New Brymen BM869s, used Fluke 189, something else? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: M0HZH
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2021, 09:14:28 pm
content: Hi everyone, looking for a new multimeter for my home lab.I do mostly RF stuff (design and repair) so the lab is quite well equipped in that area and I generally work on 50V DC or less; input protection or ruggedness are irellevant in my case.I do have a few "average" multimeters (UNI-T UT61E, Fluke 77 IV, Amprobe 5XP-A etc) that are generally enough for most tasks, but I am looking for something with a bit more accuracy and some additional features (temperature measurement being one, to complement the FLIR thermal camera). Until recently I used the HP 3478A which was great for accuracy/speed/usability but quite limited in functionality and it occupied valuable space on my desk, being a bench meter.Budget is around £200; I don't really have a hard limit on it, but that's where I think the sweetspot is for my current needs, plus I have other hobbies too. The current short list looks like this:- Brymen BM869s - £190 new bought locally w. warranty- Fluke 189 - around £200 used on eBay- UNI-T 171B - around £200 new if ordered from ChinaOn paper they look quite similar and they tick all the boxes, but there are things you wouldn't find in the data sheet. Start-up time is too long, slow continuity, annoying user interface etc, that type of thing that would make you not want to use it unless you really have to. Which of these "feels" the best to use? Which would be the best "reference" meter for my lab?Thanks!PS: Also considered the UNI-T 71D for a while, just because of the 400MHz frequency counter (saves me powering up the HP unit when I don't need the accuracy) but reviews say quality is lacking.

author: John B
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2021, 09:33:27 pm
content: I have the Brymen 869s and think it's a good bench multimeter. No issues with startup time, interface is very simple and straightforward. It lacks a non contact voltage detection or low impedance mode, but I never use these on the bench anyways. I have an 829s for mains and "field-work" type activity.

author: M0HZH
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2021, 09:26:57 am
content: Thanks John.Indeed, the Brymen seems to be the prime candidate.

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2021, 09:33:53 am
content: 1+ for BM869S

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2021, 02:41:46 pm
content: The Brymen BM869s are the better option. A couple of BM869s with probe master probes and you could get rid of the others.Used Fluke 189 may need work. There is a risk they had past battery leakage, or pcb contamination. They all will have super cap problems. The logging and display are showing their age, but otherwise good meters.The UniT 71D is overpriced. It's only real advantage is it can be manually calibrated. It's not a big seller so the factory calibration could be considered meaningless. Really dead money compared to the Brymen BM869s in my opinion.

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2021, 08:05:18 pm
content: Quote from: Shock on December 14, 2021, 02:41:46 pmNot to hijack the topic but quick question, which type nr where to buy ?

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2021, 08:40:03 pm
content: 8017s are the ones most people would go for to replace standard leads for general electronics use. They sell various styles with and without accessories. If you have sets of test leads already with accessories you need to consider compatibility. Welectron sells them in Europe, there are probably others. Check out youtube videos before buying.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2021, 09:15:28 pm
content: Quote from: 2N3055 on December 14, 2021, 09:33:53 am+2....Got one, works perfect.Last year after a few weeks of buying, I´ve send it away for external calibration (costs 79€, but I want to know it).Protocol showed excellent values, although on some ranges a re-adjustment were done to reach the specs.