Author Topic: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout  (Read 21754 times)

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Offline EEVblogTopic starter

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EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« on: May 14, 2018, 01:02:34 am »
14 pocket multimeters from $8 to $65 are torn down and compared for feature set and build quality.
Ranging in price from $8 to $65, which one is the best in each price category?
Timestamps:
6:07 XB866 Wun Hung Lo
9:42 ANENG AN8203
15:47 $10 Shootout Summary
16:14 Uni-T UT10A
19:12 Uni-T UT120B/120C
22:41 UNI-T Shootout Summary
23:05 Jaycar QM1544
26:42 $20 Shootout Summary
27:06 Sanwa PM3
31:06 Brymen BM22 / Amprobe PM51
37:31 Kyoritsu KEW1018
42:01 Hioki 3244-50 CARD Tester
45:47 Amprobe DM78C
50:25 DER EE DE-19S
56:27 SANWA PM300
1:02:36 Conclusion

Use coupon code "pocket" for a big discount on the PM300:
https://www.eevblog.com/product/pm300/



Part 2:
« Last Edit: May 15, 2018, 02:44:42 am by EEVblog »
 
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Offline Electro Detective

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #1 on: May 14, 2018, 02:27:26 am »
One hour of 'Pocket Mutimeter Shootout' heaven for the viewers  :clap:

How many hours spent to produce it?

Would welcome a quickie Part 11 specs shootout


FWIW, Sanwa PM300 looks like it will survive drops better from 'shirt height' which is bound to happen,   
bent/sat on in the jeans pocket, weather extremes, rain etc when closed,
and probably live through some cat and dog chomping too   :scared:
 

Offline EEVblogTopic starter

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #2 on: May 14, 2018, 02:42:24 am »
Part 2 shot this morning with some basic testing. I was able to kill the ANENG  ;D
 

Offline EEVblogTopic starter

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #3 on: May 14, 2018, 02:42:46 am »
 

Offline EEVblogTopic starter

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #4 on: May 14, 2018, 02:44:09 am »
Would welcome a quickie Part 11 specs shootout

Not that long, maybe 3 hours to shoot, and 2 hours to edit.

Quote
FWIW, Sanwa PM300 looks like it will survive drops better from 'shirt height' which is bound to happen,   
bent/sat on in the jeans pocket, weather extremes, rain etc when closed,
and probably live through some cat and dog chomping too   :scared:

Yes, the rubber case would be the best in that regard.
 

Offline EEVblogTopic starter

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #5 on: May 14, 2018, 04:29:48 am »
My UT120C shows 10.17nF so it is a feature not a bug.

Perhaps they realised it couldn't read low values accurately (or at all) and whacked in a 10nF in parallel and rely on the delta function to read lower?
 

Offline daveshah

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #6 on: May 14, 2018, 06:57:11 am »
I've noticed the 10.17nF thing too on my UT60x (can't remember the last letter). From memory the manual even told you to use the delta function for small capacitors.
 

Offline Cnoob

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #7 on: May 14, 2018, 10:17:53 am »
I googled DER EE  http://www.hktdc.com/suppliers-products/Pocket-Multimeter/en/1X00III0/1960503/
They sell a DER EE  pocket multimeter model DE-19A which comes with a current probe and I am guessing that extra
compartment at the back is for that.

On PCB build quality, layout and no after thought looking components I like the Hioki the best.
But as a pocket multimeter I like the Sanwa PM300

 

Offline Cnoob

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #8 on: May 14, 2018, 10:59:22 am »
 

Offline EEVblogTopic starter

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Offline Cnoob

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #10 on: May 14, 2018, 12:09:17 pm »
not sure if it is a rebadged one buttons are a different shape and dial different grip pattern.
 

Online Fungus

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #11 on: May 14, 2018, 12:41:05 pm »
Need one that measures current safely?




PS: Am I the only person in the world that's noticed that you can EASILY close the case on those cheapie slotted-case meters when the switch is in the wrong position?



(...and that it's almost impossible to open them again afterwards?  :scared: )
« Last Edit: May 14, 2018, 01:28:24 pm by Fungus »
 

Online Fungus

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #12 on: May 14, 2018, 01:08:20 pm »
What's the thing circled in red on the DER? Why is there a gap in the case there?

Maybe the space at the back is for a different model with an expansion module or something.



It looks like there's enough lead inside that you could wiggle out a few mm to make the wrapping+storage a bit looser. It should definitely be a bit looser by default though.

Edit: Aha! Mystery solved! They make a version with a current probe that attaches there. The extra space at the back is to store the probe:


« Last Edit: May 14, 2018, 01:21:40 pm by Fungus »
 

Offline BillyO

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #13 on: May 14, 2018, 04:00:37 pm »
For what it's worth, the Aneng AN8203 does indeed have a tripod stand.  In fact, it's one of the best and most sable I have ever used.  Just don't throw out the little strap it comes with.
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Offline Neilm

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #14 on: May 14, 2018, 06:13:11 pm »
Interesting how many of these are both CE marked and rated CATII. To be CE marked (properly), it would have to meet IEC61010 and the section on multimeters explicitly states that anything rated for connection to mains must be CATIII as a minimum.
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Offline EEVblogTopic starter

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #15 on: May 15, 2018, 01:04:53 am »
Interesting how many of these are both CE marked and rated CATII. To be CE marked (properly), it would have to meet IEC61010 and the section on multimeters explicitly states that anything rated for connection to mains must be CATIII as a minimum.

But a CE mark can be self certifying, it does not have to be independently EMC or safety tested. Hence the majority of multimeters sold that are not independently UL/ETL etc tested for safety.
 

Offline Cnoob

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #16 on: May 15, 2018, 08:06:20 am »
would it be a good idea to compare the best 3 pocket meters to a small Brymen (BM253) to see how they perform against it.
I bought a fluke 101 recently and it's slow and vague compared to my other meters. (measuring resistances is painful.)
I'm thinking of getting a keysight U1242C when I have the funds.
 

Offline nixfu

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #17 on: May 15, 2018, 03:02:45 pm »
Interesting to note that the AN8203 was bang on until you killed it.

DAVE, you should open the AN8203 and at least see if it was anything easily fixable.
 

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Voltlog #162 - Pocket Multimeter 1KV Testing and CAT Ratings
« Reply #18 on: May 15, 2018, 03:19:32 pm »


Voltlog #162 - Pocket Multimeter 1KV Testing and CAT Ratings

In this video I am testing the pocket multimeters by applying transient voltages to their inputs (generated with a Brymen 887 Insulation meter) and we’re also going to talk a bit about CAT ratings and what they mean.

VoltLog
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdXHgsCiql_78oT5ydXWvzA

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Online Fungus

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #19 on: May 15, 2018, 03:34:54 pm »
Interesting to note that the AN8203 was bang on until you killed it.

DAVE, you should open the AN8203 and at least see if it was anything easily fixable.

If the display went blank then it's probably the main chip.

Does nobody else hate the wallet cases? They put the probes right in the 'hinge' so they never close properly. Always flapping around and opening.  :scared:

Also: How long before the bits of velcro come unstuck from the probe straps? Don't tell me you never saw that happen.


(Maybe Sanwa have some magic velcro glue but I'll wait for the long term report  :-// )
« Last Edit: May 15, 2018, 06:40:56 pm by Fungus »
 

Offline Cliff Matthews

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #20 on: May 15, 2018, 03:42:30 pm »
Interesting to note that the AN8203 was bang on until you killed it.

DAVE, you should open the AN8203 and at least see if it was anything easily fixable.
Maybe Dave's AN8203 sample was defective. Here: https://youtu.be/pnv5qJoWIak?t=693 he's uses an even higher voltage but for less time and didn't kill it. The ohms short seemed to show the PTC cooling off I think.

I still prefer that loud continuity beeper over the Uni-T, and IMHO that little Sanwa would be a welcome addition to the store.
 

Offline WN1X

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #21 on: May 15, 2018, 03:50:10 pm »
Of course you killed it, Dave. The Aneng case says "auto power off" and it did lol :-DD
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Online Fungus

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #22 on: May 15, 2018, 07:23:55 pm »
he's uses an even higher voltage but for less time and didn't kill it. The ohms short seemed to show the PTC cooling off I think.

Maybe it's luck, or maybe a slight variation on what's inside. Those meters are like DT830s, there's dozens of variants with completely different internals.

I still prefer that loud continuity beeper over the Uni-T, and IMHO that little Sanwa would be a welcome addition to the store.

Mine definitely has a loud beeper. Out of the three pocket meter I own it's the one that feels most like a "real" meter, I just hate the case and it doesn't do amps (which I want - I don't ever go poking at mains AC with mine).
 

Offline voltlog

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #23 on: May 15, 2018, 07:25:44 pm »
In my video on the ohms range, it can be seen in the video, the insulation tester I used could no keep up with the low impedance of the target and the voltage dropped close to 0 so that test does not help at all. However it's worth noting that on AC/DC voltage the meters had no problem with 1KV applied. I wonder what did Dave use when he applied that AC voltage on the ohms range, was it AC from a wall socket (high energy)? or something generated by one of his power supplies?

Offline Cliff Matthews

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #24 on: May 15, 2018, 09:19:02 pm »
In my video on the ohms range, it can be seen in the video, the insulation tester I used could no keep up with the low impedance of the target and the voltage dropped close to 0 so that test does not help at all. However it's worth noting that on AC/DC voltage the meters had no problem with 1KV applied. I wonder what did Dave use when he applied that AC voltage on the ohms range, was it AC from a wall socket (high energy)? or something generated by one of his power supplies?
Doesn't he have a piece of Keithley gear for that? a vintage unit, with big decade knobs etc..?
 

Offline nidlaX

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #25 on: May 16, 2018, 02:39:49 am »
It's a shame the Sanwa CD800b / CD800f are so big. It would be awesome if they could fit those specs into the PM300's footprint.
 

Offline voltlog

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #26 on: May 16, 2018, 05:10:49 am »
Doesn't he have a piece of Keithley gear for that? a vintage unit, with big decade knobs etc..?

That's why I was wondering which source did he use in this test, because I remember he has one of those voltage sources that could go quite up, it wasn't visible in the video though.

Online Fungus

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #27 on: May 16, 2018, 05:54:07 am »
Although Dave didn't seem to think so, I find my UNI-T 120C case has pretty easy probe storage.

I agree. At first glance it looks like you have to wind them carefully around the posts but you can just shove them in if you want. Same for the ANENG 101. I really like those style of cases more than the wallets.

It's clear Dave likes wallets and pretty much rejected all the ones with amps ranges. His main criteria seem to be CAT rating and loud buzzer.

(which is fine - horses for courses, but YMMV)

I take mine along to Arduino club a lot and it's good to be able to check the power consumption of people's little circuits. They're mostly USB powered so 400mA with a polyfuse is enough for that.

Besides: I noticed the famous Sanwa case never closed properly in the video because wires were sticking out every time. I know Dave's looking at a tiny screen and trying to do everything around a tripod, but... it caused a bit of LOL here.  ;D


« Last Edit: May 16, 2018, 05:57:46 am by Fungus »
 

Offline bitwelder

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #28 on: May 16, 2018, 10:18:59 am »
I wonder what did Dave use when he applied that AC voltage on the ohms range, was it AC from a wall socket (high energy)? or something generated by one of his power supplies?
Didn't he say the AC was 400 Hz ? (so, no wall socket mains)
 

Offline EEVblogTopic starter

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #29 on: May 16, 2018, 12:05:26 pm »
Besides: I noticed the famous Sanwa case never closed properly in the video because wires were sticking out every time.

It also happened to every other meter when you don't bother to store them properly before closing.
 
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Offline EEVblogTopic starter

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #30 on: May 16, 2018, 12:05:58 pm »
Doesn't he have a piece of Keithley gear for that? a vintage unit, with big decade knobs etc..?

That's why I was wondering which source did he use in this test, because I remember he has one of those voltage sources that could go quite up, it wasn't visible in the video though.

 
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Offline EEVblogTopic starter

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #31 on: May 16, 2018, 12:13:24 pm »
Interesting to note that the AN8203 was bang on until you killed it.

DAVE, you should open the AN8203 and at least see if it was anything easily fixable.
Maybe Dave's AN8203 sample was defective. Here: https://youtu.be/pnv5qJoWIak?t=693 he's uses an even higher voltage but for less time and didn't kill it.

Insulation testers typically have bugger-all power capability, they don't have the ability to dump a large amount of power into the DUT (and hence any failing protection devices). MY EDC reference can deliver 20W at up the 1KHz up to 1000V
 

Offline EEVblogTopic starter

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #32 on: May 16, 2018, 12:14:35 pm »
would it be a good idea to compare the best 3 pocket meters to a small Brymen (BM253) to see how they perform against it.

No, they are a different class of meter designed for different uses IMO.
 

Offline Brumby

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #33 on: May 16, 2018, 12:30:19 pm »
Besides: I noticed the famous Sanwa case never closed properly in the video because wires were sticking out every time.
I noticed that too, but it wasn't worth commenting about because it was obvious Dave didn't lay the leads down properly - which, during a 14 unit shoot-out, isn't hard to understand.

As Dave says:
It also happened to every other meter when you don't bother to store them properly before closing.
 

Online Fungus

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #34 on: May 16, 2018, 12:35:54 pm »
Besides: I noticed the famous Sanwa case never closed properly in the video because wires were sticking out every time.

It also happened to every other meter when you don't bother to store them properly before closing.

Besides: I noticed the famous Sanwa case never closed properly in the video because wires were sticking out every time.
I noticed that too, but it wasn't worth commenting about because it was obvious Dave didn't lay the leads down properly - which, during a 14 unit shoot-out, isn't hard to understand.

Yes, I know, but it was quite amusing to watch Dave telling us how great the case is and the case fighting back the whole time.
« Last Edit: May 16, 2018, 03:42:06 pm by Fungus »
 

Online rsjsouza

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #35 on: May 16, 2018, 03:37:03 pm »
Besides: I noticed the famous Sanwa case never closed properly in the video because wires were sticking out every time.

It also happened to every other meter when you don't bother to store them properly before closing.
I noticed that my new PM300 did that as well, until I used it after about 20 times and the brand-new cable twisting is almost gone. The trick is to put the probes first into their proper place and then mold the cables behind the tab that holds them in place.
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Offline TJM

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #36 on: May 16, 2018, 05:12:34 pm »
I've got two UT120C meters bought back in 2013, both with 09/2012 production date on the back. One of them I carry around in a document pouch so it basically goes everywhere with me, mostly to be used every other day at work if needed. The second one is a garage meter. They are quite durable, after 5 years the cases are now definitely less transparent from all the scratches and do not lock properly anymore,  but the meters inside still pretty much look almost like new. Of course they both share the same flaw on capacitance (10,15nF minimum reading). Both meters have survived some accidents and they still work fine, so I'd say they were definitely worth buying.
Btw, I think the UT120C cases were designed to wind the probe wires around the holders inside instead of just sticking them there. At least it works for me, I've been doing that for years and never had a problem with probes or wires sticking out from the case.
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Offline triethylene

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #37 on: May 17, 2018, 03:24:39 am »
I think I had that UT10A as the Tenma 72-7935, I still have the manual but lost the meter in a flood. Kind of an old meter, I don't think they make it anymore.
 

Offline f4eru

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #38 on: May 17, 2018, 11:04:48 am »
Moldy Meters ! We love Moldy Meters here on the EEVBLOG
 :-+ :-DMM

Offline xani

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #39 on: May 17, 2018, 05:35:43 pm »
That Amprobe DM78C kinda looked like bargraph just had insanely high refresh rate

Bargraph updates the moment Dave touches the output while display updates ~1s later.

Kinda looks like sampling speed was in tens or hundreds and bargraph got unfiltered output of that, while display got averaged one

 

Offline Electro Detective

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #40 on: May 19, 2018, 09:31:21 am »
Moldy Meters ! We love Moldy Meters here on the EEVBLOG
 :-+ :-DMM

No thanks, crusty meters are easier on the nose  :phew:
 

Offline floobydust

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #41 on: May 20, 2018, 08:33:13 pm »
Where mention of the batteries used in these pocket multimeters?

I've seen AAA, CR2032, SR44, and 12V A23 batteries used. Some need a tiny Philips screwdriver to access the battery.

Since these DMM's are often used in the boonies, a dead battery can be either impossible to find or that screwdriver you left at home is needed.

 

Online Fungus

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #42 on: May 20, 2018, 08:46:20 pm »
Where mention of the batteries used in these pocket multimeters?

In the video...?  :-//
 

Offline ElektroQuark

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #43 on: May 21, 2018, 05:45:23 am »
UNI-T UT120C for 7€.
In the auction site.

Take a look here: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/(found-on-the-auction-site)-uni-t-ut120c-7/

Offline EEVblogTopic starter

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #44 on: May 21, 2018, 06:02:58 am »
That Amprobe DM78C kinda looked like bargraph just had insanely high refresh rate
Kinda looks like sampling speed was in tens or hundreds and bargraph got unfiltered output of that, while display got averaged one

Bargraphs are usually 20/sec updating or so.
 

Offline engineerguy

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #45 on: May 21, 2018, 10:51:39 am »
Have you ever heard of this brand of pocket multimeter? https://au.rs-online.com/web/p/digital-multimeters/1336519/
The idea is you have one probe clipped on the back, and use that in one hand, with the other probe in your other hand. It seems like it would be an awkward use for bench work, and only seems useful for wall-mounted electronics. I quite like the display though.
 

Online Fungus

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #46 on: May 21, 2018, 01:20:12 pm »
Have you ever heard of this brand of pocket multimeter? https://au.rs-online.com/web/p/digital-multimeters/1336519/
The idea is you have one probe clipped on the back, and use that in one hand, with the other probe in your other hand. It seems like it would be an awkward use for bench work, and only seems useful for wall-mounted electronics.

It's usually called a "duspol", it's mostly for electricians. The idea is you don't need three hands to use one when you're standing up and walking around.

Lots of companies make them, even Fluke: http://www.fluke.com/fluke/m2en/electrical-testers/electrical-testers/t90-t110-t130-t150-voltage-and-continuity-testers.htm?pid=73757

I quite like the display though.

Given the way you use them I think it would be better if it was readable in the vertical orientation.



If you like orange displays you might be interested in Agilent multimeters.
« Last Edit: May 21, 2018, 02:24:32 pm by Fungus »
 

Offline engineerguy

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #47 on: May 21, 2018, 02:04:26 pm »
Thanks for that. I actually do quite like orange displays!
 

Offline MacMeter

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #48 on: May 26, 2018, 05:27:00 pm »
Dave made me buy a 2nd Sanwa PM300, how?
He cut the price! Got to NY in 10 days, nice job Dave.
I’ve seen all the others, own a few, but still think the Sanwa is the nicest. Tucking the cords inside is the only real complaint I have. Super accurate tested on my DMMCHECK Plus.
I think I’m DONE buying pocket meters, he said ........
 

Offline floobydust

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #49 on: May 26, 2018, 06:28:15 pm »
Where mention of the batteries used in these pocket multimeters?
In the video...?  :-//

I summarized here:

Code: [Select]
Batteries Battery Cover Enclosure
XB-866 2 AAA one screw
ANENG AN8203 2 AAA one screw
ANENG AN101 CR2032 one screw
Uni-T UT10A CR2032 - one screw metal insert
Uni-T UT120B/120C CR2032 - one screw metal insert
Jaycar QM1544 two LR44 - one screw metal insert
Sanwa PM3 CR2032 - one screw metal insert
Brymen BM22/Amprobe PM51 CR2032 - one screw metal insert
Kyoritsu KEW1018 two LR44 one screw metal insert
Hioki 3244-50 CARD HiTester CR2032 - one screw metal insert
Amprobe DM78C two LR44 one screw
DER EE DE-19S 2 AAA one screw metal insert
Sanwa PM300 CR2032 - one screw metal insert
 
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Offline mikerj

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #50 on: May 29, 2018, 08:53:53 pm »
Does anyone know where I could buy a set of the small test probes that come with these pocket meters? 

I've had a Metex P10 for years and it's not a bad little meter (built in 1.5v battery tester!) but inevitably one of the wires broke at the top of one of the probes where it gets bent the most.  I've bodged a repair by cutting back the plastic and soldering the break and protecting it with some heatshrink, but I'd rather replace the probes/leads if I can.
 

Online Fungus

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #51 on: May 29, 2018, 09:23:03 pm »
Does anyone know where I could buy a set of the small test probes that come with these pocket meters? 

Attached to one of the meters...?

If you want to repair a favorite meter then a lot of the meters in this thread cost about $10. Snip the leads off one!
« Last Edit: May 30, 2018, 05:33:20 am by Fungus »
 

Offline MacMeter

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #52 on: May 29, 2018, 09:40:06 pm »
Does anyone know where I could buy a set of the small test probes that come with these pocket meters? 

I've had a Metex P10 for years and it's not a bad little meter (built in 1.5v battery tester!) but inevitably one of the wires broke at the top of one of the probes where it gets bent the most.  I've bodged a repair by cutting back the plastic and soldering the break and protecting it with some heatshrink, but I'd rather replace the probes/leads if I can.

You could try Frankys thread on this site here:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/franky_s-sales-thread/

Or his online store here:
https://www.ebay.com/str/99centhobbies

If you find small enough ones for your pocket meter, just cut the ends off.
 

Offline mikerj

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #53 on: May 30, 2018, 10:27:13 am »
Attached to one of the meters...?

If you want to repair a favorite meter then a lot of the meters in this thread cost about $10. Snip the leads off one!

A $10 meter for $1 test leads to fix a meter that's probably worth rather less than $10 doesn't add up for me.  I like the meter, but I'm not that sentimental about it! 

Edit:  Having said that it seems you can pick up a pocket meter for under $5 shipped from China which is ridiculous, but a possible solution so thanks!

You could try Frankys thread on this site here:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/franky_s-sales-thread/

Or his online store here:
https://www.ebay.com/str/99centhobbies

If you find small enough ones for your pocket meter, just cut the ends off.

Thanks I'll take a look, though I spent a good 20 minutes on eBay to no avail.  I suppose most people would just bin the whole thing and buy a new one.  If it comes it I'll wire in a full sized pair of probes, I just won't be able to store them in the holder.
« Last Edit: May 30, 2018, 10:38:56 am by mikerj »
 

Offline malagas_on_fire

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #54 on: June 08, 2018, 11:13:04 am »
I've received  one of these meters as a gift, it was the uni-t 120C in chrismas.

The 10nF residual capacitance is present, which not so good, but in terms off voltage reading, frequecy, even capacitors >= 100nF is quite in spec. Has nice digits and some diode protection, PTC, clamps and a polyfuse for current, which is usefull for low power apps ( microcontroller). I do like the plastic case, keeps from been poked by the leeds. I carry on my bag as an extra.

About the review, the Sanwa seems very nice and best value for the money, but has the rotary switch that pertrudes a bit towards the case and can be pressed if using in your trousers pocket.

PS.: The continuity for the uni-t 120C is bad :S
« Last Edit: June 08, 2018, 03:06:06 pm by malagas_on_fire »
If one can make knowledge flow than it will go from negative to positve , for real
 

Offline malagas_on_fire

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #55 on: June 08, 2018, 11:18:47 am »
I've received  one of these meters as a gift, it was the uni-t 120C in chrismas.

The 10nF residual capacitance is present, which not so good, but in terms off voltage reading, frequecy, even capacitors >= 100nF is quite in spec. Has nice digits and some diode protection, PTC, clamps and a polyfuse for current, which is usefull for low power apps ( microcontroller). I do like the plastic case, keeps from been poked by the leeds. I carry on my bag as an extra.

About the review, the Sanwa seems very nice and best value for the money, but has the rotary switch that pertrudes a bit towards the case and can be pressed if using in your trousers pocket.

Here are some photos of first power on and inside, for checking battery, signs of corrosion, etc.
If one can make knowledge flow than it will go from negative to positve , for real
 

Offline osteichthyes

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #56 on: June 20, 2018, 08:14:29 am »
14 pocket multimeters from $8 to $65 are torn down and compared for feature set and build quality.
Ranging in price from $8 to $65, which one is the best in each price category?
Timestamps:
6:07 XB866 Wun Hung Lo
9:42 ANENG AN8203
15:47 $10 Shootout Summary
16:14 Uni-T UT10A
19:12 Uni-T UT120B/120C
22:41 UNI-T Shootout Summary
23:05 Jaycar QM1544
26:42 $20 Shootout Summary
27:06 Sanwa PM3
31:06 Brymen BM22 / Amprobe PM51
37:31 Kyoritsu KEW1018
42:01 Hioki 3244-50 CARD Tester
45:47 Amprobe DM78C
50:25 DER EE DE-19S
56:27 SANWA PM300
1:02:36 Conclusion

Use coupon code "pocket" for a big discount on the PM300:
https://www.eevblog.com/product/pm300/



Part 2:


The code seems to not be working. Did I miss the sale?
 

Offline Technobabble_

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #57 on: September 22, 2018, 02:47:35 pm »
Is Ebay the only place to purchase the Sanwa PM3 multimeter? I don't see any other US suppliers. If so, does anybody recommend a specific Ebay store/seller?
 

Online Fungus

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #58 on: September 22, 2018, 04:03:55 pm »
Is Ebay the only place to purchase the Sanwa PM3 multimeter? I don't see any other US suppliers. If so, does anybody recommend a specific Ebay store/seller?

https://www.eevblog.com/product/pm300/
 

Online rsjsouza

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Re: EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout
« Reply #59 on: September 22, 2018, 05:10:14 pm »
Is Ebay the only place to purchase the Sanwa PM3 multimeter? I don't see any other US suppliers. If so, does anybody recommend a specific Ebay store/seller?
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Meter-Digital-Multimeter-multi-function/dp/B01D40L6AU
Vbe - vídeo blog eletrônico http://videos.vbeletronico.com

Oh, the "whys" of the datasheets... The information is there not to be an axiomatic truth, but instead each speck of data must be slowly inhaled while carefully performing a deep search inside oneself to find the true metaphysical sense...
 
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