Bench multimeters - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: ThomasDK
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2013, 12:11:52 am
content: I'm looking for a used bench multimeter in the <300 euro / 400 usd range, for general electronic uses.Things I want from it:50.000 counts (or better)uA and mOhm measurements (1 uA and 1 mOhm resolution is fine)True RMS AC (won't be measuring anything above 230V mains voltages)Those are easily met. But I want a FAST continuity tester as well. Any recommendations?Thanks,Thomas

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 12, 2013, 12:35:40 am
content: My suggestion would be don't bother for that price. I can't think of a brand I'd trust to make a good bench meter that sells one for under $400 (the Agilent U3401A comes close, but I have no idea how good it is). Rather get a good handheld than a cheap bench meter. If you could find an Agilent 34401A or Keithley 2000 for under $400 used that might be a decent deal, but comes with the usual caveats like no warranty and unknown calibration state.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2013, 02:22:04 am
content: Vichy VC8145 bench (fast continuity!) + Agilent U1200 series handheld

author: olsenn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2013, 07:07:38 pm
content: The cheapest benchtop multimeter that I can recommend is the Rigol DM3058E. It is slightly more expensive than $300 but it is also new! It's actually a very good meter (I have one).

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2013, 07:45:28 pm
content: I'd recommend a used Keithley 2015THD.http://www.keithley.co.uk/products/dcac/dmm/?mn=2015Though it's likely to be slightly above your budget.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2013, 12:51:18 am
content: The Rigol's current capability is 10A and the Keithley goes to 3A. IMHO you should have at least one meter which can measure currents over 10A. 15A or 20A is nice.

author: olsenn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2013, 12:56:26 am
content: For high current measurements, unless you make them often, I would just buy either a couple of current shunts (which you can measure the voltage over) or a clamp meter

author: electronics man
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2013, 03:44:29 pm
content: What's it which bench multimeter why don't people just buy hand held ones they are much cheaper and there portable.

author: HKJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2013, 03:59:12 pm
content: Quote from: electronics man on December 13, 2013, 03:44:29 pmPersonally I like the better computer interface, the possibility to measure faster, no batteries and the better precision (There are also other points, but in daily use this is the most significant points).I do also have a few handheld all with computer interface:

author: rstoer
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2013, 05:51:22 pm
content: A Fluke 8842A easily surpasses all your specifications and you can find a good one for under $200 US.Just watch out for the following:1) AC volts is an option on this model, so be sure the one you’re looking at has it. (Don’t be fooled by the button on the front panel, you have to make sure the module is installed).2) The vacuum florescent displays age. If the unit was left on for years it could look dim and uneven. A photo during self-test when the entire display is lit is the best way to make an evaluation. If that’s not available check the digit segments for bright, even luminescence. Later production models will have the Fluke logo in block letters, rather than the older Fluke in a box with two underlines. A later model could mean a display with fewer hours but it’s certainly no guarantee.I paid $120.00 for mine with both options (True RMS ACV & IEEE-488 interface) and it has a bright, even display. That was a good price, but there are others at similar price points.See this thread for more opinions:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/fluke-8842a-taken-apart/

author: sync
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2013, 05:56:38 pm
content: IFIAK the 8842A has no continuity tester.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2013, 06:05:17 pm
content: Quote from: electronics man on December 13, 2013, 03:44:29 pmYou can't stack portable meters, portable meters need to be placed upright in front of other equipment and you have to change batteries all the time. In short: portable meters suck big time when used on a bench.

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2013, 06:06:53 pm
content: Quote from: electronics man on December 13, 2013, 03:44:29 pmFor most things I would agree and I usually use an old handheld Maplin DMM I bought in the 1980s. But for bench work I like to also have a bench DMM with a decent display and a nice and simple user interface. It can be left on and I don't have to worry about batteries or power saving modes that kill the meter display at the wrong moment.For this I use a Fluke 45. .I can also do automated tests via RS-232 from the Fluke 45 but it isn't really a high performance meter in this respect. So I recently purchased a Keithley 2015THD for doing automated testing via GPIB and it is excellent for this and also allows very fast reading rates. It also measures distortion and has an accurate internal audio generator.But for a general purpose bench DMM the Fluke 45 is far and away the best designed meter I have ever used. It's quite old and the accuracy specs aren't great by today's bench DMM standards but it's still the nicest meter (for me) and I would always recommend it for general home/hobby use. It has milliohm resolution and also uA resolution too. It has 5 digits with up to 100,00 counts, measures true rms, has a dual display and it also has a very fast continuity checker (no delay). It only cost me £45The Fluke 45 is often overpriced in used sales so patience is required in order to secure a nice one at a cheap price.

author: rstoer
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2013, 07:55:31 pm
content: Quote from: sync on December 13, 2013, 05:56:38 pmYou're correct. Although the meter response is very quick there is no audible continuity tester. I didn't consider that.Wouldn't that make an interesting project though? Adding a latching audible continuity test to a bench DMM doesn't sound all that difficult. Any opinions?

author: ThomasDK
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2013, 08:38:50 pm
content: Thanks for all the feedbackJust watched Dave's teardown of the Keithley 2015, the continuity tester is excellent :-) How fast is the 34401 in comparison?The reason for a bench model is the precision, nice bright display and no batteries (and hence long data logging).None of my handhelds have a decent continuity tester (one is slow, the other unlatched), so I want this in the bench meter. It will become my primary meter at the bench, so it just have to do the things I use the most. I don't need a huge current capability, 3A is plenty, it's more about precision and low PPM. In the rare case I need more, I can use one of my handhelds.Fluke 45 doesn't look bad either, the price is right too...So I guess the contenders will be Keithley 2000/2015, Fluke 45 or HP 34401 (depending on the continuity tester - how good is it?)Thomas

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2013, 08:58:57 pm
content: Much as I like my Fluke 45 it is a bit slow wrt datalogging in terms of max readings/second. So you might be a bit disappointed with it in this respect.By contrast, the 2015 is an excellent meter for remote control and is very versatile. It is also in a different class in terms of accuracy compared to the Fluke 45. However, it is physically quite long so needs a fairly deep shelf to accommodate it and the display is not as pleasing (to me) as the Fluke 45.The Fluke 45 is a good basic bench DMM and should be good enough for most people but if you want something that takes you into lab grade territory and makes you feel good about its quality each time you switch it on then the 2015 fits the bill nicely. For remote control and accuracy the 2015 totally outclasses the Fluke 45 but the Fluke is a better 'hands on' bench meter in my opinion. So I have treated myself to one of each

author: sync
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2013, 09:41:57 pm
content: Quote from: ThomasDK on December 13, 2013, 08:38:50 pmThe 34401A continuity is not good. With fast pulses it misses some of them. Like there is a blind time. Which is not surprising because IFIAK it uses the ADC for detection.I mainly use bench meters. But for continuity testing I use a UT-61E. Which is fast and a hand held is better for this.

author: ManateeMafia
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2013, 01:59:43 am
content: Quote from: rstoer on December 13, 2013, 07:55:31 pmI can see(hear) it now... The uBeepDave?

author: echen1024
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2013, 03:56:51 am
content: Quote from: sync on December 13, 2013, 09:41:57 pmApparently the Keithley 2015THD continuity is quite good.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2013, 10:42:02 am
content: Quote from: electronics man on December 13, 2013, 03:44:29 pmThere are number of reasons to buy a desktop DMM.http://nandblog.com/10-reasons-to-buy-a-desktop-dmm/