Mid-level bench multimeter

[Ofidino]

Hello, everybody.
I am interested in acquiring a mid-level bench multimeter and have four models that I find interesting:

Keithley 2110
Hameg 8012
Fluke FLK-8808a
keysight 34450a


The price differences are not relevant because some of them I can acquire used, although revised and even with manufacturer's warranty.

Can you help me decide?

Thank you

[tooki]

FYI, the Fluke 8808A and Tektronix DMM4020 are the same meter. Depending on your country, one or the other may be cheaper, so be sure to compare!

The Keithley 2110 is a rebadge of some third-party meter, not a "true" Keithley.

[2N3055]

TTi 1908  is not bad instrument.

[bd139]

TTi 1908  is not bad instrument.

Interesting. I was after one of them, the 1908P, but got put off by the lack of reviews anywhere. Does the continuity suck ass like some of their other older offerings?

[rsjsouza]

TTi 1908  is not bad instrument.

Interesting. I was after one of them, the 1908P, but got put off by the lack of reviews anywhere. Does the continuity suck ass like some of their other older offerings?

Well, there is one at Amazon. Perhaps you could ask the user about continuity speed.

[2N3055]

I don't have one, I just tried it maybe a year ago and was nice to use...
Didn't try continuity in detail.
I use my Fluke 73 for that (when I want combined diode/cont function) or one of Brymens, I like Brymen's implementation. I don't like heavily latched cont. because it filters out scratching that is noise in contact...

[particleman]

Don't laugh but I have had a Mastech 8050 for over 5 years now and it works really well. I also have  2 fluke 8800A and a Greenlee DM-820 handheld so its not like I don't have anything to compare it to. For under $400 I would recommend it to anyone. I use it just about daily. Just my 2cents

[coromonadalix]

Find the ones with schematics and calibration know how :   may help in the future ?

[Neomys Sapiens]

With those meters, one can assume that they perform according to their specs.

so it is in the details, such as:
- rate selection (preferably not the same function as resolution)
- Filtering in HW or Sw or both or none?
- diode test voltage range
- AC only vs. AC+DC
- support for accessories, like probe factors

and of course, your display preference and the size/weight.

Do you refer to the HMC8012 from Hameg or the module HM8012?
The latter is quite below the other instruments in all aspects, while the HMC8012 might be the most advanced one.
Personally, I'd say the HMC or the Keithley.
 

[Jan Audio]

Hameg HMC 8012 is made in E.U.

[Ofidino]

The Keithley I discard it, I have seen it the same with other brands and at a cheaper price so it makes me distrust and is also the most expensive of all.
The one I like the most is the Hameg (Rohde & schwarz) for the screen.
I've had an oscilloscope of this brand and it worked perfectly for years, until I lent it to them and they gave it back to me damaged.
Any other options within this price/performance range?

[Ofidino]

I mean this model.

https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/es/producto/hmc8012-pagina-de-inicio-producto_63493-44315.html?change_c=true

[trevwhite]

Keithley might be rebadged but I have had one for a few years now and it's done me well. I would buy another. 


Can't say if it's the best but current integral measurement is very useful for low power measurements. PC software works but is basic. Powers up fast as well.


Trev

[rsjsouza]

That is quite a nice model. The Keithley has marginally better accuracy (0.012% versus 0.015% of the Hameg) and frequency (300kHz versus 100kHz for the Hameg) and a very fast data logging: 50.000 readings at 4-¹/₂ digits, while the Hameg goes to 200. If that is important to you, the Hameg is out.

However, the Hameg has 10G\$\Omega\$ input impedance in a few ranges, goes pretty high in resistance (250M\$\Omega\$) and has a hefty 5V Diode test. wins in many other specifications and it is a 400.000 count meter (the Keithley seems to be 100.000 count). Capacitance and Frequency counter on both units lose by a large margin to any portable meter.

The Keysight is quite similar to the Hameg, but with 100.000 counts and worse diode tester.

I think the Keysight and the Keithley panels have a better arrangement. The Keysight display has better visibility and contrast, but the Hameg seems to have much more information with soft buttons which may help with usability (or not, depending on the software).

Here in the US the Keithley is the cheapest, followed by the Keysight and then the much higher priced Hameg. Interesting that it is reversed in Spain.

https://cdn.rohde-schwarz.com/pws/dl_downloads/dl_common_library/dl_brochures_and_datasheets/pdf_1/HAMEG_DB_EN_HMC8012.pdf
https://www.tek.com/datasheet/broad-purpose-digital-multimeters/model-2110-5-1-2-digit-dual-display-digital-multimeter
https://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/5991-1133EN.pdf

[tautech]

The Keithley I discard it, I have seen it the same with other brands and at a cheaper price so it makes me distrust and is also the most expensive of all.
The one I like the most is the Hameg (Rohde & schwarz) for the screen.
I've had an oscilloscope of this brand and it worked perfectly for years, until I lent it to them and they gave it back to me damaged.
Any other options within this price/performance range?

The HMC 8012 does have a nice dual measurement display, the yellow on black does stand out well and is very visible from a distance like the much cheaper SDM3055.
For 450 Euro with a 3 year warranty and Cal cert it might be of interest to you.
https://www.siglenteu.com/digital-multimeters/sdm3055-5-%C2%BD-digits-dual-display-digital-multimeters/

[Ofidino]

I don't think the Siglent SDM3055 is up to the HMC8012.
The SDM3055 displays 150,000 counts versus 480,000 of the HMC8012.
The HMC8012 has AC+DC measurement, something I can't find in the SDM3055 brochure.
The measurement memory is only limited by the capacity of the flash drive we use.
The HMC8012 simultaneously displays three measurements e.g. Current, Voltage and Power or the mathematical functions.
In addition, user-programmed sensors can be used.
And how fault-tolerant is Siglent? Never forgot to change a probe site? What happens when there is a voltage spike?
Brands like Rohde & Schwarz, Fluke, Keysight, Textronic, etc. have earned their fame for something.

It is for these reasons that I make my enquiry, comparing brochures is arduous, but it is easy, another question is to know the product. And I don't know it.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator

[tautech]

Further info is in the User manual.
http://www.siglenteu.com/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2017/10/SDM3055x_UserManual_UM06035-E02A.pdf
P51/111, the tables shows the range of dual measurements available.

In the first few pages the ratings are listed for each of the front panel connectors.

A SDM3065X I sold to member Defpom, he blew a fuse on the PCB by making an error but otherwise didn't damage the unit.

When the 3055 was first released the firmware was poor and there were a # of problems but that's all in the past.
If you look harder online you'll find much about the early problems however be aware these are a good unit now.

If you need a higher count DMM the maybe a SDM3065X is a better choice.
https://www.siglenteu.com/digital-multimeters/sdm3065x-6-%C2%BD-digits-dual-display-digital-multimeters/

[nctnico]

The price difference compared to Rigol or Siglent is so small you better buy the real deal like a Tektronix/Fluke/Keithley (one company nowadays) or Keysight DMM. These are the companies with a very long history in metrology and building high end DMMs. Besides that the A-brands still know what service and standing behind their product means.

[bd139]

I semi agree. Pricing is slightly more disparate though.

Honestly I think the best deal is that there are a lot of cheap working 34401A’s around. One of those plus cal is probably better deal than a lot of new meters plus the reference in it has aged already. Average £300-350 here. Cal is £70-80. Can actually get a service manual for it too. Has serial port and talks SCPI so automation and logging is available.  New comparable meter from a Keysight or Tek is more than £1000.

Siglent/Rigol I understand the economic argument but I’d rather have a 34401A. It’s a way more mature product which is significantly better quality. The TTi meter is probably fine but they have stopped issuing service info for their meters and there is no info. Hameg I don’t think I’ve ever seen one in the wild other than in educational establishments where they got a hefty discount.

GW I am impressed with though. Decent kit for the money.

[Jan Audio]

I am also a very big fan of the HMC8012 display, the diode test also seems good enough range.
I bought the Aneng8008 for 17 euro,  i saved more then 800 euro, i am only doing 12 volt stuff max 30 ( -15 +15 ).

After buying i really starting to like handheld multimeters more and more, at this point if i would buy a meter i would go for the Hioki DT4282, it has super fast readings.
What is better then measuring anywhere ?, no batterys : true.

[coromonadalix]

I am also a very big fan of the HMC8012 display, the diode test also seems good enough range.
I bought the Aneng8008 for 17 euro,  i saved more then 800 euro, i am only doing 12 volt stuff max 30 ( -15 +15 ).

After buying i really starting to like handheld multimeters more and more, at this point if i would buy a meter i would go for the Hioki DT4282, it has super fast readings.
What is better then measuring anywhere ?, no batterys : true.

I dont call this one mid-level bench meter ?  go for an 34401A   lots of forum support. if you find one with an "not to dimm vfd", you will be happy.

[cowasaki]

I have a Keighley 2100 which is pretty good.  Most important questions are your budget and what features you need or want.