Multimeter Recommendation (Sorry) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: aqueue
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2013, 11:14:34 pm
content: Hi.Firstly, David is a legend! I have been looking for a multi meter and have come across his videos and they are awesome.Anyway, sorry for posting this yet again, but I need a multi meter and did a quick google thinking this shouldn't take too long! I have been looking at this for days and my mind is literally fried!So can someone please please just point me in the right direction so I can order this multimeter and move on with my life!First, budget £100 which is around $150.So I do a lot of DIY and have recently been given a Raspberry PI. I would love to build interfaces so I figure I would get multimeter. (That will be a long term project as I will need to do a lot of learning)My requirements:1. I want a good multimeter that will be good for a number of years.2. Not bothered about brand.3. An accurate meter but not to a million decimals. I would more then willing to forego a little accuracy for more features.4. Needs to have temperature probe5. Not bothered about how rugged it is as I do look after my tools very well but don't want the thing to break apart in my hand6. Auto ranging would be good but am more then happy with manual ranging7. Not bothered about voltage detector as I will buy a stick. Only ever needed it once to check a flood light was getting power and borrowed a stick from a mate.8. Data logging to PC would be very useful and I would pay a little above my budget to get it.9. The more features the better :-)So far, a friend "into electronics" has found the following:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UT70B-UNI-T-Modern-Digital-Multi-Purpose-Meter-Uni-Trend-/300706754079?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item460384ee1fhttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Iso-Tech-IDM-101-Multimeter-with-ITA-11-Thermocouple-Temperature-Meter-/110996401333?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item19d7e6acb5http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TENMA-72-7755-DIGITAL-MULTIMETER-/130790256560?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item1e73b4efb0I tried to find a review on the Tenma as it seems to be the feature packed but cannot find any??Can someone please point me in the right direction please?Thank you very much.

author: ftransform
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2013, 11:16:57 pm
content: did you watch his multimeter videos

author: jnd
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2013, 11:41:05 pm
content: I could recommend Agilent U1232A but it needs adapter for temp measurements. U1233A can use K-type probe directly. You can get free Bluetooth adapter with either meter and use it with $1 USB adapter for logging or anything else like voice output for the measurement if you can program that. You can even connect it to the Raspberry Pi, it loads all the drivers out of the box (Raspbian) and write script yourself or use some tools which were posted on the forums recently. Anyway, it is solid meter and has good features for the price, just the lack of mA range might be limiting (it has uA and then A).

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2013, 01:34:06 am
content: I haven't studied the spec sheets, but from a pictorial glance, the TENMA-72-7755 and UT70B look identical? I think Uni-T OEMs the meters for Tenma?

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 24, 2013, 01:48:46 am
content: You are correct.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 24, 2013, 03:16:02 am
content: Get two $75 meters!The UT-61E seems to be all the rage at that price point.With two meters you can cross cal check them, and measure voltage and current at the same time, very handy.Dave.

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2013, 03:28:31 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on January 24, 2013, 03:16:02 amI second this. Having only one multimeter in your lab is like having only one fork in your kitchen.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 24, 2013, 04:01:22 am
content: The UT61E is a nice buy if you only have to pay $60USD, anymore and the wiser buy is to get two Amprobe AM-270s, that is if you want a safe meter that actually meets its CAT ratings.Don't get me wrong, I like the UT61E, it just doesn't have proper design for its supposed CAT rating, no backlight and no temperature. It has more counts than the AM-270 and has better accuracy specs for the most part though.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2013, 04:27:49 am
content: Quote from: jnd on January 23, 2013, 11:41:05 pmThe adapter isn't expensive though.FWIW, here's one that ships to the UK.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Thermocouple-K-Type-Temperature-Sensors-Plug-Adaptor-/321047947990?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4abff2ead6

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 24, 2013, 05:16:50 am
content: Oh yes, you really need four meters in the end, and I would have these if I could only have four:Uni-Trend UT61E $60 no moreMastech MS2108 clamp meter $62, just to have a clamp meter, very usefulAmprobe AM-270 $90Brymen BM869 $240 + $50 for USB, or UEi DM397 $250 with USB, to have really high accuracy metersIf I were stuck to a $200 budget, then it would be these three metersUT61E $60 high count high accuracyMastech MS2108 $62 to have a clamp meter that is decentAmprobe AM-270 $90 to have a properly rated and safe meter with good accuracyOk a bit more than $200 but needed IMHO (why do I keep saying I am humble?)And if I had to restrict myself to $150, then it would be:Uni-Trend UT61E $60Amprobe AM-270 $90It is hard to do better than that combination for the money.

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2013, 08:06:29 am
content: About the Iso-Tech one. I have (it is somewhere around) an IDM-105.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/iso-tech-%28appa%29-idm105-dmmAlexander.

author: jnd
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2013, 08:09:45 am
content: Quote from: nanofrog on January 24, 2013, 04:27:49 amThat works for the U1233A but lower models need active adapter which actually converts the temperature to voltage:http://www.home.agilent.com/en/pd-1778497-pn-U1586B/temperature-module?&cc=CZ&lc=eng

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2013, 08:17:24 am
content: If you want lots of features at a decent price, have a look at the UNI-T UT71 (B, C or D model).Out of the box, they have:High count, triple display, AC+DC, internal and USB data logging, backlight, jack aural warning, auto shutdown, Max/Min, Peak hold, 4-20mA loop and temperature probe. Input protection is not great, but fine for use on a bench or just around the house.The 71C is available from Hong Kong for USD140.00, delivered to the UK.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UNI-T-UT71C-Intelligent-Digital-Multimeter-w-USB-connector-UT71C-/281050133665?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item416fe4b4a1Martin did a decent 2 part review of the meter here:If you want two meters to fit in your budget, I would also suggest UT61Es, or Amprobe Am-270s.

author: dr_p
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2013, 08:40:23 am
content: Quote from: Lightages on January 24, 2013, 05:16:50 am+1

author: Achilles
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2013, 10:22:50 am
content: ...or try your best on ebay and watch out for older meters used.Dave already gave good suggestions: Two meters are better than one. Unless you plan to maybe buy another meter later, you have a pretty small budget then, but should be able to get sth. useful for electronics. The UT61E is very popular at the moment and should be fine for electronics (just don't play with that stuff on the mains)and don't forget: local prices may be higher here in europe. So checkout as many sources as you know. If you buy from China or the US, don't forget that you'll probably have to pay VAT when the package arrives. Add that up to your calculations if you're really on a small budget.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2013, 11:09:03 am
content: Quote from: jnd on January 24, 2013, 08:09:45 amGood to know. I was under the false impression the 1232 didn't require an active adapter.

author: darrylp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2013, 11:20:50 am
content: Or perhaps as you are wanting to dabble with the Pi, a scope meter ?The Uni Trend ut81 has all you need also a scope, only missing item is the temp. Option but a separate device would be cheap.Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

author: aqueue
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2013, 11:02:57 pm
content: Wow.I really did not expect that much response guys. Really appreciate it. Even Dave replied!I will make it short without quoting, but really thank you to everyone who has posted.I think a scope meter is a bit overkill right now :-) I think I will walk before running.Two meters are the best way to go, and I will start with the Amprobe AM-270 since it pretty much has everything I need.Since I am in the UK, I will avoid going international due to customs issue I usually end up with and have found a site to order from (http://www.tizaro.com/product/TI2I9F/amprobe-270-digital-multimeter-ac-5000-5000-mv). I couldn't find anywhere else. An EU supplier would avoid any customs but if I had any issues with the meter, postage out would cost a fortune!Not sure what is in the box, so I will drop them a note to confirm. Also, their website has the Kit2 but not the Kit3, so hopefully they can source one and send me one package. So far, the cost of shipping from international shops will be almost the same for the actual lead!Also, can anyone point to a crocodile clip set I should buy? I don't want to damage the ends with simple putting a clip on the top so a dedicated pair would be useful. If nobody has a suggestion, then I will gethttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170870131731/.Finally, maybe someone with more experience should create a sticky with a list of meters and their prices so that a beginner can simply look through the list and buy a recommended meter within their budget?? Something along the lines of what Lightages posted???Really appreciate all the help guys and I look forward to getting my new toy. Really disappointed I didn't come here first though!

author: aqueue
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2013, 12:11:29 am
content: Well.This side of the pond really sucks. After countless emails to UK suppliers, I am forced to buy direct from US for the USB-Kit3. Lucky for me, I have not ordered the Meter yet.... The shipping total will push the meter + usb kit well past £100 so... is there an alternative to the Amprobe AM-270 you guys recommend.I would rather have something that is tried and tested and will last a good while and the Amprobe doer fit the bill.Shall I just order from USA and pay the shipping and customs charge? Or does anyone know a better alternative. I will check out The Uni Trend ut81.Thanks.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 13, 2013, 07:51:39 am
content: No PC connection option, but has everything else and made by Brymen, the OEM for Amprobe AM series.http://www.tme.eu/en/details/bm907/portable-digital-multimeters/brymen/#or the Brymen version of the AM-270http://www.tme.eu/en/details/bm815a/portable-digital-multimeters/brymen/#plus USB connectionhttp://www.tme.eu/en/details/kitbrua-85xa/meters-software/brymen/kit-brua-85xa/which add up to $150 before shipping, no idea on shipping to the UK or taxesorhttp://www.tme.eu/en/details/bm257/portable-digital-multimeters/brymen/#plushttp://www.tme.eu/en/details/kitbrua-20x/meters-software/brymen/which add up to almost $150 again before shipping and has all the things you wantor if you want the most features for around $165 shipped to your door and don't care about input protection, ruggedness, nor want to use it on anything above 300V CATII (my estimation of its safety), then consider this:http://dx.com/p/ut71d-2-9-lcd-digital-multimeter-red-grey-1-x-9v-6f22-124961or get a UT61E for $55 from iloveeletronics on this forum, contact him for this pricehttp://www.ebay.com/itm/UNI-T-UT-61E-UT61E-22-000-count-Digital-Multimeter-/200887197852?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ec5cf609cand then buy the USB adapter if you don't want to use RS232http://dx.com/p/utd04-usb-data-cable-for-digital-multimeter-ut71-ut61-series-black-136cm-150054for $13and buy one of these to get your temperature and have a second multimeter to your liking:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Digitek-DT-4000ZC-TekPower-TP4000ZC-Data-Logging-Multimeter-with-Temperature-/200880262282?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item2ec5658c8areviewed by mjlorton.com and has PC logging connection includedorhttp://dx.com/p/uni-t-ut204a-1-5-lcd-digital-clamp-multimeter-1-x-9v-6f22-127969gets you a clamp meter too