GW Instek Bench Multimeter — is it 'ok'?

[001]

Hi!
Anyone have GW Instek gdm-8245 http://www.gwinstek.com/en-global/products/Digital_Meters/Benchtop_Digital_Multimeters/GDM-8245 ?
It`s not 'hi tech' anyway but extra cheap (new $300 and used ~$50).

Is it good for craft bench?

[saturation]

Its a good DMM for $50 as a measuring instrument and GW is reputable, but it will be overpriced at $300.  It has many similar features to a HH meter but it has no safety certification beyond CE and no portability, and meters from Brymen can do as much as be portable and could be cheaper even in the EU.

[nctnico]

Still when looking for a mains powered 4.5 digit bench DMM the Vici 8145 (around $170 new) is hard to beat. I hate using handheld DMMs for bench work because they clutter the workspace too much, shut down automatically and always need new batteries at the most inconvenient times.

[nctnico]

I forgot to mention: if you are going to measure mains or similar voltages you really need a DMM with safety aprovals for your own personal safety.

[saturation]

That is a steal at $50 and if you don't need safety certification as GW instek is reputed to make quality devices.  A good 50,000 count DMM is > $250, new.  As for the relay, its an older model so it has a reputation.  I have not seen one complaint of damage to date.

Yes! I`m looking for bench meter
And I can pick gdm-8245  for $50 now
Portability and CE-sertification doesn`t metter since my bench in Russia
But 50000 Counts and expecially bright LED display looks good
What about 0.03 acuracy and REAL AC+DC voltage measurment via AD636?
Is relay switching durable system?

[EEVblog]

Yes! I`m looking for bench meter
And I can pick gdm-8245  for $50 now

Bargain for $50, buy it.
Current spec is 0.2% (not 0.02% on the website!), 0.03% for voltage , dual display, great for $50.

[Fungus]

It has many similar features to a HH meter but it has no portability...

Really?   

it has no safety certification beyond CE

I forgot to mention: if you are going to measure mains or similar voltages you really need a DMM with safety aprovals for your own personal safety.

Bench meters probably don't measure mains voltage very often. Even if they do, it's unlikely to be CAT III/IV mains voltage - for the reason stated above.

Even if you do use it for that you probably won't be holding the meter in your hand and it has a steel case to contain the explosion. I'm sure you can invent a scenario where this in itself is dangerous but a bench meter doesn't need to be as robust as a handheld meter IMHO.

[Fungus]

I hate using handheld DMMs for bench work because they clutter the workspace too much, shut down automatically and always need new batteries at the most inconvenient times.

I just picked up a nice Fluke 37 for $20. It's basically a Fluke 27 in bench format with a 9V power socket. I can leave it switched on all day long.   

It's probably worthy of a teardown video for historical purposes.

I wonder why they don't make a version of (eg) the Fluke 87 in this format. It's a really good idea.

[nctnico]

But why forum members does not use Instek multimeters ?
Is it local model (GW is common in russian state plants) or it is not so good for private use?

GW Instek isn't a very common brand but that is mostly due to lack of marketing.