EEVblog #344 - Fluke 17B Multimeter Teardown

[EEVblog]

Dave.

[JoannaK]

Thanks for the review, that meter looks really good inside. Ok, it's not comparable to those high price models, but IMHO the quality looks real good for the price.

[Zad]

To be honest, I'd rather shell out $100 for this than pay more for a lesser brand. I think the money has been spent in the right places and it looks pretty robust. The continuity beeper may be annoying, but I'd cope with that, knowing that it has decent protection.

[Wytnucls]

Thanks for showing us the guts of that interesting meter, Dave. I am pleasantly surprised to see decent fuses installed in it.
I was in Shanghai recently where it is selling for about 550.00 Yuan (85.00 Australian Dollars) in most places.
I thought the meter felt a bit big in the hand for a basic multimeter and decided to buy a Uni-T 71B for 660.00 Yuan, which has a higher count, true RMS, a back light and data logging, for a little more cash.
After seeing the inside built quality of the Fluke, I will probably buy one too, on my next Shanghai visit.

[Monkeh]

Dave, would you be so kind as to pull the 500mA fuse and see if there's a part number on it?

Because, having looked at Siba's range, I believe that's actually a 1kV, 50kA breaking capacity fuse.

[bxs]

@Dave

No word about the probes 

[Psi]

About the comment on the fuse possibly vibrating out of the socket due to no restraints.
It looks like there are plastic stops on the other side of the case.
You can see them at ~15:30

[T4P]

@Dave

No word about the probes 

I guarantee you that's a TL75

[SeanB]

Looking at the blobbed chip and the footprint I am going to guess it is a DMM from Cyrustech. Looking at the local suppliers and they are selling them for $200 retail. Looks like it will be cheaper from China.

[EEVblog]

No word about the probes 

I ranted about that in the mailbag video.

Dave.

[EEVblog]

Dave, would you be so kind as to pull the 500mA fuse and see if there's a part number on it?
Because, having looked at Siba's range, I believe that's actually a 1kV, 50kA breaking capacity fuse.

FF 500mA
DMI 1000V
70 172 40
http://www.siba-fuses.com/front_content.php?idart=117&nummer=7017240.0,5
30KA it seems.

Dave.

[samgab]

It may be a smaller sized fuse, but there's nothing wrong with it. It will do the job it's intended to.
http://www.download.siba.de/pdf/artikel/SIBA-GSS-7017240.pdf

[ratdude747]

I personally still give it a thumbs down... The leads are a joke and the features put it more on par with Amprobe, also owned by the same parent company. Granted, they may not market Amprobe gear in china hence why it was badged as a fluke... but still, for a fluke I was a tad disappointed.


Having seen the $100 shootout there are better deals for the $100 range.

[EEVblog]

About the comment on the fuse possibly vibrating out of the socket due to no restraints.
It looks like there are plastic stops on the other side of the case.
You can see them at ~15:30

Yeah, missed that completely.

Dave.

[EEVblog]

I personally still give it a thumbs down... The leads are a joke and the features put it more on par with Amprobe, also owned by the same parent company. Granted, they may not market Amprobe gear in china hence why it was badged as a fluke... but still, for a fluke I was a tad disappointed.
Having seen the $100 shootout there are better deals for the $100 range.

I agree, but this was not about the bang-per-buck, it's about the construction quality.
At least one supplier on ebay is supplying genuine TL175 probes. It is not clear what leads are actually authorised and supplied by Fluke. I can't believe Fluke would authorise and supply only CAT I probes with a CAT II rated meter. Somethign shify may be going on here with the dealers.
It might get a thumbs down for bang-per-buck, but certainly not for construction, quality, or safety (leads aside).

Dave.

[Nermash]

I think that TL10 are the standard leads for the Fluke 17B/15B.

I have seen one ebay seller show pictures of separate TL175 leads , and then actual 17B package with TL10 leads.... Check before buying.

[Monkeh]

Dave, would you be so kind as to pull the 500mA fuse and see if there's a part number on it?
Because, having looked at Siba's range, I believe that's actually a 1kV, 50kA breaking capacity fuse.

FF 500mA
DMI 1000V
70 172 40
http://www.siba-fuses.com/front_content.php?idart=117&nummer=7017240.0,5
30KA it seems.

Dave.

According to the one I read, 50. Either way, quite sufficient.

[samgab]

As per the detailed product specs, the meter and the standard FLK19 test leads are rated for CAT I 1000V, CAT II 600V, and CAT III 300V.
They only stamp the CAT I rating on the leads and the CAT I & II rating on the meter though. You have to check the manual for full specs.

It's a good DMM for the intended purpose. Reliable, safe, and robust.
I like both my Fluke 17b and 87V, but the 87V was 3 times the price, so I don't expect the same product.
IMO, better that they leave the lower CAT ratings that it is compliant with off the markings, than do what some of the WunHungLo brands do and label it with ratings that the meter clearly has no chance of actually complying with.

[bruce273]

How does this compare to the $100 bk precision that was reviewed in the shootout?

[Clicked]

I wonder what the difference between the 17b and the 18b, since the 18b seems to be rated at cat2 1000v and cat3 600v and it has a max 30v 5ma led tester. The 18b From DealExtreme seems to only be about 7$ more. What problems can you expect from not having true-rms in your meter? what measurements would it really give you out of wack readings?

[lewis]

It's about the vibe of it....

How's the serenity? Look at all that serenity.

[T4P]

I personally still give it a thumbs down... The leads are a joke and the features put it more on par with Amprobe, also owned by the same parent company. Granted, they may not market Amprobe gear in china hence why it was badged as a fluke... but still, for a fluke I was a tad disappointed.
Having seen the $100 shootout there are better deals for the $100 range.

I agree, but this was not about the bang-per-buck, it's about the construction quality.
At least one supplier on ebay is supplying genuine TL175 probes. It is not clear what leads are actually authorised and supplied by Fluke. I can't believe Fluke would authorise and supply only CAT I probes with a CAT II rated meter. Somethign shify may be going on here with the dealers.
It might get a thumbs down for bang-per-buck, but certainly not for construction, quality, or safety (leads aside).

Dave.

Okay, looks like it's the TL10 probe. Cheap arse fluke probes that are made in china
The TL75 is another story, that's used in the normal market meters and the TL175 BION, goes very cheaply in china!

Looks like it's time for me to get a the TL175 and see if it's fluke quality! And then there's the AC10 alligator clip... that goes for a few pennies

What's the alligator clip with the normal market? I suspect AC10 is definitely not up to par with standard fluke clips

As per the detailed product specs, the meter and the standard FLK19 test leads are rated for CAT I 1000V, CAT II 600V, and CAT III 300V.
They only stamp the CAT I rating on the leads and the CAT I & II rating on the meter though. You have to check the manual for full specs.

It's a good DMM for the intended purpose. Reliable, safe, and robust.
I like both my Fluke 17b and 87V, but the 87V was 3 times the price, so I don't expect the same product.
IMO, better that they leave the lower CAT ratings that it is compliant with off the markings, than do what some of the WunHungLo brands do and label it with ratings that the meter clearly has no chance of actually complying with.

if i was paying 100bucks for a meter clearly the if possible 300 bucks 87v would be much better for my value ... BUT NO!
Freakin' 87v is so expensive for what it does nowadays 600bucks! To think i can actually get a U1252B for the same price ...

[olsenn]

Am I the only one that thinks that Fluke (official made-in-USA) probes are crap? I have the ones that came with my 87-V and the ones that you turn the plastic tip shield to hide/expose the metal tip, and I just think they are cheaply made. Of course probes aren't all that important for a multimeter (any piece of conducting metal will do) and I'm sure they are safe to their CAT ratings; I just don't get why some people make such a big deal about them.

[Salas]

To be honest, I'd rather shell out $100 for this than pay more for a lesser brand. I think the money has been spent in the right places and it looks pretty robust. The continuity beeper may be annoying, but I'd cope with that, knowing that it has decent protection.

I have a 17B, UT61E also. 17B's continuity responsiveness is better with alternative probes. 17B is OK for resistors readings, bit shy for DC readings, kinda crappy for AC readings. UT61E almost matches my MS8218 50000 count readings. 17B has rather slow auto ranging especially in low Ohm. But it never jumps around not deciding as the UT61E sometimes does.
Maybe we could calibrate the 17B better with those trimmers it has under the bonnet if Dave would tweak them in the review to see what does what, or someone already knows to advise.

[T4P]

The "jumping" around is due to the ADC's actual speed ... it's very fast to say the least

At least it doesn't mask what it's doing by slowing down the ADC

[samgab]

The probes that come packaged with the 17b are not TL10s. They're marked "FLK19" on the cable and they're a bit longer and fatter than TL10s. I quite like them, they're comfortable to grip, and the cables are good, if not quite as nice as the soft silicon cables that come with the new TL175s.

As for trimming/cal, I trimmed the DC V on mine, using a precision voltage standard. The information about which trim pot is for which function was found posted in this very forum somewhere, IIRC.
I can't remember now which pot was which, but I marked the key ones inside on the PCB.
R18 is V DC.
R8 is V AC
R11 is Capacitance.
R49 is temp offset, and R35 is temp gain.

[Marvin]

I found the calibration manual from baidu (chinese document dump site) and wasted like an hour of time to get it to download (some strange points system, randomly clicked to get "credit" points to download).

Here it is

http://bsd.ee/~olev/Fluke_15B_17B_calibration_manual.pdf

Describes calibration and pots nicely!

[Salas]

Great with the cal manual, thanks. I had read somewhere it can go closer tolerance if tweaked a bit, can't remember if it was here or on some blog that a guy stated he managed it more precise. He had some excel with numbers too to show even. Food for when fully reviewed by Dave the different probes continuity gets better or not test and the tweak trimpots effectiveness to better spec or not thing.

[Marvin]

And now I found the full schematics... again, some random clicks to generate points to enable download from baidu

http://bsd.ee/~olev/FLUKE_17B_schematics.pdf

So an answer to Dave - it's based on FS9721-LP3 chipset - data sheet @ http://www.everestpacific.com/db/photo/FS9721_LP3-DS-18_EN.pdf

And it even has RS232 output

Update: And it has backlight led driving builtin, with the pin exposed on the PCB just need to add resistor and LED (if the LCD has space for it - I just ordered mine from DX yesterday so don't know if there is space for a LED on the LCD display). And the HOLD button works as backlight controller button when pressed for 2 sec.

[ToddFun]

Update: And it has backlight led driving builtin, with the pin exposed on the PCB just need to add resistor and LED (if the LCD has space for it - I just ordered mine from DX yesterday so don't know if there is space for a LED on the LCD display). And the HOLD button works as backlight controller button when pressed for 2 sec.

So why on earth did they not include the backlight? It couldn't have cost that much to add a backlight if it has all that already. Cheap Asses!

I think if Fluke had added just a few extras like better probes, latching buzzer, backlight and Fluke touch hold for the $99 then this meter would take the hobby world by storm.  I sure hope Dave gives us a full review so people know if the meter is functionally sound.

[retiredcaps]

I think if Fluke had added just a few extras like better probes, latching buzzer, backlight and Fluke touch hold for the $99 then this meter would take the hobby world by storm.

For people in the USA, you can get a lot of used Fluke multimeters easily for $100 on ebay.  I have seen the following go for $100 +/- 10.  I'll list only the True RMS models with backlight, latching buzzer, usually TL75 leads and touch hold.

Fluke 87, 87 III, 87V, 85 III, 177, 179 and 87IV.

The Fluke 87V takes a bit of luck to get for $100, but it can be done with some patience.  The original 87 seems to go for $100 regularly nowadays so there is no need for anyone in the USA to buy a 17B.

And yes, I have gotten 3 of the above for under $100 with one of the above going for $40.  I have also gotten a few more models for good deals as well.

For the rest of the world, it is much harder to get a good deal on Fluke multimeters because many USA sellers won't ship internationally or ask way too much for shipping/handling (including shipping to Canada).  For those people, the 17B might make sense, but as many people have pointed out, there is a lot of competition in that space.

PS.  Thanks for spending the $100 so we can all benefit from your contribution.

edit: If a backlight is not required, then the Fluke 27/FM is a good hobby multimeter especially for around the $20 to $30 mark (going price on ebay).

[ToddFun]

Sure, I was glad to pitch in.

I was really hoping it was going to get a glowing report from Dave for the $99 hobby range because I was thinking of getting more of these as gifts and to donate to a school. I have several Flukes, even the 87V, and have been ah-struck since I first laid my hands on one back in my college days.

If the 17B was just as inspiring with high quality and reliability I would love to introduce as many young up-an-coming electronics kids to some new $99 Fluke DMMs.  I know it might sound strange but I like meters, they were the first thing to help lift that magic vale and let you see what was going on inside electronic circuits and the Fluke DMM was my favorite lab tool in those early college days.

Flukes have a spot in my heart but I don't want that spoiled by some cheap Chinese built DMMs even if they are Fluke so I, like others, value Dave's opinion.  Dave knows multimeters like nobody I have ever known. I guess that is what comes with years of buying and selling multimeters as a hobby.

[EEVblog]

I know it might sound strange but I like meters, they were the first thing to help lift that magic vale and let you see what was going on inside electronic circuits and the Fluke DMM was my favorite lab tool in those early college days.

You are not alone here, I think half the people on this form have some form of mulitmeter fettish! 

Flukes have a spot in my heart but I don't want that spoiled by some cheap Chinese built DMMs even if they are Fluke so I, like others, value Dave's opinion.

I like the 17B, it's a top quality meter for the price point. But of course has poor bang-per-buck. But that's the same with every Fluke meter. You don't buy a Fluke if you want bang-per-buck, you buy it for the build quality, reliability, support, and confidence the name brings.

Dave.

[EEVblog]

edit: If a backlight is not required, then the Fluke 27/FM is a good hobby multimeter especially for around the $20 to $30 mark (going price on ebay).

The 27 is an awesome meter if you don't mind the size.
Phenomenal battery life.

Dave.

[EEVblog]

What happened to this one: 
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/FLUKE-27-FM-MULTIMETER-27-/120663477839?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c181a8e4f#ht_4975wt_1163



Dave.

[baljemmett]

What happened to this one: 
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/FLUKE-27-FM-MULTIMETER-27-/120663477839?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c181a8e4f#ht_4975wt_1163

... somehow I knew which outfit was selling that before I clicked the link.  Looks like it'd only take a moderate bit of international shipping to turn the "for parts or not working" into "in parts and not working"!

[firewalker]

... somehow I knew which outfit was selling that before I clicked the link.  Looks like it'd only take a moderate bit of international shipping to turn the "for parts or not working" into "in parts and not working"!

I guess everyone knew... I believe they are buying stuff directly from the Israeli army. The 27 above may had an encounter with a tank. 

Alexander.

[Monkeh]

So an answer to Dave - it's based on FS9721-LP3 chipset

Interesting. Those chips are known for horrific autoranging, but the Fluke seems reasonably quick.

[Salas]

Update: And it has backlight led driving builtin, with the pin exposed on the PCB just need to add resistor and LED (if the LCD has space for it - I just ordered mine from DX yesterday so don't know if there is space for a LED on the LCD display). And the HOLD button works as backlight controller button when pressed for 2 sec.

So why on earth did they not include the backlight? It couldn't have cost that much to add a backlight if it has all that already. Cheap Asses!

I think if Fluke had added just a few extras like better probes, latching buzzer, backlight and Fluke touch hold for the $99 then this meter would take the hobby world by storm.  I sure hope Dave gives us a full review so people know if the meter is functionally sound.

They don't even let it retail officially outside China not to undercut their other models, imagine if they would fully feature it too. They are just targeting different world markets with different average spending budgets, projecting their build quality and brand name weight as spearheads IMHO. Up sale is the name of the game in their scheme, obviously. I wouldn't be surprised if the USA ones are just baptized by few last moves like cal and packaging in USA when produced in same China factory, plus eligible for the support and full warranty.

[SeanB]

Backlight and better probes with better buzzer are for the V2 one, which will come after Fluke sees how the market is in accepting this one. They might be wary about cannibalising the low end of the international market if they make the cheap Chinese entry level one too good and it gets wanted in the higher price markets.

[T4P]

After all fluke is famous for up sale ... remember the Fluke 87-4? That ended up as the 187/189
As well as danaher shotgunning the Tektronix TX1/3/5 after acquisition of Tek and that ended up as the 183/185 except being way more expensive

[JoannaK]

What happened to this one: 
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/FLUKE-27-FM-MULTIMETER-27-/120663477839?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c181a8e4f#ht_4975wt_1163

... somehow I knew which outfit was selling that before I clicked the link.  Looks like it'd only take a moderate bit of international shipping to turn the "for parts or not working" into "in parts and not working"!

That's convinient for Dave.. He can do combined Mailbag and teardown without using any screwdriver at all.

[T4P]

Dave, can you open up your 87v once again and let me know the MOV's specs? 
Thanks 

[redline]

absolute newb here.
Was very interested in the review and a the product as a possible upgrade from my first multimeter($20 supercheap special i think). But after watching the review i think i would be better going for something non-fluke and more bang-for-buck.
I do a little bit of tinkering, hobby and auto electrics stuff but pretty much only primitive stuff so dont need anything fancy. come to think of it ive only really used continuity testing and voltage testing on my current meter. Any suggestions for a basic(cheap) one ?

[Salas]

UT61E easily.

[samgab]

Yeah, I agree, UT61E. I've got the Fluke 17b, and I'm happy with it. But I didn't know about the UT61E (note, the "E", not the A, B, C, D, etc) when I got the 17b. For the price, and feature for feature, some of the deal makers for the UT61E, IMO, are:
Basic DCV accuracy: ±(0.1% +2 counts) VS ±(0.5% +3 counts) on the 17b.
22,000 count, vs 4,000 on the 17b.
46 segment bargraph "analogue" part on the screen.
Has Peak hold, Min/Max capture. 17b doesn't.
It is True RMS. 17b is not.
Has basic data output/PC connectivity, comes with RS232 cable, and can connect with USB cable. 17b has no connectivity.
DC mA and uA accuracy is ±(0.5% +10 counts) vs ±(1.5% +3 counts) on the 17b.
The continuity buzzer and auto-ranging on the UT61E are lightning fast, unlike other iterations of the UT61_.

Advantages the 17b has:
Temperature function.
Resistance accuracy ±(0.5% +2 counts) across most of the range, vs best accuracy of ±(0.5% +10 counts) on the UT61E
DC A accuracy is ±(1.5% +3 counts) vs ±(1.2% +50 counts) on the UT61E.
Neither have a backlight.
"Fluke" branding... Is this an advantage? Not sure, considering it's made in China... can it be considered a "true" Fluke, the same as the ones that are made in USA and have a lifetime warranty? Probably not.

[EDIT: forgot to mention, the UT61E is rated (they claim) to conform to CAT. III 1000V & CAT. IV 600V, compared to the 17b's CAT. I 1000V, CAT. II 600V, and CAT III 300V.]

Given the choice today, now that I know about the UT61E, I'd pick that rather than the 17b. In fact, I think I'll get a UT61E as well, "for good measure"... excuse the pun.

[EDIT again: Also, for about USD56 and free shipping, almost half the price of the 17b, it's really a no brainer. http://bit.ly/OfbpcD

[T4P]

You forgot to talk about capacitance, the UT61E has quick capacitance at least according to what i test (10mF)
as the 17B only has 100uF (and in my experience the ones with only 100uF are slow as molasses, i guess i have a meter with the same chipset)

And yes, it's not a true fluke without lifetime warranty 

[Salas]

Having both I am sure that the Fluke has the better build quality by some substantial margin, has a real holster,  true input protection to spec. Feels definitely more rugged when holding and using it. Has the big digits, and one shift button only. So its best for the tool box, its the one I would check the lower energy mains rigs with. Could be more accurate for AC, but lets see with its trimmers. UT61E has notable speed and accuracy, also does very well for capacitors, shows near to my Tonghui LCR fast. Its a shouting bargain and its best place is on the hobbyist electronics bench. Only if we could shut up 61E's beeping with every switch positioning.

[T4P]

At least the beeping sounds pleasant, unlike the BK DMM dave reviewed.
Well thing is, somebody lent me a 17b and i did not like it at all! The quality is slightly better in comparison with the UT61E, but it's just unlike a true fluke!
And i don't like a holster, i prefer a integrated one because it's annoying to have to remove the snug fitting holster when changing batteries or fuses, well,
the UT61D dropped by Dave pretty much can go through a few more times

But the best thing is ... it's only half the price

If any the best 100buck meter IMHO is the Sanwa CD772! full HRC fuses and True RMS ... RD700 and the PC500a with 0.08% accuracy

Ask me which one i will rather live with ... obvious one.

[ToddFun]

@samgab, I really like the pros you point out about the UT61E...

Basic DCV accuracy: ±(0.1% +2 counts) VS ±(0.5% +3 counts) on the 17b.
22,000 count, vs 4,000 on the 17b.
46 segment bargraph "analogue" part on the screen.
Has Peak hold, Min/Max capture. 17b doesn't.
It is True RMS. 17b is not.
Has basic data output/PC connectivity, comes with RS232 cable, and can connect with USB cable. 17b has no connectivity.
DC mA and uA accuracy is ±(0.5% +10 counts) vs ±(1.5% +3 counts) on the 17b.
The continuity buzzer and auto-ranging on the UT61E are lightning fast, unlike other iterations of the UT61_.
rated (they claim) to conform to CAT. III 1000V & CAT. IV 600V, compared to the 17b's CAT. I 1000V, CAT. II 600V, and CAT III 300V.]
USD56 and free shipping, almost half the price of the 17b, it's really a no brainer. http://bit.ly/OfbpcD

But I can can also recall the 3 minutes of Dave's UNI-T build quality review in the $100 shootout starting at 32:09



It was not so good on build quality and if it don't work what does it matter if it "could" do those things when it can't because it is broke. I think build quility and reliability has to come first with just about any tool or you can't depend on the tool to work. But those other things do matter and the price of the UT61E really has my attention for now.

[Monkeh]

It was not so good on build quality and if it don't work what does it matter if it "could" do those things when it can't because it is broke. I think build quility and reliability has to come first with just about any tool or you can't depend on the tool to work. But those other things do matter and the price of the UT61E really has my attention for now.

The build quality of the UT61E is pretty good. Not as good as the Fluke, but it's pretty solid. Good case, decent components, the only bodges are fairly minor (honestly, much as I dislike the stacked chip resistors for example, give me a solid reason that they're a problem. So long as the solder is good, they're not going anywhere).

[samgab]

I see they changed the design a little (~2011?) when they changed the model of resistor network they use, and fixed some - but sadly not all - of the bodges in the new layout. Shame they didn't take the opportunity whilst changing the design to fix all the bodges. Why not put a place for both those piggy-backed resistors on the pcb, or use a single resistor of the correct rating? Even though it's not a problem, it doesn't reflect well on the quality; pride in clean design and all that. I would be fine with bodges in a prototype, but in the production board I'd want a clean build. Especially after the 2nd iteration of the board. In some, they use a cap that looks correct with the layout of the PCB, and in others they use a dodgy looking cap, though I'm sure it does the job correctly.

[NiHaoMike]

http://bsd.ee/~olev/FLUKE_17B_schematics.pdf

Looks very useful for designing an open source multimeter...

[FenderBender]

So basically it's just a well built UT60E is what I can deduce based on the schematic.

[FenderBender]

Some guy on on Chinese forum replaced the chip on his 17B with a real QFP chip: http://bbs.38hot.net/read.php?tid=8002

I remember looking at this forum maybe a year ago and I saw a thread with a whole bunch of modifications for the 17b, but I can't seem to find that thread...darn.

[AndyC_772]

Looks like a different version of the main board, which only supports the QFP:

[FenderBender]

Ah so it's possible that the footprint doesn't even match up. Anyway, good catch.

[ToddFun]

Dave, I just watched a two part multimeter review by mjlorton. He reviews a cheap $30 TekPower TP4000ZC meter and I must say it shows off nice. It has way more than $30 in features, form and function. It includes data logging with cable, good software and the rs232 IS opto isolated inside the meter.

I just ordered one through Martin's Amazon store. It currently comes with free shipping if you change the order to 5+ days ground shipping.

I think this $30 meter might bet any of your $50 shootout meters but the above mentioned $56 UNI-T UT61E in this thread would be great for the price as well and maybe better built.

[EEVblog]

Dave, I just watched a two part multimeter review by mjlorton. He reviews a cheap $30 TekPower TP4000ZC meter and I must say it shows off nice. It has way more than $30 in features, form and function. It includes data logging with cable, good software and the rs232 IS opto isolated inside the meter.

It looks almost identical to the Elenco M-2625 from my shootout, but with the RS232 option.
http://www.tequipment.net/ElencoM-2625.html

Dave.

[mjlorton]

Yes, it certainly does look like the ElencoM.

Btw, I hope the show has been a success Dave.

As a follow-up to the TekPower review I will do a comparison with my Brymen TBM251 / BM251 as it has a far better build quality...but costs a little more...less than a Fluke though.

I also have a UNI-T UT61E on the way for review.

Cheers,
Martin.

[T4P]

Cheers,
Martin.

Hey martin! Rare to see you here 
Anyway, i have been scouring for years to see which meter this actually is for the chinese market as apparently searching the name mostly points to a single vendor at amazon.

I saw reviews on it that says like most 200uF cap measurement meters the cap measurement speed is just horribly slow more like 30secs
(1 year ago)

[ToddFun]

It looks almost identical to the Elenco M-2625 from my shootout, but with the RS232 option.
http://www.tequipment.net/ElencoM-2625.html

Wow you're right. How did I miss that? I've watched the $50 shootout about 5 times. Looks like they changed the reset button to an rs232 button. The Elenco was your 3rd pick out of the 5 and for $30 +free shipping off Amazon I had to order one for my 9yr old son. He is building up his tech bench in his room and I wanted something I could replace when he breaks it or it fails, which it might just because its L'cheapo.  Ha! I was planning on getting the Fluke 17B for him but wasn't so hip on that for $99 after seeing your teardown on it and it seems like the Elenco/TekPower would be a better kids meter for the price. I will get him a nice Fluke when he is older if he is still into electronics.

[ToddFun]

I also have a UNI-T UT61E on the way for review.

Cheers,
Martin.

Martin, I'm really looking forward to your UT61E review. I just love test equipment, is there a 12-step-program for my condition? Ha 

[retiredcaps]

He is building up his tech bench in his room and I wanted something I could replace when he breaks it or it fails, which it might just because its L'cheapo.

An used Fluke 27/FM will be in the same $30 price range (via auction + patience) off ebay and nearly indestructible (like the Fluke 28 II video).  If it falls though on your son's foot, it might require a trip to the hospital.

I must have been sleeping on this ended auction ($3.58 for a working Fluke 27/FM)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/140840441057

[T4P]

For what it can do it's decent. Really. At least i see a 6.3x32mm fuse on the amps jack and the datalogging software isn't bad at all

[Bored@Work]

Regarding the TekPower, a little bit of digging reveals this Digitek DT-4000ZC http://www.digitek.com.hk/en/cpxx.php?id=697

And previously briefly mentioned here https://www.eevblog.com/forum/suggestions/help-choosing-dmm-with-pc-datalogging/msg2250/#msg2250 It is apparently a rather old model, which would explain the price.

The data format seems to be well known, identical to the DT-9062's data format, which is supported in a number of Linux tools like QtDMM.

It was once also sold as the WIN9689.

[T4P]

Thanks BAW. I went on my cheapest shopping channel (taobao) and instantly i found it ...
22SGD only ..

[iloveelectronics]

Dave, I just watched a two part multimeter review by mjlorton. He reviews a cheap $30 TekPower TP4000ZC meter and I must say it shows off nice. It has way more than $30 in features, form and function. It includes data logging with cable, good software and the rs232 IS opto isolated inside the meter.

It looks almost identical to the Elenco M-2625 from my shootout, but with the RS232 option.
http://www.tequipment.net/ElencoM-2625.html

Dave.

Your Elenco might actually be a Digitek DT-4000ZA under a different badge: http://www.digitek.com.hk/en/cpxx.php?id=699

[iloveelectronics]

Thanks BAW. I went on my cheapest shopping channel (taobao) and instantly i found it ...
22SGD only ..

Funny you were looking this up too. I was on the exact same taobao page yesterday I'm trying to find a more interesting model in the Digitek lineup, the DT-9602R+, but haven't had any luck so far. http://www.digitek.com.hk/en/cpxx.php?id=603

[T4P]

Funny you were looking this up too. I was on the exact same taobao page yesterday I'm trying to find a more interesting model in the Digitek lineup, the DT-9602R+, but haven't had any luck so far. http://www.digitek.com.hk/en/cpxx.php?id=603

Yep. The seller on taobao only has a few Digitek products. Not funny for me, i now buy everything from taobao 
You bet i went searching for the 9602 too ... no luck
And this one looks awesome... 0.2% accuracy for a 6000 count meter
http://www.digitek.com.hk/en/cpxx.php?id=754

Your Elenco might actually be a Digitek DT-4000ZA under a different badge: http://www.digitek.com.hk/en/cpxx.php?id=699

It is!

[Bored@Work]

How do you manage to convince a random seller on Taobao to talk to a foreign devil in English? I have given up on Taobao, because using Google translate to navigate the site is a PITA and the sellers I found never answered any inquiries.

And I haven't found one of these so called Taobao agents that I would trust.

[T4P]

How do you manage to convince a random seller on Taobao to talk to a foreign devil in English? I have given up on Taobao, because using Google translate to navigate the site is a PITA and the sellers I found never answered any inquiries.

And I haven't found one of these so called Taobao agents that I would trust.

...Yeah, navigating taobao can be a PITA but not if you use google chrome to auto translate the page and use some "common-sense" The literal translation is just ROFL, every single thing i search needs to be translated and even so "soldering iron" until a few days ago turned out to be "Welding Stick" but it still worked perfectly
I don't know about the ones in US, anyway. I have tons of agents here and mostly trustable ...

[iloveelectronics]

How do you manage to convince a random seller on Taobao to talk to a foreign devil in English? I have given up on Taobao, because using Google translate to navigate the site is a PITA and the sellers I found never answered any inquiries.

And I haven't found one of these so called Taobao agents that I would trust.

For me Chinese is my native language so Taobao is truly heaven :-)  The vast majority of the sellers there answer inquiries instantly through the real time chat feature on Taobao, as long as you get there in the right time zone. I presume you have to type in Chinese to warrant a response though.

If anyone needs something despararely from Taobao I wouldn't mind offering a little help.

[Bored@Work]

For me Chinese is my native language

I guess that helps a little bit

[mjlorton]

I also have a UNI-T UT61E on the way for review.

Cheers,
Martin.

Martin, I'm really looking forward to your UT61E review. I just love test equipment, is there a 12-step-program for my condition? Ha 

When you find that 12-step program send it my way!
I must say, I really enjoyed the review Dave did on the Fluke 17B you sent him. I did not know it existed.

Cheers,
Martin.

[mjlorton]

Cheers,
Martin.

Hey martin! Rare to see you here 

Yes, I know, it takes my hours to get through my communications from my channel that I rarely get to pop on this or other forums. I'm hoping that will change in the new year.

Cheers,
Martin. 

[ToddFun]

I love Dave's test equipment teardown and reviews. He did a very short review of the 17B during mail day and great teardown Tuesday. I'm hoping to see a full review someday but I've seen enough to know I will most likely get a few someday as gifts.

[steve30]

Martin, I'm really looking forward to your UT61E review. I just love test equipment, is there a 12-step-program for my condition? Ha 

Join the club Todd .

I am also interested in a review of the UT61E as I could do with a decent hand held meter and have been looking at these.

BTW Todd, I enjoyed the toilet review video

[ToddFun]

Martin, I'm really looking forward to your UT61E review. I just love test equipment, is there a 12-step-program for my condition? Ha 

BTW Todd, I enjoyed the toilet review video

HA! I must say I love that toilet. I just hate normal toilets but that said I don't think I would use a washing toilet in public restrooms.

[Salas]

I did the 17B trimmers the other day using the calibration guide posted in this thread to identify which does what, and it managed better for DCV & DCmV, AC, and capacitance. I don't have special references, I just brought it more in line with my other DMMs that were agreeing much better between them when untouched. One is UT-61E. Other is Mastech MS8218. Dave, maybe its worth investigating that in the full 17B review if ever.

[ToddFun]

Dave, maybe its worth investigating that in the full 17B review if ever.

I second that request!, how many votes for that could we get from the community?

[samgab]

Yeah, I'd love to see that too. The market has improved a little since the last $50 and $100 DMM shoot outs, so I'd love to see a shoot out review of a few of the reasonably priced favourites around.
Such as the aforementioned Mastech, the UniT UT61E, the Fluke 17b, perhaps the Tekpower TP4000ZC, etc...

[Salas]

Dave, guys, what is that bridge rectifier across mA input and common useful for?

[Salas]

Catching some damaging voltage if accidentally used as main input maybe?

[Tube_Dude]

The diodes don't permit a voltage higher than about 1,8 Volts (3 diodes  drops) be developed across the 500 mA input and commom.
They act as a crowbar...

[retiredcaps]

For people in the USA, you can get a lot of used Fluke multimeters easily for $100 on ebay.

For those patient enough ...

1) $100 for eevblog #64

http://www.ebay.com/itm/110958495471

2) $78 for a 50,000 count meter

http://www.ebay.com/itm/110958496606

Both from the same seller.  I would have bid for both, but seller only ships to the USA.

[TELCO]

I have recently ordered a Fluke 17B+ Plus which it is my understanding the newer model of the 17B. Has anyone done a review or a side by side between these two models? I think a teardown of the 17B+ might be in order.  thank you Dave for sharing the knowledge.