Pro'sKit vs MASTECH multimeters. Witch ones are less dodgy? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Lost resistor
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2020, 10:01:41 am
content: Hi all!I'm currently looking to buy my first (somewhat proper) multimeter. Given the current situation, and my limited budget, im having to choose between these two multimeters:MASTECH MS8269Pro'sKit MT-5211I first wanted to buy Pro'sKit one, as it has a wider range on L and C meter. But MASTECH one look to be a better quality one. I'm mainly going to use it for bench (breadboard) measurement - so low current, low voltage. I also want one with LCR meter. Hence why these two.And yes, i know you are probably going to say they are both bad, but for now these are my only options.I just want ho hear your experience with these two manufacturers (if possible these two multimeters), and to know how reliable they are.

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2020, 10:24:37 am
content: MASTECH MS8269Anything cheap with 'Pro..' on the label, should be avoidedThere's nothing 'pro' about cheap priced test gear electronicsfwiw: I've used a few MASTECH meters and do the job well enough for the price, the leads were ok tooSame deal with some Klein meters, good for the price

author: Lost resistor
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2020, 10:32:19 am
content: Yeah, i thought so. But how good is it when measuring for example 1-10 uH inductance?Thanks @Electro Detective for response and advice!

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2020, 10:47:39 am
content: Inductance on some/many cheap meters is pretty much useless from my humble experience,unless comparing with a good inductance meter, on different value coils with honest labelling etcand noting the differenceand if the difference/s are tolerable enough for you to get the job doneI've been down that path and ended up buying a multimeter based on it's 'close enough' inductance accuracyIIRC different frequency test signals are used depending on the inductanceNowadays there are some decent meters that do pretty good,but I would still like two totally different meters that agree on an inductance valueSame deal with capacitor testing, the meters better agree close enough,or the one that doesn't..

author: indman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2020, 10:50:49 am
content: I also recommend the Victor VC9808 + model! Only just like mine and which I showed in the photo.This multimeter has a wide range of inductance and capacitance measurements.

author: Lost resistor
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2020, 10:52:43 am
content: I didn't really understand you? I was manly asking about the resolution and accuracy of measuring1-10 uH1-10 mH inductance with20 uH20mH range on MASTECH one.

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2020, 10:58:48 am
content: Quote from: Pavle123 on May 21, 2020, 10:52:43 amYou would have to compare some values with an accurate inductance tester and see how close it is

author: indman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2020, 10:59:48 am
content: Quote from: Pavle123 on May 21, 2020, 10:32:19 amThese multimeters have no range for measuring uH. There are range on the measurement of mH.1-10 uH inductance it will not measure correctly.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2020, 11:02:07 am
content: Looking at their specs, you can't measure any inductance lower than 10uH with the Mastech - its resolution is 10uH in the lowest range.http://www.mastech-group.com/products.php?PNo=184https://www.manualslib.com/manual/986618/Proskit-Mt-5211.htmlEven still, the accuracy for inductors with such low value would be quite difficult, since the leads alone would add much more than that and I don't see a relative/null button on them.If you really need to have LCR measurements and do not need to probe high voltage circuits, consider getting a super cheap multimeter (Mastech MAS830B or MAS830L if you need backlight) and save for a better LCR meter such as the DER EE DE-5000.https://www.deree.com.tw/de-5000-lcr-meter.html

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2020, 11:06:06 am
content: Quote from: indman on May 21, 2020, 10:59:48 amThe Pro's kit has a 1uH resolution, but the measuring frequency of only 100Hz and the added inductance by the leads will surely ruin any accuracy.

author: Lost resistor
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2020, 11:12:22 am
content: Sorry my mistake, i sad1-10 uH, i actually meant 1-10 mH range. I have a lot of radial kid of ones from old course that i desoldered and i would like to be able to measure them. Btw thanks all for responses!

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2020, 11:17:01 am
content: FWIW I've never seen any high or low end Fluke or Brymen multimeter with an Inductance feature,they obviously avoid the extra drama, and just offer a rough Capacitance tester setting, and the usual featuresI don't even trust LCR meters, unless they all 'closely' agree on labelled and verified inductance values at whatever test setup stated by the manufacturerAm I too fussy?No! I think..

author: indman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2020, 11:20:13 am
content: Quote from: rsjsouza on May 21, 2020, 11:06:06 amYes, I agree with this, I also want to add that the measurement result in this range will very much depend on the active resistance of the inductance itself.

author: Lost resistor
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2020, 01:49:12 pm
content: I don't even need exact inductance measurement, only rough one. I'm mostly going to use inductors in some kind of combination with capacitor.So there fore, i can correct, or compensate for wrong inductance reading by placing different capacitor. Anyway thanks all for replies!

author: Lost resistor
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2020, 02:26:39 pm
content: Iv just noticed that MASTECH MS8269 has 200mA and 10A range. Is it accurate when measuring 200mA-2A curents?

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2020, 06:00:02 pm
content: Quote from: Pavle123 on May 21, 2020, 02:26:39 pmRead the specs.They tell you the accuracies of inductance, current, everything.