BM786 multimeter - Opinion on suitability please - Possible Christmas present - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: ElectricalMum
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 02, 2024, 10:30:10 am
content: Hi allFirst post so please be gentle with me :-)I found your excellent web-forum whilst searching for a Christmas present for my son and discovered discussion on a BM786 mulitmeter which I have discovered I can get for a good price from the links in said discussion from Simon's Electronics. Before ordered I just wondered if you would give me an opinion on its overall suitability given its intended recipient.My Son is in his final year of a B-Eng course in Electronic engineering. He is starting to 'tinker' and has already successfully repaired a computer for me, he is moving into the electronics engineering sector and I see him working for specialist electrical development companies. I guess within that sector all he needs will be provided, but given he is starting to become confident taking things apart at home like my computer, I wondered about getting him some kit for Christmas that he might find useful. For many years I've had a little Draper multi-meter and it's proven useful for all sorts of very small jobs around the home (that I am confident to take on) as well as ensuring that countless batteries are indeed 'kaput' and plug fuses have indeed blown. However, given that he might well end up tinkering with things at circuit board level as well as potentially at mains level (assuming he gets all his qualifications to do so) I thought he might benefit from something better than I have and have started to look at the BM786 - it's a bit more than I was going to pay, but if it would likely be more useful across a range of tasks than a cheaper model and provide a tool to use into the future it's still doable.So the questions are, you are a 22 year old, just completing a B-Eng Apprenticeship, would you want your own multi-meter, if so would you want a BM786 or would you want something else for Christmas if so what please?

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2024, 10:57:50 am
content: I suggest just giving him some cash...

author: giosif
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2024, 11:06:26 am
content: I am unable to answer your specific question, but just a note that, for that price or even slightly cheaper (when including shipping), you could get the BM789 instead: Telonic UK are offering black Friday/cyber Monday discounts today (not affiliated with them, although I did purchase from them and was happy with their service).

author: Aldo22
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2024, 11:25:44 am
content: Quote from: ElectricalMum on December 02, 2024, 10:30:10 amIt's like with music, books, wine etc.: there's a relatively high risk that you won't hit the mark.Just ask him.Surprise gifts are overrated.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 02, 2024, 12:27:33 pm
content: I don't know you or your son, but from the way you write and what you describe I think a decent DMM would be a great Christmas present. The BM786 or BM789 are quite suitable.At that age I was a bit more advanced, had dropped out of University, and had recently lost my motherI only had to very basic test gear and would have been so happy to have something better and even more to get it from a parent who obviously is trying to encourage me in my career (& hobbies).But cash is pretty good too!

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2024, 12:40:43 pm
content: Of course he needs a multimeter!A BM786 is a professional device, a Rolls Royce of a multimeter. He won't outgrow it any time and he'll probably use it for life.On the other hand...The otheressentialtool for electronics engineering is an oscilloscope.In the same way as I don't need a Rolls Royce to go shopping, you don't need a BM789 to do most of the things multimeters are used for, eg. your Draper can test fuses and batteries just as well as a BM789 can. I'd much rather own a cheap multimeter and an oscilloscope than a really expensive multimeter.If he really hasnothingyet (no multimeter, no oscilloscope) then you could consider a multifunction device like this one:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/another-dsodmm-zeeweii-dso3d12-claimed-120mhz250msps/It's not the best multimeter, it's not the best oscilloscope, he'll definitely outgrow it later, but it gives an awful lot of abilities for the money and will enable him to do a lot of things that the BM789 simply can't because it's not an oscilloscope.PS: I wish I had a mum with her own multimeter...

author: pdeal
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2024, 12:53:53 pm
content: I suggest the multimeter. I personally see a good multimeter like a good screwdriver for a tinkerer. He’ll have that meter for many years and always remember where it came from. Oscilloscopes on the other hand are useful of course but I’d get the multimeter first.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 02, 2024, 01:03:09 pm
content: Yep, DMM before oscilloscope - and don't buy that kind of rubbish device. If he was a teenager playing with audio circuits then I'd say it might make sense.I would imagine that one of the mentioned DMMs will last for many years (maybe a keepsake), whereas that multifunction thing would end up in a drawer or the bin quite soon.If he is curious, he will soon enough have some income to buy a scope himself and learn lessons from that experience (possibly good and bad).

author: ElectricalMum
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 02, 2024, 01:53:00 pm
content: What great responses, thanks to you all for your time and your thoughts. Happy to read more if anyone feels the urge. I like the idea that an oscilloscope is going to be very useful as well as a DMM, but there will be birthdays and Christmasses down the line and possibily if I get him the really decent multi-meter now you would welcome me back to the forum when I'm ready to buy him an oscilloscope (or he is ready to buy one himself and I'll send him here for advice in person). Yeah, I get the cash and let him pick out something for himself of his own choosing, but I also find that today's young adults sometimes aren't as willing to put the effort into research to make sure they spend their cash wisely as us older individuals. Not only that, but luckily he has a paid apprenticeship and can buy his own things, I just don't think something like a multi-meter has occurred to him, he also has tendency to buy me 'items', so it's nice to reciprocate, I just want to make sure that it's something he will use. I must admit I have the little Draper on the go most weeks for some task or another and therefore I see the potential for him to make use of something similar as he goes through life. Esp. as he will probably have more ideas for using it than I do. My uses are basic continuity testing (cables and fuses) and voltage testing (mainly batteries), though I did once loan it to a friendly mechanic to sort out something on the car the day a key broke in car ignition and the steering column wouldn't unlock!! He said "do you have a circuit tester?" I produced the Draper (60792) and asked would it do? I got a grin and comment about he wasn't expecting a "baby multi-meter" and then proceeded to make sense of a whole set of wires with it. So I know they are handy things to have around. esp. if you know what you are doing with them as I imagine my son will do :-)

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2024, 02:06:05 pm
content: a good dmm and good instruments, no rolls for sure lollpersonal comment would NOT to buy integrated instruments 2 in 1 ... 3 in 1 things, one of them broke, you loose all ...for a beginner and or any one, you can find good stuff, not too overpricedthe 786 is a work in progress for me ... nah789 i would need to try one, go for the known ones 857s 867s ... or any same chipset baed ones...Flukes if you snatch a good deal etc ... Uni-t in the high end models onlyalas many good things are priced accordingly, used but very good are sometimes priced as much as a brand new ...they are an investment for now and the future, don't cut in safety, save money until you can get a good one, whatever the choicescopes same thing, now Rigols and Siglent push a lot in the market, good pricing, some "free BW hacks" for both make them money worthsame as many tools, i have Sony screw drivers for 40 years yes 40, the heads on theses are stronger than anything i could buy for cheap, until you pay $$ for very good brands ...

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2024, 06:19:50 pm
content: Quote from: ElectricalMum on December 02, 2024, 01:53:00 pmOK, now you have next year's present lined up. "Real" oscilloscopes are more expensive though.Quote from: ElectricalMum on December 02, 2024, 01:53:00 pmNah, he might spend it on beer or shoes instead...

author: GigaJoe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2024, 06:22:00 pm
content: just a note: 789 would be better vs 786 due to wider range of AC voltage \ current frequency measurementsi may suggest BM859s - it has interface connect to computer, and that gives another piece of fun and discovery for logging and other stuff to deal with multimeter and data.if budget fit BM869s - advisable.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2024, 06:33:47 pm
content: Quote from: GigaJoe on December 02, 2024, 06:22:00 pmStill nowhere near wide enough.Even the "toy" oscilloscope would beat it for high frequency measurements.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2024, 08:34:16 pm
content: Quote from: ElectricalMum on December 02, 2024, 10:30:10 amWelcome to the forum.A family friend gifted me a Japanese Kaise MC meter for my 21st and although I don't use it much anymore it has served me well for 40+ yrs.As your son grows he will develop his preferences for any of his tools but you might be going OTT in getting him a high end DMM when something like a BM235 could serve him just as well and save you a few bucks.https://simonselectronics.co.uk/product/eevblog-brymen-bm235-true-rms/?v=7885444af42e

author: armandine2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2024, 09:07:07 pm
content: ,,,it is a gamble , and I personally wouldn't gamble on the evidence provided... but, if a dmm is a Christmas present (I've given loads of them) at least pick the one you like the look of.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2024, 09:31:47 pm
content: check the prices some said the 789 was less expensivebut personally i hate the case design for stability issues on the bench while standing up, same for 869 867 ...i loved the 859 for the square casing ...but many have their opinions ..

author: shapirus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2024, 10:13:06 pm
content: A great long-lasting DMM will be a great Christmas present for anyone who's into electrics, for sure. It's going to be an everyday use tool, so I don't think it can ever be a miss, unless it's for someone who already has the same DMM (and maybe even then -- you can never have too many multimeters). Every time you get into board-level repair, design or tweaking, or deal with batteries, power supplies etc., you need a multimeter.BM789 is a great meter.BM869s, which was suggested in previous posts, is a great meter too, in some aspects better, in some worse than the 789, but the differences in favor of the 869s are subtle, especially for someone who's not (yet) a DMM nerd.I own the latter. The former is built on a newer platform and has some nice features such as autohold. More counts as well (except that the 869s has a special 500k counts DC voltage mode). The 869s is slightly more accurate (per the specification), but that'll hardly make any difference in the real day to day use. Maybe the BM789 is more future-proof. What would I buy for myself if I were to choose one today? I don't know. Both. And a hi-res bench DMM, too.

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2024, 01:15:27 am
content: The world is smaller now. We can do our research to find exactly what we want.So unless they've set up an online wish-list, just give them the money. Gifts like this almost always miss the mark. I have so many iFixit tool kits I could open a store. I don't really use any of them except the exact one I wanted that I bought myself, decked out with some specific Wiha/Knipex/Megapro goodies.You can put a note with the cash/card saying that you were thinking they could use a new DMM but feel free to use it for whatever. And point them to this thread!I will say my opinion on DMM shopping is always get the top-end model in the range otherwise you'll regret the one feature you're missing. Also, get a color-matched carry case/pouch, alligator clips, banana adapters, a set of extra fuses (and batteries), and the interface kit if applicable. So you don't have to pay shipping charges for accessories later, and everything is there to rock and roll from the get go.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2024, 02:07:25 am
content: Quote from: ElectricalMum on December 02, 2024, 10:30:10 amHello and welcome.I started out with an analog meter and while in college, I bought a Fluke meter that was on par with what the local Harbor Freight stores would give away free with a purchase. I damaged that Fluke several times as it basically had no input protection and it cost some major cash back then to repair. Having testing a few Brymen meters now, they have all been very robust electrically and mechanically. The 78x series is really nice for electronics. Had I had one starting out, most likely would still be using it decades later.My personal all around favorite meter that you can buy new is still the BM869s. You can connect it to a PC and log data. It has a dual display that I really like having. I make use of that 500k super high resolution mode that was mentioned. It's an older design, larger, heavier and uses a 9V battery but it covers the vast majority of my needs.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2024, 02:41:04 am
content: Quote from: coromonadalix on December 02, 2024, 09:31:47 pmAgree.Mine's an 857 (which is an 859 with simpler dial - no temperature)

author: shapirus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2024, 12:35:11 pm
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on December 03, 2024, 02:07:25 amAh yes. I knew I missed something. In my previous post I wrote that the differences were subtle. But the dual display is in my opinion a major feature. Sometimes it can almost be a game changer, such as when you need to measure and observe two temperature measurements at the same time without having to hit the Select button, or measure AC voltage and notice that something may be wrong with the waveform by seeing the frequency on the same display. It is also super convenient in the DC+AC measurement mode.Dual display can probably outweigh some of the advantages that the BM789 has.Speaking of the PC interface, it's worth mentioning that it requires a proprietary cable, which is relatively expensive for what it is. But DIY alternatives exist, see e.g.https://github.com/kittennbfive/869log, and that may very well become a great hobby project for an enthusiast. Speaking of which, and to counter the "give cash instead" opinions, receiving a good DMM as a present (and, of course, an oscilloscope at a later time) may easily spark an interest in diving into the topic of electronics further and deeper. Sometimes tools are not just tools, but they can be a starting point for learning and self-education in a new area.

author: chebo
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2024, 12:47:38 pm
content: Quote from: J-R on December 03, 2024, 01:15:27 amThat's right on target! I would sign up for every word!

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2024, 12:53:19 pm
content: Welectron and TME offers some good deals ... check them once in a while ...

author: Helix70
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 03, 2024, 09:32:18 pm
content: Quote from: J-R on December 03, 2024, 01:15:27 amThis.If such a device is on your son's wish list, he has a particular one in mind already. It is one of those things that you want the one you want, and if you get the one you don't want, you feel bad because it is too expensive to simply replace, but you always wish you had the one you wanted.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2024, 10:54:22 pm
content: Quote from: Helix70 on December 03, 2024, 09:32:18 pmThere's truth in this, too.I like my BM857, I'd be pissed if somebody bought me a BM869.It assumes you're clued up on Brymens though, most people mistakenly think they want a Fluke, in which case a Fluke 17B+ would be a better choice even though it's a far worse meter.Is he very brand-oriented in real life (shoes, t-shirts, etc)?I doubt it if his mum's a brit who owns/uses a multimeter, but you never know...

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2024, 11:14:21 pm
content: Some posts lately seem like they are being put through an LLM filter with new account names in order to get around bans ("kid"/"mum"/etc.)? There are mistakes, so maybe they are just winging it: "it's overall suitability given it's intended recipient." Should be "its", but the grammar structure is clearly trying to appear to be posh.

author: ElectricalMum
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 09, 2024, 09:52:45 pm
content: Hi all, I'm back - sorry, been away for a few days. Wow! you have all been very generous with your thoughts - thank you. I must admit I hadn't even considered that multi-meters might be able to output to PC's. Son is well into his computers and that sounded quite attractive, but as with so many of these things every additional facility is additional cost and having just checked the BM869 is heading towards a bit rich for Christmas.To address some of the thoughts in the previous answers, no he hadn't expressed any specific wish to own a multi-meter, I just looked at what he has been doing for his apprenticeship, the fact that he wasn't chary about opening my or his own portable computer and thought about the use I get from my own little meter and just had the (possibly) bright idea that he might appreciate one for Christmas, so yes, it is entirely my idea. I think I am also in an 'electrical' frame of mind pressie wise having just bought myself a new car battery and a Noco battery booster LOL!! FWIW I am in the UK. I've actually suggested to other relatives that they might like to get him things like small electrical screwdrivers. Anyway I think I will try for one of the Brymen meters, but you've all suggested such a number of different ones that I'm going to have to do so reading up before I pick one for him. Still that's what I asked for and you've all been great with your thoughts - thank you. J-R above thankyou for demonstrating that you did take the time to fully read my post - thank you for the grammar check - I missed those. I assure you I am genuine, I just don't live in your lovely country, so maybe I have a slightly different 'style' to my posts.

author: ElectricalMum
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 12, 2024, 05:39:28 pm
content: Well just as an update, I've just ordered a BM786 - fingers crossed that he is pleased with it come Christmas day.

author: mwb1100
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2024, 06:00:09 pm
content: Quote from: ElectricalMum on December 12, 2024, 05:39:28 pmI have no doubt he will be. It's a fine meter.