Voltcraft VC870 - Any experiences? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: janurika
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 13, 2013, 09:43:31 pm
content: Does anyone know anything about the Voltcraft VC870? (http://www.conrad-uk.com/ce/en/product/124603?insert=89)I know that the VC8xx corresponds to the UT60x series but fuses are definitely different, better even than the UT61x series (see back side photo), and also the VC870 does power metering and I could not find that feature in the UT60x and UT61x series.Only the UT71E does that, but that one corresponds to the VC940.So I cannot find the pair of VC870 among UNI-T and there are no really reviews of it on the internet.I would be happy to hear about it if anyone knows any details or had any experiences with it.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 13, 2013, 10:18:37 pm
content: This looks like a new series. Maybe Wytnucls has some more information on it from his recent visit to Uni-Trend.If they are really starting to put proper protection in their meters I would really like to see this one. It looks like a mix of the 61 and 71 series with better input protection. Lets hope we see the insides of one soon.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2013, 02:30:25 am
content: Conrad, through their brand Voltcraft, have most of their meters made in China to German specifications, mostly in partnership with UNI-T.I have little information about them, as they are only meant for the European market.There is also a version with an OLED screen, if I'm not mistaken (VC890).Glad to see they are using exactly the same fuses I installed in my UT71B.http://www.conrad-uk.com/ce/en/product/124600/VOLTCRAFT-VC-890-OLED-DMM-Digital-Multimeter-with-Software-included-CAT-IV-600V-CAT-III-1000VNo independent testing, but here is the conformity document:http://www.produktinfo.conrad.com/datenblaetter/100000-124999/124600-ce-01-en-VOLTCRAFT_VC890_OLED_DMM.pdfSome interesting safety features:

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 14, 2013, 03:42:36 am
content: It would be nice if Uni-T actually is taking safety ratings seriously now. This meter is a contender but at its price it needs to be better than the Agilents. If I were going to pay the same price as an Agilent for a Uni-T I think I would not be buying a Uni-T unless there were compelling features to do so.I wonder if Uni-T will be releasing their own version of the Conrad series.I hold little value in the conformity document from Conrad as they had these for all the previous Uni-T models and we know at least one of them did not meet its claims for CAT ratings.

author: janurika
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 14, 2013, 07:24:10 am
content: I agree that it would need compelling features. Power metering is one such feature for me. If it is a good product I would buy it at this price.But I don't really trust Uni-T, so I will only buy it if I can see a review or someone confirms its quality.Even though I value and like Agilent much better, I could not find an Agilent multimeter with this feature, and also they are definitely priced higher.

author: Tepe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2013, 02:49:48 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on April 14, 2013, 03:42:36 amIs that also known to be true for the versions sold in Germany? Which model is it, by the way?

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2013, 03:03:48 pm
content: The old regulations didn't specify HRC ceramic fuses for multimeters yet, so the document was probably legal at the time.Here is a video I shot of a F (fast) M205 10A 250VAC glass fuse subjected to 230VAC, as if installed in a multimeter. The 71D has better FF (very fast) glass fuses. I used wires with a total resistance of 1.5Ohms to simulate probes and leads. I guesstimate 150A went through that fuse. I did run the same test later (off camera) with the actual probes and leads supplied with the meter (0.07 Ohms), with the same effect. No glass shattering:

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 14, 2013, 03:40:04 pm
content: Quote from: Tepe on April 14, 2013, 02:49:48 pmThe one example is the UT61E. It was rated at CATIII/1000V and CATIV/600V. This was with glass fuses rated for 250V but as Wytnucls says this was made with the older CAT rating requirements. However the UT61E was upgraded in order to meet GS requirements. The fuses were upgraded, but so was the input protection on the voltage jack. Even with these updates the CAT ratings were dropped to CATII/600V and CATIII/300V. Independent of the fuses which could have been upgraded to any type, the meter design could not meet its original ratings even with better input protection on the voltage input. Not only that but the ratings were dropped to the point where the meter went from being safe for all uses (up to its voltage limitations) to only be safe for use in the wall socket in a room away from the fuse panel. Therefore the logical conclusion is that the original rating was a lie regardless of the fuse types installed.

author: em132
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2013, 06:05:31 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on April 14, 2013, 03:40:04 pmSPECIFICALLY on the V-Ohm jack. It is rated at 250V on A/mA, and the silkscreening reflects this.Quote from: Lightages on April 14, 2013, 03:40:04 pmThe non-GS UT61 series ALL have Bussmann BS1362 HRC/sand-filled ceramic fuses--rated at 250V, yes, but they are most certainly NOT "glass."Quote from: Lightages on April 14, 2013, 03:40:04 pmBecause they used 600V (690V) fuses and CAT ratings need to reflect the whole of the meter's jacks (YOU agreed with this yourself in that teardown thread!).Look at these new CAT-3/4 Voltcrafts, which have top-line 1000V SIBA fuses... Do you see separate voltage ratings for the A/mA jacks, as you do with the non-GS 61's?Quote from: Lightages on April 14, 2013, 03:40:04 pmAny type? Really? The price difference between 600V and 1000V HCR fuses--TWO of them--can easily be ~$10. You think this fact was lost on UNI-T's bean counters?If UNI-T isn't aiming the 61's at the CAT-4 "Fluke/Agilent" market, then why opt for the more expensive 1000V fuses when a CAT-3 rating probably was acceptable to them, from a marketing standpoint?Quote from: Lightages on April 14, 2013, 03:40:04 pmThis is 100% SPECULATION on your part. Always has been, always will be.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 14, 2013, 06:52:36 pm
content: I stand corrected. Yes the UT61E has ceramic fuses. It is the UT71X series that has the glass fuses. Yes you are also right that the fuse price might have been the deciding factor in the meter upgrade and perhaps that is why they decided to down rate the meter to the ratings they did.Even if you take this as me being a completely biased idiot, their market was originally to be in the CATIV and CATIII high energy meter market or they would not have labelled the UT61X and the UT71X series as such. The UT71E does not meet its claimed CAT ratings either. Nor did they label the current jacks to indicate that they should be limited to 250V, and yes they are glass fuses.So while you have a point and my logic on this point of the UT61E is flawed, it is still my opinion. I should not have said that it was fact in this light.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2013, 06:56:12 pm
content: This is how I understand this latest CAT rating system works:At the end of a battery of tests, there is only one CAT rating for the whole meter.It is derived from the results of two specific tests:1. Volt/Ohms ranges: High pulsed voltage whose strength varies with CAT rating sought. Damage must be contained inside enclosure.2. A/mA ranges: Double the CAT rating highest voltage must be applied for one minute to the jacks with ruptured fuses in place to confirm no arcing on fuses, holders, jacks and traces.The worst results will determine the final CAT rating of the meter and fuses will be chosen to match the final highest voltage rating.Fuses must be HRC and the amps jacks can't be marked with voltage limits, only amps limits.So the 61GS was downgraded because it failed to meet requirements for a higher CAT rating.HRC fuses are not always expensive, especially when bought in bulk.The highest CAT rating is always sought, as a low rating will affect sales.http://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale/wholesale-siba-fuse.html

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 14, 2013, 08:28:52 pm
content: No, em132 could be correct. It is possible that the UT61E could meet the higher CAT ratings with the right fuses in place but the bean counters didn't want to raise the cost of the meter to do it. That is also assuming that the different fuses do cost differently enough to make this decision.But.....My UT61E has a manufacture year of 2011The requirements for measuring instruments from the ISA 2004 :"16.2 Multifunction meters and similar equipmentMultifunction meters and similar equipment shall not cause a HAZARD in any possible combinationof RATED input voltages, and settings of function and range controls. Possible HAZARDS includeelectric shock, fire, arcing and explosion.Conformity is checked by the following test.The maximum RATED voltage specified for any function is applied to each pair of TERMINALS inturn, in every combination of function and range controls.The test source connected to theequipment measuring TERMINALS during this test is limited to3.6 kVA for measurement category Ior measurement category II. For measurement category III or measurement category IV, the testcircuit has to be capable of delivering 30kVA.During and after the tests, no HAZARD shall arise.Multifunction meters and similar equipment are to be tested by changing the Function/Range Selector to allpossible settings while connected to the maximum rated source.”It is obvious that the UT61E cannot meet those specs and never could.There are requirements for markings too but I need to dig those out too. So maybe it is a fact and not just my opinion.reference thread:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/cat-ratings-and-interpretation/EDIT:OK, I hijacked this thread a bit in discussing the failings of earlier Uni-Ts. My point has been to say that I would really like to see these new Conrad meters and their interiors. I would be very happy if they are really built correctly. If they are, and to the point of the OP's question, then they might be great meters for their price.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 28, 2013, 07:04:13 am
content: Unless someone buys a VC870, VC880, or VC890, I don't think we will learn much about these things. Conrad declined to send me one for review. Either they are afraid of something, don't think I am worthy of a review sample, or they don't think a review is worth it for them in sales.

author: Leon
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2013, 07:19:55 pm
content: I have a VC890. Great meter, lovely display with huge viewing angles. Ceramic fuses, battery compartment separated from the rest, unable to open the meter without removing the leads, etc.: it all points to at least a reasonably safe meter.It measures spot on compared to the Fluke at work, while the price was much lower than the Agilents which in turn cost much less than the Flukes. I bought it because it provides the accuracy I needed for a fair price, along with an uA range for electronics, a good display plus an (almost) free clamp meter add-on for measurements on my PV installation at home. So for me it's like a Swiss army knife type of DMM.What I didn't like were the test leads that are included: they're almost certainly made for electric work instead of for the electronics I wanted to use them for. A replacement set with finer tip solved that problem.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 28, 2013, 07:37:18 pm
content: Leon:Any chance of you doing a mini-review and/or tear down so we can see how this thing works and is built?

author: Leon
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2013, 08:59:51 pm
content: I can certainly snap some pictures and write some text about it. What would you like to see covered?Note: it may take a while as I'm pretty busy right now.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 29, 2013, 03:40:27 pm
content: If you could, take some general images of the outside, with the battery/fuse access door off, and take it apart and show the insides. Maybe say some things about the update rate, auto ranging speed, and continuity test response. That should give us an idea what it is like.

author: Leon
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2013, 12:40:00 pm
content: I promised to take some pictures but like I said: busy, busy, busy. I'd love to be able to say more about the update rate, auto ranging speed, etc. but the truth is I can only compare it the Fluke 89IV at work. I don't collect DMMs, I simply work with them and I'm only measuring resistance and VDC most of the time. Compared to the Fluke at work, the VC890 is faster on most parts except things like the continuity measurement: the buzzer doesn't always work, but the measurements do show the short in the display. Judging from Dave's video the VC890 does seem to buzz a lot faster than the Agilent U1253.On to the pictures:I ordered my VC890 with a VC-511 clampadapter (for about 9 euro extra) and use different leads.The box contains the meter itself, a temperature sensor, an optical to USB connection cable, CD with software, leaflet and 2 sets of leads: one standard, one very short with crocs.The display is what sets this unit apart from the normal UNI-T models: it's an OLED display (much like the Agilent U1253). Update rate is good, esp. the bar works like a joy. As shown, the meter is perfectly readable from an angle. The brightness of the display also makes this meter very easy to use in dim light conditions.The rear shows the optical connector for the USB cable, and of course the door.The door slides down, and through some latches you can't open the door while there are leads connected and leads can't be inserted while the door is open. A simple but effective method to deter those stupid enough to want to touch the fuses while measuring 1000V.As said, the fuses are ceramic plus they are of the correct rating. The meter comes with a 9V GP alkaline battery, but it can also be used with a 9V rechargable lithium pack (which Conrad also sells). The type of battery can be selected from the menu.With the back removed you can see the latches, some shielding and padding for the CR2032 RTC battery.I did a partial teardown, and this meter is built around a standard 60000 count DMM chip from Cyrustek: the ES51997. See:http://www.cyrustek.com.tw/spec/ES51997F.pdfA few detail snaps of the inside, chip, fuses and that's it.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 15, 2013, 04:08:10 pm
content: Wow! It looks like Uni-T has finally made a multimeter with some real though for the input protection.It certainly looks like a nice meter. Unfortunately it costs $200 USD and Conrad wants an additional $67 to ship to me!!!

author: SyncOnGreen
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 22, 2013, 04:50:34 pm
content: Excellent information on the Voltcraft VC890!! Thanks very much Leon!I am very tempted to buy this DMM @ Conrad, as a replacement for my old, now defective Tektronixand is within my budget.However, I still have a few questions that also might be of interest to others:1. How is battery life compared to the Agilent OLED DMM's (8 Hours)?2. Is the OLED display of the VC980 visible outdoors in daylight?Thanks in advance! Cheers!

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 22, 2013, 05:17:15 pm
content: I know nothing about this VC870 nor any of the new Conrads. But I can safely say that most people would be happier in the long run with the LCD models. They will have better readability outside, better battery life, and every Uni-T I have seen has had a great LCD display.

author: SyncOnGreen
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 22, 2013, 05:35:24 pm
content: Thanks very much for your valued advice and opinion LightAges.But given the specs (other than the OLED display) of the Voltcraft VC890 and Leon being very happy with it, I'm still interested in buying this meter...Conrad offers a 10% rebate over the next few days, so that comes as a bonus!

author: Leon
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2013, 05:46:12 pm
content: Quote from: SyncOnGreen on June 22, 2013, 04:50:34 pm1. Battery life is unspecified. I'm still at the first battery but I've just used it a 4 to 5 hours. In any case I wouldn't worry about battery life, as this model also takes the 9V Lithium rechargables. So if you really want to use it 24x7, buy 2 9V packs for it and the charger, and you are set (if you change the pack setting to rechargeble lithium that is).2. The VC890's display is certainly readable outside, but I haven't tested it with the full sun directly at it. That's kind of hard given the current weather.

author: SyncOnGreen
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 22, 2013, 05:53:46 pm
content: Thanks very much Leon!Given the discount Conrad offers, I might follow your suggestion and order a few rechargeables, just in case I want to do some long-time data logging.Yes, let's sure hope for some sun over here in the Netherlands! :-)

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 22, 2013, 10:56:13 pm
content: For the record I was referring to the VC880 which is the VC890 with LCD instead.http://www.conrad.com/ce/en/product/124609/VOLTCRAFT-VC880TRMS-digital-multimeter-with-test-leads-VC800-Series-40-000-counts-CAT-IV-600V-CAT-III-1000V

author: Leon
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2013, 07:08:04 am
content: The VC880 is a 40000 count DMM. I think it's a different design, built around fi. the ES51966. Otherwise they would claim it to be 60000 count too.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 23, 2013, 05:41:12 pm
content: Ah, I somehow missed the counts difference. I still think the VC880 is a better meter though especially when it looks like the multi display on the 890 only shows date and time as extra information. Just my opinion without experience of either.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2013, 06:59:45 pm
content: The VC890 logs a time stamp with the 1000 data points in internal memory. The VC880 probably doesn't. That feature could be important for some logging applications.

author: 5ky
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2015, 01:53:38 pm
content: I picked up a VC890--and due to the almost non-existent information on the internet about this meter, I figured I'd do a full review on it and share it here. (did a full teardown and basic testing)Oh and I saw a previous comment stating the 880 might be better because it uses a dual display. I can't confirm if the 880 is better or not, but I can confirm that the one on the 890 does have a dual display that shows more than just the time/date. When you measure voltage, it shows frequency in the secondary display. When you enable AC/DC rms mode, it shows the DC offset in the secondary display. When you're in min/max/avg mode, it shows the live readings from the probes in the secondary display. It's also used during data logging. Not sure how the 880 screen is so I honestly can't compare. Just sharing what I knowSorry for grave-digging--I didn't figure this deserved its own thread. Cheers!

author: commie
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2015, 04:01:27 pm
content: For U.K. residents it's available from here,http://www.rapidonline.com/Test-Measurement/Voltcraft-VC-890-OLED-Display-Digital-Multimeter-51-5900Nowthe thing is, it boasts +-0.8% basic dc accuracy which is a pile of shit but I must admit it looks nice.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 17, 2015, 04:19:39 pm
content: That must be a typo. The basic accuracy listed on the Conrad site is 0.03%.It still looks like a nice meter and thanks for doing the review. I am still not going to buy anything with an OLED display as they still seem to have very shorts lives.

author: commie
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2015, 04:28:42 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on July 17, 2015, 04:19:39 pmI thought something was funny, yes I confirm the basic accuracy is +-0.03% which is about the best you can get for a handheld.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 17, 2015, 04:29:09 pm
content: I also just watched this video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uK0HfQGNnG4&feature=youtu.beWhat firmware version do you have?

author: 5ky
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2015, 05:29:07 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on July 17, 2015, 04:29:09 pm01545

author: 5ky
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2015, 05:33:34 pm
content: Quote from: commie on July 17, 2015, 04:28:42 pmI've never actually considered oled lifespan as a factor, but I guess it's something to keep in mind. I'll report back to this thread if I ever have a problem with the screen at all. Thanks for bringing that up--I never thought about it.

author: Leon
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2015, 06:19:38 pm
content: There do seem to be some slight changes to the PCB over the past few years.

author: Candid
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2015, 05:22:42 pm
content: I got one this week from Conrad Germany (I am german), it replaced my about 20 year old Voltcraft VC670 that is still doing fine and has very good accuracy. Firmware is 1624. Thanks für the Videos you made 5ky. In total it's a really good meter. Only some things I don't like:only about 2 to 3 updates of the displayed value per second. That's not bad but more would be fine.bargraph is updated not faster than the displayed value so it's more or less useless. Even bargraph from my often discussedUNI-T UT71E is much fasterprobes are very bad, I replaced them by Probemaster probes and now the continuity tester is working with absolute no lag and extremely fast and stable. I would await better probes from Conrad for a meter of this price.No bag inclued. The standard UNI-T bag would be fine. For this price I would expect a bag included.Over all its a nice meter with good input protection and very good accuracy.BTW pushing RANGE and REL/PC while turning the meter on shows the firmware version, pushing the red button while turning it on starts the oled display test but does someone know what the 00000 display is for when pushing MIN/MAX and H/LIGHT button while you turn the meter on?/EDIT: Now I know what MIN/MAX+H/LIGHT when Power on is for, I got the calibration manual from Conrad Electronic...

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2016, 09:22:04 pm
content: Is there any UNI-T equivalent for VC870? I could not find any here.http://www.uni-trend.comAnd this web does not work for me.http://www.uni-trend.com.cn/

author: Candid
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2016, 09:47:03 pm
content: I think the UNI-T UT171C is a similar but not identical model.

author: olewales
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2022, 01:08:41 pm
content: Quote from: Candid on October 10, 2015, 05:22:42 pmSorry for digging it out but... Do you mind sharing that manual? This topic seems to be the only thing that pops up in google regarding close-case calibration of this meter

author: Candid
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2022, 04:55:26 pm
content: Here it is. I never calibrated it and I sold it long time ago.