Is there a better buy than the Siglent SDM3055 in this price range?   - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Mick_Go
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2025, 04:34:37 pm
content: I need a new bench multimeter, 5-½ Digit, with 1 microvolt resolution, RJ45 network connector, North American service, good manufacturer support for updates and in case of problems. The Hantek HDM3055 and UNI-T UT8805E look interesting and are much newer, but I doubt after-sales support here in Canada...

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2025, 04:55:28 pm
content: I think it's the best meter in that price range, and certainly better support than the other brands mentioned. However, I don't know what kind of stability you need, but even significantly more expensive 6.5 digit meters will still fluctuate in the µV range.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2025, 07:01:50 pm
content: loll sound more like a perfect meter loll .... i would say check Siglent, keithleypersonally, i would avoid some recent keysight ... and they have changed how they serve people - business model if you're not a company or a DIY ... witch is a no go for meoldies like 34410 34411 ? k2000 ?1mv of resolution ... i hope the source is clean ...Uni-t i would avoid for at least 1 year, until they iron out bugs, some newest Rigol too, i would waitmy 2 centsand calibrations costs if you need to .... what do you have in your country or town ...but once again you open a pandora box and anybody have experiences on this or that ...as of now Siglent address some issues faster than the others, for some / others you will wait a loooong time.you need to know your needs, input impedance .. some meters at 20v or under 20v selection have giga ohms of input impedance as you wrote lan usb gpib etc ...

author: Aldo22
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2025, 07:43:43 pm
content: Quote from: KungFuJosh on January 13, 2025, 04:55:28 pmOn the other hand, microvolt resolution is nothing special afaics.A $30 ZT-225 has microvolt resolution.The question is how stable and accurate the measurement is.

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2025, 07:58:18 pm
content: Quote from: Aldo22 on January 13, 2025, 07:43:43 pmExactly. 😉

author: Mick_Go
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2025, 08:14:03 pm
content: As the ZT-225 certainly doesn't use a more accurate voltage reference than the SDM3055, it's not a bench multimeter and the Siglent must have quite a few bugs corrected 10 years after its release, I think my choice is now made. This miltimeter is to replace an Owon XDM2041 which isn't so bad, but I want one more digit on the display, an Ethernet port and graphic functions ... Thanks guys for your opinions, I needed some reassurance on my choice.

author: Aldo22
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2025, 08:20:01 pm
content: Quote from: Mick_Go on January 13, 2025, 08:14:03 pmI certainly didn't want to suggest the ZT-225, as it's clear that you're looking for something completely different.It was just an example to show that "1 microvolt resolution" as such doesn't mean that much.Have fun!

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2025, 08:50:27 pm
content: Given your stated requirements and apparent price sensitivity it is probably your best and perhaps only choice. I'd consider getting the -SC version as a scanner card might come in very handy someday.

author: Mick_Go
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2025, 09:42:37 pm
content: Yes, I have a limited budget, otherwise I would definitely look for a Keithley or a Keysight. As this is for general personal use, a good Chinese brand will be fine for my application. For the scanner card, I have no need to automate multiple readings.My Canadian reseller increased all Siglent products by 10% today. I should have placed my order yesterday, since this idea has been on my mind for a few weeks...

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2025, 09:59:51 pm
content: Can you buy from Saelig? They have an EEVBlog discount.I have Keithley and Siglent, both are great.

author: Mick_Go
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2025, 10:15:47 pm
content: Yes, I could order from Saelig, but the import costs would add to the bill, and I don't think it would be cheaper in the end. And if I needed warranty service afterwards, it would be more complicated. I'll pay the 10% I think. Since December I've bought an SPD3303X-E, an SDS1104X HD and an SDG1022X Plus, so I figure I've saved 10% on these three instruments.

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2025, 10:40:26 pm
content: You could try asking them for a discount too. They might give you a deal since you recently got all the other stuff.

author: Mick_Go
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2025, 11:26:28 pm
content: QuoteYes, and that's what I did. But since I'm feeling a bit guilty about turning my SDS1104X HD into an SDS1204X HD and my SDG1022X Plus into a SDG1062X Plus for free, I'm not too upset about absorbing that 10% on the multimeter...

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2025, 11:39:01 pm
content: lol those upgrades are a feature, not a bug. 😉