Help finding a beginner bench multimeter

[nanofrog]

Don't forget North America is 110V. Make sure whatever you get will also work at 220V.

Good point. 

The GW Instek 8251A will work ~100 - 250VAC, and the Siglent SDM3055 uses a selector switch (just set it prior to plugging it in).

Tomer, seriously the 8251A will do what you're looking for without spending a lot; it's really that nice (only reason they're as inexpensive as they are is ITT shut down and the market was flooded). I'd suggest not to over think this one and go for it (it's even cheaper than the Brymen BM-869).

[tooki]

For audio work, you may want to consider the Keithley 2015. It’s not dual display, but it has THD measurement for audio.

[Tomer]

Don't forget North America is 110V. Make sure whatever you get will also work at 220V.

Yes spending my time between USA and Israel its a headache with the differences in outlets and volts. 

[Tomer]

Tomer, seriously the 8251A will do what you're looking for without spending a lot; it's really that nice (only reason they're as inexpensive as they are is ITT shut down and the market was flooded). I'd suggest not to over think this one and go for it (it's even cheaper than the Brymen BM-869).

That's my number 1 option right now !

[Tomer]

 
Can it be ?, No capacitance.
http://www.gwinstek.com/en-US/products/Discontinued_Products/Discontinued_Meters_LCR/GDM-8251A

Tom

[nanofrog]

Can it be ?, No capacitance.
http://www.gwinstek.com/en-US/products/Discontinued_Products/Discontinued_Meters_LCR/GDM-8251A

Tom

Unfortunately it doesn't. But this is where other equipment comes in to pick up where a particular bit of gear falls short for you (compromise bit).

Better yet, it can be less expensive to do things this way, depending on what you need in terms of range and accuracy. For example, the Uni-T UT139C includes capacitance for all of $30 shipped to your home (no need to worry about airline restrictions). So do other handheld DMM's, which are typically less expensive for the features vs. bench meters.

But perhaps the ranges in a DMM isn't quite sufficient (or you need inductance and/or better range/accuracy for resistance). 

At which point an LCR meter would be the right tool for the job, and more cost effective as well with a DER EE DE-5000. Not much more than a decent dedicated ESR meter (not enclosure-less projects).

Also keep in mind that LCR meters generally have a wider range and better accuracy (4 wire measurements across the board) as that's specifically what they're made for.

In the case of the DE-5000, take a look at the following (from the manual):



Just in case you're not aware, the max value of 200mF = 200,000uF, so handy for large caps you might use for audio work.

Pricing for LCR + TL-21 & TL-22 test fixtures:

• Amazon (US to US) = $132.88 shipped (scroll down and it'll show the meter + fixtures)
• eBay (Japan to Israel) = $133.97 shipped (price includes LCR + both test fixtures)

One thing to note about this unit (and many others), is there's no input protection whatsoever. So make sure any capacitor you hook up is discharged prior to attaching it to the LCR meter (will save your meter and a lot of swearing).

In short, it will be useful for audio IMHO (LCR with a sweeping AC signal would be even better, but is way out of your listed budget as they go for ~$2K or so last I checked). And at a budget of $500, you'll still have ~$150 left over after buying both the 8251A linked and the DE-5000. 

Brief article that might be of some help in figuring out what the above measurements are (How to Use an LCR Meter).

Oh, this particular LCR meter has a USB & Software kit available as well as an AC power adapter. Not quite a bench unit in terms of form factor, but is in terms of features. And the reduced footprint on the bench is nice bonus IME.

Hope this helps. 

[Tomer]

This is more than help, your posts are gold.

Thank you so much!

[nanofrog]

You're welcome. 

Figured you might not know where to start based on the OP, and as you're on a deadline, the additional info would be of some benefit.

[nctnico]

Also keep in mind that LCR meters generally have a wider range and better accuracy (4 wire measurements across the board) as that's specifically what they're made for.

True but a DMM is typically already on your bench. I use my bench DMM for checking capacitor values quickly because it is already there (and usually on).

[BillB]

I'm a little late to this party, but I've got an SDM3045X and recommend it.  Also have the DER EE DE-5000, and could definitely recommend that route (handheld + LCR combo) as well.

[nanofrog]

Given the budget increase, it would allow for a GW Instek 8251A, DER EE DE-5000, and leave $156.

Quite a bit could be done with that. One or more handheld DMM's for convenience (which also suck up less bench space*), components, quality supplies that may be needed, .... Or just save it.

* I find this very important as the mess always seems to grow. YMMV of course.