Author Topic: EEVblog #1007 - Is a $25 Multimeter Any Good  (Read 164738 times)

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Online xavier60

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Re: EEVblog #1007 - Is a $25 Multimeter Any Good
« Reply #450 on: September 18, 2017, 11:26:35 pm »
Regardless of the low price of these meters, the dead spot is present due to manufactures' choice.
The 1uv resolution is very useful to me for finding shorts on laptop main boards by tracing ground plane voltage drops,
by comparing quick readings.
A slow zero offset drift is no problem. A large +/-20uv dead spot could be a problem. Offset drift will be adding or subtracting to this dead spot.
The AN8008 in Dave's review doesn't seem to have any dead spot.
I didn't buy the AN8008 just because it was cheap. I mainly use Fluke 87V DMMs.
HP 54645A dso, Fluke 87V dmm,  Agilent U8002A psu,  FY6600 function gen,  Brymen BM857S, HAKKO FM-204, New! HAKKO FX-971.
 

Offline plazma

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Offline Mark Hennessy

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Re: EEVblog #1007 - Is a $25 Multimeter Any Good
« Reply #452 on: October 27, 2017, 09:00:36 am »
Interesting...

This one adds:

+ Temperature (interesting probe, looks better than the usual exposed bead type)
+ 99.9Mohm range (the 9.99M of the AN8008 is a pain)
+ NCV detection (I don't use this much on DMMs, preferring a dedicated volt-stick, but the chip supports it, so why not?)

And removes:

- Square wave generator. Not a loss IMHO, but others might miss it.

But no changes to the current ranges. An opportunity wasted, sadly - personally I would have preferred them to use the switch position for a mA range rather than the NCV function, but can only assume it was easier for them to do what they've done. Oh well - roll on AN8010 ;)

I'll certainly pick one of these up. I also have a BSIDE ZT301 on the way, so will be adding these to my reviews (along with another half-dozen meters that have arrived since the last update).
 
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Offline Fungus

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Re: EEVblog #1007 - Is a $25 Multimeter Any Good
« Reply #453 on: October 27, 2017, 09:23:55 am »
New AN8009 version coming to Banggood
https://www.banggood.com/ANENG-AN8009-True-RMS-NCV-Digital-Multimeter-9999-Counts-Backlight-AC-DC-Current-Voltage-Tester-p-1216900.html

With zipper case, NCV and temperature probe. Cool.

I can hear a million AN8008 owners preparing to buy more meters.

(Still no 10mA/100mA ranges though. Or Rel button. Maybe they'll be in the next version, right? The ANENG marketing department is truly the Apple of the multimeter world  :popcorn: )
 

Offline Mark Hennessy

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Re: EEVblog #1007 - Is a $25 Multimeter Any Good
« Reply #454 on: October 27, 2017, 10:33:11 am »
I can see that case being used with other meters - it's far too big for the AN8009. From the photo, it looks pretty good for a freebie...

Hopefully the meter will be available without all the accessories for less money.
 

Offline Fungus

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Re: EEVblog #1007 - Is a $25 Multimeter Any Good
« Reply #455 on: October 27, 2017, 11:57:17 am »
I can see that case being used with other meters - it's far too big for the AN8009.

Looks like the meter would fit in sideways.

 

Offline kerrsmith

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Re: EEVblog #1007 - Is a $25 Multimeter Any Good
« Reply #456 on: November 09, 2017, 04:08:07 pm »
Just thought I would mention that Banggood currently have the ANENG AN8008 multimeter on offer with a 25% discount making it about 14 UK pounds:

https://www.banggood.com/ANENG-AN8008-True-RMS-Digital-Multimeter-AC-DC-Current-Voltage-Resistance-Frequency-Capacitance-Test-p-1157985.html?p=2D100314686672015046

This seems to be a really good price for this meter and is the lowest I have seen it - I am always checking their latest deals and this one looks great.
 

Offline Fungus

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Re: EEVblog #1007 - Is a $25 Multimeter Any Good
« Reply #457 on: November 09, 2017, 04:13:51 pm »
Just thought I would mention that Banggood currently have the ANENG AN8008 multimeter on offer with a 25% discount making it about 14 UK pounds:

They just released the AN8009 so that's to be expected.

 

Offline kerrsmith

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Re: EEVblog #1007 - Is a $25 Multimeter Any Good
« Reply #458 on: November 10, 2017, 11:20:23 am »
Just thought I would mention that Banggood currently have the ANENG AN8008 multimeter on offer with a 25% discount making it about 14 UK pounds:

They just released the AN8009 so that's to be expected.

I had not seen this new model - thanks for letting me know about it. I recently bought the Aneng AN860B+ after reading the reviews on the following site about it:

https://www.markhennessy.co.uk/budget_multimeters/aneng_an860bplus.htm

I also bought a cheapish voltage reference (AD584) to test my multimeters with and this new one was spot on compared to the 'data sheet' that came with the reference.

I always find it quite tricky to decide on what version of a new bit of equipment to buy when there are multiple subtle differences between them so when meters are at these prices it is not too hard a decision to just get more than one.
 

Offline Fungus

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Re: EEVblog #1007 - Is a $25 Multimeter Any Good
« Reply #459 on: November 10, 2017, 11:30:10 am »
They just released the AN8009 so that's to be expected.

I had not seen this new model

It's only just been released

I recently bought the Aneng AN860B+ after reading the reviews on the following site about it:

I'm a fan of the 860B+.
 

Offline JXL

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Re: EEVblog #1007 - Is a $25 Multimeter Any Good
« Reply #460 on: November 12, 2017, 12:33:14 am »
New AN8009 version coming to Banggood
https://www.banggood.com/ANENG-AN8009-True-RMS-NCV-Digital-Multimeter-9999-Counts-Backlight-AC-DC-Current-Voltage-Tester-p-1216900.html

Ordered the AN8009 after I saw this.  Arrived today.  Temperature measurements in C and F in whole numbers only.  100Mohm range works.  Same 5uV deadband as AN8008.
 

Online Brumby

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Re: EEVblog #1007 - Is a $25 Multimeter Any Good
« Reply #461 on: November 12, 2017, 12:52:39 am »
Ordered the AN8009 after I saw this.  Arrived today. 
:-+

Quote
Temperature measurements in C and F in whole numbers only. 
Unfortunate - but, for the number of times I would use it, not a deal breaker.

Quote
100Mohm range works. 
Nice, but I can't remember the last time I measured above 5M - and if I want to do insulation testing, I'd like a few more volts behind it.  There will be some who will find this useful, though.

Quote
Same 5uV deadband as AN8008.
Seems I'll just keep to my AN8008 then.
« Last Edit: November 12, 2017, 12:54:31 am by Brumby »
 

Offline kerrsmith

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Re: EEVblog #1007 - Is a $25 Multimeter Any Good
« Reply #462 on: November 17, 2017, 10:00:40 am »
The new ANENG AN8009 is currently on offer on Banggood for 15.42 UK pounds:

https://www.banggood.com/ANENG-AN8009-True-RMS-NCV-Digital-Multimeter-9999-Counts-Backlight-AC-DC-Current-Voltage-Tester-p-1216900.html?p=2D100314686672015046

This is quite a bit lower than on other sites at the minute and looks like it is part of their 'Black Friday' sale. As this item is on offer you can not use any points or coupons on it but the price is still pretty good.

I have been using my ANENG AN860B+ quite a bit in the couple of weeks I have had it and I am really happy with it. Until now I have been using some much cheaper multimeters which worked perfectly well but I recently needed to calibrate a temperature sensor and they did not have enough resolution on the voltage range to get it quite right.

I also saw that the ANENG AN8008 is still on offer:

https://www.banggood.com/ANENG-AN8008-True-RMS-Digital-Multimeter-AC-DC-Current-Voltage-Resistance-Frequency-Capacitance-Test-p-1157985.html?p=2D100314686672015046

I actually bought this the other day as I had quite a few points available and they made it just over 11 UK pounds. I have been looking at the differences between this and the new version and they are very similar but the new one has a resistance range up to 99.99M ohms and it also measures temperature. The older version does have a square wave output function though which could be handy sometimes.

My poor old multimeters which have served me so well for years are now slowly getting pushed further back in the draw where I keep them as my new ones arrive.
« Last Edit: November 24, 2017, 10:47:37 am by kerrsmith »
 

Offline DavisLV

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Re: EEVblog #1007 - Is a $25 Multimeter Any Good
« Reply #463 on: November 22, 2017, 11:37:16 pm »
Has anyone tested AN8009 in lab conditions (with precise calibration references and/or high-end reference meter) - is it as precise as AN8008?
And what about precision of the 100M range?
 

Offline tzok

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Re: EEVblog #1007 - Is a $25 Multimeter Any Good
« Reply #464 on: November 24, 2017, 10:48:54 pm »
I've noticed that my AN8008 has some small GUI bug - when I press range switch for a first time, the display changes from AUTO to MANUAL, but when I press it for a second time the MANUAL disappears from the screen and never reappears again as long as meter stays in MANUAL mode. Also there seems to be no way to go back to AUTO mode other than by changing function or DC/AC mode.
 

Offline kerrsmith

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Re: EEVblog #1007 - Is a $25 Multimeter Any Good
« Reply #465 on: November 28, 2017, 02:15:02 pm »
I've noticed that my AN8008 has some small GUI bug - when I press range switch for a first time, the display changes from AUTO to MANUAL, but when I press it for a second time the MANUAL disappears from the screen and never reappears again as long as meter stays in MANUAL mode. Also there seems to be no way to go back to AUTO mode other than by changing function or DC/AC mode.

I have watched quite a few Youtube videos on this multimeter and have seen this mentioned several times. It seems to be that once in manual range mode you need to physically move the dial to get out of it as you have noticed yourself. I guess it could be called a bug (or maybe a missing feature?) as it would be handy to toggle the manual range mode on and off but for me I just turn the dial to reset it.
 

Offline tzok

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Re: EEVblog #1007 - Is a $25 Multimeter Any Good
« Reply #466 on: November 28, 2017, 05:11:31 pm »
It seems to be that once in manual range mode you need to physically move the dial to get out of it as you have noticed yourself. I guess it could be called a bug (or maybe a missing feature?)
By bug, I meant the fact, that MANUAL sign disappears after changing range with RANGE button.
 

Offline Old Don

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Re: EEVblog #1007 - Is a $25 Multimeter Any Good
« Reply #467 on: November 28, 2017, 06:53:00 pm »
I just received my AN8009 and am a bit disappointed in it since even my free Harbor Freight CenTech has a transistor tester and came with batteries.  >:D

Really, I did just get a AN8009 to use as a backup to my Flute when it's got itself lost on the workbench. They really do need to add a "locate meter" function for meters in general! Other than putting batteries into it and seeing if the functions appear to work I haven't used it. Test leads are about of the same quality level as the CenTech and so will be limited to low voltage usage. The plastics used for the case will not stand up to hard knocks and offering a slip on rubber boot as as an option would add hopes of it surviving drops. Guess that would double the cost? Since I don't intend to attempt to drive nails with my meter I guess the case represents low cost and also answers the question -- what the heck did you expect for $20 US including shipping?

Retired - Formerly: Navy ET, University of Buffalo Electronic Tech, Field Engineer and former laptop repair business owner
 

Offline Herkatus

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Re: EEVblog #1007 - Is a $25 Multimeter Any Good
« Reply #468 on: November 30, 2017, 11:16:50 pm »
Hello,

I've looking for a while for a cheap multimeter for small DIY projects. Nothing special.

I've read several reviews and I come up with the following shortlist:

  • Aneng AN860B+
  • Aneng AN8009
  • BSIDE ZT301
  • UNI T UT139C

If they were all $20-$25, which one should I pick?

Thanks in advance
 

Offline Fungus

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Re: EEVblog #1007 - Is a $25 Multimeter Any Good
« Reply #469 on: December 01, 2017, 12:44:43 am »
I've looking for a while for a cheap multimeter for small DIY projects. Nothing special.
  • Aneng AN860B+
  • Aneng AN8009
  • BSIDE ZT301
  • UNI T UT139C
If they were all $20-$25, which one should I pick?

ANENG AN860B+

Edit:
ZT301: Would be my second choice but I like the solid built, rubbery AN860B+ more (plus AN860B+ is cheaper).
AN8009: No proper milliamp ranges, tiny custom fuses (10mmx3mm - good luck finding replacements!)
UT139C: It's twice as expensive as the others and not really any better.
« Last Edit: December 01, 2017, 09:57:29 pm by Fungus »
 
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Offline kalel

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Re: EEVblog #1007 - Is a $25 Multimeter Any Good
« Reply #470 on: December 01, 2017, 12:58:31 am »
I've looking for a while for a cheap multimeter for small DIY projects. Nothing special.
  • Aneng AN860B+
  • Aneng AN8009
  • BSIDE ZT301
  • UNI T UT139C
If they were all $20-$25, which one should I pick?

ANENG AN860B+

Having one, I would also recommend it. However, I haven't actually had/tried the others.
 

Offline kerrsmith

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Re: EEVblog #1007 - Is a $25 Multimeter Any Good
« Reply #471 on: December 01, 2017, 02:29:21 pm »
I have both the Aneng AN860B+ and the Aneng AN8008 (I know you mentioned the Aneng AN8009 but I have not bought this one yet) and I really like them both. I like the AN860B+ as it is a great size and has a really big display, the Aneng AN8008 is smaller but has a higher count, 9999 count versus 6000 for the AN860B+. I would not use either for mains or high voltage work but as I do not do this kind of thing it is not an issue for me.

If you want a detailed description of them then I recommend the following reviews:

https://www.markhennessy.co.uk/budget_multimeters/aneng_an8008.htm for the Aneng AN8008 version
https://www.markhennessy.co.uk/budget_multimeters/aneng_an860bplus.htm for the Aneng AN860B+ version

I ended up getting both (and probably will get more) as they are really great value - if you are not sure which one to get just pick one and at a later date, when they go on offer again, just get the other one - this is what I did. It is always useful to have two or more meters, I think Dave says four is a good number...
 
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Offline Herkatus

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Re: EEVblog #1007 - Is a $25 Multimeter Any Good
« Reply #472 on: December 01, 2017, 10:50:11 pm »
Thank you for all you input. I bought the AN860B+
 
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Offline casinada

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Re: EEVblog #1007 - Is a $25 Multimeter Any Good
« Reply #473 on: December 13, 2017, 04:46:50 am »
SURPEER 20000 Counts costs $29.99 shipped now. Does it put it back on the race for best bang for the buck in the extra cheap DMM category?   :-//
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071H8PR61/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A4Y1P2CGCCEXO&psc=1

The equivalent HY-19E costs $39.99 in Banggood.
 

Offline amspire

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Re: EEVblog #1007 - Is a $25 Multimeter Any Good
« Reply #474 on: December 13, 2017, 04:57:39 am »
SURPEER 20000 Counts costs $29.99 shipped now. Does it put it back on the race for best bang for the buck in the extra cheap DMM category?   :-//
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071H8PR61/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A4Y1P2CGCCEXO&psc=1

The equivalent HY-19E costs $39.99 in Banggood.
Looks very similar to this one:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/ZEAST-282-20000counts-Digital-Multimeter-True-RMS-4-1-2-Auto-Range-Voltmeter-Current-Ohm-Resistance/32821199756.html
 


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