bench multimeter vs portable multimeter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Adrian_Arg.
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2020, 03:06:27 am
content: hello, what is the difference bench multimeter vs portable multimeter with the same features, or just the price?in spanishhola, cual es la diferencia bench multimeter vs portable multimeter con las mismas prestaciones, o solamente el precio?

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2020, 04:22:32 am
content: I would expect bench meters to have better specs in terms of accuracy and perhaps number of digits. Where a bench meter really shines is in making resistance measurements with Kelvin (4 wire) connections. I have yet to see this configuration on a handheld meter. They may exist but I haven't seen one.https://www.camiresearch.com/Campaigns/Web-Articles/4-wire-testing.html

author: bob91343
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2020, 04:29:53 am
content: I use both. The portable has the advantage of not always taking up bench space. The bench type is nicer to use, as you can put it where it's easily seen.They both do similar jobs, although, as has been said, bench types can be much better performers.Actually I have about three portables I use regularly and two others as backup. I have four or five bench types. There are also some old analog units that get used a lot.You never can have enough meters. As has been said about other devices, a man with a voltmeter can determine the voltage but a man with two voltmeters is never sure.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2020, 06:44:22 am
content: Bench types tend to have larger nicer displays, larger and better laid out controls, more features and better performance. Another huge advantage is that you don't have to worry about batteries and they don't turn themselves off while you're in the middle of measuring something like most handhelds do by default.None of this is absolute though, a good quality handheld will offer more than a cheap bench meter. Newer meters will typically offer more features and better performance than older meters.Ultimately if you are serious about electronics and have a workbench you will probably want a bench meter at some point, but your first meter should be a handheld in most cases and it's entirely possible that will be all you ever need.

author: MosherIV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2020, 07:41:53 am
content: HiOther have already mentioned performance, as in accuracy AND resolution.Many bench dmm are used for measuring to very precise levels. As one person mentioned, bench dmms have more digits, which means more resolution, eg top level bench dmms are 8 digits!They can measure uV while in V range.Another advantage is connectivity. Most bench dmms have some interface to connect to computers, either usb, gpib, serial and sometimes ethernet.Meaning they can be used for data logging.Another use of connectivity is remote control, allowing measurement automation.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2020, 11:37:17 am
content: One thing to note is that high resolution bench meters usually don't have the same CAT ratings as decent quality handheld meters. The are not suitable for use on high energy circuits - mains etc. It is not their purpose.

author: Ice-Tea
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2020, 11:42:26 am
content: Can't believe this hasn't been mentioned yet:Bench DMMs don't run out of batteries.

author: bsudbrink
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2020, 04:43:42 pm
content: Quote from: Ice-Tea on March 04, 2020, 11:42:26 amBench DMMs don't get lost (unless your bench is _REALLY_ messy).

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2020, 04:53:29 pm
content: Quote from: Ice-Tea on March 04, 2020, 11:42:26 amIt's one of the things I mentioned a few posts up. Nice to have an illuminated display that can be left on for hours.

author: Ice-Tea
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2020, 05:00:13 pm
content: Quote from: james_s on March 04, 2020, 04:53:29 pmAhem, yeah. Cookie for you sir!

author: ejeffrey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2020, 05:48:51 pm
content: Where bench meters excel is being used as part of test setups. They have better computer interfaces, logging, and triggering capability. Not only are they more accurate, but they typically have faster conversion times at the same accuracy, and they support 4 wire ohms to eliminate test lead and contact resistance.For debugging and general probing I usually find handheld meters superior unless i really need the extra resolution and accuracy that most bench meters have.

author: ppeterl
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2020, 10:33:29 pm
content: I've found that my bench multimeter is often wired into my project measuring some key value there, while I reach for the BM235 to probe around the circuit in general. So different use cases.Not always so, though.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2020, 07:39:23 pm
content: Bench multimeters do not have to compromise performance or function for a small battery powered form factor. This means they can have higher accuracy, higher resolution, better linearity (usually included in accuracy), and lower noise.Handheld multimeters are of course more portable. They may also be advantageous where lower common mode leakage and capacitance are required.

author: wizard69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2020, 12:55:40 am
content: Quote from: Ice-Tea on March 04, 2020, 11:42:26 amMore importantly those bench meters will not die from leaking batteries. I've had really bad experience with leaking AA and AAA batteries to the point that it is now a good reason not to buy an instrument.Fixed a stupid typo.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2020, 10:17:33 pm
content: I do prefer the 9V powered handhelds over models that use AA.The problem is easily solved in both cases though, stop buying alkalines and get some Eneloop or similar rechargeable NiMH cells. Modern NiMH are low self discharge and work fine in almost anything intended for alkaline, I've never once had one leak in 10+ years of using them.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2020, 01:32:02 am
content: Quote from: james_s on March 06, 2020, 10:17:33 pmI would prefer ones which use AAs but then I have been using Eneloops since they became available. All of my handheld multimeters are old so they use 9 volts and have much longer operating time than modern handheld multimeters.

author: JustMeHere
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2020, 02:49:09 am
content: Quote from: rstofer on March 04, 2020, 04:22:32 amThe DE-5000 Handheld LCR Meter does Kelvin

author: Adrian_Arg.
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2020, 10:37:46 pm
content: Thank you all for the comments, good bank multimeters are expensive for the use that I am going to give you, I have a uni-t ut61c, I am very satisfied, as a second meter I will go for a ut61E unit that is 22000 accounts .in spanishgracias a todos por los comentarios, los multimetro de banco buenos son caros para el uso que le voy a dar, yo poseo un uni-t ut61c, estoy muy conforme, como segundo medidor voy a ir por un unit ut61E que es de 22000 cuentas.

author: Zoli
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2020, 11:25:45 pm
content: Quote from: JustMeHere on March 07, 2020, 02:49:09 amAnd today's nitpicking: the DE-5000 is NOT a multimeter, but it does a damn good job as a 4 wire LCR instrument - I, as owner of one, can confirm it.

author: Ice-Tea
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2020, 07:42:49 am
content: So,Multi: manyMeter: uhm, measures stuffDE-5000 measures L, C and R. Which are many items. A lot of stuff.*Runs for the hills*

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2020, 01:11:50 am
content: I think it's pretty well established that a "multimeter" is an extension of a VOM and thus it is implied that it measures voltage and resistance in addition to other things.

author: Jwillis
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2020, 05:54:00 am
content: I wonder if theirs a way to disable the auto shut down on some of these hand held DMMs .As some one mentioned its really annoying to be measuring something and just as you look the things turns off.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2020, 07:14:47 am
content: Depends on the DMM. Check the docs.

author: Adrian_Arg.
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2020, 05:45:29 pm
content: The uni-t ut61e has no automatic shutdown, you have to modify a connection to activate that function

author: calzap
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2020, 05:59:37 pm
content: There is a lot of overlap in functionality and accuracy between low end bench meters and high end portables. I have a high-end Agilent portable that rarely leaves the bench ... haven't felt the need for more. Field work is almost exclusively with Extechs. They are accurate enough and safe enough for field work. They also take a fair amount of abuse ... I always carry spare fuses and batteries. They are cheap enough not to shed tears when they get totaled or turn-up missing.Mike in California

author: filssavi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2020, 06:15:51 pm
content: One huge benefit of bench meters when in a work/research environment is that they are much harder tosteal... ehm borrow without ever returning them as they are difficult to hide in locked drawersOn the ohter hand they are usually less rugged, Good quality handelds can take a lot of punishment before they crap out, bench ones less so.