Need help choosing an expensive multimeter   - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: vaser888
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 07:09:13 am
content: I hate to be another "which multimeter should I buy" but I have been searching around the forums for two days now with no conclusive answer. (and yes I used the search facility)I even tried looking at the multimeter spreadsheet but ended up being more undecided on what I want.For the past few years I have been using cheep a $10-$20 meterhttps://abra-electronics.com/test-equipment-tools/test-instruments/multimeters-abra-low-cost/903-150-low-cost-35-digit-multimeter-903-150.htmlIt has done it's job introducing me into electronics but I would like to get something that is more reliable, more accurate and much more safe.I am looking to purchase an an expensive multimeter anywhere between the range of $100-$800.I have been eyeing the 121GW multimeter for a couple of days now but with how much info is on this forum, all of it's flaws are out in the open and I'm second guessing myself.I know Flukes are a safe bet but I would like to know if anyone has suggestions or if I should just go for the 121GW.Thanks in advance,vaser888

author: martin1454
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 07:42:57 am
content: I would go for one of the newer brymen's instead either a BM869 or BM887 - They are fast, have excellent precision and also a recording mode as the 121GW -That being said, the 121GW is really nice, the only dealbreaker for me is how long time it takes to settle, and the continuity test time, but If you get one, you wont be dissapointed! and the FW updates that keeps coming is a plus.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 07:58:09 am
content: Brymen BM869 is maybe the best bang/buck/features.If you want to spend more of your budget there's the Hioki DT4282. It makes owners happy.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hioki-dt4282-or-brymen-bm869s-which-one-is-the-better-choice/

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 08:36:50 am
content: I wouldn't spend $800 on a single handheld meter, you could get two good ones for that price. $800 starts getting into very nice bench meter territory.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 09:02:39 am
content: Personally I'd take a look at the Brymen range, either BM867 or BM869 both of which have 500,000 count mode, have a very high input protection, an IP rating of IPA and are extremely rugged in the same mould as military Fluke meters. Why not take a look the many YouTube videos where presenters put various meters through their paces, such as our very very own Joe Smith and M J Lorton, both of whom have now declared that the Brymens are now their favorite meters. This fact alone makes a very powerful statement, when see the meters they have tested and own. In the case of Joe Smith, he applies massive overloads into the kilovolts which in many cases results in the destruction of meters so for Joe to favour the Brymen BM869 says it all in my opinion. I have the BM867 and I'm extremely pleased with it.Joe smith channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsK99WXk9VhcghnAauTBsbgM J Lorton channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOTPsWDzNAosVd6vc3pCPHQ

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 09:12:44 am
content: Joe Smithlikeshis Hioki, too, but he only has a low-end model, not the DT4282.(...but yeah, Hiokis are luxury items. I only mentioned it because OP said he had $800 to burn)

author: TheUnnamedNewbie
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 10:22:25 am
content: Depending on your application I would consider looking for a bench meter at that price. 800 dollars gets you well into the range of decent rigol and siglent bench meters, or (would be my preference) good second-hand keithley or HP meters (K2000 can be had for a few hundred dollars if patient).I don't want to turn this into yet another bench-vs-handheld meters, but some people here (me included) just prefer bench meters, and I know some people new to electronics have this tendency to dismiss bench meters because Dave and some other people do not prefer them (or at least that is the impression I got).No worry about battery, generally better accuracy, etc. And I don't like using handhelds for anything but poking around in difficult situations, but even then I find myself using my bench meter more and more.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 10:50:47 am
content: Quote from: TheUnnamedNewbie on February 07, 2019, 10:22:25 amIt's just that I'm always measuring stuff everywhere in my lab and a bench meter just isn't useful in these scenarios. And I like to have the display right next to what I'm measuring, not up on a shelf where I have to look up. You can keep the bench meter on the bench right in front of your work of course and that would help.Horses for courses.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 10:52:15 am
content: Quote from: Specmaster on February 07, 2019, 09:02:39 amI concur the BM869 is a great meter, I have one but don't use it because it's just too big and gets in the way. I prefer smaller handheld meters.

author: LapTop006
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 11:20:30 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on February 07, 2019, 10:50:47 amWhen they're where I need them I love my bench meters (34401 & various Keithley's), but I'm just as happy using the handhelds (Agilent, various Flukes, 121GW). For most things I just grab the meter nearest to hand, sometimes collecting a couple for multiple measurements.For nearly everything three digits I can have confidence in is plenty, which all of my meters can do.I'd agree with others that two (or more even) pretty good meters would be a better buy for that money than one super meter. Perhaps an old used HP/etc. 34401A and a decent handheld (121GW, Brymen, etc.)

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 11:57:46 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on February 07, 2019, 10:50:47 amThey used to make handheld meters with mains sockets so you could leave them on all day on the bench, I'm guessing they stopped doing that for CAT safety reasons.I'm sure there's a market for a meter with an inductive power dock, ie. it doesn't use any battery when it's docked in your main workspace but you can just grab it when you want to use it somewhere else.They could also up the internal clock speeds when it's docked, get faster readings.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 12:18:22 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on February 07, 2019, 10:50:47 amThere is a strong argument for both and I know that you, Dave, have both as do I. I personally have 5 bench meters and about 8 handheld DMM's plus some tong testers, tweezers and analogue bench and handhelds, why, because you sometimes need a few meters to look at various readings during fault finding and so you can never have too many meters in my view. My bench meters are sitting on a very low shelf 20cm above my bench so that they are always in my line of vision and the handhelds are great for items too big for the bench and portable use as well having ranges and features that my bench don't, like dual displays, bargraphs and hold functions etc.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 01:29:24 pm
content: The BM869s is about the same size Gossen Ultra, UNI-T UT181A (clone Fluke 289), TPI/Summit 194II and other higher priced meters I have looked at. For me, the size is no big deal because it's not a meter that leaves the bench.I can't recommend a meter for you as I have no idea what your requirements are. You would really need to make a detailed list. I was in the $50 camp but when I started testing cheap meters, I decided to break the trend and get a decent handheld. I really only used the handhelds in the garage. They have a very rough life. I have my HP bench meters for my electronics hobby but wanted something I could use in their place for most measurements. The 869 hasn't replaced my bench meter but I certainly use it more. I really wasn't thinking about the cost when I picked the BM869s. I use a high end HIOKI for work in CAT III and looked at their handheld meter but I liked the 2 temperature inputs on the BM869s and wanted the bar graph.I recently posted a video about my first digital VOM and compared it with a free HF meter. I got a lot of things done back in those days and that old Fluke was a huge step up over my analog meter. I mention how I damaged it and how it ties into the testing that I have been running on the meters. Again, using very low energy transients, nothing like what the IEC calls for.I have no problem giving up the BM869s if I find something I like more. I have tested a fair number of Brymen products with chemicals, drops, switch life cycles and transients, and have to say their designer's are top in the field. True, a member here posted how they had 4 of their pocket meters fail the same way. I made a video where I attempted to replicate what they claim they saw. I have continued to abuse the meter over the past three months.A few people have asked me to look at another high end meter which I plan to do next.

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 03:18:00 pm
content: Fluke 289 is a nice meter. I used it at my work. You might also consider a DMM made by Metrix - Chauvin Arnoux.http://www.chauvin-arnoux.com/en/produits/31/multimeters.htmlBut I have never used it.

author: vaser888
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 05:02:17 pm
content: I honestly was not expecting to see this many responses today, just wanna say thanks for the help so far.Quote from: EEVblog on February 07, 2019, 08:36:50 amHaving seen posts almost like my own, I had a feeling you were going to say that. I mostly asked the question because no one on this forum really has asked about price ranges this big and I was wondering if there was a multimeter out there that was "really good" but is not recommended because of the big price. (I know having he right tool for the job (many different multimeters) is the best).Quote from: TheUnnamedNewbie on February 07, 2019, 10:22:25 amThanks for the suggestion as I never thought about that, however, I dont really have a permanent workbench setup (even tho I would love to have one). I am for sure looking for a handheld meter. I will however probably get one when I am able to build my dream workbench in the future.So I've came to the conclusion that the BM869s is most likely the answer I came looking for (I wanna thank you guys for that).However now I have the problem of where to get one. Being that I'm in Canada, Brymen doesn't sell here.I found a site called eleshop.euhttps://eleshop.eu/brymen-bm869s-multimeter.htmlthat seems to ship to canada but I don't know if they are a reliable company.Should I just get one from Ebay? (I have never bought from Ebay before)https://www.ebay.com/itm/Brymen-BM869s-Digitalmultimeter-Edition/273053099245?hash=item3f933ba4ed:g:O2QAAOSwihVbyOPm:rk:1:pf:1I will also probably pick up the 121GW some time in the near future as my second multimeter but I want to get the BM869s first so I can even compare the 121GW to something

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 05:04:33 pm
content: I'm missing the Keysight DMMs here... I ended up with a U1241B of which a newer version probably exists today. Fluke is overpriced and I don't like to rely on a Chinese B-brand when it comes to safety.

author: Cnoob
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 05:42:27 pm
content: You can try this place, which is where I bought a brymen 867s and 257shttps://www.tme.eu/en/katalog/workplace-equipment_112607/#id_category=112609&page=1&s_field=artykul&s_order=ASC

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 06:26:36 pm
content: Quote from: Cnoob on February 07, 2019, 05:42:27 pm

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 06:33:23 pm
content: Thats a good choice, or if you don't need the temperature, you have the BM867 which is basically the same meter but without Temperature or the VFD range for 2/3rds of the price. Either way I have no doubt that you will love it.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 06:38:44 pm
content: Quote from: vaser888 on February 07, 2019, 05:02:17 pmA bench DMM is something to consider. They never run out of batteries and they can be stacked so they don't clutter small work areas. Also there are many choices in various price ranges even with as little as 3.5 digits. Don't make the mistake thinking a bench DMM has to be a super accurate very expensive piece of equipment.

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 11:56:55 pm
content: Bench meters have their fair share of pros and cons, and most proddersdon't need the accuracy, battery savings, mains power isolation guesswork...or risk a shelf bound benchie get yanked by the leads and come crashing down onto the opened live DUTFor the $800 I would be shopping for a pair of identical, decent quality multimeters (e.g. 121GW),and an AC-DC clamp meter (Uni-T 210E, or other brand/model if you don't need low current).One $800 fancy 'expensive meter' just won't cut it (unless you like to gamble)even less so if it hits on a concrete or kitchen floor in the middle of a task,or it's internal $20 'special fuse' goes south on a current overload toasting or V vs I leads mix up oopsie,and no spareThat said, if it has to be ONE 'expensive meter', the Fluke 87V or 28-11 are good all rounders, with decent resale value,great warranty for the original new purchaser.and gets you into 99% of work sites easily waving it around like a proscoring free coffee/tea/biscuits/mini pies, and untimed use of the dunny/showers etc

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2019, 12:08:46 am
content: Quote from: vaser888 on February 07, 2019, 05:02:17 pmThe Hioki!

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2019, 01:30:29 am
content: You knowElectro Detectivedoes make a good point about getting 2 meters and with your budget, I'd go with the Brymen BM869 for the temperature, Brymen BM867 as the same meter, less the Temperature and VFD but still has all the other great features and is the same physical size. I'd also go with Uni-T 210E clamp meter because it can give you quick DC current readings via its clamp jaws and is small enough to slip into your pocket for working away from your bench, just don't go proding any high energy circuits with the probes as the meter lacks the protection of the Brymens which are Cat 4 1,000v rated. you could also get yourself a reasonable LCR meter, like the XJW01 for testing the values and ESR of capacitors along with values of inductors at various frequencies. All of this would still provide you with around $200 change from your $800 budget.

author: vaser888
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2019, 02:12:58 am
content: Quote from: Fungus on February 08, 2019, 12:08:46 amThanks for the suggestion and yes I looked into it, but after comparing all the suggestions I got today (with the multimeter spread sheet) I came to the conclusion that the Brymen BM869S is the meter I will be getting. (I'm actually in the process of ordering it right now)I like the looks of it and it's specs are what i'm looking for in a meter for now.I will definitely keep the Hiokis and the Flukes in mind for future purchasesQuote from: Specmaster on February 08, 2019, 01:30:29 amI will be looking into getting a second multimeter some time in the near future but for now I just need to buy one. How useful are clamp meters compared to a normal multimeter? I know it could measure current without having to splice the meter in series with the wire but are there any other unknown benefits that i don't know of? Also how accurate are clamp meters?I also never thought about an LCR meter, are they really that useful? (I thought a multimeter could do a decent enough job for at least showing the resistance and capacitance of a component.)If I am wrong, should I get one? and if so which one?

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 08, 2019, 02:42:55 am
content: BTW, for those who like to praise Brymen, they are not without their faults.Several design issues in the BM235 have had to have been solved, and even after those the field failure rate for various issues is certainly not zero.Those those who sell them in high volumes would know this, and they usually won't tell you this.I'm not crapping in Brymen of course, they are nice meters, just be aware there is a field failure rate.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 08, 2019, 02:44:40 am
content: Quote from: vaser888 on February 08, 2019, 02:12:58 amYes, you should get one, they are useful for small values and greater resolution, along with parameters multimeters can't measure. A DE-5000 clone on ebay should do.

author: vaser888
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2019, 03:13:13 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on February 08, 2019, 02:44:40 amThanks for the quick response. I will definitely be looking into getting one of those soon. (right now watching your old teardown video of it)

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2019, 03:56:07 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on February 08, 2019, 02:42:55 amAs with any product. Not just meters and certainly not unique to Brymen. On the plus side, the firmware in the BM869s seems to be solid and the rotary switch has withstood some decent punishment. I can't say that about every meter I have looked at.

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2019, 03:58:06 am
content: Multimeter can be plenty accurate for DCR and DC capacitance, but does nothing for inductors and capacitance changes with frequency (and AC is usually why they're present), so it's much more valuable to do AC measurements of them to solve issues or characterize parts. Getting a decent LCR meter is a big benefit for building up circuits and component fault testing, and since it gives you Q factor, ESR, phase shift, and such parameters, it's a really good tool for working passives in with dynamic circuits.FWIW, unless you're going for very high resolution bench meters, I don't think there's any reason to go beyond like $300 on a handheld meter. It's possible to, sure, but you can get a safe meter that's loaded with features for that price or less, so just throwing extra money at it is better spent on a second, a different bit of kit (like the LCR meter), or some other project/etc... If you really want a Fluke, they'll do a fine job, but that could certainly push the price above $300.I've got a Brymen BM867 (like the 869 but slightly lower accuracy spec and no thermocouple) and a 121GW and I'd recommend either. Something like the BM235/121GW's low impedance mode is nice for draining charged circuits if you are working with anything high voltage, and it seems to be in relatively few of the broad spectrum of meters available.Clamp meters are good for high current/high voltage applications (like if you do a bunch of mains work). They can be effective at lower voltage/currents in some cases, but generally just don't offer many benefits and don't have the same accuracy as a regular meter with a current range... so depends on your application, but I don't work with high current much so I haven't bothered and haven't needed one yet.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2019, 03:58:39 am
content: Quote from: Electro Detective on February 07, 2019, 11:56:55 pmMine seem pretty heavy but I bet it's happened. I've certainly done this with my handheld meters.

author: Cnoob
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2019, 04:22:50 am
content: QuoteI paid £270 for my Hioki DT4282 from company who sold test equipment. I think they stopped selling Hioki stuff. That £270 is only about £30-40 more than the Bryman869s including delivery.As for meters failing, 2-3 days after receiving my Keysight U1242C from Farnell, I had issues with the selector switch ie. switching from resistance back to DC voltage it would switch off.A phone call to Farnell and the next working day (There was a weekend inbetween.) I had a replacement and that meter is fine.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2019, 11:43:16 am
content: Quote from: vaser888 on February 08, 2019, 02:12:58 amDepends on what you're doing.Quote from: vaser888 on February 08, 2019, 02:12:58 amThey can measure static DC capacitance but capacitance varies a LOT in high ripple situations. Even a tiny bit of ESR in a capacitor can mean it doesn't have time to charge up again. An LCR meter lets you test capacitors at different frequencies.

author: Calvin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2019, 11:55:08 am
content: Hi,ordered a BM867 for our company ... needed the 500.000 count for measuring the very low voltages of thermocouple elements.Then bought two more for my colleague and myself.Then ordered a BM235 also ... for everyday useage its smaller form factor is simply more handy.Our Fluke 289 and several Amprobes are collecting dust since.So there are two damn happy bastards over here.regardsCalvin

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2019, 10:26:06 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on February 08, 2019, 02:44:40 amAre there any decent DE-5000knockoffsclones for -occassional users- on Ebay Australia ? (no OS seller headaches please)I doubt the ones I see posted on Ebay are any better than my similar styled old school 1990s TES and Escort rotating switch style 'LCR' meters,good solid quality Made In Taiwan and still kicking btwThe others I see are those 'unfinished project/missing box' style Mega328 thingies with confusing 'Revision number xxx' stuff,and the local sellers are no help, either 'solli no stock' and or b!tchin for paypal, so I can't even buy one on a punt with non middleman direct money to try out...and get a good pump in the back yard with the dusty 20 pound sledge if not happyThere's also some UNI-T LCR jobbies which aren't exactly clone priced, and well ummm they are UTs...BTW if anyone knows: Which of those Mega328 'revisions' or style are worth a go ? if/when I can score one eventually..

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2019, 11:25:21 pm
content: Yes there are plenty of LCR meters on ebay.com.au like these ones that I would think are well worth looking at. I have one of these Mega328 jobbies in an acrylic case the same as the in the following link which is also very good for the money but for the best accuracy the XLW01 as in the 2nd link is really good and has a 4 wire kelvin connection system for best results, which I also have one of and very pleased with.https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/LCR-T4-Transistor-Tester-Diode-Triode-Capacitance-LCR-ESR-Meter-With-Clear-Case/192588644777?https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Auto-LCR-Digital-Electric-Bridge-Resistance-Capacitance-Inductance-ESR-Meter/123523903590?The early version of the one above, I have and I can really recommend it, its accurate and can be calibrated as well and this short review shows

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2019, 11:50:33 pm
content: Still you can throw lots of coin at all manner of test gear including LCR meters when if you are doinganySMD I'd recommend looking at the various SMD smart tweezers available.Yes you can use them on TH stuff too.Knowing what I know now I'd pick a good middle range DMM (something better than my 15B) and a better set than the ST3 tweezers I've had for years.Beanflying needs to post up some of his comparisons on the couple of new ones he got recently:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/truth-about-canadian-lcr-tweezer-manufacturers/

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2019, 12:11:04 am
content: Yes, I also purchased a pair of Iso Tech LCR 1705 tweezers after reading your thread and while I'm happy with them on SMD stuff, they do tend to be extremely limited on TH stuff because on TH stuff you will often come across capacitors with a far greater values which the tweezers generally are not expecting to find and so they often just show an O/L display but the XJW01 is ideal for TH stuff assuming you can get the kelvin clips in, or you can remove the DUT and place in the clips, but that XJW01 goes upto 200mF and so is better suited to the older style and even point to point wiring as in tube gear.

author: Inverted18650
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2019, 12:32:03 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on February 08, 2019, 02:44:40 amOr you can shop eBay and get a nice used PM6303 for about the same price. Just be warned they have 2mm or "mini" input plugs. If not, those DE-5000 are what even the Professors who teach EE are using. Highly recommend.$100-$800 is a crazy range. My hand helds are the ANENG AN8008 and I measure a lot of lower DC values (I & V) and they work EXTREMELY well. You can get them for $15. Get a nice set of probes to go along with it, and get 4 of them, so you can run all kinds of tests. Then get yourself a DE-5000 for another $100, get the power pack with it, and some tweezer leads...GOLDEN for less than $250.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2019, 12:43:48 am
content: That ANENG AN8008 meter is just so small and I seriously doubt that it will last anywhere as near as long as the BM869 will nor have the accuracy, although it is a highly thought of meter and there are plenty of reviews on You Tube for it.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 09, 2019, 01:32:59 am
content: You haven't told us anything about what you're going to use it for.For the kind of stuff *I* do, a bench meter is far more convenient - it's got a big, bright display, I never worry about batteries, and- most important -it's on the upper shelf of my workbench, out of the way of my work area, and stacked with other gear.For the $200-$800 price range, I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the Rigol DM3058E, which I think is a great value in a 5.5 digit DMM for $500. A bench meter.On the other hand, if you need to work away from the bench, you don't want a bench meter.Plus you'll probably want a couple of decent handheld meters in addition - but you can get quite usable ones for less than $100.

author: Dubbie
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 09, 2019, 01:50:38 am
content: I have the following fwiw:Fluke175 in my toolbox - love it, very ruggedFluke 12 in my car. - I like it. It’s over 20 years old and still as good as the day I got it.Fluke289 on my bench - hate it! Slow to boot, horrid screen and chews batteries.Bryman869s on my bench- Love it.Keysight 34461a on my bench - Love itKeysight U1733C LCR meter - Love it

author: vaser888
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2019, 04:34:28 am
content: Purchased a Bryman869s today from TME. I cannot wait to get it.Thanks again everyone for the help. I really appreciate it.

author: ogdento
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2019, 07:41:20 am
content: This is less than your price range but I picked up a Matco MD257 - which is a re-branded Brymen BM257 - on eBay for 50 bucks. It's very accurate, has a lo-z mode, less than 1/2 the price of the Brymen labeled meter and has been fantastic for my needs... I also have a Fluke 87-3 and and IBM 8060a that fight for time with my Matco/Brymen. I think anybody considering a Brymen should look at the Matco meters.

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2019, 08:26:44 am
content: Where are the "DE-5000 for another $100" advertised ?Not on Ebay Australia, we score the test gear dregs here,or if lucky, someone who retires or upgrades,or reluctantly left sunny happy OZ for a money pit holiday to appease their partnerpressured by bored well off party chat/BS peersflogs something decent they brought back with them from OS

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2019, 09:04:47 am
content: Quote from: Electro Detective on February 09, 2019, 08:26:44 amThat's why you should look at the XJW01 it's a good tool and it's on ebay australia. Do a search for it here, there's a thread about it.

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2019, 10:28:13 pm
content: Checking out the XJW01 on EEVblog and Youtube videos, looks like a decent cheapie so farBut, as usual, no aussie Ebay sellers...Item location: ShenZhen, ChinaItem location: HK ChinaItem location: SOL Australia--------------------EDIT: ESR test frequencies 100Hz, 1kHz and 7.8kHz is a bit meh...why not the 100khz standard as well, to help sort out dud capacitors ?Perhaps a later/latest XXX??? revision has this?

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2019, 11:44:31 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on February 08, 2019, 02:42:55 amI can only assume the bathtub curve and design issues apply to all brands. I've seen some examples first hand.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2019, 12:01:50 am
content: Quote from: Electro Detective on February 09, 2019, 10:28:13 pmSo where is this location if not Australia "Item location: SOL Australia" ??I have never had an issue with the lack of the 100khz, surely most problems with capacitors are with the electrolytic ones going short circuit or open circuit or have high ESR values in which case the 100hz and 1khz the frequencies of choice and 7.8khz ought to be enough for ceramics etcI can honestly say that it has always found all of my dud caps perfectly.My own tester came from Hong Kong and arrived in a few days and its accuracy is perfectly acceptable to me, the spec states .5% and most caps are around 20% with some at 5%, still way in excess of the testers so thats all good surely?

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2019, 10:28:05 pm
content: Quote from: Specmaster on February 10, 2019, 12:01:50 amNo contest to your comments abovebut 100 khz is a better bet when testing/assessing caps in a powered down circuit without desolderingwhich is a BIG plus for me on a cap filled board with sub boards,with no desire to perform a re-cap on older gear, when it may be just one or two rogue caps faulty from day one install,incorrect value by design, crusty solder joints, solder blob lodged between cap legs, and all the usual and unusual suspectsand afaik it's the main frequency used by cap manufacturers to spec their product. References are always a good thing.SOL Australia refers to 'Sheer Out Of Luck'i.e. rather than play the overseas game, if I buy through a seller here, even if it costs more for their cut, if faulty or item/performance not as described,I can return it and get a refund/swap/upgrade asap, and quickly via local post/courierIn reference to DJs earlier comment re Brymen, I purchased a new Brymen 'Automotive Meter' BM338 a while back (Ebay local seller)to get familiar with it (something different/New Meter Day/what can I use it for...?)and whilst getting associated/confused with the RPM, Dwell, Injector and other stuff on it (which I'm still clueless about LOL) I found that some of the basic multimeter functions on it like the diode checkand ohms accuracy, ranges, etc were either way out or not putting out DC.I emailed Brymen support for some info and they stated to contact the seller, which I did.I had another new BM338 meter hit on our door the next day, which works perfectly, and the seller suggested I keep the dud meter to save everyone time and effort.You can't get a better 'online purchase experience' than that, and whilst it limits my buyer options on some items, it's less drama for me,and not the first time it's happened.The local sellers I've dealt with rock, how can you not want to deal with again or handball their seller details to others?

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2019, 11:07:51 pm
content: When it comes to big caps, I always prefer to at least lift one leg and test, it removes all doubt then. I do agree with the reasons for buying locally but sometimes you just have to take a gamble in life.

author: Wolfgang
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2019, 01:52:11 am
content: Quote from: vaser888 on February 07, 2019, 07:09:13 amHi,my choice would be a Fluke 87 V (almost indestructible, safe, lifelong guarantee)or if it needs to be a benchtop what about a Keysight 34461A (Precise, lots of functions, programmable, ...)

author: hussamaldean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 11, 2019, 05:14:49 am
content: you have two choices theneither gossen metrrahit energy or prime with Bluetooth connectionbut energy one is better despite the 60k counts vs 300k

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2019, 07:45:32 am
content: Quote from: hussamaldean on February 11, 2019, 05:14:49 amGuys, afraid your too late to the party, th OP has ordered a Brymen BM869 already.