Best DMM Under 70$ - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Gtrx
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 19, 2017, 12:00:12 am
content: I am going to get into computer/smartphone repair and I am trying to find a decent multimeter to buy.I have my eye on the Uni-T UT61E and a set of probemaster probes with a pair of 8161 needle tips. Would this be a good set of probes and a decent multimeter, or should I buy something else?Suggestions would be appreciated.

author: Nusa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2017, 12:11:11 am
content: UT61E is a fine meter for its price. But so are lots of others. All depends on what your standards and your budget are.Here's the master thread on multimeters. Very comprehensive as to what's out there.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/multimeter-spreadsheet/

author: joseph nicholas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2017, 12:30:25 am
content: I see you have posted in beginners. Buy a MF-47 analog meter if you are a beginner. You wont regret it, it comes in kit form from Bangood for 13.50usd.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 19, 2017, 12:55:02 am
content: The UT61E is not a bad deal. It has high counts, pretty good accuracy, most features you might want plus a PC connection kit. it doesn't have temperature measurement and its input protection is pretty bad. It is best kept away from high energy measurements.The UT139C is also a good buy. It is lower accuracy and has fewer counts. It also cannot be connected to a PC without modification. It has a back light and temperature. It also has much better input protection.You might also look at the Amprobe AM510.

author: boffin
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 19, 2017, 02:17:44 am
content: I do like my Extech 330, $50-60 at places like Frys

author: Gtrx
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 19, 2017, 09:21:20 am
content: I think there is a mod which improves the imput protection...

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 19, 2017, 02:03:05 pm
content: Yes, there is a way to improve anything, bt at what cost and time? If you are concerned about that, just get a better meter. Modifying a meter does not guarantee a safer meter neither.

author: ProBang2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2017, 04:23:34 pm
content: I would recommend you the Brymen235. (Yes - That is the EEVBlog DMM!)Look here:Welectron Brymen BM235Consider: The high quality test leads (silicon wires, threaded 4mm banana plugs) are already included.(BTW: A carry case, too.)Yes: Instead of 22000 counts you have "only" 6000.But the DMM is much safer, better build and much more reliable.And you have a usable warranty if needed. With imported stuff from China it is difficult...The "pimped-to-be-safer" european GS-version of the UT61E (only CAT III 300V, CAT II 600V!) is not much cheaper as the Brymen.A review of the BM235:Dave´s version of the manual:Download ManualI am pretty sure: Lightages can answer you every question about the BM235.

author: Gtrx
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 19, 2017, 06:24:41 pm
content: hmm... The brymen is kind of out of my price range and I`m not going to do any high current measurements with the uni-t... Also, I wouldn't buy the European version.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 20, 2017, 03:30:28 am
content: High current is not what we are talking about. High energy is the idea. In other words things that are high voltage and potential for high current. This means things like measuring the mains at the power distribution box. The input protection of the UT61E is not even close to its CAT rating for safety unless you buy the GS version that was redesigned and approved for sale in Europe. The other problem with the input protection is protecting the meter itself from easily being damaged, from something like even a shock you might give it walking along a carpet and causing a spark.You might think that the BM235 is a bit out of your price range but nobody ever complained about buying quality. The UT61E might last a long time, but the BM235 will for sure.

author: samgab
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2017, 04:06:39 am
content: Given your parameter of "Under $70", I can't think of a better DMM than the UT61E plus a set of good leads which you mentioned - for that price or less.

author: BMack
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2017, 05:16:14 am
content: To be honest, used Flukes are what I'd recommend(If you have the ability to test them). I just bought a Fluke 77IV this past weekend for $35, original fuses and TL-75 probes. I've bought 27/FMs for $15, 87III for $100 and an 87V for $120 with a ton of leads and a case. You have to test them, but they're abundant and hard to kill. YOU HAVE TO TEST THEM, I cannot emphasize that enough.

author: Gtrx
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 20, 2017, 07:43:46 am
content: http://www.tme.eu/en/details/bm235/portable-digital-multimeters/brymen/A really good price for the brymen I think, I'm prob going to buy this and some probemaster probes

author: HDavis74
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 20, 2017, 08:06:10 am
content: Hi, personally I would recommend you Fluke 101. I'm a begginer in electronics and its more than enough for me. I bought mine from amazon -here.

author: samgab
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2017, 12:26:46 pm
content: Quote from: Gtrx on March 20, 2017, 07:43:46 amYep, do it. If it's in your price range.

author: ProBang2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2017, 12:27:33 pm
content: Quote from: Gtrx on March 20, 2017, 07:43:46 amPlease, explain me: In which way is the offer from tme.euBrymen 235 for 99,52€ plus shippingbetter than the offer from WelectronBrymen 235 for 94,90€ incl. shipping(including higher quality probes and a nylon carry case) ??Where is the advantage of payingmore(aprox. 10€) forless?

author: samgab
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2017, 12:36:11 pm
content: Huh? It's 80.91 € at TME when I look...

author: ProBang2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2017, 12:41:41 pm
content: It is 80,91€withoutVAT.

author: Soxfan
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 20, 2017, 02:42:13 pm
content: I bought a fluke 175 for my first meter. Got it for 70 on ebay. Took awhile to find, but its very nice. I've since bought a few other meters so its not used as much anymore.

author: Gtrx
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 20, 2017, 09:15:02 pm
content: Thanks for showing me the link

author: shteii01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 12:28:28 am
content: Something like this might be an option:http://www.ebay.com/itm/U-S-Military-Surplus-Nice-Fluke-27-FM-With-Case-Probes-True-RMS-/182491695611?hash=item2a7d5a49fb:g:MhQAAOSw4A5YvHmG

author: ProBang2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 04:22:11 am
content: Maybe, probably not. Let´s see:US $ 49.00 Used Fluke 27 FMUS $ 25.08 Shipping / HandlingUS $ 17.04 Import-VAT (Lithuania = 23%)---------------US $ 91,12 = 84.51 €Roughly 10 € difference. For an rugged, reliable but used Fluke DMM without capacitance and temperature measurement. Could I personnaly honestly recommend the Fluke under this circumstances? Sorry, no. You?If I (or better: the buyer) would be in the US, it would be possibly different...

author: shteii01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 10:31:14 pm
content: Eh? Temperature? Capacitance? Really? Did I miss the post where they were listed as requirements?You are right about shipping. That shipping quote is for US. I have no idea what the seller would want to ship to Europe.And you are right about VAT. I have no idea what it was over there.