Bench multimeter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: FrankyRC
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 11, 2023, 02:39:46 pm
content: I am looking to buy a bench multimeter. I prefer more brand names like fluke, agilent, hp, keysight....Due to available service manuals and repair possibilities.Also, for the sake of budget, I'm aiming for a used device.The only conditions are that it is not too expensive and that it is as precise as possible.Any recommendations?

author: gamalot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2023, 02:46:54 pm
content: Keithley

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2023, 03:51:28 pm
content: Nit being rude, there is tons of threads about the same subjectsthe easiest bench dmm and schematics 34401a,some k2000 have reversed schematics to a pointother brands some mastech picotest 3500 m3500 have schematics ...even used stuff had their pricing gone up ... Ebay is spying on us lolll

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2023, 05:15:41 pm
content: Why do you want a bench multimeter? When I bought one, having a fancy brand name or lots of digits was not important so I went with the RSR M9803R (a rebranded Mastech). The display lights up, it runs off the mains and doesn't auto power off, and it sits fine on a shelf. That was about all I cared about. It has been my most used meter for over 15 years.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2023, 07:44:46 pm
content: Quote from: FrankyRC on January 11, 2023, 02:39:46 pmWhy would you want a meter that needs repairs?

author: RogerThat
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2023, 08:37:48 pm
content: when I got a serious DMM I got a 34401a. It is solid. The only down side is the display doesn't like direct sunlight, hard to read. I haven't really, in 5y, been in a situation where it have(6.5 digit multimeter) been necessary.....but with that said, 6.5 is excellent to practically play around and see temperature effect on even rather precise parts. Over GPIB you even get one more digit.The Fluke 87 IV is what I use the most.If I would by a 6.5 digit today I would look at the DMM6500.

author: FrankyRC
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 11, 2023, 09:12:48 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on January 11, 2023, 07:44:46 pmI dont want :-)I just mentioned it as a possibility just in caseQuote from: rdl on January 11, 2023, 05:15:41 pmdue to the position of the table multimeter, I don't have to get up from my chair every few seconds

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2023, 09:53:36 pm
content: Quote from: FrankyRC on January 11, 2023, 02:39:46 pmThen post the budget, otherwise this thread is useless.Or use search and read the many other threads we already have discussing bench multimeter recommendations:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/bench-multimeter-suggestions/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/recommendation-for-modern-benchtop-multimeter/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/reccomendation-for-low-end-bench-multimeter/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/bench-top-multimeter-for-~1000usd/

author: uski
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2023, 09:37:15 am
content: Big +1 to those suggesting you reconsider. I have a 6.5 digit multimeter, a Keithley DMM6500.I was SUPER HAPPY when I received it. Wow, so nice, color LCD display, bunch of features... so exciting.And you know what? I realize I dumped 1500$. I mean, it's a super nice instrument, but I could do just as well with a $150 used multimeter that would take less space on the bench. Bench multimeters are usually super big.I like the suggestion about the RSR M9803R. Maybe you can consider some UNI-T models like the UT8802E/UT8803E/UT8804E.Bottom line, yes maybe you should buy a bench multimeter. But consider that maybe you should not, or at least not an expensive one.Also recently I got a 3478A... had to change all those RIFA capacitors, I will have to change its internal battery too... used meters often need work.Some have display issues, VFD meters are often problematic in that regard.Just sharing some possible issues with you so that you see all the big picture, hope this helps!

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2023, 10:35:02 am
content: Yep.If you just want a "meter with no battery that can be left switched on all day" then there's many cheap, small meters out there.eg. This one:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/owon-xdm1041-the-unknown-multimeter/If you want something more specific then you need to tell us...

author: Kleinstein
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2023, 10:50:45 am
content: Compared to the US there are not that many used bench DMMs offered and it is a mix including more rare ones (e.g. Solartron, RFT,...). One can get lucky, but it would be hard to get a specific one, one is looking for. Depending on the needs the HP3478 is often a good bet in the US, but rare in Europe.The old meters also where often less reliable than new one. Especially at lower resolution (e.g. 4.5 digits or less) there is not much values in an old one with questionable calibration and reliablity.So a new low cost one is a real option to consider and at least compare to.Besides the better display (even of just the angle) the other point for a bench meter is the use with a PC interface.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 12, 2023, 01:15:02 pm
content: I went for a 3478 as I wanted a meter that could do 4 wire measurement with a little more precision than I currently had. At 5.5 digits, it is more than I honestly need for most things. Picked it up from the USA and while it did cost a little for shipping, it worked out a not unreasonable purchase.Yes, I had to change the transformer connections for 240V, but this was already set out and took no time. It also came with 4 RIFAs and a battery that needed replacement, but it seemed to be working quite ok.Am I tempted with 6.5 and higher resolution? Well, yes and no. It's always nice to have higher spec gear on the bench, but I really wouldn't use it all that much ... unless my interests changed direction.

author: FrankyRC
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 12, 2023, 07:16:37 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on January 11, 2023, 09:53:36 pm350$ 50+-

author: bc888
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2023, 03:26:50 am
content: A used 34401A would just squeek under the + part of the $50. Or you could be like Dave. Sit and watch and watch...then pounce. Then come here and post up your deal. Might be able to hit the -$50 part of your range. You could easily do it in the US, Dave does it in Australia. Are you in Croatia? Not sure how things are there for availability and shipping. Perhaps someone from your local can suggest as well.Good luck!

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2023, 03:58:25 am
content: Quote from: FrankyRC on January 12, 2023, 07:16:37 pmIf you can find one in good condition, a Fluke 8842A might work for you if you are more interested in things like precision, reliability and repairability over extended features, modern appearance and factory warranty. There is a full schematic online, replacement LED displays are available and quite a few of the internal parts are relatively generic (although many are not).

author: nightfire
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2023, 12:11:30 am
content: Another tip could be a Fluke 45, which sometime can be gotten for decent money and is kind of a predecessor to the Fluke 884x series.Got mine for 250 € including fresh calibration on ebay ;-)

author: Damperhead
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2023, 08:51:18 am
content: Does anyone have experience using the UNI-T UT8804E bench meter? The review found on YouTube (older UNI-T UT8804N model) would seem like a valid option. Also attractive in terms of price.

author: Old Printer
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2023, 05:30:12 pm
content: I like a bench DMM, big easy to read display (if you buy the right one) plugged in, no batteries or constantly shutting itself off. It sits out of the way with my scope and other bench equip, but is always there. I bought an old BK push button basic DMM first then picked up a nice used GW Instek dual display, 4 wire capable unit from a fellow forum member. The BK is very bare bones, but quick to use, and the GW is for anything serious. Good deals come along if you are patient.

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2023, 05:37:42 pm
content: Quote from: FrankyRC on January 12, 2023, 07:16:37 pmI got the Siglent SDM3045X for $399 brand new. Then I "improved" it to 5.5 digits using the SDM3055X-E firmware (identical hardware). It's a great meter with a nice screen. I've been very happy with it, and it isn't huge.