What LC meter should I buy? Which thermometer should I buy? Cheapo - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: u666sa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2023, 06:44:16 am
content: Presently I'm poised on buying UNI-T UT603. But I do realize it is not best in the game. Perhaps not even best for the money. So I want your opinion. Which LC meter should I buy for under or around 50 U.S. bucks?Similar situation with a thermometer. I'm upgrading my multimeter and decided to go with UT61E+, it's no brainer, great, seen the reviews, I want it. However, that thing does not have a thermometer. So I presently I'm down for buying UT325 thermometer. But I do realize there might be something better or cheaper in this price category. It is 71 U.S. bucks. So please let me know if there is something cheaper and/or a bit more expensive but better.Just decided to ask the pros before I spend the cash.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2023, 09:31:09 am
content: Regarding the thermometer and general distribution of funds...It really depends what you intend to do with the thermometer, if it is temperature logging with PC s/w then you'll have to go for something like the Uni-T. On the other hand, if you're just looking for something that does basic thermocouple temperature measurement, like the temperature range and supplied thermocouple on the average DMM, then you can go much cheaper and divert more cash to the LCR meter.The most basic standalone thermcouple thermometer is the TM-902C. This has been around in various forms for years (decades?), and can be found for sub $10 with K type thermocouple on ebay. Thermocouples aren'tthataccurate but it is basically equivalent to the average DMM temperature range. Battery life is very long, so you can leave it on for long periods (the Uni-T uses a lower capacity 9V battery) and of course you can use it whilst doing other things with the DMM. The Uni-T is capable of supporting two thermocouples at the same time, but has a voltage limit of 30V between thermocouples (ok for most things but a limit you need to be aware of to avoid breaking it). For way less money you can buy a couple of the cheap ones, do a comparison with the thermocouples strapped together to see if you need to factor in any offset between them, then use them independently or for relative measurements. Do a forum search as there are at least a couple of TM-902C threads.At the end of the day then, it depends whether you want PC logging or not, and whether it is a funds make or break on a more capable LCR meter. $71 for a thermometer sounds pricy though.

author: Fcolor04
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2023, 12:27:12 pm
content: I bought AX-588B for my next (and now current) primary multimeter and it came with thermometer and is capable of measuring L & C, if I were you I'd research reviews of its accuracy, for me it was the only option at the store so I didn't have time to do that.

author: Jwillis
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2023, 03:58:55 pm
content: Personally I find the DMM Capacitance and Inductance features limited and not very accurate on cheap Multi meters.The DM 5000 is a popular LCR meter but requires a separate optional USB interface for logging. And I didn't care for the cheap alligator clips.I decided on the Mastech MS5308 in the end because that is a standard USB feature and software is included. It's a pretty simple logging program but it gets the job done. SMD tweezers and Kelvin clips included. Ca libation might seem a little more complicated but I don't need to do it very often as it holds calibration very well.It is much bulkier than other meters but I like the Large display and I don't have to worry about it falling over and moving around when using the front buttons. Mine did not come with external power supply but they are not expensive anyway.IR hand held thermometers are alright and fairly cheap. But I find a probe to take readings much more accurate and easier to monitor changing temperatures. The TM 6801 is cheap, simple, and fairly accurate.You might also consider thermal imaging as it has it's benefits also. But good ones can be expensive.All this depends on your expendable budget.