Datalogging multimeter- Yes or no? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: FenderBender
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2012, 05:55:16 pm
content: I have a bit of money that I want to spend on my lab. There are a few things that I've been considering. One is a datalogging multimeter. However, I can't seem to find very many loggers that don't cost a fortune and that don't suck.I've had my eye on the Agilent U1232A, which would have been perfect if it had a mA range...but it doesn't.I've seen the Uni-T 71D, but people have given it crap for poor construction and inconsistency.Then there's a slew of other Chinese meters with RS232 interfaces.Then there's the big boys like the Fluke 189/289 or the Agilent 1272A. But these are really expensive. I'm 18 years old. My job doesn't pay enough to justify one of these.---But the main question is: Do you think a datalogging meter is helpful? Do you think having only ONE datalogger is helpful? It seems that you might want to have atleast two to maybe track differences or something.What do you guys think? Should I buy one or should I invest into something else like a function generator or something else?

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2012, 06:22:26 pm
content: several UT61Es ... and a PC nearby, done.I never ever thought of having a self-datalogging meter because they have limited recording memory anyway

author: jabramo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2012, 06:40:33 pm
content: My rule of thumb is buy what you need. Now that doesn't mean overlook features you may need you may need in the future.Do you have any use for a data logging meter now? You probably already have a regular meter is that good enough?Same thing for the function generator do you have any use for it currently?Those thing will always be up for purchase and as time goes on they should get cheaper and better. You'll know when you need something. Save your money for now and wait until you need data logging and a function generator and then you can make sure it will meet all your needs.

author: FenderBender
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2012, 06:59:52 pm
content: It's always a tough call. "Do you really need it?"Because if I had it, maybe I'd find a good use for it. But if I don't have it, I'd never know.I've been after a function gen and maybe an LCR meter because I want to do some RF stuff eventually.

author: Achilles
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2012, 09:02:11 pm
content: Quote from: FenderBender on December 08, 2012, 06:59:52 pmYes, probably.... I really often use the logging function, but not attached to a PC..... If you want to use it on a PC anyway, it would more likely check for a cheap USB-DAQ like the Labjack Stuff.The nice part is when you can switch the meter on and let it do it's logging. Then just grab it after a while and process the data. I often used it for checking solar power supplies of our stations now and it's quite handy to see trends and so on.I can really recommend the U1272A. Maybe check on ebay, as they sometimes pass by on a pretty low price. Maybe it's not that urgent to have a logging meter and then it would be more wisely to wait and grab a used one on the ebay or in some forum or so.

author: FenderBender
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2012, 11:07:39 pm
content: After watching Dave's video where he uses the logging feature of the U1272A, I really want one. But that's the key word.."want".I guess I don't technically "need" any electronics gear, but there are things that would probably higher up on the list than a $300 datalogging meter.If only I had money. I'll look around. Thanks.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2012, 12:58:16 am
content: From time to time I've posted about the Radio Shack 22-812 data logging multimeter. You can usually find it in store for about $80, although sometimes it is discounted down to $50 or so. You just have to keep your eye out for promotions.Now, it is not equivalent to a $300 meter, but it is well built and works exactly as advertised. The RS-232 logging interface and protocol is fully documented so you can write your own logging program (as I did).I have two of the meters and have used them to make graphs like this one (using a third-party thermocouple adapter):That is possibly the main limitation--no built in temperature measurement facility.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2012, 01:21:31 am
content: Quote from: FenderBender on December 08, 2012, 05:55:16 pmMartin did a review of a $30 one. You can get it through his store if you like it.And yes, it has all the short comings of a multimeter in the $30 range, but if all you need is a data logger and will be monitoring low powered circuits, you can't get anything too much cheaper. It runs on double AAs so you will get close to 500 hours on a good set of Eneloops.PS. My "name" is mentioned in the video, but I getnomoney of any kind and I have no financial affiliation with Martin or Amazon.com

author: StubbornGreek
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2012, 03:16:44 am
content: What about something like the Mastech ms8218? Its about $180 on ebay and does everything you would need (rs233 connection, I believe). You're not getting a Fluke or Agilent but there's a lot of cost built into those names (justifiably so but not so for everyone).You didn't mention a budget so I hope I haven't exceeded with the recommendation.EDIT: FYI, I haven't personally used or tested this meter.

author: MikeK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2012, 04:19:03 am
content: I have a Uni-T 61-E that I just got. It has logging-to-PC capability for $50. My other logging-capable meter is the one Ian mentioned. I have used that one so much for datalogging that I added a DC jack so I could run it from a wall wart instead of plowing through batteries.

author: FenderBender
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2012, 04:22:45 am
content: $150 is about the mark I'd like to keep it under, but I'm seriously thinking about some other things first.Gahh. Why can't money grow on trees?

author: StubbornGreek
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2012, 06:16:25 am
content: Quote from: FenderBender on December 09, 2012, 04:22:45 amHa! That's one question very few of us ever stop asking.

author: aluck
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2012, 02:02:09 pm
content: I've got Fluke 189 more than half a year ago. Still didn't manage to find an IrDA/USB adapter. Also, I have no idea of how much FlukeView Forms costs.This can give you a slight idea of how much I need it to datalog.

author: Achilles
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2012, 06:27:26 pm
content: Quote from: aluck on December 09, 2012, 02:02:09 pmI think here in Germany, the cable is about 60Euro and the Programm is about 230Euro........ So actually, it's the price of another 189. The 289 is sometimes on ebay bundles with a case, the software and cable for around 500 USD (Ebay.com). That's quite tempting compared to our pricing here.@FenderBender: if you're not in the particular need for a meter, I would wait and screen ebay for decent used meters. We don't have many Agilent Handhelds on the used market here, but when they are sold...they go quite cheap compared to a fluke.Just buy the other stuff you want/need first.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 09, 2012, 06:44:22 pm
content: Quote from: Achilles on December 09, 2012, 06:27:26 pmI think there is a FVF Basic now which is either much cheaper than the full FlukeView Forms or free with the purchase of a cable.

author: StubbornGreek
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2012, 06:54:12 pm
content: Quote from: alm on December 09, 2012, 06:44:22 pmI've been eying that up, I think its about $130 for the cable and forms s/w.

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2012, 07:37:29 pm
content: just get the cable the software works just fine in the demo mode what you can download from their site but as i remember it wont allow you to save anything. as for the software itself its not copyprotected there is no need to crack or anything if you download it via torrent or other sources. i looked at it before i bought my 289 in a kit. the price what fluke charges for that pretty basic software is nonsense

author: aluck
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2012, 12:34:30 am
content: Quote from: StubbornGreek on December 09, 2012, 06:54:12 pmEven for $130 they can go fuck themselves - I am not paying for what should be free.Gonna make an opensource cable and free basic logging software (just acquiring into CSV file) someday.Just another $0.02. I sincerely regret that I bough Fluke 189 instead of Fluke 87 V. It was a stupid idea. While basically not bad, 189 boots up for 3-5 seconds, which takes away all the fun debugging with it. Also, in most modes it has a stupid menu which you should navigate with cursor buttons - AND you have to look at screen at the time. No blind operation.So I always get my trustworthy chinese Fluke 19B for all the basic work - I only power up 189 if I need mOhms/uV range.And if someone is going to upgrade their Fluke 87V - forget it, unless you absolutely know what you are doing.Bad Karma to Fluke. Bad, bad Fluke. Don't turn your multimeter into a handheld tablet.

author: FenderBender
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2012, 12:48:03 am
content: Quote from: aluck on December 10, 2012, 12:34:30 amHaha. I wasn't expecting to read that! You had me laughing.More seriously, yeah it's ridiculous. It's a goddamn cable. No monumental feat in engineering.

author: StubbornGreek
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2012, 01:46:09 am
content: Quote from: FenderBender on December 10, 2012, 12:48:03 amI had a chuckle myself; thanks for the laugh.It is a bit ridiculous but unfortunately, I can never find just the cable on ebay. As someone already mentions, the s/w isn't that difficult to find.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2012, 02:50:29 am
content: If you think Fluke's bad for the cable and software, take a look at Gossen (Dranetz) at $450USD.I have to give Agilent asince they sell the cable for ~$30USD last I checked, and the software is a free download.

author: aluck
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2012, 02:52:15 am
content: I am pretty much sure that thishttp://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-PC-USB-to-IrDA-Infrared-IR-Wireless-Dongle-Adapter-/271106833767?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item3f1f39fd67will do.If somebody got it tested - please tell us!

author: perfect_disturbance
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2012, 02:57:43 am
content: I recently got a U1242b with the Bluetooth adapter and so far as Dave would say it "works a treat"It allows me to log to my phone or tablet where I can keep old logs and view charts etc. Pretty slick.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2012, 05:05:36 am
content: That's what happens when you're under Danaher ... milking money in everyway they canQuote from: nanofrog on December 10, 2012, 02:50:29 amThat's a lot worse

author: ilikepez
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2012, 06:13:45 am
content: Keep an eye on the U1272a on ebay. They seem to be selling for around $200. A Fluke 189 might be good too. More expensive and used though.

author: Achilles
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2012, 05:04:19 pm
content: jepp...once again.... for logging the U1272A is great. It has 10000 storage points which is massive for normal tasksAlso the IR cable or Bluetooth dongle for it is not that expensive... as well as other accessories.....I don't see any reason to buy a bag for my multimeter at the price of a suitcase..... The Agilent is roughly 18Euro (18USD in The US I guess) which is fair, compared to 50 or 60 Euro for a similar Black_Yellow one....The Gossen Stuff is really hilarious. I looked to the Metrawin 9.2 Software and a USB cable for my calibrator and it's about 250Euro for the cable and 500Euro for the software which looks like developed in the 1990's..... no chance, I am gonna keep pressing buttons to set it up.Maybe somebody could explain since when Multimeters became luxus-sportscars.... basic pricing seems OK, but never ask for extras......

author: WorldPowerLabs
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2012, 05:08:15 pm
content: At one point, I had to log some measurements of voltage vs. time as sets of primary cells ran a load. I thought that a self-contained logging multimeter would be ideal for this -- I didn't want to be tethered to a PC (especially since I don't own a properly-working laptop).However, I couldn't find a true datalogging meter with a reasonable sample storage capacity (some only had 10 or 100 memory locations) with good basic accuracy for a reasonable cost (I couldn't wait a month for something to get shipped from China, either).I actually ended up buying a Protek 608 multimeter. I found that it really wasn't a burden in practice to be tethered to the PC, and if I do need remote datalogging I figure I'll buy a used notepad-type PC. The Protek has an optically-isolated RS232 interface (and the interface is bidirectional -- you can send certain commands from the PC to the meter. Some cheap RS232 meters are unidirectional). Is it as good as a Fluke? Nope, but I really like it. It's a good meter for the price. I bought mine from Tequipment.net perhaps 8 months ago, but now they are showing as being discontinued. That's a shame, because I received exceptional service from them and fantastic service from Protek too (although it's not supported by Protek USA -- you have to go through their parent company in -- if I remember right -- Korea).