Need suggestions for buying multimeter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Imnarnian
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2022, 06:10:35 pm
content: Hi guys I would like to buy a multimeter for measuring voltage, current, resistance , capacitance, temperature, NCV. The all in one features are available in Aneng ST 212. In banggood they put some data But I can't understand. I attached an image below. Anyone help me to understand.For example I want to measure a resistance of 0.22 ohm and the capacitance of 2.2pf. Can I measure with this multimeter.Reason why I would like to buy this multimeter is its cheap and having more function. If any other multimeter have same spec with same price or slightly more please let me know.Can I buy Aneng ST212 multimeter? Anybody use ST212, please share your thoughts about this Multimeter.Thanks in advance. Waiting for your reply.

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2022, 06:21:44 pm
content: There is a table here comparing 400+ multimeters thats very comprehensive,https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/multimeter-spreadsheet/Although I'm not familiar with the brand as a user, my own main multimeter, a Uni-T UT-61e suits my needs well..its my impression that Aneng generally is a stellar value for beginners.Its been discussed extensively here,a searchshould bring up extensive info. You should try that first !

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2022, 07:24:39 pm
content: Quote from: Imnarnian on March 12, 2022, 06:10:35 pmThe meter won't measure 2.2pF nor 0.22 Ohms. Many meters can measure 2.2pF but to measure 0.22 Ohm would be very difficult. My Fluke 289 does have the resolution down to 0.001 Ohms but using it to measure 0.22 Ohm the accuracy isn't good at all. I am not sure I can be within 10%.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2022, 07:42:21 pm
content: 2.2pF is tiny! The lead capacitance (and finger to probe capacitance) is many times this. Even if you null the reading, things won't be physically stable enough (the slightest movement) to get a sensible measurement.0.22 Ohms is more possible, if you null out the probe resistance using the Rel button, but not to any reasonable degree of accuracy. You really need a meter with 4 wire measurement for that.

author: Imnarnian
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2022, 04:50:25 am
content: I saw those data. That's awesome. I took some Multimeters data for reference. Thanks for sharing link.

author: Imnarnian
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2022, 04:52:14 am
content: I need a multimeter of measuring nf of capacitor. That's enough for me. If any meters have low cost please let me know.Thanks

author: daisizhou
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2022, 12:05:55 pm
content: If you wish to measure capacitance,Please don't buy a multimeter.Because the digital multimeter is suitable for measuring general voltage, current, resistance and other parameters.I think digital bridge is more suitable for your needs.Example: Guwei's LCR-819.Milliohm resistance requires a 4-wire measurement method due to measuring capacitance.The measurement method adopts the AC measurement method.Frequency is an important parameter

author: gamalot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2022, 12:35:55 pm
content: Quote from: daisizhou on March 13, 2022, 12:05:55 pmNo way of knowing what 'Guwei' means unless you are an electronic engineer from mainland China, the correct name is GW Instek.

author: daisizhou
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2022, 12:54:38 pm
content: Yes.I am from mainland China.That is what we usually say, GW is only the official notation

author: Renate
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2022, 06:34:30 pm
content: Are there any (reasonably priced) 4 wire resistance hand meters?You're going to need one if you want to measure under an Ohm reliably.

author: gamalot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2022, 08:37:51 pm
content: Quote from: daisizhou on March 13, 2022, 12:54:38 pmYou can use their Chinese name '固纬/固緯', or their English brand name 'GW Instek', or their company's English name 'Good Will'. But even in mainland China no one uses the name 'Guwei', it doesn't even exist.

author: gamalot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2022, 08:41:49 pm
content: Quote from: Renate on March 13, 2022, 06:34:30 pmI haven't seen any handheld multimeter that has a 4-wire ohm function, I've seen a DIY handheld micro-ohmmeter, but it only measures resistance.

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2022, 08:45:31 pm
content: You can measure capacitance into the low pf range, (but not the single digits) accurately with a cheap digital DMM.A good meter for low capacitance, inductance or resistance is the DER DE-5000. (they also have another unit that combines it with a DMM, but much more expensive)Cost is around $100. Its the most affordable LCR meter available.With a $20 add on, the DE-5000 will do a four wire measurement for you. You can also get four wire tweezers that work with it. Useful for measuring SMD parts with just one hand. I have one right here.Depending on your budget and how much you need the four wire ability, it might be just the thing. I needed the ability to measure low inductances which I couldn't find for any less.

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2022, 08:50:56 pm
content: Quote from: gamalot on March 13, 2022, 08:37:51 pmMy GW Instek bench multimeter doesnt measure capacitance at all. Just voltage, current, resistance, and temperature all to a high level of accuracy. It does 4 wire well. (you need to buy four wire Kelvin clips, it doesnt come with them. )

author: Imnarnian
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2022, 03:55:42 pm
content: I studied about 4 wire resistance measurement. But it needs a device. I saw a video of keysight for reference. That's a good idea to measure a low resistance. But my need is not to measure very low resistance. Im asking 0.22 ohm (R220) resistance just for comparing others. Finally I choose 2 meters, one isANENG ST212another one isMUSTOOL C21. Both are in Banggood.Both are having same function but ANENG has price slightly higher than MUSTOOL.My doubts :1. Is this reliable ?2. In both products they put only maximum measurement. There is no least measurement value. Does anybody know it please reply.Thanks in advance

author: tunk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2022, 04:13:19 pm
content: AFAIK no cheap multimeter are accurate at measuring low resistances,e.g. many show 0.1-0.5Ω when you short the test leads.Aneng: Resistance 600Ω/6kΩ/60kΩ/600kΩ/6MΩ/60MΩ ±(0.8%+3)Edit: An alternative may be Aneng AN8009: 99.99Ω ±(1.0%+3)

author: Imnarnian
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2022, 04:23:49 pm
content: Hi thanks for your response.Aneng resistance : 600ohm means? I can't understand that data in banggood. Can you please explain?Thanks in advance

author: tunk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2022, 05:04:09 pm
content: They are measurement ranges.

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2022, 05:56:39 pm
content: Quote from: Imnarnian on March 14, 2022, 04:23:49 pm600ohm is one of the resistance range which is the lowest range. In this range being a 6000 counts meter it can display down to 0.1 ohm. But however it has a 3 counts errors means if it shows 0.5 you don't know if it's 0.8 or 0.2.

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2022, 12:50:03 pm
content: Quote from: Renate on March 13, 2022, 06:34:30 pmA good way for measuring low-ohm resistors is the DiY method with a current source.Use a LM317 and a resistor,If you make a 1A current source (with a 1.2 Ohm resistor) and you have a DMM with a resolution of 1mV, then you can measure resistances down to 1uOhm.Calibration can be done by changing the length of a piece of resistance wire. Potentiometers generally do not work well in this rangeFor measurements of resistors that can not handle 1A of current, you can also build a 100mA or 10mA variant.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2022, 05:41:29 pm
content: Quote from: Renate on March 13, 2022, 06:34:30 pmThey barely exist at any price. 4-wire resistance is almost exclusively the purview of bench devices.

author: armandine2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2022, 08:20:39 pm
content: about £110 - gets you Peaktech's 2705 meter