Best multimeters in the $150, $200, and $250 price range. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: nbritton
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 06:03:16 pm
content: I know we've extensively covered $50 and $100 meters here, but what about meters in the $150, $200, and $250 price brackets?

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 07:54:12 pm
content: Handheld or bench?

author: Robomeds
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 08:21:36 pm
content: In general I have trouble saying no to the Brymen stuff in those price ranges (that includes deals like the Bryman made Amprobe AM270 for $120). Fluke stuff is great but an 87-5 is around $200 used. I guess it does depend on some factors. Brymen stuff isn't as easy to buy in the US. Fluke is a bullet proof reputation on safety and quality. But Flukes in the sub 87-5 range seem to leave a good bit off the table in terms of functions or features. I mean I can't envision wanting a 177 vs the Amprobe or Brymen for the same money.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 08:40:14 pm
content: For new meters, it is a tossup between Brymen and Uni-T:150$: UT71D, BM257, BM827, BM857, AM570200$: UT171B, BM829250$: UT181A, BM859, BM867

author: nbritton
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 09:10:53 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on September 24, 2015, 07:54:12 pmHandheld. I don't understand the point of bench multimeters. I'm looking for the following features:Digital.True RMS.AC/DC Volt.Non-contact AC mains voltage detection.AC/DC Current with a microampere range.Auto-ranging with manual range override.CAT III or CAT IV @ 1000V. UL Listed.Latching continuity with fast response.Capacitance.Inductance.Resistance.Frequency.Data hold.Temperature.Would it be smarter to buy a separate LCR and/or ESR meter or should I try to get all of those kind of features built into the multimeter?

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 09:15:24 pm
content: Quote from: nbritton on September 24, 2015, 09:10:53 pmWait until you keep running out of batteries and/or need 2 or 3 meters on a crowded bench. Being able to plug a mains cord in the back and stack several meters on top of eachother becomes a very nice feature quickly! All my handheld DMMs are retired now.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 09:15:38 pm
content: Very few DMMs do inductance. Get an LCR meter.

author: nbritton
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 09:55:19 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on September 24, 2015, 09:15:24 pmI use rechargeable NiMH AA batteries.Do they make meters with Li-ion rechargeable batteries? Preferably using a microUSB or miniUSB port.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 11:49:07 pm
content: Quote from: nbritton on September 24, 2015, 09:55:19 pmI think he meant for long-running measurements. Having batteries go dead while logging is a bummer.Bench meters are also available with higher resolution and faster sampling rates than handhelds. So, it just depends what you need to do. As usual, right tool to match the required task.I haven't heard of handhelds with Li-ion and USB recharge port. Maybe one day. Meanwhile, sounds like a fun project.

author: JBeale
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 12:22:51 am
content: Quote from: bitseeker on September 24, 2015, 11:49:07 pmI was thinking of making such a thing, although haven't yet. I bet one reason you haven't seen it on the market is the question of safety when you try to use it to measure some high voltage, while at the same time charging it...

author: Robomeds
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 12:40:32 am
content: Quote from: JBeale on September 25, 2015, 12:22:51 amI suspect that is why the Agilent/what ever they are now rechargeable meters charge via their probe jacks. Hard to take a reading if the charger is using the holes you need. That said, the Fluke 97 had to deal with this issue somehow.

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 12:47:13 am
content: Quote from: JBeale on September 25, 2015, 12:22:51 amI've actually got this as an on hold project for my venerable Vichy 99. I've already got it doing serial output over bluetooth, but it using poxy AAA's is a downer, so I have a 14500 lithium that should fit along with a micro USB charger/protection board. I want the bluetooth to only be switched on when needed so was going to use a multivibrator to detect the serial output and power up the module that way, but it's cheaper and easier to use an Atmel tiny85. I feel bad using it just for that so got sidestepped into using it to convert the Cyrustek protocol into plain human readable ASCII so any old phone or terminal can connect to it...Now this is where cheap as meters like the Vichy are great. Nobody would dream of fucking up a Fluke this way. Who cares about me drilling a hole for a USB charger in a Vichy that is only used on low energy circuits but me?

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 01:06:05 am
content: Quote from: nctnico on September 24, 2015, 09:15:24 pmI own a Fluke 27. I'm not sure if the batteries run out in that model. I think Fluke forgot to add the special component that uses up the battery.

author: nbritton
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 01:20:03 am
content: Quote from: Wytnucls on September 24, 2015, 08:40:14 pmUni-T scares me...

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 01:29:44 am
content: QuoteI wished I had one. And I have 3 hand ones. I have been thinking about starting a post on this subject. I wish a company that make a good $50 hand meter would come out with a $100 bench. In other words I would pay $50 more for a bench with the same features as a $50 hand meter. I do not need a 9 1/2 digit meter.I am sure many will tell of the advantages of a bench. Again I wished I had one.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 01:40:15 am
content: Fighting over which is the best on handheld meter vs bench meter is pointless, each has pro & con.Big T&M companies still produce both types, they are not that stupid right ?

author: nbritton
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 01:51:17 am
content: Quote from: ez24 on September 25, 2015, 01:29:44 amWell I'm willing to consider a bench unit. It's just that I naturally thought a portable unit would be better, a bench unit would be unusable for electrician's work.

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 02:03:05 am
content: Quote from: nbritton on September 25, 2015, 01:51:17 amYou don't say. There is a world of difference between a sparky and an electronics engineer.

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 02:16:18 am
content: Quote from: nbritton on September 25, 2015, 01:51:17 amIf first meter I suggest a hand held one.Have you seen this, you can sort on price:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/multimeter-spreadsheet/?action=dlattach;attach=170797from thishttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/multimeter-spreadsheet/250/

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 06:15:03 am
content: Quote from: bitseeker on September 24, 2015, 11:49:07 pmYes and no. Sometimes I'm working on a circuit for several hours (testing various usage scenarios, fine tuning component values, etc). With a handheld DMM you have to switch it off to preserve the batteries OR the handheld DMM switches itself off at the most inconvenient moment. It is worth considering getting a bench DMM instead of a handheld especially since you can get bench DMMs for the same price of a good handheld DMM. Bench DMMs aren't just about more accuracy! I have two VC8145 (around $155) and an old HP3466A ($30 used) bench DMMs.

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 06:31:05 am
content: Quote from: nctnico on September 25, 2015, 06:15:03 amThanks - I am going to look for a used HP3466A

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 07:18:05 am
content: Your requirements have changed quite a bitHP3466A:Digital.True RMS.AC/DC Volt.Non-contact AC mains voltage detection.AC/DC Current with a microampere range.Auto-ranging with manual range override.CAT III or CAT IV @ 1000V. UL Listed.Latching continuity with fast response.Capacitance.Inductance.Resistance.Frequency.Data hold.Temperature.

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 07:37:32 am
content: Quote from: Wytnucls on September 25, 2015, 07:18:05 amI think you got me mixed up with the OP - I have no requirements

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 07:47:51 am
content: Oops, yes I did. Didn't realize you jumped on the bandwagon. Disregard.However, be careful with the HP3466A, 35$ might not buy you a working unit. Some cleaner ones sell for $200.00, with a 'return to seller' option.2A, 2V diode test only, no bargraph, no Min/Max, etc...Still, a cheap option for the bench, as a second meter, if it works properly.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 07:57:42 am
content: Might be this one when Dave finally releases it:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/supporters-lounge/the-eevblog-multimeter-42192/

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 08:09:48 am
content: Quote from: tautech on September 25, 2015, 07:57:42 amThis is a link to the "secret" area - Area 51Normal people do not have access to Area 51 where the "good" stuff is like Gunn diodes

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 08:12:05 am
content: Dave's baby is in the Excel database under EEV meter.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 12:37:58 pm
content: Quote from: nbritton on September 24, 2015, 09:10:53 pmFor the most part, I like the BM869s I picked up. It has lots of features but it can't measure inductance and non-contact voltage. It is UL listed and CAT IV 1000V rated. 4-day shipment from Poland for $230.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 12:45:49 pm
content: Quote from: nbritton on September 24, 2015, 09:10:53 pmUL listing rules out (I believe) anything from Uni-T.All the Brymen ones (I believe) are properly UL tested and listed

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 12:51:09 pm
content: The latest UNI-T meters are UL listed:UT181AUT171CUT171BUT171AIntertek 4007682 IEC 61010-2-032

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 12:51:41 pm
content: Quote from: nbritton on September 25, 2015, 01:20:03 amI copped a bit of flack for that video, but it's true, Uni-T are so hit and miss. So confusing when there are A/B/C/D/E versions of same model number.Some are their meters are really very good, but you have to get the exact right one that has been vetted by the community and reviewers as having passed muster.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 01:04:32 pm
content: Quote from: Wytnucls on September 25, 2015, 12:51:09 pmAh, ok good to know.Not marked on the front nor mentioned on the website though?

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 01:13:26 pm
content: Marked on the back molding. Intertek logo and reference.Some early models were UL listed, like the UT70 series.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 01:20:53 pm
content: Quote from: Wytnucls on September 25, 2015, 01:13:26 pmOk, the Intertek is just as good as UL. The EEV will be Intertek tested and listed.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 01:22:38 pm
content: ETL Listing:http://etlwhidirectory.etlsemko.com/WebClients/ITS/DLP/products.nsf/4c8700f3b75987a08525777700583333/79ca5cb7723698dd86257eba00147a27?OpenDocumenthttp://etlwhidirectory.etlsemko.com/WebClients/ITS/DLP/products.nsf/4c8700f3b75987a08525777700583333/a8a5ec50b11bfa8b86257eba00141b04?OpenDocument

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 05:54:21 pm
content: I would normally jump int with both feet and a big mouth with a subject like this, but Wytnucls has basically covered anything I would ave said. I would like to suggest that the BM829s or BM525s would be better all round choices for most people. The BM829s has the non-contact voltage detector, the BM525s does data recording internally at up to 20 per second and 87000 records. They ave more than enough accuracy for almost every normal use and have the same CATIV/1000V rating.

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 06:45:51 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on September 25, 2015, 01:20:53 pmI am beginning to think Dave is coming out with his own designed meter (EEV) since it is listed in the spreadsheet. I thought he was just going to sell one model of some other brand. I think he will make a killing on it. If successful I hope someday he will come up with a bench meter.Why so much secret (or maybe I am sleeping too much) that he is coming out with a meter? (other than Area 51 discussions)

author: nbritton
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 08:36:12 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on September 25, 2015, 12:45:49 pmI like playing with high voltage (1000V+) so a minimum of CAT III @ 1000V and UL Listed is an absolute must have feature. Typically I'll use a voltage divider to bring the voltage down to an acceptable level for the multimeter. I have a project in mind where I need to create a 10kV 10mW spark gap circuit for a physics experiment. I'd like to see if I can cut metal utilizing the plasma arc of a high voltage low amperage DC source while the part is submerged in a low voltage high amperage DC electrolysis solution. If you bond one side of the high and low voltage sources it should create an electron flow that removes the metal atoms that are in the path of the high voltage plasma arc. That's my hypothesis at least.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2015, 03:51:27 am
content: Quote from: ez24 on September 25, 2015, 01:29:44 amI've pondered similarly, even as a DIY conversion. Start the post.

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2015, 05:52:47 am
content: Quote from: bitseeker on September 26, 2015, 03:51:27 amSince I said that I found out the meter spreadsheet has bench meters so I am looking at them right nowhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/multimeter-spreadsheet/?action=dlattach;attach=170797