Looking for a $300-500 DMM with USB.  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Chupa
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2012, 01:16:27 am
content: I am looking for a bench (I suppose hand would be ok if no bench are to be found) DMM with USB and accompanying software to do simple logging over time. Can anyone recommend a decent one in the $300 - $500 USD range?

author: eeshock
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2012, 03:10:30 am
content: Any particular reason to spend so much? If just for simple data logging purpose a $60 UT61-E can do it. It just lack of back light and analog bar refresh is not fast enough

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2012, 03:31:55 am
content: Here is the best UNI-T bench multimeter (200,000 count). I have no experience with it.Sells for about USD 350.00, it seems.If you don't need the high count, a modest portable DMM will do the job.http://www.bonanza.com/listings/UNI-T-UT805A-5-1-2-Digit-200-000-count-Bench-Lab-Digital-Multimeter/76779581

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2012, 09:22:28 am
content: The UT805 is a gamble though, it's also abit like buying the VC8155, a gamble.If you want you can get the VC8145 (the 80k counts version! not the new one which is called the VC8145B that's only 33k counts)

author: Chupa
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2012, 01:25:46 pm
content: I dont NEED to spend that much. I just though that's what It would cost to get one with USB.Why is the UT805 a gamble?

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2012, 01:51:07 pm
content: as i remember that one is a portable dmm+a small transformatornothing elseAgilent 34405A has usb2 5.5digit+ you dont get a piece of shita bit over your budget but you can always get a costum quote for yourself

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2012, 02:18:10 pm
content: Not really a portable DMM because they say it has AutoHold, something not found in portable handhelds from china or taiwan ... The mastech's MS8218 is about the same price and really doesn't have that much features but of course the MS8218 is great for it's priceOr the Rigol DM3068 which is about the price of a 34405A but of course a heck lot more functionalityWhy do i say the UT805A might be a gamble? UNI-T's track record with bench equipment is terrible. It's got 4-wire so it gets a thumbs sideways from me but anyway i might buy one ... could be a long way ahead thoughBecause i have a DM3068 in my "want to buy before 2014"

author: Chupa
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2012, 02:36:06 pm
content: I would enjoy having that DM3068 or DM3058 but its out of my price range right now. Maybe its worth holding out for.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2012, 04:32:56 pm
content: The main advantages of a bench DMM over a portable one, are the high count, 4-wire resistance measurement, high sampling rate and constant mains power for long interval data logging. Extra connectivity and a calibration certificate are usually provided.If you don't need any of those features, your money would be better spent on a portable DMM.I will probably buy the Rigol DM3051, which is still sold in some countries, at a reasonable price.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2012, 04:46:41 pm
content: How about a used 34405A? There were a few sold on eBay in that price range.

author: Matje
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2012, 11:22:58 pm
content: Quote from: amyk on November 22, 2012, 04:46:41 pmAlso 34401As can occasionally be had in that price range. Granted, one would need a serial-to-USB gizmo, but these exist and are cheap.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 23, 2012, 12:08:55 am
content: It seems to me that a benchtop is overkill from your description of what you want to do unless you need 5.5 digit precision. For me, I would just get a UT61E (read the caveats on this forum, all over this forum) and use it for logging. For long term, just hook up a wall wart to the battery clips....

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2012, 01:06:18 am
content: Quote from: Lightages on November 23, 2012, 12:08:55 amWhat will a product designed for pure DC power input do with all that switchmode noise?

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2012, 01:12:29 am
content: Quote from: robrenz on November 23, 2012, 01:06:18 amNot the quoted individual, but I have plenty of iron core transformers, and most meters can accept a fair variation in voltage, so 50/100Hz ripple won't affect them too much.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2012, 05:46:37 am
content: Quote from: Wytnucls on November 22, 2012, 04:32:56 pmWhich are the first gen rigol DMM which is rubbish and got bad press earlier on EEVBlog

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 23, 2012, 05:57:43 am
content: Quote from: robrenz on November 23, 2012, 01:06:18 amWho said anything about a switcher? Any half ass regulated linear power wall wart should work fine with the UT61E. mjlorton showed it will work on ridiculously low voltages so anything should work.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2012, 06:01:19 am
content: Quote from: T4P on November 23, 2012, 05:46:37 amIt will be in good company, with my rubbish Uni-T 71s.

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2012, 07:21:43 am
content: Quote from: Chupa on November 22, 2012, 01:25:46 pmBecause not many is known about that meter, except that the manufacturer Uni-Trend has a mixed history when it comes to design and build quality of their meters. And when it comes to safety standards.Oh, and one additional ugly fact is known. There are at least two versions of that meter, the UT805, and the UT805A. The later, the A version, is often sold in place of the non-A version, not mentioning that it is the A version. Uni-Trend hasn't even a web page for the A version. But the A version has worse specs than the non-A version. So if you order a UT805, but get a UT805A instead, you got a meter with a worse spec.How true the 805 or 805A specs are is anyones guess. I remember that some time ago a retailer showed up her announcing he wanted to do a review of the UT805. He asked what we would like to see in such a review. After he got a wish list nothing was ever heard again about that review. Maybe it didn't happen, maybe the results weren't favorable.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2012, 08:01:39 am
content: The 805A is the only version available now, unless you get hold of old stock.The specs are the same as the 805 model, except for DC accuracy which has been reduced to 0.015%+3 from 0.0007%+2.DC accuracy is similar to the Rigol DM3058 (240,000 count) quoted as 0.015%+3.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2012, 09:11:25 am
content: Quote from: robrenz on November 23, 2012, 01:06:18 amOn the UT-71, the 9VDC battery feeds straight-away 2 voltage regulators, with rails at 3.5VDC and 5.5VDC, with plenty of filtering caps. So, I suspect even a switchmode wallwart will do the job. 5.5VDC goes to the Cyrustek ADC and 3.5VDC to the TI microcontroller.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2012, 12:35:23 pm
content: What's odd is with those figures, why 3.5V for a 3.3V part? That's very close to the max operating voltage ... Not very nice to hearI think you got the 5.5VDC wrong though, the datasheet quotes +2.7V and -2.7V MAX and absolute max 3.5V and min 3.5VI think you mean a split 5VDC rail to +2.5V and -2.5V? And 5.5V to the HT1621 doesn't sound right either, it's a 2.4~5.2V partAt the same time i think you mean 3.3V and 5V rail plus some a dual rail switching regulator?

author: Chupa
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2012, 02:51:06 pm
content: I'm of split between the MS8218, UT61E, and UT804.I already have a BK P 5491A and this will be my 2nd bench meter. I don't want a POS. I would prefer a bench form factor but handheld would be acceptable. Unnnnn decisions!

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2012, 03:09:45 pm
content: I suggest you just walk away from the UT804, first of all it's expensive and it's utter CRAP (comes to mind ... it's not only a lunchbox but Aurora knows exactly how much of a crap it is as well as several other people)Doesn't matter that it has built-in Data Logging (Probably works?) above the VC8145 but it's a rubbish meter that cannot be trusted which is quintessentially a UT71D inside which again is even worse, quality and trustable accuracy is a nought on the UT804 ... NOUGHT!Now you have 2 MS8218 vs UT61EMS8218 and UT61E has two issues in common : Slow ... 2Hz refresh rate onlyUT61E has a long list of goodies though but the MS8218 has two good things over it : Backlight and trustable accuracy (although the UT61E is very honest, 0.1%+-2counts is almost 10 counts but in practice it doesn't happen to me)VC8145 is a excellent bench DMM though, i haven't got one but Victor says it's got "AutoHOLD" apparently. And you can stuff a audio amplifier in there if you wantI certainly don't mind. 80000 counts is good too, that's more than the MS8218 and they cost roughly the same if you buy direct from china - $150 not $200

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2012, 06:50:06 pm
content: Quote from: T4P on November 23, 2012, 12:35:23 pmLike I said: 5.5VDC goes to the Cyrustek ADC and 3.5VDC to the TI microcontroller.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2012, 08:48:02 pm
content: Quote from: Chupa on November 23, 2012, 02:51:06 pmThe 61E is fine as a basic meter, but is not really suitable as a bench meter. There is no Max/Min and it can't handle any DC offset. It is a 22,000 count meter, which is a pain if you usually work with mV and mA. Anything above 220 and you have to move your range switch and in the case of current, move your lead to the 10A jack too.The 804 (44,000 count) seems to have the same functionality and accuracy as the 71D and could well be the same, housed in a bigger case (I haven't seen the PCB). So, if that one appeals to you, consider the 71D, which is quite a lot cheaper.(I own both the 61E and the 71D)

author: Chupa
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2012, 09:26:26 pm
content: Quote from: T4P on November 23, 2012, 03:09:45 pmI think I like this one... Does Vichy have a website? I cant seem to find one. And do they have software to use for logging with this meter?

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 24, 2012, 12:17:51 am
content: Quote from: Lightages on November 23, 2012, 12:08:55 amThis is a very dangerous idea. One of the battery terminals is usually connected to the negative input jack. Touch the black lead to a live mains wire and the very thin insulation and exposed connector of the wall wart are suddenly expected to protect you from mains voltages. Real bench meters have special power supplies with extra isolation and two isolated secondary windings (not just two windings without any insulation tape in between, as found on standard transformers with two secondary windings). Look atthis pictureto see what the plug of a power supply for a Fluke scopemeter looks like. The jack is recessed, so there is no way of touching the metal barrel after it makes contact.Quote from: T4P on November 23, 2012, 03:09:45 pmHow do you know it's excellent if you've never used one? Companies like Vichy aren't exactly known for always meeting specs.

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2012, 12:39:59 am
content: btw did anyone actually took apart 1 of those catIV rated dc adapters?

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2012, 01:40:31 am
content: Quote from: Chupa on November 23, 2012, 09:26:26 pmhttp://vichy.en.ecplaza.net/

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 24, 2012, 01:42:10 am
content: alm has a point. So I guess you use an isolation transformer or use a wall wart that is isolated, or just measure things that are not ground referenced. If you need to do anything else, then a big battery or a benchtop multimeter.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2012, 05:34:37 am
content: Quote from: alm on November 24, 2012, 12:17:51 amRoughly but they ain't joking this time. It's apparently not a cheap shit they produce but one of the better onesBut my comments are not right until it arrives

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2012, 06:55:55 am
content: On paper, it has lackluster accuracy performance on DC and AC volts for an 80,000 count bench meter. (0.05%+5 and 0.5%+30)Claimed accuracy on Ohms range is probably wildly overstated at 0.05%+3.Capacitance measurement stops at 100 uF, with poor accuracy at 3.5%+20. (UT-71D goes up to 40 mF)AC Volt frequency range stops at 50kHz. (UT-71D 100 kHz)Good points: Price, dual 80,000 display, square wave generator, decent screen.http://vichy.en.ecplaza.net/vc8145-4-7-8-auto--285293-2141886.html

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2012, 07:41:57 am
content: At least they don't quote nonsensical 0.025% ratings that is never there with the UT71D/E (Just ask lightages)But unlike the UT71D (probably) and the UT61E it's FAST. 4 rdgs/sec and not 2 rdgs/secAND has autoHold!And i'm not entirely surprised the ADC accuracy ratings are not that good, it's cheap and does 80k counts so not entirely surprising it's about 10counts out MAX

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2012, 08:59:08 am
content: 0.025%+5 is quite common for a 40,000 count meter. 0.05%+5 for a 80,000 count bench meter is not.4 readings a second is hardly warp speed. The 71D does between 2 and 3 readings per second.The UT-805A also has Auto Hold.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2012, 02:41:12 pm
content: Different game thoughThat's a 400$ meter while the VC8145 is 150. Get on with it, 0.025%+5 counts for the UT71D/E is OVERRATED.if you can show me a 40000-80k count bench meter that can meet 0.025%+5 at least at 150$ then and only then tell me.CLUE : The MS8040 is 22000counts and is >100$ and the UT804 is just RUBBISH. Any attempts to call it a "good meter" will be ridiculed by me. That even then costs north of 200$

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 24, 2012, 03:02:57 pm
content: Really guys.... does every thread about multimeters need to turn into your personal battle over the Uni-T models?As far as bench top meters go, I wish there were more reviews. They seem to be of less value to the hobbyist than hand held meters. It might help to know what the OP is trying to measure and log so as to provide a better answer what might be suitable.

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2012, 06:40:40 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on November 24, 2012, 03:02:57 pmGood ones are of great value to hobbyists and professionals alike. But neither the UT804 or the VC8145 are good ones. Anyhow, in the past when I mentioned that I prefer bench meters over handhold meters I got a good beating. And Dave spoke out against bench meters, so the fanboys here will make sure you won't have much fun praising a bench multimeter - because Dave said so.

author: Chupa
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2012, 07:15:03 pm
content: This thread really got away from me :-(I'm not sure what to think anymore

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 24, 2012, 07:23:50 pm
content: Chupa:What exactly do you want to measure? Why do you want to log it, for how long and how accurate does it need to be?

author: Chupa
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2012, 09:14:51 pm
content: I need a 2nd meter on my bench just for general work. I currently have a BK 5491A that has had more than enough specs for me to get by for the past 4 years. I diffidently do not need anything with greater specs than that.I use logging a lot from time to time and it has been a pain in the ass with the 5491A . I kind of have to fight it to work with the BK software. and the logging interval is not great (1Hz i think) I would like something that could maybe do 2Hz.. but its not critical. Something where the logging just works and the software is good is a bigger deal to me.I prefer a bench meter just because that's just how I work. I don't like things "on the deck" other than the device I'm working on. However this is not a deal breaker... I could always set a hand meter up on the rack with my other equipment in a clamp or something like that.Recently I've been measuring battery voltage on a board I made. The duration was about 24 hours. So I would defiantly be looking for something that can log at least 24 hours without issue. Again accuracy can be similar to my 5491A which is a 50k count

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 25, 2012, 07:44:34 am
content: It looks like what T4P says is probably the least worst bet in your price range, VC8145. If you roll the dice on it, let us know how well it works.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2012, 09:15:02 am
content: If you could bother to wait a bit i can give a review once mine arrives

author: Chupa
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2012, 04:37:40 pm
content: Least worst bet. lol.Thanks guys!

author: ilikepez
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2012, 05:49:08 pm
content: Probably do better getting a Fluke 289, or Agilent U127x then any of these bench meters. Unless you absolutely have to have a bench meter.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2012, 06:00:31 pm
content: Quote from: ilikepez on November 25, 2012, 05:49:08 pmsure, those are reliable and great metersBut you know what's the biggest problem?Price. Assuming he doesn't want to play the ebay game of money roundtripsU1272A = $377And he wants similar resolution. (50k)Fluke 289 = $588He wants to log continously and not return with a dead battery, can any handheld do continous logging? I'm not sure about thatanyway you wouldn't continously log without a PC anyway.Sure the 289 lasts 200 hours in logging (claimed) but hey, a few times and you have to replace all the AA batteries and the meter is MASSIVEI'm sorry, i do like the U1272A alot but he wants a bench meter if not a handheld!Limited memory to try and log constantly just makes things worse reallyI really don't like to knock handhelds but he asked for a bench so i'll probably be shot for this

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 25, 2012, 07:01:37 pm
content: Keep in mind that economies of scale are much worse for the low-end bench meters than for low-end handhelds. A hobbyist or professional on a budget might buy a $100 DMM from a budget brand like Uni-T. People requiring more accuracy or speed (eg. ATE setups) would usually want a reputable brand, eg. the well known Agilent/Fluke/Keithley 5.5+ digit bench meters costing $700+. So expect worse bang/buck for low-end bench meters than for low-end handhelds.Buying a cheaper bench meter appears to be a real gamble. Some of them are crap, in other cases they might actually have tried to live up to their spec sheet. Some of them have major usability issues (eg. the Array DMM that is also sold as the Keithley 2100).

author: jabramo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2012, 07:38:33 pm
content: For ~450 US you can buy yourself an Agilent E3610A 30W Power Supply, 8V 3A or 15V 2A and get a free U1272A 4.5 digit meter. Sounds like a a great deal to me considering the meter alone cost ~350 + 30 bucks for the USB adapter. Bang for buck wise I don't know if it gets any better.edit:Here's the promo pagehttp://www.home.agilent.com/agilent/editorial.jspx?cc=CA&lc=eng&ckey=2133877&nid=-536902253.0&id=2133877

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2012, 07:58:49 pm
content: as for the 289 unless you get the fvf kit consider another 200 bucks for the cable+software etc cheaper the kit. as for battery life i bought mine after march this year still runs on the original batteries after around 80+ hours of logging and more runtime and still reports half of the batteries. but the agilent deal on the power supply is good if want a lightly loadable supply mean its well below 300 watts. plus a meter which is almost the same price as the supply itself for free. its my sole opinion but i rather uy something for a lifetime then buy multiple times the same shit. well its takes much longer to get but you dont have to buy another cos the last unit is died

author: Chupa
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2012, 08:41:53 pm
content: That fluke 289...Logging Memory: Up to 10,000 readingsLimits to about 3hr of logging for 1 sec intervals.That wont work for me. I also don't like the idea of having to purchase the software that should be free with the device.I am in the market for a new bench PS... that Agilent deal looks very tempting....If not I will probably roll the die with the VC8145

author: jabramo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2012, 10:48:02 pm
content: Here's a picture of the Vichy meter...I know I shouldn't judge by a low resolution picture but come on is this a joke.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2012, 11:06:05 pm
content: Hey, look at the bright side, at least it won't overheat in a hurry!

author: Chupa
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2012, 11:26:50 pm
content: wow... what the hell!?

author: jabramo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2012, 11:33:22 pm
content: What? Did you expect more?Yep the thing looks like a stinker....I think your best best is getting that Agilent meter and while your at it you can get a psu for 100 bucks extra.If your trying to pinch pennies maybe check ebay. I know a NIB U1272A for 188$ went just a few days ago.Here's one that will be ending in a few days but my guess it will go for more on the count that it comes with a calibration certification.http://www.ebay.com/itm/281027384162

author: Chupa
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2012, 11:35:47 pm
content: But isn't that more or less what you would find if you opened a hand held meter? Minus the power supplyWhy is that necessarily a bad thing?

author: dr_p
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2012, 08:20:58 am
content: Quote from: Chupa on November 25, 2012, 11:35:47 pmYes, a Vichy handheld meter. But for serious bench use, I would at least expect to seesomething like thisbut better spaced out.

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2012, 08:23:35 am
content: Quote from: Chupa on November 25, 2012, 08:41:53 pmit should be 15k on the 1.1 firmware but i dont know mine has 1.12 and still has 10k max to the onboard/ session, hook it up to pc and you get much faster intervals and only battery limited logging time. a set of 2.5ah eneloops will keep it going for a while, and its 2h 47 minutes

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2012, 10:03:12 am
content: Quote from: Chupa on November 25, 2012, 11:35:47 pmBut can you find a 80000 counts handheld meter at 150$? Nope. Unless you want to play the game of money roundtrip with ebay sneaky sellers, why is that a bad thing anywayQuote from: dr_p on November 26, 2012, 08:20:58 amI mean come on, big display compared to tiny displays on handhelds plus unlimited runtime, no batteries to changeHRC fuses really? As far as the agilent 34401A is concerned it doesn't have one. Nor do they need to anyway

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2012, 10:28:25 am
content: 80,000 count at 0.05%+5 on its best accuracy DCV is more like what an 8,000 count meter will produce. Plenty of those around for a fraction of the price. Get used to it, it is a POS.Ask Lightages how useful that last digit will be.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2012, 02:30:10 pm
content: Honestly you still want to bring it up? The 87V on high-res mode is 0.05%+10countsSo you might as well say the 87v is only 6000 counts? Or probably 2000counts effective?Eh?Quote from: EEVblog on May 29, 2011, 10:11:39 am

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2012, 06:29:51 pm
content: Get your facts right: The 87V is a 20,000 count meter in high res mode and it is 0.05%+1count, not +10. Big difference.

author: grenert
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2012, 09:45:45 pm
content: Quote from: Wytnucls on November 26, 2012, 06:29:51 pmNo, in hi-res mode, the count specification is multiplied by 10. From the manual:"For Model 87 in the 4 ½-digit mode, multiply the number of least significant digits (counts) by 10."Tequipment.net has a sale right now on the Fluke 289 for $476 shipped, and for today, there is an additional 5% discount with the code "FIRE" which brings it down to $452. I'd take the 289 in a heartbeat over a joke like the Vichy or lunchbox Uni-T. There is something of a "smart" function in logging where it will automatically record a change in reading so that you don't miss important events in between your timed measurements. As a result, you may not really have to take a measurement as often as you think. Eneloop batteries work well for the meter.

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2012, 10:00:37 pm
content: be aware they will ship flukes only inside the US!

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2012, 12:49:04 am
content: Thanks Grenert, I stand corrected. At +10, it shows that the Fluke ADC has reached its limit at its normal 6,000 count rating and the high resolution mode may be used for trend indication, rather than a more accurate reading.At least with the Fluke, those figures are virtually garanteed. Not sure the same can be said about the Vichy.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2012, 04:45:16 am
content: Quote from: grenert on November 26, 2012, 09:45:45 pmYeah but it's a handheld and not everyone's living in the USA ... outside of the USA in my town more specifically the 289 costs 1000$. Yeah, beat that.I'd rather have the VC8145

author: grenert
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2012, 05:33:29 am
content: Quote from: T4P on November 27, 2012, 04:45:16 amThe OP lives in the USA. To suggest crummy meters based on the limited selection available elsewhere is silly.If a bench meter is truly necessary, a used brand-name (HP/Agilent, Fluke, Keithley) meter is probably a safer bet.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2012, 05:08:46 pm
content: If you don't have any good sources of old bench DMMs nearby... unless you're willing to play the money roundtrip ala ebay style with most of the dodgy sellers, would definitely suck though

author: jabramo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2012, 05:55:20 pm
content: ^ I don't know how ebay works for you since you live in Singapore but when you live in the US most of the time it's works out favorably. Ebay is great way of scoring some incredible deals as long as your a smart buyer. Plus these days the buyer is protected against dodgy sellers by ebay and paypal almost to a fault. Paypal pretty much has a buyer is always right policy if anything goes wrong. If the seller has good feedback, says the item if in perfect working conditions and notes the physical condition you'll be fine.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2012, 06:08:23 pm
content: Ebay in Singapore is the same but the issue is ... there's only one bench DMM source on ebay and the bench DMMs they have are well, pointless.

author: jabramo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2012, 06:22:53 pm
content: Quote from: T4P on November 27, 2012, 06:08:23 pmHow do you figure one source?? I typed in bench multimeter and it pulled 183 results and most from different sellers and keep in mind there's a lot more listed by specific product number.Here's a Brand New BK Precision 2831E with USBTrue RMS4.5 20,000DC +0.03%+5Dhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/BK-Precision-2831E-4-1-2-True-RMS-Bench-Multimeter-/190751727385?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c69b05f19datasheethttp://www.bkprecision.com/downloads/datasheets/2831E_datasheet.pdfThe sellers feedback is 100% with 350+ transactions under his belt. Free shipping and it's within the US. Comes with manufacture warranty. 14 day return policy. Looks like a straight shooter to me.That fits right into the OP's budget and I guarantee the inside wont be empty like that Vichy. I know it's twice the price and it damn well should be be it's at least twice the meter the Vichy will ever be.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2012, 08:16:58 pm
content: Well? Have you forgotten that shipping costs are a bomb?

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 27, 2012, 09:08:17 pm
content: Free shipping within the US for this particular item.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2012, 05:06:40 am
content: Outside US! Singaporean 2nd hand equipment sellers have zilch bench meters!

author: Chupa
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2012, 08:58:38 pm
content: I ended up doing that Agilent promo for the U1272A with a power supply because I was looking for a good bench supply as well.I have the power supply which I'm very happy with and am waiting on the meter still.On a side note... WTF is with Allied Electronics? I've gotten nothing but awful customer service with them for this. I was going to go with Newark in the beginning and I wish I hadn't changed my mind now.

author: Chupa
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2013, 10:32:32 pm
content: I know its been a while but just wanted to get this out there...as some may have suspected.. that VC8145 is a POS. I returned it a week after opening the box. I went to use it once and it would make this beep sound like a dieing cat, and the LCD would not illustrate. Kept trying to reset it by pulling power and nothing different happened. The next day I tried it again and it seemed to work fine. I didn't care to gamble with it anymore and chose to return it. Maybe I got a defect but I think its probably just a result of a cheap instrument.