Best multimeter for my price range? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: BlueApple
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2022, 10:07:56 pm
content: I'm using a $20 cheapo multimeter at the moment, and I'd like to get something better. Around $100-150 is my budget.At the moment I'm looking at these:- Fluke 107- Fluke 110 (From Lowe's)- Amprobe AM-530- EEVblog BM235Which one would you recommend? Do you have any other suggestions?Thanks!

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2022, 10:46:56 pm
content: Hi,In general and as always it depends on your needs...Without this, I would have a look at this one:https://www.welectron.com/Brymen-BM857s-Multimeter_1

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2022, 01:01:49 am
content: Based on your previous posts, I might assume you are looking for this for electronics use?What DMM do you currently have and what features are lacking?Some notes:- Fluke 107 can't do DC mV, can't do mA at all, not good for electronics.- Fluke 110 can do some mV but no current whatsoever, also not good.- Amprobe AM-530 has a lot more features but is only 4,000 count, which is really bottom of the barrel.- BM-235 is slightly interesting for the price point, but is still only 6,000 count. My other main gripes for electronics bench use would be it's small and tippy and has no interface options. The Welectron-branded one is available for about $85 US delivered if you still go that route.https://www.welectron.com/Brymen-BM235-Multimeter_1The BM857s makes good sense, but I personally would get the BM867s with the secondary display for the same price:https://www.welectron.com/Brymen-BM867s-Multimeter_1These are both 50,000 count and feature-packed. You're looking at about $140 delivered for just the DMM. Or you could splurge and get the + edition, then add fuses, 2 sets of clips, USB interface, magnet, all-in for $214.48 delivered.Be aware that you'll basically only have a 1 year warranty on the imported Brymens, and return shipping may not be worth the hassle at these price points.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2022, 03:58:42 am
content: Quote from: BlueApple on October 05, 2022, 10:07:56 pmThe lower-end Flukes are good meters, but they all have features redacted so that they can make a dozen 'task specific' meters--each missing different things that you might actually want. The Amprobe and the BM235 are more full-featured, but I'm not sure who makes that Amprobe and its origin is listed as China, so that is a serious question mark for me. The BM235 has better features, things like Lo-Z/Auto and Lo-Pass that actually come in handy. The EEVBlog and Edition+ versions apparently have a much better test lead. I haven't compared them myself, but the silicone version is reputedly very nice. The EEVBlog version is available on Amazon if you are in a hurry, otherwise you can take advantage of the very strong dollar and shop on Welectron.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2022, 05:04:18 am
content: If you have a "budget" then forget about Fluke.What do you use your $20 meter for? What do you hope to gain?

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2022, 08:08:34 am
content: If you want to measure mains / deadly voltages then get an A-brand like Fluke, Hioki, Keysight, etc to make sure the meter is safe to use. Otherwise anything goes

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2022, 10:23:28 am
content: Quote from: nctnico on October 06, 2022, 08:08:34 amNo Brymens?

author: BlueApple
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2022, 12:10:06 pm
content: My main use is electronics, although I do some times measure high voltage stuff. I want something with a fairly high frequency and capacitance range. (Just found out the 110 doesn't even do capacitance.)The BM867s looks like a great choice, I'll look into it.

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2022, 06:38:12 pm
content: For circuits capable of making high voltages, how about a high-voltage probe? There are some of the Fluke 80K-6 probes on ebay right now for under $50. There are also older Fluke DMM kits with two high voltage probes included, such as the Fluke 27.

author: BlueApple
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2022, 07:09:09 pm
content: Quote from: J-R on October 06, 2022, 06:38:12 pmHow do those work?

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2022, 07:34:14 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on October 06, 2022, 10:23:28 amWho is your family going to sue after you get fried to a crisp? How much does a 'brand' care about their reputation?

author: mwb1100
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2022, 07:42:08 pm
content: Quote from: BlueApple on October 05, 2022, 10:07:56 pmThe BM235 is a good value for the money and I believe they are in the low end of the price range for meters that have been designed and built with safety in mind. That kind of build might not be as important if you only do electronics, but if it's ever going to touch mains you should have it.I think Brymen meters are generally a good value. If the BM235 does what you want, it would be a good buy. The eevblog variant is $140 on Amazon (prime shipping), about $120 (shipped to the USA) from Dave, also about $120 from welectron.com (also shipped to the USA). I think those are the only vendors other then ebay resellers that offer the eevblog version.If you want to save a few dollars, welectron.com also offers the standard BM235 for about $100 shipped to the US. I think that the only differences between the standard and eevblog BM235 are:- eevblog ships with very nice silicon probes, standard has PVC probes (you can add the silicon probes for about $10)- eevblog has the blue casing, standard has a red casingThere are a lot of different Brymen models that are in the $100-150 range, so it might be worth checking several. For example, some Brymens have a bar graph, but many don't (the BM235 doesn't). Most (I think) have a 30 second timeout on the backlight - which drives me crazy, but some have backlight timeouts in the 10-15 minute range (BM235 has a long timeout). Unfortunately, datasheets generally only mention whether or not there is a backlight at all. To find out how long it stays on you usually have to grovel around in the manual.Bymens are hard to find from US vendors, so check with welectron.com or tme.com in the EU. Both have reasonable shipping charges to the US. A nice advantage to buying from overseas is you'll avoid sales tax. In most cases that'll offset the shipping from the EU.(note: I'm not affiliated with Brymen, Welectron, or TME other than as a customer)

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2022, 08:07:52 pm
content: The manual for the Fluke 80K-6 has a lot of good info:https://assets.fluke.com/manuals/80k6____iseng0600.pdf

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2022, 08:08:27 pm
content: Quote from: mwb1100 on October 06, 2022, 07:42:08 pmIf you order from Welectron do they take off the VAT as well?

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2022, 08:49:21 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on October 06, 2022, 07:34:14 pmFor industrial three-phase, HVDC solar or some high energy physics experiment that is a valid concern. For household mains use, at least in the US, not so much.

author: BlueApple
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2022, 08:54:11 pm
content: Quote from: bdunham7 on October 06, 2022, 08:49:21 pmYeah, I'm not working with that stuff.

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2022, 09:54:46 pm
content: No VAT from Welectron to US addresses. Also, you could e-mail them for a 5% EEVblog discount code.Honestly, US household mains is pretty tame (120V RMS to ground). Even the junkiest DMM is really no big deal.However, the design of the Fluke HV probe provides quite a bit of extra protection to the user. Less risk to slipping with sweaty hands for example. You also get a 75M Ohms input impedance.

author: unknownparticle
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2022, 10:07:28 pm
content: Brymen 786, 60000 count with bar graph. 142 euro from Welectron, thats about the same in $.

author: BlueApple
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2022, 10:17:02 pm
content: Quote from: unknownparticle on October 06, 2022, 10:07:28 pmWould you recommend it over the BM867s?

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2022, 10:56:04 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on October 06, 2022, 07:34:14 pmAre you serious? Brymen make meters with a higher CAT rating thananyFluke.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2022, 11:50:48 pm
content: Quote from: J-R on October 06, 2022, 09:54:46 pmHmm. No VAT, $9 DHL shipping, no US sales tax, 5% discount, monstrously strong US dollar. That all adds up (or down!) to a pretty good deal really.QuoteI have one and while it is good for some uses, the two drawbacks are that it is explicitly not rated for mains usage of any type and it can be less accurate than you'd hope for at lower voltages with many meters due to their input impedances in those ranges.

author: mwb1100
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2022, 04:02:58 am
content: Quote from: bdunham7 on October 06, 2022, 11:50:48 pmI had forgotten about the 5% discount.Just as an FYI to the OP since the BM786 is being considered - the 5% discount doesn't apply to that meter for whatever reason (might be an oversight - I don't know). It does apply to other Brymen meters that I've tried it out on including the eevblog BM235, so it's not that the "special edition" eevblog models are excluded from the discount.Not that the lack of a discount should stop you from buying the BM786 - it didn't stop me earlier this year.

author: BlueApple
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2022, 01:23:15 pm
content: I think I'm going with the Brymen BM867s. It looks really good for the money.

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2022, 12:59:27 am
content: BM78x and BM8xx models are reasonable choices, will come down to what specific features you are looking for.One negative I see is that the BM857s/BM867s can't measure temperature. With IR guns being so handy, it may not matter.I didn't see the point with the BM785/BM786 and BM867s so just got the BM789 and BM869s. A lot of the purchase price is accessories and shipping. So it's easy to spend a tiny bit more and get the top model with all the features.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2022, 06:38:15 am
content: Quote from: J-R on October 08, 2022, 12:59:27 amYep. You can get IR cameras really cheap these days and K-type probes are almost useless in comparison.Quote from: J-R on October 08, 2022, 12:59:27 amLess overloading on the dial? Less button presses to cycle through the ranges?I don't need temperature - I have other dedicated gadgets for that. I have an oscilloscope so the 100kHz TRMS is moot.Sometimes less is more...

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2022, 09:07:22 am
content: The BM867s has 10 switch positions, the BM869s has 11. The BM869s combines the diode and capacitance. So with the BM869s you press a button to switch between those while on the BM867s you change the switch position. Really no difference here.The BM789 has the "AutoV LoZ" feature below the Off position, so it's not adding any extra knob turning. Even the BM235 has this feature. It can be handy. The other extra features are hardly adding to the extensive secondary functions.Temperature can still be useful, since you can use it to measure the internal temp of the DMM by shorting the leads.Checking my order records, I see for the BM869s and BM789 I spent about twice as much on accessories and shipping than by upgrading from the lower model to the highest. A minimal expense for potentially useful features, but if not can be easily skipped over.Ultimately, a bench meter is a good solution to all the knob turning.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2022, 09:41:05 am
content: Quote from: J-R on October 08, 2022, 09:07:22 amI like having a separate range for diode.Quote from: J-R on October 08, 2022, 09:07:22 amI reallydon'tneed the extra features, I don't feel at all like I bought "second best". I bought the meter I wanted.The difference in price may not be much in absolute $$$ terms but it's still enough to buy something that will be genuinely useful.

author: BlueApple
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2022, 01:03:14 pm
content: What about the Fluke 116? It has a lot of good features and is only $145 at Lowe's.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2022, 01:43:22 pm
content: Quote from: BlueApple on October 08, 2022, 01:03:14 pmIt has no current measurement ranges, only a very limited uA range for testing flame sensors.nb. Every sub-$400 meter in Fluke's lineup is deliberately designed withsomethingmissing so you eventually end up at their 87V (cash cow).If you really want a Fluke and have about $150 to spend then get a Fluke 17B+. It's not good value compared to an equivalent Brymen, it has no TRMS, no bar graph display, continuity is a bit slow ... but it's the least crippled for EE work.https://lygte-info.dk/review/DMMFluke%2017B%20UK.htmlThe BM235 is better/cheaper though.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2022, 02:12:48 pm
content: Quote from: BlueApple on October 08, 2022, 01:03:14 pmIt depends on what you need. The F116 is an excellent meter for household and commercial electrical, things like wiring, appliance repair, HVAC, motors, etc. I have one just for this purpose and $145 is actually a good deal for one. They're virtually immune to user error. But they are limited as a general-purpose bench meter since they deliberately omit current ranges (electricians use clamps) and some other features are limited. For example, resistance only goes to 6 Megohms.

author: BlueApple
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2022, 07:29:19 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on October 08, 2022, 01:43:22 pmI was just looking at the fluke for the warranty.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2022, 08:48:53 pm
content: Quote from: BlueApple on October 08, 2022, 07:29:19 pmKeep in mind that the (modified) 'lifetime' warranty is only on their fairly expensive industrial line. The 116 and similar have a three-year warranty. You can buy Brymen meters through Greenlee and get a lifetime warranty from them, but they don't have the complete lineup and the cost is higher. I'm not sure precisely how the warranty works if you buy the BM235 directly from the EEVBlog store.

author: BlueApple
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2022, 09:24:11 pm
content: Quote from: bdunham7 on October 08, 2022, 08:48:53 pmOh, I see.

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2022, 11:21:28 pm
content: Probably time to really lock in what your requirements are, this thread is going sideways...

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2022, 11:36:42 pm
content: Quote from: J-R on October 08, 2022, 11:21:28 pmWell, it is a multivariable problem, so it isn't surprising to see it wobble a bit.The OP admittedly doesn't have locked in requirements. The question really is "what can I get for $150", and my answer is a BM235 and $50 worth of additional stuff.

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2022, 11:46:32 pm
content: Yeah, was mostly talking about the growth in the corner...

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2022, 11:49:58 pm
content: Quote from: bdunham7 on October 08, 2022, 11:36:42 pmeg. A BM235 and an Aneng - one meter isn't enough for anybody.(and by "Aneng" I mean a Zoyi...)

author: mqsaharan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2022, 06:14:56 am
content: If you decide to go Fluke 17 route, go with 17B Max-02. It is a new offering from Fluke, has some extra features.https://www.fluke.com/en-in/product/electrical-testing/digital-multimeters/fluke-17b-maxIt is still average responding, I guess. They haven't mentioned it in the manual (https://dam-assets.fluke.com/s3fs-public/15BMAX__umeng0000.pdf?bJYgDKSn8bhq5XVTwS3aFVT8ehzxQMVw). For some reason, the manual has become even more concise.I like the TL31 probes that are included in the package. The ones I got from a no name were garbage.Attached pictures were taken from the following youtube review.Review with complete teardown:

author: electricMN
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2022, 06:27:01 am
content: TME has an online store in the US now. In Atlanta, Georgia.TME carries the Brymen meters.https://www.tme.com/us/en-us/

author: BlueApple
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2022, 09:50:49 pm
content: Are B&K Precision multimeters good? I've seen a few of them that have the specs I'm looking for. (Mainly the 388B and 2709B)

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2022, 11:38:32 pm
content: Quote from: BlueApple on October 11, 2022, 09:50:49 pmThey're OK, but not typically a good value at full price. Some models may be on the list of meters that don't meet their listed safety specifications, but I haven't seen any that looked dangerous.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/a-list-of-multimeters-that-do-not-appear-to-meet-their-claimed-safety-specs/The 388B is pretty basic and not a good value, IMO. It lacks TRMS, MIN/MAX, autoranging and a backlight. It also is only 4000 count. I'm not sure what its redeeming characteristics would be. I had a 391A from the same series and it was pretty good overall, but I got it for 1/3 the retail price.The 2709B seems a much better value, with 6600 counts and having all of those features and a 3-year warranty.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2022, 03:57:16 am
content: Quote from: J-R on October 06, 2022, 01:01:49 amThe number of counts is rarely more important than the accuracy.Fluke 107 6000 0.5%+3 10V +/- 80mVFluke 110 6000 0.5%+2 10V +/- 70mVAmprobe AM-530 4000 0.8%+1 10V +/- 90mVEEVblog BM235 6000 0.3%+2 10V +/- 50mVSo when measuring 10 volts, the Amprobe AM-530 is only barely worse than the Fluke 107. I would look for other features to make a decision.The Fluke 110 has no current measurement.The EEVblog BM235 is by far the best meter of these four, at least for electronics.

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2022, 06:26:09 am
content: 4,000 counts is a loss of one digit of resolution at 5V compared to 6,000 counts. A valid negative in that specific circumstance and others.For example, a lot of popular bench power supplies have a 10mV resolution display, so it is very nice to have a DMM that can exceed that, such as 50,000 count.Published accuracy specs are not as reliable a metric as it would appear. Some companies are conservative while others push it to seem better than they are.Checked some reviews on the AM-530 and two big negatives are it defaults to ACV when powered on and the continuity beep is very slow.The BM235 is fine if you're on a tight budget, but if you have any money to spend on your electronics hobby, it could quickly become a toy compared to what else is out there.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2022, 06:41:18 am
content: Quote from: BlueApple on October 06, 2022, 07:09:09 pmThey're just a resistor voltage divider in a long HV probe housing, the divide the voltage down by factors of 10 so you can read high voltages as much lower DC voltages.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2022, 08:06:54 am
content: Quote from: J-R on October 08, 2022, 11:21:28 pmYep. Two pages in and we have no idea what the meter will be used for.(and I'm beginning to suspect OP is more interested in buying at Lowes than the meter's abilities)

author: BlueApple
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2022, 12:27:42 pm
content: Quote from: james_s on October 12, 2022, 06:41:18 amI see, thanks!

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2022, 05:20:42 pm
content: To clarify, the Fluke 80K-6 is rated for AC as well, 1% up to 500Hz and 2% to 1kHz.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2022, 08:59:54 pm
content: Quote from: james_s on October 12, 2022, 06:41:18 amKeep in mind that they depend on an accurate load resistance. If the multimeter input resistance is *not* 10 megohms, which is common with autoranging handheld meters, then accuracy will suffer. Fluke even has a warning about this in the manuals for their high voltage probes.

author: BlueApple
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2022, 04:35:27 pm
content: Does TME ship from the US?

author: mwb1100
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2022, 03:28:57 pm
content: Last time I ordered from TME the shipment came from the EU (Poland I think). But I didn't order through the US site if I remember right. If no one here knows, you might need to ask TME.I wonder if TME having an office in Georgia means they will need to start charging US sales tax? One advantage to ordering from TME to a US address was no VAT and no sales tax. But you did have to worry about the Euro to USD exchange rate and fees your credit card would charge.

author: multiJ
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2022, 06:02:24 pm
content: I am writing this here so as not to start a new thread, as I am in a somehow similar(?) position.I am thinking to buy a Brymen 785 or 867s from Germany (delivered in the EU). 785 is 150€, 867s is 160€ (+shipping)It is primarily to be used for monitoring charging and discharging 12V-24V (automotive) batteries. Checking parasitic drain or other current draw too (<10A, less often). Data logging is not a must. Good continuity is.Nothing too spectacular, I know, considering the depth of knowledge there is in this forum... but please bare with me.I already have a Fluke 179 that I bought new ten years ago -at almost half the price of what they sell now (USD/EUR exchange rate, supply situation, etc), but I would like more resolution. 20,000+ counts, please.I have singled out these two Brymens, because their dial positionsseem to bemore "clean" than their bigger brothers, but maybe I am mistaken because I have never used any of them. Straightforward dial positions without a ton of button selection pressing is something I appreciate very much in the Fluke.-For example the 785 has different switch positions for A and mA. However it lacks dBm, nS, and 4-20mA. Don't need these, I think (for now?).-The 867s has 500,000 counts in DC, dual display, dBm and nS, butlooksalso quite bigger than the 7XX series -and has that cable connection for the 9V battery that I really don't like from my experience with the 179.Any pointers, please, for choosing between these two? Or should I forget about them and go for the 786/789 (170€/190€) or the 869s (220€) -as the price difference is not that great and the extra functions can be useful in the future (maybe)? Can you talk me out of any specific model(s)? Or recommend other(s)?I am looking for something that will be fun to use (I am no pro by no means). Thanks!

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2022, 06:17:34 pm
content: Have a look at the BM857s.It has an even simpler dial and is "industrial", ie. the screen is recessed so it doesn't get scratched up so easily in a workshop.It's also quite a lot smaller than the curvy meters.(it's a 9V battery though...)Quote from: multiJ on October 29, 2022, 06:02:24 pmDon't ever feel bad about not buying functions you don't need.You obviously have different requirements than "every possible function".

author: ogden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2022, 09:05:43 pm
content: Do you really plan to use single multimeter forever? In case you answer "no", then whole another can of worms open. Meaning by using simple discipline, you can split safety and precision into two devices.

author: LinuxHata
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2022, 09:33:15 pm
content: Well I would start with one with separate on/off button and fast reading rate (at least, 5 fps).Only Amprobe PM-55 comes in mind...

author: multiJ
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2022, 03:26:11 pm
content: Quote from: ogden on October 29, 2022, 09:05:43 pmI am not sure I understand what you propose exactlyQuote from: LinuxHata on October 29, 2022, 09:33:15 pmI would prefer a 20,000+ count device

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2022, 04:24:49 pm
content: Quote from: multiJ on October 30, 2022, 03:26:11 pmIf you work with 24/28V systems, you want a 50,000+ count meter or you are back in the same boat as before.If you are monitoring battery charging, the PC-Comm function may be very useful.If the cost is very important right now, then the 857S with the PC-Comm kit is pretty reasonable. If you can spend a bit more now, the 869S has 'everything' so you'll never regret not getting some feature.You don't have any bad choices here, more like too many good ones.

author: multiJ
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2022, 04:40:27 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on October 29, 2022, 06:17:34 pmWill do that too, thanks!Quote from: bdunham7 on October 30, 2022, 04:24:49 pmSo true - x 3! I am leaning towards the 8XX series. Thank you!

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2022, 05:24:25 pm
content: Quote from: multiJ on October 30, 2022, 03:26:11 pmMy guess is that the idea is to have a precise multimeter for electronics work AND a multimeter with safety ratings for working on mains. I already went that route myself; I have a VC8145 bench DMM for electronics work and a handheld Keysight U1241 for working on mains / industrial installations.

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2022, 08:39:43 pm
content: If you plan to do quite a bit of long-term logging, battery life and ease of access to the battery might be a minor concern. The Brymen models with a 9V and rubber holster that have to be removed could be annoying as-is. They are rated for just over 100 hours. A solution could be to leave the holster off and also use a rechargeable 9V.

author: multiJ
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2022, 07:13:41 am
content: Quote from: J-R on October 30, 2022, 08:39:43 pmThat's an interesting point too. It is my understanding that data logging meters eat batteries.Is it common to use 9V rechargeables in them? Of what type? (I see there are "rechargeables 9V ~200mAh" like Varta, "9,6V PreCharged 230mAh" like Powerex, and "8,4V PreCharged 300mAh" like Powerex and Duracell, to state a few).Have a good new week!

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2022, 07:24:26 am
content: Quote from: multiJ on October 31, 2022, 07:13:41 amA rechargeable 9V battery has a fraction of the capacity of an alkaline.I guess you could recharge it right before a long logging session.

author: multiJ
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2022, 07:51:36 am
content: Quote from: Fungus on October 31, 2022, 07:24:26 amGot it, thanks!

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2022, 08:50:26 am
content: Actually, modern Li-ion 9V batteries have basically the same capacity as Alkaline versions (about 600mAh). I have been using the EBL 9V batteries for over two years with my PDVS2mini (who am I to argue with Ian?!).There are also Lithium primary (non-rechargeable) 9V batteries available, such as from Ultralife (1200mAh) and Energizer (800mAh). The Ultralife is a tiny bit larger than nominal, so some tight battery compartments can be an issue.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2022, 02:39:14 pm
content: Quote from: multiJ on October 31, 2022, 07:13:41 amYes. NiMH 9V batteries are fairly useless unless you find the 7-cell variety--and even then they are only about 1/3 the capacity of an alkaline. The EBC 2-cell Li-ion 9V batteries are very good for meters and other devices that work down to 7.0V or lower, they will match or outperform alkalines. Most reasonably well designed devices will fit this description. Apparently the low voltage indicator comes on at about 7.0V on 9V-powered Brymen meters, so all good there.

author: multiJ
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2022, 03:22:18 pm
content: Quote from: J-R on October 31, 2022, 08:50:26 amQuote from: bdunham7 on October 31, 2022, 02:39:14 pmMuch appreciated info, thank you

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2022, 07:58:26 am
content: Quick note on the EBL 9V batteries (and other 9V Li-ions), they are basically two small pouch-style cells in series. Typically you would see 4.2V per cell fully charged (8.4V) and depending on who you talk to, somewhere between 3.2-3.6V for a safe discharge level (6.4V-7.2V). So when the DMM indicates a low battery, that is probably a reasonably safe voltage for the cell to be at, temporarily.

author: BlueApple
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2022, 08:21:10 pm
content: I ended up going with the Greenlee rebadge of the BM257, thank you guys for all you help!

author: Caliaxy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2022, 11:48:01 pm
content: Quote from: BlueApple on November 13, 2022, 08:21:10 pmGreat meter, I have one too and love it! Just remember to avoid using AA lithium batteries - BM235 (and supposedly BM257 too) can't take more than 3.6V (there is a thread somewhere here about people damaging their BM235s by using 1.8V lithium batteries...)