Multimeter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: aqueue
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2014, 10:11:55 pm
content: Hi Guys,Long story short, a while ago I was looking for a DMM and you guys recommended a Amprobe AM-270. I struggled to find a supplier and found one potential but the USB kit would cost almost 50% of the price to import!Anyway, I have a friend who will be visiting the States (Peoria) on the 22nd March 2014 and will kindly bring me a DMM.So as the States is much cheaper, I could probably stretch to $250/£150 GB. I might as well spend the maximum.Any recommendations? And more importantly, can my friend purchase from a local store in Peoria?Thank you.Current List: I can only get one!Brymen BM869Current favourite in the runningAmprobe AM-270Amprobe AM-160ABrymen BM257BK Precision 393EDIT:: Updated list

author: Axtman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2014, 12:28:36 am
content: Peoria Illinois or Peoria Arizona?Here is the funny thing. I was born in Peoria, Illinois (now living in Seattle). My birthday is March 22! Coincidence? You decide!

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2014, 01:00:09 am
content: I would use yelp or something to scout around Peoria before hand. Not sure what stores they have there. Maybe you can convince your friend to empty his luggage for the return trip and fill it with DMM?

author: Rigby
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2014, 01:14:40 am
content: yeah, illinois or arizona matters a lot. peoria AZ is a suburb, peoria IL is much smaller, about 1/10th the size of the phoenix area.

author: WhiteFireDragon
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2014, 02:24:36 am
content: I asked about a decent DMM a while ago, and also got an overwhelming response to get the Amprobe AM-270 (originalthread HERE). I did end up getting the AM-270 on amazon, and it was only $90 at the time.Doesn't matter where your friend will be in the US, you can have it shipped to any US address free. Chances are, they won't have this model at the local store.www.amazon.com/Amprobe-AM-270-Industrial-Multimeter-Temperature/dp/B004W2NJLO

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 11, 2014, 03:09:57 am
content: If you can get t shipped to where your friend will be, then the Amprobe AM-160A is a best buy at close to $250USD.http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/amprobe/multimeters/am-160-a.htmIt does not come with the PC connection as standard.The Brymen BM257 with PC connection comes in well under your price if you get it shipped from Franky here on the forums AKA iloveelectronics.Yes the AM270 is still a great meter but with the price increase the BM257 is a better buy IMHO.And IMHO, stay away from Extech EX series as they keep showing up with poor quality control.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2014, 03:24:13 am
content: Have a look also at the BK Precision 393.60,000 count, AC+DC and USB PC connection/software is included.Should sell for about $220 in the States with a 3-year warranty.http://www.instrumentation2000.com/bk-precision-393-true-rms-handheld-digital-multimeter-usb-interface.aspx

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 11, 2014, 04:24:36 am
content: Wytnucls also has a point. BK has good meters too.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2014, 04:47:20 am
content: Pretty decent machine. The only downside I could find is the reduced bandwidth, poor battery life and the lack of a jack input warning.The provided software looks reasonable:

author: aqueue
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2014, 10:27:32 pm
content: Hi.Axtman:The place is 7806 N. Route 91, Peoria, Illinois, 61615, USA (http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/illinois/hampton-inn-and-suites-peoria-at-grand-prairie-il-PIEWEHX/about/amenities.html)... Coincidence... nope it's Aliens!GiskardReventlov:I tried google for "multimeter and store" but struggled to find a store... Once I know the model, I will Yelp it!I think his girlfriend has given him a big list!Rigby:It never ceases to amaze me big USA really is! I think my city would probably fit in a zip code!WhiteFireDragon:I think delivery will be best. I will ask him if the hotel will accept deliveries in his name and then probably order off Amazon once I have finalised which DMM to get.Lightages:I don't mind pushing the funds up a little... My lovely wife usually says "get what you want otherwise what is the point of working hard and never getting what you actually want!". She even gave the go ahead for a new MacBook Pro! Lucky a friend sold me his cheaply!I will add the Amprobe AM-160A to the list.Wytnucls:Thank you.. I will add it to the list.So maybe stick with the Amprobe?Thank you very much for your help guys.EDIT:: Remove duplicate Wytnucls quote.

author: Rigby
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2014, 10:29:18 pm
content: I lived in Peoria Illinois for a long while. I'm about 90 minutes away now.It's weird seeing it mentioned here.

author: aqueue
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2014, 10:36:02 pm
content: Quote from: Rigby on March 11, 2014, 10:29:18 pmYou think that's weird... I live in a City that gets mentioned all the time in Poland!

author: Axtman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2014, 10:57:18 pm
content: Agueue,I know where your hotel is located. It's not the Taj Mahal but a decent clean place.Back in the Dark Ages there used to be a place called Klaus Radio that sold electronic components and repaired TVs. (Repaired TVs - snicker - how last century!) I don't know if it is still around.I texted a buddy of mine and he is not an electronics nut but recommends Grainger Industrial Supply on Jefferson Street. I always thought that Grainger was a catalog....excuse me....internet company. I don't know if they have a store or not.That's all I got.Oh, whatever you do, do NOT buy a multimeter from Radio Shack or Harbor Freight.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2014, 11:38:01 pm
content: Quote from: Axtman on March 11, 2014, 10:57:18 pmGrainger has stores as well, though their stock is limited vs. their webstore (stores focus on local markets, so some things wouldn't make sense to carry).

author: Rigby
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2014, 01:13:47 am
content: Grainger is there, and Graymark in East Peoria also.Not sure what they stock.

author: aqueue
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2014, 10:56:44 pm
content: Axtman:My friend will be pleased!Thank you for the store... I talked to my friend and he said he would check the hotel if they accept deliveries. He would prefer that as I am not sure what time in the evenings he will be free. Might be working flat out for the week so rather then risk the "too busy" excuse, picking up from the lobby will be soo much easier!I do remember those dark ages. I still remember at 16 creating a crystal radio set! I didn't wind the coil up enough and connecting to my TV aerial ended up receiving Classic FM! Good times...As for buying a meter from Radio shack... I defiantly intend to get another cheep meter! One of those £10/$10 from ebay for those who want to "borrow" a meter... especially my little bother who I am sure will find an excuse to use mine!nanofrog/Rigby:Thank you, but I'll buy from the web to make my friends life a little easier.So any other meters to check? The first time I asked, it was a easy, everyone went for Amprobe AM-270 and upping the budget a little seems to open up the potential list! I will get a case and data lead separately, so probably another $50+ budget so maybe up to $300...Also, on a side note, I have a MacBook Pro and most of the DMM software is for Windows?Thank you very much for your input, I really appreciate it!EDIT:: How about a Fluke? FLUKE 87-V?

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2014, 12:39:27 am
content: Quote from: aqueue on March 12, 2014, 10:56:44 pmI prefer ordering as well. You get exactly what you're after, less hassle, and at least potentially at a little better price.Quote from: aqueue on March 12, 2014, 10:56:44 pmIf you're looking to push your meter budget up to ~$250 mark, you should take a really hard look at aBrymen BM869(seller is located in Poland), but it's right at the $250 mark, and is an excellent meter (excellent bang-for-the-buck). Might not even have to ship it here, but IIRC, those that have bought from this site paid ~$20 for shipping to the US.Also it's little brother (same series, just not quite as many features and slightly less accuracy), is theBM827(~$177).Lots of info on both of these here in EEVBlog, as well as somevideos.Quote from: aqueue on March 12, 2014, 10:56:44 pmThere's software for OSX and Linux (example; this has links to alternatives for OSX as well, though I don't think they're tested). May not work with just any meter though.Why not use either a Windows installation (i.e. BootCamp), or via virtualization (i.e. Parallels or VMware)? Or even running a Linux version under WINE?Fluke 87V is old at this point (fewer features, lower counts), and you can do better for similar money here in the US at least (though I suspect this is the case in EU as well if buying new).

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2014, 01:11:41 am
content: Just curious, you are going to buy a meter online and have it shipped to a hotel in the U.S. and your friend is going to bring the meter back from the U.S. in his luggage? Is this correct?

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 13, 2014, 01:37:12 am
content: Every time you talk about price you up the value. Without a doubt the BM869 is the best buy for you. Get out from Franky or from TME. Another option is the BM525 which had lower accuracy specs bit has internal logging to over 80000 points. You simply can't go wrong with Brymen.

author: aqueue
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2014, 11:17:18 pm
content: Hi.Sorry for the delay in replying.... It's been a bit mad over the last couple of days...nanofrog:Thank you.. The Brymen BM869 looks like it might be the one.I have dropped a note to tme.eu for shipping costs to the UK as if it is not expensive, might be easier to just order it direct.Thank you for the link regarding the software. I could run VMWare installation... I believe I have an old Windows XP licence somewhere which I can run under VirtualBox.I will ditch the Fluke... Thank you!GiskardReventlov:Correct! The problem is that UK is that a decent meter is expensive and the cost of shipping direct from the states is ask very expensive. The Amprobe AM-270 meter I was going to purchase is not available in the UK or the EU, so my only option was to ship it direct from the US. However, that is expensive (almost 50% of the meter cost. Therefore, I figured I could ship it to his hotel and he could just bring it back. However, with the Brymen BM869, if the shipping is cheap, I will order direct from tme.eu.Lightages:Thank you... I just figured if you pay a little more, you get a lot more!Unless there are any other recommendations, I think the BM869 it is!Thank you very much.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2014, 02:56:43 pm
content: Quote from: aqueue on March 18, 2014, 11:17:18 pmYou won't find a better value for that much meter (well built, proper protections, features/functions). You can get equivalents, but they're bigger brand names, and you'll pay more as a result (i.e. Fluke, Agilent, Gossen).

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2014, 07:29:32 pm
content: Great to see you get creative to get the most for your money. I think Dave should do a $250 multimeter shootout.Back to your plan. Some online stores won't allow shipping to just anywhere, especially if you pay with credit card. Have you checked with the hotel? Will they receive your package?Good luck and will you do a review of the meter when you get it? Or post some pics?

author: aqueue
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2014, 11:05:33 pm
content: Hi.Sorry for the late reply.nanofrog:Yep, thats the meter I will order.I am just waiting on them to confirm they have spare fuses and I will place a single order.GiskardReventlov:I agree Dave should do a $250 dmm shootout. For those who can push up the budget, $250 will get you something that will handle 90% of the tasks including probably 99% of what I need it for.Just got a reply from Tme charge only 7.90 EURs direct to the UK so no issues with shipping to the states. Incidentally the hotel were happy to receive packages.As for reviews and pics, I will definitely write something up. I won't bother opening the meter up in case I break it.I must admit, I am old school and would love an analogue meter... but I'll go for a a DMM.Thank you guys, really appreciate it.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2014, 03:12:22 am
content: Quote from: Axtman on March 11, 2014, 10:57:18 pmFrom my experience they are expensive. You can check price herehttp://www.grainger.com/Amazon is a good choice if you can ship.