Uni-T UT61E Scam? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jayjr1105
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 01:41:18 pm
content: http://r.ebay.com/O5u9nQSeller has 0 feedback and it's $20 cheaper than MSRP.I emailed him and asked for actual pictures of the meters and he said the pictures were already in the auction (they are the stock photos).Seems scammy to me but I've been wanting a UT61E for some time, at this price, I might bite.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 02:22:29 pm
content: Quote from: jayjr1105 on February 09, 2018, 01:41:18 pmWhat is an r.ebay.com link? Is that a referral link?

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 02:38:53 pm
content: DON'T DO IT BUDDY!"Based in Singapore, pws-19_8 has been an eBay member since Oct 06, 2017"Simply click on his Ebay username! The stuff is posted out of California yet he's based in Singapore and been on the go 5 months with no feedback or anything.Up to you if you wanna take a HUGE chance....but I wouldn't!

author: Avacee
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 02:42:02 pm
content: Has scam written all over it but for comedy value you could ask what serial number range they are from.The boxes have the silver sticker with the serial number (Edit: with barcode) on the outside and the units have the matching serial number (and barcode) on the back.

author: jayjr1105
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 02:57:18 pm
content: Quote from: Mr. Scram on February 09, 2018, 02:22:29 pmJust an ebay shortened url.Dang scammers always getting my hopes up.Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 03:02:34 pm
content: Ha...rather than be pissed you missed it, be happy you saved your cash my friend!I'd say a scam too good to be true!Save a wee bit longer and get yourself a proper one, you'll be much more happy with that!

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 07:22:48 pm
content: Definitely a scam. Over 2000 items listed, yet only sold 11 and no feedback. There's bound to be a flood of bad feedback once the unfulfilled orders start to pile up.

author: G0WZB
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 08:33:24 pm
content: Looks dodgy but may be legit, If you pay via paypal you will get your money back if it is a scam? Paypal always side with the buyer.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 08:49:30 pm
content: Quote from: G0WZB on February 09, 2018, 08:33:24 pmYou will, but its really not worth anyones time (I know because I did it in the last thread we had).There is still risk if you forget to file a claim, you have lost your money.

author: hugo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 08:58:54 pm
content: I've been there, done that:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/deal-alert!-ut210e-us-$17-27-on-ebay!/msg1301787/#msg1301787

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 11:59:38 pm
content: Quote from: hugo on February 09, 2018, 08:58:54 pmBeen there, done that also. It was easy to get the money back because the scam was the seller hoped the buyer would forget. The seller sent some crap to someone else to getting a shipping number. You just lose time.

author: jayjr1105
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2018, 04:40:22 am
content: Now it says 1 sold, Last one. Originally there were 5 available, so down to 2 now? So fishy. The guy still claims those photos were his and not stock photos. But still refuses to take a regular pic for me with a date stamp on a note next to it.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2018, 03:11:35 pm
content: Let's see... I got a tracking number and the Fedex in LA said they received a package. Hopefully it will not be a bag of bricks.For me in US it was a very low risk proposition, especially beacuse the delivery date was not far away and eBay buyer protection gives full confidence the transaction can be cancelled. So far I don't see a problem, but obviously that may change.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2018, 07:07:47 pm
content: Something was delivered to my house today. I will look at it tonight to confirm it is not a bag of rocks, but I think it is a legit seller and offer.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2018, 07:43:58 pm
content: Quote from: rsjsouza on February 14, 2018, 07:07:47 pmAn unexpected twist!

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2018, 08:43:09 pm
content: Perhaps random or early buyers get the real thing so they leave good feedback and draw in those on the fence.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2018, 08:57:13 pm
content: Quote from: rsjsouza on February 14, 2018, 07:07:47 pmExcellent suspense on this iteration of eBay Mysteries.Quote from: dunkemhigh on February 14, 2018, 08:43:09 pmIt's possible. The seller has three good feedback reports so far. It's also possible that it's a legitimate new seller who is taking a hit on profit to get going. I'm skeptical, but am happy to be proven wrong. More good sellers are certainly welcome.

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2018, 10:41:14 pm
content: My bet this is not a scam.

author: jayjr1105
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2018, 01:43:27 pm
content: I regret not snagging one of these. Paypal will cover you on a scam. Oh well. I don't need it but always wanted one of these with all the mods you can do.

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2018, 01:54:28 pm
content: I doubt very much the seller will be putting the $20 in for you. I also doubt the seller will be selling these to make a loss.Have you ever heard the saying if it looks too good it more than likely is?I am sure I remember someone saying a while back there were Chinese UT61E meters that were sub standard so maybe that was what was on offer??For $20 extra get yourself 1 you can be sure of. It's hardly going to break the bank right?

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2018, 03:12:34 pm
content: Ok, the package arrived. Sorry about the photographs... I have nothing better with me.Poorly packaged (only on a plastic bag), but the box is sturdy to hold the rocks inside.Well, at least it is marked as UT61ENo rocks! The kit seems complete. Does it work?Well, it turns on. And the probes are not bad. The serial connection is a bit dated, but I have never seen such accessory for semiconductor testing.Here it is in its full gloryWith a mandatory quality control tiny issue (a small blob of solder between the display and the visor)Verdict: it is not a scam. Not only that, but the meter fares quite well when compared to the U1282A.

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 15, 2018, 03:45:20 pm
content: Does it measure main voltage or?

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2018, 04:05:29 pm
content: zucca, it does.Earlier this morning I shot a full review for my YT channel and used it against my Keysight U1282A (not yet released). It is quite accurate, quick autorange settle (when compared to the U1282A) and reasonably well made.BTW, the small solder blob was an isolated issue. I disassembled the meter before testing it and found no evidence of other quality problems.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2018, 09:26:05 pm
content: Congrats, you got a good one.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2018, 09:55:04 pm
content: Thanks bitseeker.Interesting to know is that this version has the same PCB as the "GS" version (picturehere), only lacking the higher IR fuses and the beefier SG1~4 MOVs.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2018, 10:33:58 pm
content: Very nice. Are you going to upgrade it? It's kind of screaming at you to "fix" it.That listing sure had all the characteristics of a scam. Glad you won this time.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2018, 06:26:57 pm
content: Yes, I probably will. I still haven't decided if I slap some beefy lower voltage (275V) MOVs I have here or if I actually buy some 1kV ones - I don't intend to use this in anything higher than that anyways.One issue the MOVs cause is an increase in the input capacitance (the residual on the capacitance meter is quite high: 275pF). This tends to influence also the bandwidth. If I am going to use this only for electronics then I wouldn't do it - otherwise I will not only do that but give it a full joeqsmith's treatment with black goo, beefier thermistors and TVS diodes.The single thing I most admire is the ease to adjust/calibrate it. That alone is an interesting platform for experimentation.

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2018, 11:16:10 pm
content: Nice one buddy! That's awesome you got a decent meter and not a bum deal!I thought that had scam written all over it! You were rewarded with a proper meter for having the nuts to just go for it.I'm looking at a 289 that's going kinda cheap too on ebay so may just pull the trigger and go for it, I have been swithering a couple days now. If I get a stinker so be it. Ebay refunds if you get done right?I stand corrected with your meter! Nice one, hope you get plenty enjoyment from it!

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2018, 11:41:13 pm
content: Yes, eBay refunds you if the item you receive isn't as listed. Of course, check the specifics for your country. I don't know if there are regional differences in their guarantees.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2018, 12:13:26 am
content: Thanks, Terry01. I also hope you get a good deal in your 289. Just be sure to read the details carefully. As bitseeker said, the refund and return rules vary from place to place - especially returns, which can be quite costly overseas.

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2018, 12:56:09 pm
content: I went for the 289 and it seems to be an alright buy too!£340 brand new with in date cal certificate...delivered!Not deal of the century but a good deal for me so long as it doesn't crap out on me in a week or whateverI've given it a quick functional test along side my Brymen and all seems well. My Brymen trounces it in the lower capacitance measurements though, the Brymen is impressive even down in the low pF! Otherwise it's almost same same with them both so happy with that! I have a Fluke 177 too so given the 289 has an in date cal Cert and it matches the Brymen as good as can be expected I have used it to check the 177 too and even that is still very very close to on the nose!So I am thinking I got a decent 289, something to check my Brymen and other Fluke against and all for the £340 cost of the 289 so I am well happy. I have a cheap ebay voltage standard so i'll note the measurements now with all my meters and can keep an eye every few months and will see if anything wanders out of spec. I know it's not going to be anything scientific but it'll be more than enough for my needs and peace of mind.£340 well spent!

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2018, 01:54:19 pm
content: I am glad you are happy with your new Fluke! As blueskull mentioned in the other thread, keep that supercap in check and have fun! Gotta love that new meter smell...

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2018, 03:29:34 pm
content: Thanks.Yes i'll keep an eye on the cap for sure. I was going to check it when I get the new lithium changed in but they haven't arrived yet. They should be here tomorrow so i'll do it then. I just have to make sure there is no crud around it right and keep an eye on the battery consumption too? If it starts running away with the power the cap is a good 1st bet?Thanks again for the "heads up" i'd never know to check these things myself.

author: jayjr1105
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2018, 03:31:42 pm
content: Hey just checking back in on this. I see someone took a chance and won! congrats! I still regret not taking the same chance.Not that I need another meter, but this would have been fun to mod, especially the touch sensitive or light sensitive backlight mod.

author: lordvader88
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2018, 03:40:29 am
content: I just ordered 1 of these from something that looks like a scam too.Asked the seller to cancel, so far no reply. They have no sold +25 ebay says. Oh man I hope it's for real, but it takes months to arrive from China anyways.AARRRGGGHHH

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2018, 01:49:54 pm
content: Awe! I hope it turns out ok for you too and you get a proper meter. These things go so cheap why take the chance for the sake of a couple of quid?Good luck anyways buddy....

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2018, 01:53:52 pm
content: I was following yourother threadas well and hope for the best.