Multimeter for starter ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Nhan95
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2015, 08:55:00 am
content: Hi. I'm a student of university, second year. I'm going to buy a multimeter to use long time. I regard the Kyoritsu 1009. Could you give me some advice about this kind multimeter(accuracy, speed, worth to buy). thank you very much

author: rolycat
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2015, 09:13:08 am
content: It would be useful if you could indicate your country in your profile - makes it easier to provide relevant advice.At first glance the specs of the 1009 look rather basic for the money - only a 4000 count display and 0.6% basic accuracy.As an example, the Uni-T UT139C is around the same price and offers 6000 count, true RMS and slightly better accuracy.

author: Nhan95
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2015, 10:51:46 am
content: I'm in Vietnam

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2015, 11:40:48 am
content: How much money can you spend on the multimeter? It's good that you want a multimeter to last a long time.

author: Nhan95
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2015, 11:52:34 am
content: It's about 50$ in my country

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2015, 12:28:30 pm
content: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/kyoritsu-1009-another-sub-50$-multimeter-review-will-it-worth/

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2015, 01:26:15 pm
content: Those el cheapo 830 DMMs are more than enough.

author: rolycat
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2015, 01:48:39 pm
content: Quote from: dannyf on April 07, 2015, 01:26:15 pmMore than enough for what?They are acceptable if your maximum budget is $5, but the OP is looking for something a little more reliable.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 07, 2015, 08:48:06 pm
content: Quote from: dannyf on April 07, 2015, 01:26:15 pmCheapo 830 DMMs and longevity are not compatible concepts.It is silly to recommend anything like that to an engineering student who wants a quality meter.I agree with rolycat, the UT139C is a good meter for the price and available to the OP.The next good step up, IMHO, would be a BM257s. That can be purchased for around $135. It will last a long time and has really proper safety standards.Without knowing the price range, it is hard to recommend much more.

author: xani
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2015, 01:12:54 am
content: UT33A is cheap (~16$), small and have auto-ranging.Good for price and good enough that you will know what you want from your next meter

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2015, 01:52:17 am
content: Cheap is good for a student meter that gets taken to the Uni labs. If you have anything too expensive its liable to grow legs and walk away + the Uni will provide appropriate test equipment for high energy stuff. OTOH if you have enough space in your accommodation to set up a small bench and can afford a decent meter to keep on it, get a good one as well.

author: codeboy2k
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2015, 10:49:10 am
content: Chao ban. There's a review here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/kyoritsu-1009-another-sub-50$-multimeter-review-will-it-worth/I'm considering moving to Vietnamhow easy is it to buy electronic parts there ?

author: oldway
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2015, 12:06:50 pm
content: Another "El Cheapo" multimeter, far better than the 830: Best DT9205Mhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/1pc-BEST-DT9205M-3-1-2-LCD-Digital-Multimeter-Electrical-Meter-/200729795961

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 08, 2015, 12:49:29 pm
content: Why do people insist on recommending "cheapo" meters when the OP specifically is asking for advice for a meter "to use long time"?

author: rolycat
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2015, 12:54:54 pm
content: Quote from: oldway on April 08, 2015, 12:06:50 pmI dunno about "far better" - apart from the capacitance ranges, it looks similar in quality, and an Amazon review suggests that it is very slow and has an unreliable power switch.Better to invest an extra six bucks to get an autoranging meter like the Uni-T UT136B, which at least has a CAT rating and a fuse of the 10A range.Better still to use the $50 the OP has mentioned as a budget to buy a durable and safe meter.

author: Nhan95
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2015, 02:13:07 pm
content: The Uni-T is rare in my country

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 08, 2015, 02:19:53 pm
content: Can you buy from ebay?

author: oldway
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2015, 02:52:27 pm
content: Quote from: rolycat on April 08, 2015, 12:54:54 pmBest DT-9205M is far better than 830 because:- Very good display- continuity buzzer and led.- no mA range on V/R/diode input.- auto power off.- 20A range.- can measure capacitors.- 200M resistance range. (830 only 2M)But:- no protection at all.- crappy and dangerous mA fuse- no 20A fuse- crappy test leads.If you don't make mistakes, this multimeter can last for a while.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2015, 05:59:33 pm
content: Fluke 101 sells in Vietnam for about 50$. Nice sturdy meter if you don't need current measurement.http://m.emin.vn/en/-Fluke-101-Basic-Digital-Multimeter--111p8281sl2.html

author: rolycat
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2015, 06:20:13 pm
content: Quote from: Wytnucls on April 08, 2015, 05:59:33 pmThe Uni-T UT139Cappearsto be available for $49, if the OP has access to eBay.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2015, 06:23:49 pm
content: Quote from: rolycat on April 08, 2015, 06:20:13 pmThe ebay seller link provided above has, like so many others, stolen Franky's ebay auction listing pictures instead of providing their own.http://www.ebay.com/itm/171213085325Franky, of course, is a member here and well respected for honest and reliable service.

author: rolycat
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2015, 06:34:49 pm
content: Quote from: retiredcaps on April 08, 2015, 06:23:49 pmAbsolutely - I've bought accessories from Franky myself and I'm very happy with them. If he can ship to Vietnam that would be an excellent choice.

author: meeder
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2015, 08:11:48 pm
content: Quote from: oldway on April 08, 2015, 12:06:50 pmSeriously? Just look at those test probes and the leads....