brands into consideration.Like few posts above I just recommend something that is closest to requirements within or close to price range. Probably some compromises will have to be made by thread creator :-/I'm really waiting for someone who find such meter below $60

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2013, 06:28:57 pm
content: At that price point, it is really just a toss up between the Digitek and the Uni-T UT61E. I can't think of any other decent meter that would cover those requirements.Come to think of it, there is also the new UT139C, with Max/Min, but no Peak hold.http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNI-T-UT139C-True-RMS-Digital-Multimeters-AC-DC-with-Temperature-Auto-Range-/181179996615?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item2a2f2b59c7

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 07, 2013, 06:58:57 pm
content: Yes, that UT139C looks like a market leader at its price and I would really like to get one to see. Until I see a review on one or see one myself I reserve judgement. But if it is good as it appears it should be a great buy.

author: Robomeds
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2013, 06:15:39 am
content: Not long ago I posted a teardown of my BK 5390 meter. That meter was sold in Europe as a Metrix MX56 or such meter. It was part of a family of meters and was sold under several names. It's a VERY good meter and through ebay I got mine for ~$30. It does have the peak hold and duty cycle measurements. I'm not suggesting you can hop on ebay and find one without trouble (unlike a Fluke 87) but if you do find one it's a great meter and seems to go for very little.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2013, 07:19:47 am
content: A lot of online sellers list it as obsolete and unavailable, though.I found a company in France which advertises the meter on their site, but there is no price mentioned. I suspect it will be on the high side, but it is probably worth asking for a quote if you're interested.http://www.motralec.com/telecharger/Metrix_MX_56_55_54_53.pdfhttp://www.motralec.com/appareil_de_mesure_metrix_mx56.html

author: Zbig
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2013, 10:38:17 am
content: Quote from: Lightages on September 07, 2013, 06:16:20 pmI don't have any reason not to trust you, guys. Actually the BM257 seems very reasonable. Maybe I'll supplement my "temporary" UT33A/UT33C combo with this one.

author: danb35
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2013, 11:52:36 am
content: A couple of reviews of the Brymens:Dave's:Martin's:(this is on the BM251, which is missing a few features compared to the 257 but shares very similar construction).Dave's review is a quick look at three different Brymen meters rather than an in-depth review of any of them, but still gives a pretty good overview of the line. He seems to like the 257.

author: johnk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2013, 03:15:03 pm
content: I think I will save up for the Brymen B257. Thanks for all your help!

author: Sigmoid
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2013, 07:07:17 pm
content: I was considering the Brymens, but in the end I just decided to buy a guaranteed, "like new" used Fluke 87-V from Amazon.It cost $260 with the E2 kit of leads and connectors.I found that I'm dead in the water with only 1 multimeter, and since one I have is a "cheapie" (a BK Precision - awesome meter btw, but no peak hold), I wanted to go with a recognized, reliable piece of equipment.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2013, 07:26:00 pm
content: Well, we went from 60$ to 135$, so there is no limit on price anymore.At 130$, the UT-71C would be far more useful on the electronic bench than the Brymen. 40,000 count, triple display, AC+DC, internal and PC data-logging, just to mention a few advantages. Of course, if input protection is the main concern, the Brymen wins.Although, it looks like the Batronix version has upgraded protection with 1000V HRC fuses, according to the listing.http://www.batronix.com/shop/multimeter/multimeter-ut71c.htmlhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Uni-T-UT71C-Intelligent-Digital-Multimeter-USB-2-PC-/320622461673?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aa69682e9

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 10, 2013, 07:50:48 pm
content: Don't forget the horrible burden voltage on the UT71C, the slow update rate, and the painfully slow continuity tester. It does have PC logging included in the price, True RMS +DC, internal data logging 100 points, will light up and test LEDs, and measures down to 1pF on capacitance.The Brymen BM257 is faster and MUCH better protected on the inputs and is also much better built over all. It also has an "Auto Check" setting for automatic detection of voltage or resistance and an electric field detection function for checking for live wires without touching them. If you are tempted to use the meter on anything else other than just electronics then the Brymen is much safer.So I agree, the UT-71C is a better multimeter for the bench for electronics if you can live its failings.

author: johnk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2013, 03:34:58 pm
content: Why has the choice to be so difficult?Since I'm thinking of spending a little more I also watched the 100$ shootout and liked the Uei DM391, although it has no true rms (I can get it at the American Amazon for about 90$, witch is pretty good I think). But do I need true rms? I could live with it if the measurement of a 1kHz squarewave would have a precision of +-10%, I just need to know frequencys roughly to know if the code does what I try to program.Also I'm quite confused about duty cycle. Is it accurate at squarewaves (PWMs) even though the multimeter doesn't support true rms?I'm sorry my decision takes so long, but there are just to many multimeters on the market

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2013, 04:07:40 pm
content: Most lowly non-true RMS DMMs can measure a square wave frequency and duty cycle accurately; so should the DM391.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2013, 04:23:29 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on September 10, 2013, 07:50:48 pmThe burden voltage is not so bad actually. Probably average in that price range. It starts at 5.2mV/mA on the mA range with a 3V supply and drops to 3mV/mA at 5V. About 1/2 the burden voltage of the UT61E. The update rate is more than adequate on the 4,000 count selection. Continuity is slow, but latched.Have you measured the burden voltage on the Brymen?

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 11, 2013, 04:50:50 pm
content: If you are willing to spend $90, you might also consider the Amprobe AM-270:http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/amprobe/multimeters/am-270.htmIt is missing duty cycle but otherwise is very full featured and very well built. It has True RMS.For under $60, the choices are still the UT61E or the Digitek DT-2843RIf you want to spend the $ then the Brymen BM-257 or the UT71C. My PERSONAL preference goes to the Brymen.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 11, 2013, 05:03:14 pm
content: Quote from: Wytnucls on September 11, 2013, 04:23:29 pmI have not measured the burden voltage, just the resistance of the input while in current modes:BM257uA 102 ohmsmA 1.9 ohmsUT71EuA 499 ohmsmA 5.3 ohmsYes the UT71X series is not as bad as the UT61E, but still not as good as the Brymens.The continuity test speed is really slow, too slow to be useful in many applications. Yes, in 4000 count mode the update rate is very good.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 12, 2013, 09:01:42 am
content: People don't like the 87-V for its features (features almost seem inversely proportional to quality in some price brackets), but for its overall quality without major flaws (as long as you keep cellphones away from the older models) and reputation. Given the long life and the number of users it's unlikely that there are many undiscovered flaws in that meter, unlike a more obscure meter which is rarely discussed. This makes it a very safe choice. I've usually been disappointed when I chose a lesser known model with better specs on paper over the more mainstream model.The Fluke 87-V is also available in most parts of the world (eg. Europe), unlike Sanwa.

author: Sigmoid
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2013, 01:39:05 pm
content: Quote from: alm on September 12, 2013, 09:01:42 amYep.It has what I need. I think I'll later get a used bench meter to get the extra fine resolution, when I can get my hands on one cheap, but for now, confidence and maintainability is most important.

author: dr_p
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2013, 04:19:54 pm
content: for 50$+36$ shiping to EU=86$ I would consider this ex-demo IP67 meter that looks to be an Extech EX50x rebrand:http://www.ebay.com/itm/MutiMeter-Autoranging-Meter-/151119323220?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item232f69e054I also like the color better

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 12, 2013, 07:05:28 pm
content: That meter appears o to be made by CEM, which is the OEM for many their brands including Extech EX series. The EX series from Extech have been reported to have many quality control problems. I would avoid them.

author: Robomeds
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2013, 07:23:01 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on September 11, 2013, 04:50:50 pmThe Amprobe is a Bryman with a different box. Probably a BM810a or similar.

author: Robomeds
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2013, 07:25:19 pm
content: Quote from: dr_p on September 12, 2013, 04:19:54 pmAs was just stated that's a new version of the CEM meter. Sears Craftsman versions can be found for ~$40 or so on ebay.

author: ModemHead
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2013, 12:26:54 pm
content: Quote from: Robomeds on September 12, 2013, 07:25:19 pmI don't know whether this is typical of all CEM meters or not, but aCraftsman EX505-equivalent that I recently took apartwas not exactly a model of manufacturing precision.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2013, 02:12:47 pm
content: CEM quality control standards are pretty low (Some would say non-existent). The meter enclosures are usually well made and rugged, but the PCBs often have bodge wires snaking across traces and some hurried hand-soldering.They have made an effort recently in respect of input protection. Most of their meters are now equipped with proper HRC fuses of required ratings and a few are GS listed.http://www.cem-instruments.com/en/pro/nsort14-1.html

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 13, 2013, 03:47:38 pm
content: Quote from: Robomeds on September 12, 2013, 07:23:01 pmActually the Amprobe AM-270 is the Brymen BM815A in a different housing. It costs more than the AM-270.

author: Robomeds
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2013, 09:01:31 pm
content: Quote from: ModemHead on September 13, 2013, 12:26:54 pmDave found some issues with the first Extech (CEM) used in his $100 shoot out. I don't think it's just Sears.