Sanwa PM300 Pocket Multimeter Review Teardown - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Rbastler
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2017, 09:06:46 am
content: How well does it fit in a shirt pocket or jacket/trousers pocket ?Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2017, 10:29:48 am
content: Nice meter, nice price and TRMS to seal the deal, me likes itThe case could be hacked up a bit to serve as a right angle tilt stand thingie for poor mans bench use...If the cables ever break at the entry point, it's not rocket science to solder up a new pairor shorten and re-solder the old ones as cheapskates like me would doSomeone has to ask..Is there room in the case to squish in a spare battery and mini screwdriver?

author: stmdude
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2017, 02:39:43 pm
content: This video triggered my OCD. Dave forgot to turn it off before he closed up the case.( I'm sure it has auto power-off, but still.. )

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2017, 03:17:17 pm
content: What's the dimensions of the case when closed?The way the leads are connected it looks like if they ever break at where they meet the case (the weak point, I assume) you could just chop them off after the break and resolder them. You'll only lose a few cm, no big deal...PS: Could barely hear the buzzer on the video.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 13, 2017, 05:47:45 pm
content: So it is CATIV rated, but has no third party certification? How does that get a pass?

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2017, 06:45:33 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on September 13, 2017, 05:47:45 pmI don't think any of Fluke's "Asian" meters have 3rd party certification either. You have to trust Fluke that (eg.) their 101 is really CAT rated.

author: bjcuizon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2017, 09:25:51 pm
content: Really nice pocket DMM.The build quality is what you get for the price. I like it.One question...Do the listed prices on the EEVBLOG store include the shipping?

author: jancumps
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 13, 2017, 09:51:19 pm
content: You can rate yourself, the rules and requisites are known. It doesn't change anything in liability if you used one of the popular test labs or not.

author: Muttley Snickers
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 13, 2017, 11:37:17 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on September 13, 2017, 03:17:17 pmI played the video back a few times on two separate devices and could not hear the continuity beeper at all, I initially thought there must be some type of filter enabled muting that particular audible frequency or something.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2017, 12:16:22 am
content: Quote from: Fungus on September 13, 2017, 06:45:33 pmLeft, made in USA, right made in China. Attached is also the recall for the Chinese made Fluke. Take the time to read the last remark.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2017, 05:52:23 am
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on September 14, 2017, 12:16:22 amI meant "Only for sale in the Asian market", not "Made in China". My bad.I don't think the 101, 15B/17B, etc. are officially available outside of Asia, hence they aren't 3rd-party certified. The 11x series are available in other areas, hence they are.Quote from: joeqsmith on September 14, 2017, 12:16:22 amThus proving that it's impossible for a Youtuber (or anyone else) to simply look at the insides of a meter and proclaim a CAT rating.

author: Eric_S
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2017, 05:59:52 am
content: Quote from: Lightages on September 13, 2017, 05:47:45 pmI hope that Dave will simply state that it's only for poking around in low voltage/ low energy electrical circuits.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2017, 06:32:43 am
content: Quote from: Eric_S on September 14, 2017, 05:59:52 amAre you accusing Sanwa of lying about their CAT ratings?

author: Rbastler
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2017, 07:07:19 am
content: Quote from: Eric_S on September 14, 2017, 05:59:52 amIs say the meter looks it will meet the specs. Plus Sanwa has a good reputation. Like the cheap Flukes(for the Chinese market, but still Flukes!), so wy should Dave say its only good for low voltage/energy ? What makes you think that ? Because its not third party certified ? Youre welcome to proove Sanwa wrong and sue them then.If a company has a good reputation and they lie about CAT ratings they would not only be sued, but afterwards loose a lot of credibility and market share.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 14, 2017, 07:11:04 am
content: It isn't a matter of anyone lying, it is about proper confirmation with testing to show the design and construction does actually perform to the standard claimed. Without evidence of any real testing being done to confirm performance, it is an open question as to whether it will actually meet the claims.

author: Rbastler
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2017, 07:13:51 am
content: Quote from: Lightages on September 14, 2017, 07:11:04 amI think Dave mentioned Sanwa tests it according to some ISO standart. That would be the evidence.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2017, 07:33:57 am
content: Quote from: Rbastler on September 14, 2017, 07:13:51 amISO 61010 is where the CAT ratings come from.(no, you won't find a copy online, you have to pay to read it)CAT IV300Vis a lot lower than (eg.) a Fluke 87V's CAT IV600V. It's not an "industrial electrician" rating, you can't use it on three-phase supplies or anything like that.There's no low impedance path through the meter, it has plenty of input protection, there's obviously huge gaps between the tracks on the PCB, etc. I wouldn't put any money at all on it not meeting the claimed rating.Quote from: Lightages on September 14, 2017, 07:11:04 amWhy should a Japanese company who doesn't sell this meter outside of Japan use a western standard of "conformance"?

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2017, 07:47:21 am
content: Quote from: Muttley Snickers on September 13, 2017, 11:37:17 pmIt's definitely there.Quote from: Muttley Snickers on September 13, 2017, 11:37:17 pmNot particularly high pitch, either.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 14, 2017, 08:54:07 am
content: Quote from: Lightages on September 14, 2017, 07:11:04 amThe meter was tested by SGS-CSTC Standards Technical Services Co., Ltd.I have the 80 page test report.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 14, 2017, 09:13:20 am
content: Short form reporthttp://www.eevblog.com/files/PM300-SHEM1610006729IT-RPT.pdfIt also passes the ESD standards

author: Eric_S
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2017, 10:26:03 am
content: @FungusQuoteI'm saying that Dave should exercice due diligence. Thats not being mean spirited, it's actually caring about him not getting into any undue trouble. The design looking good or not, it's just being wise.That being said, there are better ways to dispell concerns:QuoteQuoteThank you Dave/EEVblog!Going back to "sleep" now on this.

author: noidea
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 14, 2017, 12:23:56 pm
content: Hopefully I can help answer a few of the questions that have come up as mine arrived today.The beeper is pretty quiet especially with the meter on the case as it surrounds the meter pretty well.There's a little spare room in the lead holder but a battery would possibly fall out and the screwdriver would have to be very short. I managed to fit a set of Frankys IC grabbers, with the 2mm slip on sockets in and close the case. They will be a work in progress for this meter as, there's a bit of uninsulated probe showing. Also anything rattling around in the case will probably end up scratching the screen.Pocketability is not bad, it fits in a jeans front or rear pocket but you wouldn't want to sit down with it in your pocket and it's probably a little big for a business shirt pocket. I wanted something that could live in a small computer satchel, was suitable for a CAT III environment and had diode test, true RMS is a bonus.A pack of sticky notes, worked OK as a makeshift stand, a screwdriver placed between the halves of the case would do the same.Downsides, the probes are a little blunt for my liking and the gold plating puts a kybosh on filing or grinding them to a different profile.The lack of Beep on diode function is also a pet peeve of mine and backlight would have been nice but it's only powered with a coin cell so understand why it doesn't have it.The built in leads are only PVC so longevity where they get bent from the case closing will be something to keep an eye on, as that's the most likely place they will break.I think I might investigate alternative probes leads down the track.Here's a few photos

author: nixfu
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 14, 2017, 02:25:38 pm
content: Couple of observations.1) Just had to stop and appreciate how good Dave is now at these single take videos now. I give him credit for being able to do these and be fairly good videos.2) Frankly I trust the opinion of Dave and the EEV community more than I trust and CAT or other markings printed on a case.3) I like the leads. Those pocket meters with plugin leads seem silly on a pocket meter.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2017, 03:29:00 am
content: Quote from: Fungus on September 14, 2017, 05:52:23 amThat would be something. There would be no need for test houses. Products could be sent to the YT expert to have a look at and get their cert. Best you could do is look at one and see something obvious where it may not meet their proclaimed rating.

author: noidea
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 15, 2017, 03:31:31 am
content: I took it to a job today and tried it out, it didn't go bang and was quite happy measuring Aussie three phase AC.Auto range on ohms is not the fastest but no worse than my U1252B.

author: MacMeter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2017, 08:14:47 pm
content: While it can be argued that this meter might be truly worth 1/3 the asking price of a similar 100% Chinese meter, in my search for the FINAL pocket or bag meter, this one looks like it might end my search. So I just ordered it from Daves store. I think the rubber case and the ease of putting the leads and cables in the case was the final selling point. As Dave stated, at this point in time, you can't find this Japanese sourced meter anywhere online. It's still made for them in China, but the build quality looks good. As most of you know even Amprobe has some of their lower end meters made in China but keeps an eye on quality control which is the major issue. At this point, besides my main trusted EEVBLOG BM235, I have a ZT102, and ZT109, Woods DMMW3, none of which have permanently attached leads or a clamshell type case. After spending a bit over $80 US, I pray this is my last, and most expensive pocket meter!Thanks Dave for making it available.

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2017, 11:13:35 pm
content: Are there ANY pocket meters that sport True RMS coupled with the Hz feature?Is this exclusive to the Sanwa?Has anyone yet done an AC performance comparison (500 hz to 20hz?) with a well spec'd or standard meter* using clean and dirty/square/rectangular/ and suss UPS waveforms/?yes, a Fluke* of courseIt would be handy to know the volt count variation is (if any) on 120, 240 and 440v mains etc when compared with a full size meterBut please don't get fried doing it !

author: MacMeter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2017, 09:21:03 pm
content: Received the PM300 today. Very NICE!Wondering if it might be recommended to add a few drops of a flexible cement sealant on the ends of the probes where the wire enters the top of the probe as the wires go in loose and can easily twist and over time break off?

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 01, 2017, 01:24:45 am
content: Quote from: nixfu on September 14, 2017, 02:25:38 pmThanks.The 1000th video was shot as a single take with 4-5 separate segment or whatever it was, but I ended up editing that a bit to take out the awkward camera movement bits.The 1001st uBeam video taken from that was a single take as well, I just walked between the two whiteboards.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 01, 2017, 01:25:32 am
content: Quote from: MacMeter on September 30, 2017, 09:21:03 pmI noticed that when I first got it. I did some twisting tests and it didn't look like a problem. But users can do that if they want.

author: MacMeter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2017, 08:04:39 pm
content: Used GE Premium Silicone glue in tube. Could not get much down into hollow end of lead tube as glue is so thick, used a toothpick. Should be better then nothing.NOTE: Could NOT attach an iPhone photo, “warning” says cannot attach JPEG extension, only JPG. Odd!

author: brian_stine
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 09, 2017, 04:52:40 pm
content: Does anyone have instructions on how to calibrate the meter? I don't want to send it to them and I have all the equipment to do it myself.

author: whill44
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 11:59:23 pm
content: After Dave sent out an email about this particular meter being on sale I ordered one. I had already received the bm235 and it's better than advertised. I not only enjoy his videos but trust his opinion about such things, same with joe smith.Thanks again.

author: brian_stine
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 13, 2019, 07:32:34 am
content: to enter Calibration mode:(1) Hold down select and hold keys at same time. (2) switch range to ACV (3) release 'select' and 'hold' keys after 5 seconds. Meter enters calibration mode.

author: 2X
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2024, 09:33:51 pm
content: Hello, do you know where can I buy this Multimeter from Europe or from outside the Europe but from a trusted seller?

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 04, 2024, 04:51:13 am
content: Quote from: 2X on October 03, 2024, 09:33:51 pmAFAIK it's discontinued. There is still some stock around though.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2024, 07:18:02 pm
content: Just FYI, this is an excellent meter - I got mine when Dave did a fire sale years ago and I don't regret at all. It is quite the workhorse.

author: MacMeter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2024, 07:42:10 pm
content: Quote from: rsjsouza on October 06, 2024, 07:18:02 pmI bought one from Dave as well. The Sanwa PM3 meter is still available, on Amazon for approximately $40.00. Dave reviewed this model as well. However, it’s NOT “True RMS”, unlike the PM300. It is thinner though.

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2024, 10:06:23 pm
content: Sorry to say, the PM300 was a disappointing purchase for me. Yes, there are specific situations where obviously the feature set aligns for some people. But otherwise I think it's too heavy/chunky and the case/lead/probe situation is obnoxious.