Best 20 euros miltimeter from Ebay - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: FlevasGR
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 01:36:36 pm
content: Hello guys, im trying to find a goood multimeter within my budget on Ebay but it's really hard to find something good mostly because when you find something some people will recommend it and others will say that it's crap.The first i found was the VC97 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/111574366440?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT) which mjlorton says that is 'ok' (also Dave had a video about VC99). After searching on EEV forums 50% of the people saying that its a piece of crap and the others the opposite.I simply can't decide which one should i pick. I mostly want it for my arduino projects.Any suggestions?

author: sainter
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 02:00:46 pm
content: A tear down of this Multimeter. By the looks of it, i Would use it on mains power. Depends what are you going to do with it?

author: FlevasGR
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 02:03:31 pm
content: Quote from: sainter on March 05, 2015, 02:00:46 pmWell, mostly mesuring DC voltage from my arduino, resistance and current

author: sainter
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 02:14:50 pm
content: https://toolsreviewer.com/top-10-best-multimeters/Best bang for the buck.I use Mastech MS8229 . For low precision work it's OK, and the alarm of improperly connected leads are very useful at the beginning. Try to find something like that second hand, of add few Euro and buy a new one.But keep your expectations low, because for the price point, nothing wonderful is out there.P.S. if you thinking about Mastech MS8229 i could give more or less the best and the worst about it.

author: FlevasGR
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 02:23:05 pm
content: Quote from: sainter on March 05, 2015, 02:14:50 pmI kinda need good precision :/ However i found 10 more euros and now i have 30 to spend!

author: sainter
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 02:40:49 pm
content: sorry my bad... i use Mastech MS8268.For the price of 30 EUR you will not find anything good new, try searching for second hand one. Why do you need high precision?

author: FlevasGR
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 02:48:05 pm
content: Quote from: sainter on March 05, 2015, 02:40:49 pmI know. I dont get the same quality as a fluke but i want the less crapyThe maximun voltage you're going to mesure for arduino is 12V. It's not high voltage. Even VC97 is pretty much "ok" but i would love to hear more suggestions. Also the VC99 is at this price tag

author: lpc32
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 04:02:19 pm
content: Another option for ~32EUR is the Digitek DT-4000ZC which includes logging through USB:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/fs-digitek-dt-4000zc-tekpower-tp4000zc-with-discount/

author: Refrigerator
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 05:01:47 pm
content: I use the UNI-T UT-136b, got it for 17 bucks. I'm quite happy with it.

author: PedroDaGr8
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 05:19:10 pm
content: Uni-T makes some passable meters in that range. The Digitek is pretty good as well for the price. Used might be your best value though if you can find something.

author: FlevasGR
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 05:43:40 pm
content: I'm currently using this 10$ meter. It's not accurate at all but thats what i haveso any meter will be better than this

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 06:41:23 pm
content: If you can't spend 45 euro to get a good safe meter, then I would recommend the UT136B. I ave one too and reviewed it.Save the rest of your money until you can get something better, like a UT139C.

author: FlevasGR
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 06:54:18 pm
content: The problem is that im getting so many suggestions :/ i dont know whichone to chose

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 08:02:49 pm
content: Quote from: sainter on March 05, 2015, 02:14:50 pmI don't know who wrote that article above, but there are numerous errors in it. For those using that article as a buying guide or bible, I suggest you check the user manual and manufacturer website to confirm what you read.

author: Harrkev
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 08:09:32 pm
content: Quote from: FlevasGR on March 05, 2015, 06:54:18 pmDoes it REALLY matter? For Arduino stuff, you will mostly make sure that your shield has power, measure resistors, and stuff like that. I have never owned a Fluke or other high-end meter. I only recently (last three months) got something auto-ranging (Extech that was on clearance from Radio Shack). Do I have any problems with cheap meters? None. None at all. For digital work at 12V and below, a $7 Harbor Freight meter is all that most people need. They are not as rugged, but I don't drop my meters. They might not be as accurate, but 3.3V logic will work anywhere between 3.0 and 3.6V.If you intend to regularly poke your meter in anything over 100 V, or if you are doing some sensitive analog design, then certainly go for the nicer ones.The two things that I appreciate in higher-end meters are: capacitance tester (nice to have), and a bar-graph display (want one that has this).If you want something nicer, then just make sure that you get a semi-decent brand, and be happy. I doubt that there are any BAD choices in the bunch.Just my $0.02, and worth every penny.

author: FlevasGR
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 08:51:26 pm
content: Quote from: Harrkev on March 05, 2015, 08:09:32 pmPretty much the answer i was expecting. I'm more concerned with the reliability and how many years a meter like VC99 will last. I just dont want to buy it and after 1 week explode or anything.

author: chrisstra84
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 08:54:03 pm
content: Hello!I’m very happy with my UT139C.Before this, I used a “düwi 07974” (a low cost multimeter for just 10 or 15 €) and it’s okay for low voltages or if you want to measure resistance. I’m still use it as a second multimeter...For example:http://www.akkuwelt-netphen.de/MultimeterDigitalDuewi07974withLCDDigitalDisplay_p4933_len_x2.htmChristian

author: Refrigerator
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 09:31:11 pm
content: I would agree to what Lightages said in his review, for 30EUR you can have a UT-136B + UT-136D delivered to your doors, and those two will cover anything that you will ever want to test, voltage, capacitance, temperature, current etc., etc.I had many mishaps, blown fuses, drops, you name it, but my UT-136B still works like new, and it's cheaper than the Vichy.Ps: two meters are better than one, you should always have something to compare to.

author: daybyter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2015, 01:31:52 am
content: It has to be eBay? DX.com is not an option?

author: Rick Law
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2015, 03:47:54 am
content: Quote from: FlevasGR on March 05, 2015, 02:03:31 pmI suggest the DT830B and buy a good 0.1 ohm current sense resister.TheDT830 is around $1(USD) plus shipping, amazing performance for the dollar. I will get you to well within 5% accuracy expected by "consumer class electronics". (I got this 5% from one of Dave's video).The meter is stable, durable, and pretty darn accurate for $1. It saids 1000V on the range marking, but if you do stick it into 1000V, Dawin award for you - likely posthumous.It has ranges for current measurement. But I suspect you would like to measure it with lower burden voltage. The DT830B with a 0.1ohm allows you to measure to 1mA resolution with burden voltage at merely 0.1V per amp.I have two DT830B, normally used as "panel meter" (one for Volt and one for current with 0.1ohm/1%/3W for current sense) for my power source. Whenever I need to, they serve as just a DMM.Rick

author: mtdoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2015, 04:30:20 am
content: Quote from: FlevasGR on March 05, 2015, 06:54:18 pmJust get the UT136B. You won't regret it. It's a good value and plenty good enough for Arduino work.

author: FlevasGR
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2015, 11:57:44 am
content: Quote from: Rick Law on March 06, 2015, 03:47:54 amI could buy both DT830B and UT136B

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2015, 12:12:12 pm
content: QuoteGet one of those el cheapo 830 meters (from free to $5) and treat yourself with a meal from the savings.

author: Gromitt
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2015, 01:44:26 pm
content: Quote from: dannyf on March 06, 2015, 12:12:12 pmAren't those illegal to sell in the EU?

author: cosmicray
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2015, 03:10:42 pm
content: I'm going to paraphrase the OP's question in a different way ...Once you step above the Cen-Tech $5USD most-basic DMM, where is the next grouping of better quality / more functions DMM to be had ? Is it at 30 EUR ? What improvements do you get at that price point ?

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2015, 04:12:50 pm
content: QuoteThe answer depends on your quest for performance.I can approach it from a few different ways:1) for precision - you want more digits;2) for features - you want capacitance or temperature measurements; frequency / duty cycle, RMS, scope, etc.3) for size - you want it to be pocketable;4) for battery availability / life: 3v vs. 9v, auto off, back lighting;For what I do, a basic 830 is more than enough. But obviously others may have legitimate desires for more.

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2015, 04:26:27 pm
content: I have just bought one of these pocket meters to keep in the car and take on holiday with me. I tested it with my voltage standard against a brand new fluke 115 and a unit 61e and the reading were inside of 0.01 volt on all ranges compared well inside the specification and they don't claim it is a CATIV meter either its labelled CATII. it looks like it may comply with too if you exclude the probes.

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2015, 04:27:32 pm
content: Quote from: cosmicray on March 06, 2015, 03:10:42 pmFor something that's robust accurate and safe, a second hand Fluke 25 or 27.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 06, 2015, 05:24:27 pm
content: Any meter under 30 Euros is not going to be a very safe meter. You might find a used meter with proper safety for under 30 Euros used, but the wait will not be short. If you buy a UT136B it will serve you well on the bench and much better than the 830 clone crap. With those you never know what you will get and how long it will last. As someone else said, get can get the UT136B and a UT136C for under $30 shipped.Maybe you should wait until you can spend 45 Euro and get the UT139C. It is all the meter most hobbyists need.

author: daybyter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2015, 07:51:19 pm
content: http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/china-multimeter-uni-t-UT61E_60132964414.html?

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 06, 2015, 08:26:25 pm
content: Yes, the UT61E is a nice bench meter too. That price seems very low compared to the rest of the sellers I have seen. I have no experience with Alibaba but it appears that seller only has an 87.3% rating?!

author: Excavatoree
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2015, 08:43:37 pm
content: Quote from: KJDS on March 06, 2015, 04:27:32 pmJust for completeness, the 8025a and 8025b are the same meters as the 25 and 27 (respectively) and aren't as well known. These are a good "second meter" to use for simple voltage and current measurements, once one chooses what higher end meter to purchase.

author: FlevasGR
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2015, 08:52:16 pm
content: I'm thiking to buy this:http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNI-T-UT136B-Auto-Range-Digital-Multimeter-AC-DC-Frequency-Resistance-Tester-/111534967989?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19f8008cb5And this:http://www.ebay.com/itm/DT-830B-AC-DC-LCD-Digital-Meter-Test-f-Voltmeter-Ammeter-Ohm-Multimeter-Tester-/281520579504?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item418bef23b0

author: WBB
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2015, 09:14:57 pm
content: I'll add another vote for a couple of the UT136x meters. Actually a pretty decent meter for the price. You can spend more and get less easily. I would probably grab a capacitance model along with the temp model. Personally I think either is more useful than frequency considering the limited bandwidth of the multimeter.

author: samofab
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2015, 10:12:36 pm
content: I vote for Digitek DT-4000ZC. Fast continuity tester, accuracy well within spec. And lots of nice features in addition to logging: temperature probe, capacitance, frequency. I use it mostly for low voltages, but if you're concerned with safety, I'm sure you can find a teardown video somewhere for informed risk when connecting it to mains :-DI also own Agilent 1242B, Uni-T UT204A and HP 3455A, but Digitek is used the most.Lack of automatic power off might be considered both a feature and a drawback.

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2015, 10:18:44 pm
content: QuoteA quite useful feature (for me) is the relative measurement feature that neither of your meters have. If you are getting two meters, I would get one with such a feature.

author: FlevasGR
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2015, 10:35:58 pm
content: Quote from: dannyf on March 06, 2015, 10:18:44 pmWhat this feature does?

author: daybyter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2015, 04:43:58 pm
content: There's one lacking feature, that would keep me from buying the 830b: the lack of a buzzer for audible continuity. It seems older versions of the 830b had it, but at some point it was removed from the design? Some ads still mention this feature.It's one of the features I need very often when repairing old computers or checking the circuits, I just soldered. You can use the ohm range of course, but you always have to look up to the meter then. I've seen $ 0,99 dmm's now with buzzer, so I'd prefer one of those.Edit: I've just seen a kt830buz in the local ebay. It seems to be a 830 + buzzer:http://www.ebay.de/itm/LCD-Digital-Multimeter-Strom-Messgerat-Voltmeter-MEsGERAT-VOLTMETER-AC-DC-/121230353950?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_77&hash=item1c39e4661eMaybe you can get that in your area, too.

author: JacquesBBB
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2015, 05:56:01 pm
content: I have both a Victor VC99 and a Vichy VC97.Despite what Dave says, these are quite nice meters and I use them all the time. Although I would not recommend the VC97, because the automatic shutdown after some time does not seem to be very reliable.I heard some concern about safety with these meters, but I am sure that there are much more safety issuesin the average chinese wallmart power supplies that everybody uses all the time than with thesemeters, unless you go to high voltage.I have pushed the VC99 up to 600V, although I would not do it on a regular basis, and I was very careful when I did it.For the accuracy, they are quite good for Volts and Ohms, but it seems that all meters are pretty much accurate for ordinary measures. I will not do here a review on these meters.There are certainly better meters, but when price is a strong consideration, these can be an option,especially for low voltage tinkering.

author: Mechanical Menace
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2015, 06:43:51 pm
content: Quote from: samofab on March 06, 2015, 10:12:36 pmHave you used the data logging? Any comments on that?

author: samofab
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2015, 06:58:46 pm
content: Yes, I used the data logging. Provided windows only software is rudimentary, but works as advertised. I also tried sigrok, which is much better if your comfortable with command line and some scripting.See:http://sigrok.org/

author: Mechanical Menace
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2015, 07:09:13 pm
content: Quote from: samofab on March 07, 2015, 06:58:46 pm*nix fanboy so definitely would love that. Thanks for the link.