Opinion on a BSIDE ZT302 multimeter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: ldevm
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2017, 01:27:26 pm
content: Hi,I'm new to posting on this forum and I like to start greeting everybody!My question is anybody has bought or has handled the BSIDE ZT302 multimeter?This multimeter is very similar to the aneng an8008, both in appearence and specs, but it seems to be a little bit larger, has 4 input jack (instead of 3) and 4 more buttons (range, relative values, ...). For the rest it seems to be the same meter inside, 9999 counts, same ranges and functions, but I'm curious to know if it has the same flaws of the aneng an8008 pcb design.I'm about to buy a cheap multimeter for bench work only with low power circuit testing only (hobby stuff) and for what I've read here in the forum the ANENG AN8008 is a good choice for me, but is the BSIDE ZT302 worth buying for a couple of dollars more?

author: ldevm
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2017, 02:35:04 pm
content: Sorry for the double post, but for reference here is a link for it:https://www.chinabrands.com/item/dropship-bside-zt302-portable-handheld-digital-multimeter-2284314-p.htmlCan anyone give some input on this?Thanks in advance.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2017, 02:39:53 pm
content: What makes you think it is larger? It seems to be the exact same to me, except for the non-standard spaced input jacks.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2017, 02:41:50 pm
content: Quote from: Mr. Scram on October 19, 2017, 02:39:53 pmThe dimensions written on the web page? The proportions of the meter in the photo?It's 2cm wider than the others (so they can get 4 input jacks)

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2017, 02:47:03 pm
content: Quote from: ldevm on October 19, 2017, 01:27:26 pmThe ANENG AN8008 is NOT a good choice for that sort of work, eg. there's no proper mA range (as Dave points out in his review video).For a first meter I'd get an AN860B+. They're about $20:https://pt.aliexpress.com/store/product/ANENG-6000-counts-LCD-Digital-Multimeter-DMM-with-NCV-Detector-DC-AC-Voltage-Current-Meter-Resistance/919484_32799992769.htmlI own both and I like the 860B+ aLOTmore then the AN8008.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2017, 02:49:19 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on October 19, 2017, 02:41:50 pmIt appears it is. However, it somewhat illustrates the problem with this meter: as of yet, it's a complete unknown.

author: ldevm
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2017, 03:47:53 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on October 19, 2017, 02:47:03 pmI've missed that in Dave's review, yeahh, you are right about the AN8008, but I've found the BSIDE ZT302 in aliexpress and if, BIG IF, we can trust the dealer description it might not be an issue for the ZT302, I mean, in there is the specs for ZT301 (8000 counts), "800uA/8000uA(± 1.5% ± 3),80mA/800mA(± 1.5% ± 3), 10A (± 1.5% ± 3)", only have to extrapolate that for 9999 counts (maybe I'm saying something stupid here). Here is the link:https://pt.aliexpress.com/item/BSIDE-oficial-9999-Contagens-ZT301-Ture-RMS-Mult-metro-Digital-ZT302-Multifuncional-AC-DC-Tens-o/32832040901.html?s=p

author: IanMacdonald
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2017, 04:42:43 pm
content: One issue I felt that the AN8008 has is that the uA range is on the volts socket. That means a simple slip in turning the range selector and you have a blown fuse and maybe also damage the item under test.This one seems like it's been redesigned to have separate current jacks.I really don't know that the lack of a mA range is that important; I can recall only a few times I've ever used one in the last year or two. A current range capable of at least 5A is necessary for checking PSU loading though. That gets used a fair bit.Perhaps more important is that neither can test a 10M resistor since it's just outside the highest range. You rarely encounter resistors higher than 10M but you do encounter a few 10M's and not being able to test them is awkward. Sod's Law dictates that if you can't test it, it's simply bound to be the fault!

author: ldevm
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2017, 05:23:24 pm
content: Quote from: IanMacdonald on October 19, 2017, 04:42:43 pmI don´t know but to me it feels like the ZT302/ZT301 were designed to address some of the issues/quirks of both AN8008/8002(uA own socket, better range cover on the mA, relative measurement, ...) and at the same time be an improvement of the AN860+ (it has the same buttons/functionality/4 sockets but better counts, and if we believe on the specs, it has 80/99MOhm max range).If only some felow user has one to test this out...

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2017, 08:05:16 pm
content: Quote from: IanMacdonald on October 19, 2017, 04:42:43 pmYep. Separate current jacks is always good (I usually insist on it as a feature).Quote from: IanMacdonald on October 19, 2017, 04:42:43 pmI guess it depends on what you do with the meter. Youhaveneeded it though.I do a lot of things where the current bounces up and down between the uA and mA range (ATMega chip going to sleep and waking up). It would be impossible with an AN8008.Quote from: ldevm on October 19, 2017, 05:23:24 pmThey certainly look a lot better than the AN8008. I like the direction they're going in.Edit:Oh, wait... the 9999 count version of the meter doesn't have temperature. It has the stupid square wave output and also puts the mA and uA inputs on separate sockets.If I had to choose between those two I'd go for the ZT301 rather than the ZT302. YMMV.As it is, I'll hang on to my AN860B+ until one of those manufacturers finally figures out the right combination of features (separate input jacks for current, 9999 counts, proper mA ranges, temperature).

author: ldevm
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2017, 11:23:14 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on October 19, 2017, 08:05:16 pmYou are absolutely right, missed another one, I was fooled because the first image I saw was from the ZT301 and unconsciously I assumed that being the ZT302 also with four socket it would have the same arrangement (or perhaps was what I really wanted it to have).In this case, definitely the ZT301, and if we look at this model specs, it almost has your requested combination of features, lacking the 9999 counts and having "only" 8000. Let's see if anyone has one to share some knowledge about them, or surfaces some review online.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 12:05:05 pm
content: Quote from: ldevm on October 19, 2017, 11:23:14 pmIf you need a meter then go for it. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

author: ldevm
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2017, 11:04:19 am
content: Quote from: Fungus on October 20, 2017, 12:05:05 pmI'll rather buy something reviewed and tested, but I'll probably take a chance. Just have to wait to the end of the month

author: ldevm
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2017, 06:41:58 pm
content: New link with the manual, more info on zt301(pearhps the big brother of an8002):https://www.lightinthebox.com/button-sticker_p6276479.html?prm=1.5.1.1

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2017, 02:37:50 pm
content: Quote from: ldevm on October 21, 2017, 11:04:19 am99% likely it's going to be the same chipset/family as the AN800X meters with identical construction quality. There's been very few complaints about those.I was looking for a cheap meter I wouldn't hesitate (you could be the first to own one and post pictures here!)

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2017, 06:32:35 pm
content: Update: I just saw this page...https://www.chinabrands.com/item/dropship-bside-zt301-portable-handheld-digital-multimeter-228435401-k.html?wid=1It detailed measurements and the photos show quite a big meter so I'm inclined to believe them. This meter is NOT as small as an AN8008.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 24, 2017, 06:49:31 pm
content: Just remember that none of the meters being discussed here actually can meet their claimed CAT ratings. Use them only on the bench.

author: ldevm
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2017, 07:38:44 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on October 24, 2017, 06:49:31 pmI've stated already that in my first post - "for bench work only with low power circuit testing only (hobby stuff)".Quote from: Fungus on October 24, 2017, 06:32:35 pmYeah, it seem's to be the bigger brothers of the AN800X, that could be a good thing, pearhps bigger fuses (or not)...Here is another link to youtube gearbest apresentation of ZT301/ZT302, we can see how big they are:

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2017, 08:02:59 pm
content: Quote from: ldevm on October 26, 2017, 07:38:44 pmDon't expect large HRC fuses like a Fluke but maybe it has normal size fuses instead of the tiny/miniature fuses of the AN8008 sized meters (good luck finding replacements for those...)My AN860B+ certainly has normal size fuses.

author: ldevm
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2017, 07:24:27 pm
content: Well I'm going to order a multimeter next week, and the best price I've found in the web for the BSIDE ZT301 is $17.60. For this price is worth the gamble or is there better for the same money or a couple a dollars more? (Remember, I wan't this for bench work with low power circuits - a plus is having pc logging capabilities, although I don't need to use it in a near future, but planning to on the long run)edit--Pc logging is not a requisite, this would be my first "bench" multimeter (not counting the "battery meter one"), when pc logging would be needed, a second multimeter would be needed too, so this feature can go to the second one.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2017, 09:14:01 am
content: Quote from: ldevm on October 28, 2017, 07:24:27 pmWhat "gamble"?Quote from: ldevm on October 28, 2017, 07:24:27 pmFor a first meter I'd say it's between that one and the AN860B+.Both of them tick the right boxes feature-wise and price-wise. Both are better featured than an AN8008 as a first meter. If you put them side by side I think it would just come down to the look/feel of the thing.Regarding look/feel: I like the AN860B+'s construction. Very solid feel compared to an AN8008, rubberized case doesn't slide around the bench when you move the wires. The AN860B+ screen is completely flat so it's easy to put a piece of screen protector on it, the ZT301 screen looks curved like an AN8008 so you can't use a piece that goes all the way to the edges.OTOH:a) I don't have ZT301 to compare side by side so I'm just guessing it looks/feels like a big AN8008.b) The ZT301 probably has a slightly better chipset (it's 8000 count and has True RMS).That didn't help at all, did it?

author: ldevm
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2017, 01:49:03 am
content: Quote from: Fungus on October 30, 2017, 09:14:01 amWell, with "gamble" I mean, there's no feedback, reviews, inside pictures, it may look similar to AN800X outside, but could be very different, for the worst or for the better. And if turns out to be a total flop (I'm probably/certainly over exagerating here...), I don't have any half decent backup meter at the moment...Quote from: Fungus on October 30, 2017, 09:14:01 amOh boy! Your right! Didn't help at all, I mean, I like and appreciate all of your knowledge/input (more and more, please), but now I'm torned between the ZT301 and the AN860B+. If for one hand I like the specs of ZT301 (seems a little bit more updated than the AN860B+), on the other hand you make a good point about the rubberized case, I'm not a particularly fan of the sliding issue thing.I think that it will come down to feature/adventure (ZT301) against sturdiness/battle tested (AN860B+).I'll see more prices/availability of both, and make up my mind.

author: Mark Hennessy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2017, 06:33:57 pm
content: For what it's worth, I've reviewed a few cheap multimeters, including the AN860B+http://www.markhennessy.co.uk/budget_multimeters/I've got a RAGU 17B to add to those reviews, and I have BSIDE ZT301 in the post (along with a UNI-T 139C, which appears to use the same chipset). There are also a couple of pocket multimeters to add to the reviews. Depending on how long the outstanding meters take to arrive, I anticipate getting these reviews done in a couple of weeks, perhaps a month worst-case. So, if you're not in a rush...For the money, the AN860B+ is a fine meter. Change the glass fuses for sand-filled ceramic types though.But having said that, there's no such thing as a perfect multimeter. Also, you'll need more than one meter. You don't have to go all that far back in time to discover a place where meters at this price point were very basic 2000-count units that didn't have true RMS, frequency, capacitance, etc - the DTM0660 chipset (and derivatives) have really shaken things up. In short, stop worrying about buying one meter that does everything - plan to buy a couple at least, and play to the strengths of each one.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2017, 07:24:19 pm
content: Quote from: Mark Hennessy on October 31, 2017, 06:33:57 pmYep. Get both!(seriously, for sanity-checking and because you never know when you'll need to look at two values simultaneously)Flip a coin to decide which to get today. Plan on getting the other one a few months from now.

author: ldevm
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2017, 12:35:48 am
content: Quote from: Mark Hennessy on October 31, 2017, 06:33:57 pmI have already looked at your reviews, especially for the AN860B+, very nice work! The idea is having 2 multimeters on the long run, has I've said before the data logger feature doesn't have to be in my next choice, that could be for a second multimeter. I'm choosing a more budget and basic multimeter as the first one to suit all the basic bench readings on simple circuits, arduino fun, etc. Entering the ZT301 has a contender is the fact that it has some nice DC uA ranges and resolution, 8000 counts, 4 input sockets and a nice price. But actually the more I look at the AN860B+ reviews I realize that apart the 2000 counts less, I can't see any other significant diference (not counting the exterior look and feel). Am I missing any other difference (feature wise)?Quote from: Fungus on October 31, 2017, 07:24:19 pmIf at least one of them have the data logging feature, I've already flipped that coinI'm not in such a hurry for the multimeter, I'll go for Mark's advice and wait for his review on the ZT301, after all we are near christmas and its not the best time for buying and waiting for things to arrive from china.

author: mel
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 01, 2017, 02:55:59 pm
content: Quote from: ldevm on November 01, 2017, 12:35:48 amI had pretty much made up my mind on getting aZotek VC17B+for around £15, which I believe I have read that the AN860B+ is a direct clone/rebrand of. Then I came across the ZT301, then found this threadI presume you've seen the post about modifying a Zotek VC17B+ to add data logging, which might also apply to some other versions if they have used the same revision of the chip that has serial support:-http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.aspx?from=&to=en&a=http%3A%2F%2Fkazus.ru%2Fforums%2Fshowthread.php%3Fp%3D1117475%23post1117475(untranslated linkhttp://kazus.ru/forums/showthread.php?p=1117475#post1117475)There's no guarantee that the manufacturer won't have switched to a revision that doesn't support serial, and it could be cheaper and more sensible to buy a meter that supports data logging without a hackI'm fairly sure I also read a comment that it was possible to hack meters with the DTM0660 to support counts of up to a maximum of 8000 with true rms, as the bside zt301 already does.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2017, 06:23:15 pm
content: Quote from: ldevm on November 01, 2017, 12:35:48 amI don't think so.

author: ldevm
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2017, 12:23:05 pm
content: Quote from: mel on November 01, 2017, 02:55:59 pmThanks for your link! I never thought in hunting info in russians forums! But I've already know that the AN860B+ and all their clones/rebrands can be hacked for data logging, as many others cheap multimeters out there. Again, the problem is that I don't have a backup meter, so messing with the new soon to be acquired one doesn't seem to be a very smart move. Also, I expect to spend a little more cash on my second multimeter, so I think it won't be a problem to find one that already supports data loggingQuote from: Fungus on November 01, 2017, 06:23:15 pmYeah, I will wait for Mark's review on the ZT301, but for all the info gathered until now it seems that AN860B+ a better choice. Fungus, two more questions regarding the AN860B+:1. This meter has glass fuse right, is it easy to find ceramic replacements?2. I've just saw a review on Artur's Lab channel, and the backlight is really weak, is it the case of yours?

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2017, 01:33:17 pm
content: Quote from: ldevm on November 02, 2017, 12:23:05 pma) Yes.b) They're standard size fuses so it shouldn't be difficult.(from:http://www.markhennessy.co.uk/budget_multimeters/aneng_an860bplus.htm)OTOH if you're using this meter in a situation where glass fuses might be dangerous then maybe you're doing it wrong. The fuses are only on the current input jacks and you should never be poking the meter anywhere risky with the cables connected there.(this is why I prefer meters with separate inputs for current ranges - shared voltage/current inputs are riskier).Quote from: ldevm on November 02, 2017, 12:23:05 pmNope. Definitely not.(where's this review so I can see what's said?)

author: ldevm
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2017, 04:35:45 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on November 02, 2017, 01:33:17 pmI'm not using this multimeter (or any for that matter) in high current/voltage, let it be DC or AC, but I like to be on the safe side, I never know if I could lend my multimeter to a friend, or forget it at a friend's house, or in any other sistuation I want it to be safest that it could be (I know that in this case the safety is barely none, but if it could be barely, it is better than nothing). That is why I asked for the ceramic fuses.Quote from: Fungus on November 02, 2017, 01:33:17 pmhttps://youtu.be/I5g0zuLRjcc?t=903It's so dim compared to an8002 that it seems to be no backlight at all. Is that the case of yours? Or could it be improved by some hack?

author: mel
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 02, 2017, 11:48:28 pm
content: Quote from: ldevm on November 02, 2017, 12:23:05 pmMy interest in the ZT301 was sparked by it having a HZ setting on the dial, plus the AC DC Volts being combined, unlike the AN860B+/VC17B+, and presumably being a newer model, as it occurred to me that there's a chance that it might possibly measure higher frequencies like some of the other ZT models, and it might not suffer from the minor the AC - DC switching glitch mentioned in some an860b+ reviews. Otherwise I'd prefer the VC17b+ as it comes with a nice bright yellow protective boot with slots for the probes

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2017, 10:09:00 am
content: Quote from: ldevm on November 02, 2017, 12:23:05 pmDefinitely not. Mine looks like the one on the right.

author: Mark Hennessy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2017, 12:23:28 am
content: My BSIDE ZT301 arrived today.Very impressive - that only took 2 weeks from China. Excellent service! Wish I could say the same of the seller who apparently sent me a UNI-T UT139C at the start of October, but it'll be OK in the end, I'm sure...I haven't had a chance to test it properly, but here are some initial impressions.The first pictures shows it between the AN8002 and the AN860B+. As you can see, it's quite a bit smaller than the latter - more so than the dimensions suggested. It doesn't have the rubber holster that the AN860B+ has, being the same construction as the AN8002.Inside, we see 20mm ceramic fuses. Everything else is as expected for these meters - the COB and EEPROM, some MELF resistors for the current shunts and two 5M resistors that set the 10M input impedance. Of course, there is the expected minimal input protection. The silk screen says ZT301 V0.1, with a 2017 date code, so this is a pretty new design. The electrolytic cap is not a Rubycon - it's a Chang. Note how the battery holder has been shaved to clear a couple of resistors, that will almost certainly get moved when the PCB is next revised.Underneath the PCB is almost nothing. But they did grease the switch tracks. And it feels like they greased the range switch, which feels really nice compared to all the other cheap meters I've tested.In use, the meter works as well as expected. I was extremely pleased to discover that the backlight timeout is a sensible 2 minutes, rather than the silly 15 seconds I'm used to seeing with these cheap meters. More exploration is needed, but the only "quirk" I noted is the Hz/% selection: on the dedicated Hz position of the range switch, you need to press the button labelled "Hz/%", which is fair enough, but on the other switch positions that allow Hz/%, you get at that by pressing the yellow Select button - in which case, the Hz button does nothing. With the AN860B+, the Hz/% button always selects frequency and duty cycle, providing you're in a suitable AC mode. It's a small niggle, and you'd get used to it - not a deal breaker.The best voltage resolution is 10uV, not the 1uV of the AN8008. But at least it does more than 10M - the highest range is 80M. The uA range has 0.1uA resolution.The display is good. The contrast isn't great when viewed at 90 degrees, but when lying on the bench, it's nice and clear. The unlit segments stay unlit even at low angles - unlike the AN860B+, which I can't lie down on the bench if I wish to use it.The final picture is really interesting. It shows the rear of the box, and implies there are 2 more meters in this series - one has a 9999-count (almost certainly the ZT302), and the other is a19,000-count!If this comes true, then I wonder what chipset they're using? Can the DM1106EN used in the AN8008 (and probably this model - rather than the DTM0660?) be hacked to give 19,999 counts? I know that's of no use to those with meters that only have 4 digits on their LCDs, but it does open the door to a whole range of new, cheap meters with higher counts. Interesting...The test leads are the same type that you get with the Aneng meters. A bit small, but pretty flexible, so quite usable in practice. Usually with BSIDE meters, the leads are far too stiff to be of any practical use. The sockets are a bit shallow, so while better quality leads will work electrically, they will stick out of the front panel somewhat. The package also includes the standard cheap thermocouple and the manual. But no carry-bag with this one!Anyway, it's going to take a while to get around to a full review, but hopefully this is of interest in the meantime. If there are any questions, do shout!

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2017, 11:48:06 am
content: Quote from: Mark Hennessy on November 09, 2017, 12:23:28 amMy AN860B+ sounds more like your ZT301. Definitely no problems viewing from "below".The size difference is a bit surprising. I wasn't expecting so much difference. I hadn't noticed before but the spacing on the input jacks isn't symmetrical. The current input jacks are a lot closer together than normal. I think the spacing between COM and mA might be slightly reduced as well. I guess that's where they shaved off a few mm.The AN860B+ was always going to be thicker because it has the probe holder clips underneath and they're like, 1cm or so, plus another 1cm or so for the kickstand, etc. The probe holder clips have come in handy when I throw the meter in my briefcase and they tilt the meter forwards .by about 10 degrees when it's on the bench.

author: Mark Hennessy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2017, 12:04:50 pm
content: Based on my meters and what I've seen and read, I think that there's a fair bit of tolerance with the LCDs, so my comments can only be a report of my samples (I make that disclaimer on my website). I guess that this is to be expected at this end of the market. Luckily, even the less good examples are still quite usable if you're happy to be flexible about how you use it. The only cheap multimeter that I'd complain about is the RS Pro RS-14 as, having seen quite a few samples of that meter, they are all bad, but consistently bad in the same way.I checked the socket spacing with a BNC to dual 4mm adaptor, and I'm pretty sure it went to the COM and mA sockets OK. I'll double-check again tonight and report back if I'm wrong (it was rather late last night).

author: 001
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2017, 01:05:27 pm
content: Quote from: Mark Hennessy on November 09, 2017, 12:23:28 amWhat benefits it will have? $40 22000 counts UT61E was released 10 years ago

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2017, 01:12:56 pm
content: Quote from: 001 on November 09, 2017, 01:05:27 pmUT61E is $60

author: 001
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2017, 02:11:01 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on November 09, 2017, 01:12:56 pmPrices fallhttps://www.ebay.com/itm/UNI-T-UT61E-Digital-Multimeters-AC-DC-Modern-Digital-Auto-Ranging-Multimeters-Mu/202099328932?hash=item2f0e0f07a4:g:~UEAAOSwi0xZ9-in

author: exe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 09, 2017, 04:58:29 pm
content: Quote from: 001 on November 09, 2017, 02:11:01 pmOMG, batronix sells it for 101euro...

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2017, 05:26:23 pm
content: Quote from: exe on November 09, 2017, 04:58:29 pmOTOH there's several known versions, some with proper fuses, etc., others with glass fuses and missing safety components.AFAIK Batronix only sells the "good", properly CE-rated meters.(although I think even the CE versions don't meet the CAT ratings printed on the front).

author: ldevm
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2017, 01:27:14 am
content: Mark, thanks for the first impressions of the ZT301. It seems to be a valid choice between the AN8002 and the AN860B+, and I think that they are somewhat listening to what consumers ask for this cheap devices, like the backlight staying lit a bit longer. Mark, I would like very much to see that review, when you have the time to do it, of course.In the meantime, I've order a ZT102(AN8002). I couldn't resist a $9.99 promo and at this price I have no problem in order another cheap multimeter (like for example ZT301), there's never too much multimeters, as people say in this forum

author: ferossan
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 12, 2017, 03:36:08 pm
content: Thanks Mark. A very interesting first impressions of the ZT301. To me the ZT302may be like the Aneng AN8008 with steroids. No temperature but 9999 counts and a similar layout + the buttons of the AN860B+. Let's hope will also have the 1µV resolution in mV mode (like the AN8008). Yes, there is not temperature (which I don't care) on the ZT302 and the mA and uA inputs are on separate sockets but those are minor annoyances in the wake of having 9999 counts. Just got one yesterday for US$20 taking advantage of China Singles’ Day sale.

author: DavidA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2017, 11:27:47 pm
content: I realise this thread is about the ZT302, however Mark left a review about the ZT301 so this seems an appropriate place to leave my comment.I purchased the ZT301 a week ago from the "official" AliExpressvendorand it arrived, very securely packaged, yesterday. I took it apart to look around and remove a small flake of blue plastic rattling around inside. It has a revised PCB (v0.2) which seems to slightly shift those resistors that impinged on the battery holder. I'm not sure what else has changed.Sorry for the poor lighting in the attached photo. I was in a hurry.For the price I paid (US$18 + free shipping) and six day delivery (China to NZ) I'm pretty impressed so far. It beats my old $10 DSE meter in every way. It feels solid enough to me (lacks "heft" but doesn't feel paper light either). The only negative I noticed is that it didn't auto-power off, or at least it didn't after about 10 minutes, and I ran out of time to wait longer. This is a listed feature so I'm not sure what's going on there. I'll try again tonight.Still very early days for me, I haven't used it properly yet, but assuming it does the basics well enough I think it will be a handy addition to my bench for digital electronics hobby work.

author: Mark Hennessy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2017, 12:19:37 pm
content: Thanks for the updated picture - good to know that they've revised it already. When I eventually write it up properly on my website I'll include a link to your post.Meanwhile, I've just checked mine, and the auto power-down period is 15 minutes

author: DavidA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2017, 11:58:43 am
content: QuoteYes, that seems about right - I just didn't leave it on long enough the first time. I notice it beeps a couple of times over a few minutes before finally turning itself off. Pressing the Select button seems to wake it back up - other buttons might do too, but I haven't tried them.

author: precaud
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2018, 09:19:40 pm
content: As part of my move away from portables that use 9V batteries, I ordered a ZT301 ($17.39 on eBayhttps://www.ebay.com/itm/BSIDE-ZT301-Portable-Handheld-Digital-Multimeter-LCD-Test-Diagnostic-Machine/232609352934) to replace a Fluke 27 I've used forever. It just arrived, and I must say I'm impressed. I prefer its size to the really small AN800x ones. ALL ranges and functions I checked with my Fluke 515A were within 1 LSD. I find nothing to complain about. An amazing bargain.

author: Russ
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2018, 09:29:42 pm
content: It looks identical to my Aneng model?

author: precaud
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2018, 09:42:02 pm
content: Yeah, looks the same as the AN860B+. Except 8000 count vs 6000.

author: maxmax
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 24, 2018, 11:03:24 pm
content: The ZT302 is very similar with a an8008/an8009 multimeters. Unfortunately not enough detailed tests and reviews on this multimeter.Is someone already test a zt302 with precision multimeters?Is zt302 multimeter has same good precision in mV/uA ranges like a AN8008?Thanks.PS: sorry for my english.

author: 001
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2019, 06:01:05 pm
content: Quote from: maxmax on February 24, 2018, 11:03:24 pmTry ZT303

author: HKJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2019, 06:06:10 pm
content: Quote from: maxmax on February 24, 2018, 11:03:24 pmI did take a look at the ZT302 with BSide label:https://lygte-info.dk/review/DMMBSideZT302%20UK.htmlIt mostly stays within specifications.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2019, 06:08:15 pm
content: Yes, upgrading the VDD capacitors works on any DTM0660 (chipset) multimeter. The PCB has the same footprints as ANENG.edit: my before /after scope traces on AN8008:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/an8008-us-$19-10000count-1uv-0-01ua-0-01ohm-resolution-meter/msg1261300/#msg1261300a bit more on that here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/aneng-8008-mod-for-faster-more-accutate-readings/msg2463165/