SURPEER AV4 True RMS 4.5 Digit Multimeter

[EEVblog]

Interesting meter.
4.5 digit, 0.05% class, CAT IV 600V rated supposedly (not certified), and only US$37 (in special)





https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Multimeter-SURPEER-Voltmeter-Range/dp/B071H8PR61

[JPortici]

'the hell is volt alert? Electric Field Testing ?

[ProBang2]

Source?

[crazyguy]

'the hell is volt alert? Electric Field Testing ?

VoltAlert™ is Fluke Trademark of non-contact voltage tester (NCV)

[JPortici]

not accustomed to flukes, so i though it was something written in chinglish

[Towger]

not accustomed to flukes, so i though it was something written in chinglish

It might as well be chinglish.  It is more than enough for the Fluke Customs Man to have a go at seizing them, as they are know to do...

This is a VoltAlert, they come with batteries.  The batteries insure built in obsolescence, when they leak you need to buy another one.

[amspire]

I couldn't see any accuracy specs.

Even the manufacturer's page does not seem to think it is relevant:

http://www.surpeer.com/product/multimeter/

Cat IV 600V supposedly.

Company slogan:

"Life's in good hands." What does that mean?

[sleemanj]

I wonder if that rendering is accurate... *two* large chips on board, plus an eeprom. 

[amspire]

I wonder if that rendering is accurate... *two* large chips on board, plus an eeprom.

It is.

The "CAT IV" clearances look like the meter was designed by a company that makes meat thermometers and food grinders.

[Wytnucls]

250V only fuses. 

[crazyguy]

I wonder if that rendering is accurate... *two* large chips on board, plus an eeprom.

The design is similar to the HYELEC MS8236/PeakMeter PM8236, two chips solution (DTA0660 (6000 counts) + Hycon HY11P14) + eeprom

Maybe this one is HY3131 (50,000 counts DMM Analog Front End) + HY11P14

Hycon HY3131
http://www.hycontek.com/en/products-en/3413

? HYELEC MS8236 True – RMS.
https://mysku.ru/blog/china-stores/32869.html



not many DMM chipset has NCV function. Hycon chipset is one of them has NCV

[Wytnucls]

Possibly the OEM manufacturer:



http://www.ebay.com/itm/HY-19E-20000-Counts-NCV-Multimeter-AC-DC-Voltage-Current-Resistances-Capacitors-/112418234877?hash=item1a2ca621fd:g:KM4AAOSwYvFZJc0D

[Jon.C]

Sampling rate: about 3 times per second   

[sleibson]

I bought one of these and have just checked it out. Posted a long review with photos on Amazon's site where I bought it. For $37, it's a fairly nice meter that tracked an HP 34401A meter fairly well. I wouldn't use it on ac mains or other high-voltage circuits but I've no problem using it for the stuff I usually do.

[Fungus]

I bought one of these and have just checked it out. Posted a long review with photos on Amazon's site where I bought it.

Link?

How's it going? It looks like a very interesting meter if it meets all the specs.

[HKJ]

It looks very similar to the Zeast 282 that I have looked at: http://lygte-info.dk/review/DMMZeast282%20UK.html

[Fungus]

It looks very similar to the Zeast 282 that I have looked at: http://lygte-info.dk/review/DMMZeast282%20UK.html

Code: [Select]

The meter is easily within the specified tolerances and in many cases only one or two count out.
0.05% meter for $<$40 

Code: [Select]

Display updates around 3 times/sec
Bargraph works at same speed as the numeric readings.
Slow bargraph 

(better than no bargraph at all?)

[HKJ]

Code: [Select]

The meter is easily within the specified tolerances and in many cases only one or two count out.
0.05% meter for $<$40 

Yes and no, the +/-count is a significant part of the tolerance on voltage.

[Fungus]

Code: [Select]

The meter is easily within the specified tolerances and in many cases only one or two count out.
0.05% meter for $<$40 

Yes and no, the +/-count is a significant part of the tolerance on voltage.

Still far more accurate than the 0.5% meters typical of meters in this price range.

Also: Proper fuses, NCV, temperature probe, etc. It seems like a good deal overall.

Is it a good meter in use? (ie. Did you end up using it...)

[HKJ]

Is it a good meter in use? (ie. Did you end up using it...)

I do not use all my DMM's, I have way to many, especially after I started doing reviews of them (I have many more DMM reviews on the way).
And for most of my work I use bench meters.

[Hydrawerk]

Looks like a decent meter in its price range.
Input protection looks like total fucked crap, but in 1993 we were happy with Metex M-3900 that had no input protection.

[Fungus]

Looks like a decent meter in its price range.
Input protection looks like total fucked crap, but in 1993 we were happy with Metex M-3900 that had no input protection.

I think we can admit to ourselves that some meters are suitable for mains work and some aren't, then use them accordingly.

Is it a good meter in use? (ie. Did you end up using it...)

I do not use all my DMM's, I have way to many, especially after I started doing reviews of them (I have many more DMM reviews on the way).
And for most of my work I use bench meters.

I have quite a few but the one I use the most lately is one of the cheapest - an AN860B+. Go figure. 

I think the meter in this thread looks good in white. I might get one if/when my AN860B+ dies, it looks like it has similar heft.

[Prizmatic]

Just bought one, the Surpeer Amazon store is clearing stock at £23.99 inc' delivery fulfilled by Amazon. Seems better spec'd than the ZT219 I was looking at, 9v battery is a minus though.
Old thread I know. 

[wolframore]

I just picked up a Thsinde 18B+ for $12.95.  I no longer see the deal.  It's 6,000 count. Decent for the price!!! little slow on continuity but I love it. 

I was researching and found a Surpeer AV4 is $20.99 on prime now.  Not sure why a 20,000 count would only go to 20 Meg Ohm. It seems like trickery with 20,000 digits but really only 2,000 count.  The advertised tolerances should be tighter as 20K...

On the flip side the Thsinde has similar circuit board and HRC fuses... I think they are from the same factory as Surpeer and perhaps the HY stuff.  I'm loving these cheap meters.  I have a Fluke and AW Sperry. 

[Camicia]

Currently $13.99... It seems a good deal.

[rsjsouza]

I saw that... Got one just out of curiosity.

[Camicia]

The website is not online anymore =/ http://www.surpeer.com/product/multimeter/

[rsjsouza]

The server is back online, although the product selection seems quite limited (from here I only see a couple of products, the multimeter is not there). I received the meter, which is quite nice if you forget its bugs (peak and rel buttons only work in very limited ranges) and can live with the slow bargraph. It is also not forgiving: applying a higher voltage to the non-volt ranges make the meter go crazy.

On the other hand, it is very well built, has a large screen and the high count is quite handy for a meter on its class.

[Specmaster]

The website no longer lists the meter though.

[Kosmic]

The website is kind of generic though. Look at the "about us" page. Look like they had a problem.

[GregDunn]

I bought one of these as well.  It seems reasonably well made and all the functions appear to be accurate enough for typical bench use.  I've spent more for less...

[Camicia]

Price went up $2 

The board looks like has some extra flux that was not cleaned: https://lygte-info.dk/pic/DMM-Other/Zeast%20282/DSC_2358a.jpg
In another picture I have, it seemed that something that was supposed to be in CAL2 ( around 9V- ) exploded - probably just a dirty dry flux puddle.

This is a video review. The guy is very enthusiastic:

 

This is a less enthusiastic review: http://testmeterpro.com/surpeer-multimeter-av4/
Definitely it is  the same hardware of the Zeast 282 in the review that was already mentioned: https://lygte-info.dk/review/DMMZeast282%20UK.html

Not sure what to think... it seems that people look at the price to judge if a multimeter is good or "cheap".
 

[GregDunn]

Not sure what to think... it seems that people look at the price to judge if a multimeter is good or "cheap".

I just turn it on and use it.  I'm not sure the extra digit of resolution is accurate, but it tracks my expensive meters well enough and if it dies I've got my $20 worth already.

[graybeard]

I have two of them.  There are many issues, but for the price I am happy.

All of the ranges I have tested have been well within their specified accuracy, but I have not evaluated the frequency response or accuracy of the rms converter yet. I will update this when I do. The stated frequency range of 40-200 Hz is only usable for AC power waveforms, not audio. When I checked the AC response of my units they worked up to almost 1000 Hz.

The PEAK( min/max) and REL(delta) buttons do not work on any range.

The APO (automatic power off) function is on by default. To turn off the APO function hold down the HOLD button while turning the meter on, not the SELECT button as the Chinglish instructions state.

The meter does appear to have a couple of input protection diodes and a tiny varistor, but the protection circuitry seems to be inadequate for use on power lines. However for most other uses it seems fine.  I have used it opn tube gear with voltages up to 800V without issue.

The bar graph although marked with 100 small segments is only 20 sections bar graph, each section being 5 marked segments. The numbers on the bar graph 0, 5, 10, & 20 correspond to the bar graph sections.

The sound response of the continuity check function seems instantaneous, even though the meter indication is much slower.

The temperature on mine reads high; 4ºC at 0ºC and 102ºC at 100ºC.  I suspect the error is in the metals of the banana plugs and jacks since small computational changes can change contact potential.

There is no specification for input impedance, so I will measured it:
DC Range Input Z
2V 11MEG
20V 10MEG
200V 10MEG
1000V 10MEG

AC Range Input Z
0.2V 11MEG
2V 10MEG
20V 10MEG
200V 10MEG

diode mode:
open circuit V: 3.23V
test current: 1.6mA
maximum displayed value 2.2V

continuity mode:
open circuit V: 1.0V
test current: 380uA
response seems instantaneous
The markings in the battery department are not obvious.  I marked mine with a marker pen

The NCV (non-contact voltage) function seems very sensitive.  The sensor is in the left side of the meter at about the center of the display.  There is no indication where it is.

I paid $21 for mine and I'm satisfied with the purchase.  It is now down to $16 on Amazon.

[Camicia]

The frequency measurement is supposed to go up to 20MHz according to specs: Frequency: 10Hz/100Hz/1KHz/10KHz/100KHz/1MHz/20MKHz (0.01%+3) Or at least it is what I think they meant with 20MKHz. It is the Vac measurement that decrease accuracy as the frequency increases.

The contacts could be improved golden plating the connectors. The probes could probably be plated too but it is probably better to get better one. I am just afraid that the flux is corroding them.

In this review the guy says that the REL button is not working: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R3RKUH5F3V334T/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B071H8PR61
Same goes for another guy in the the youtube video's comments:

The REL function doesn't do anything on these meters, other than turn of the 'AUTO', and turn on the 'REL' indicators on the LCD. It's a FAIL, as Dave would say. Pressing the button should zero the reading and make subsequent measurements RELative to the new zero. For example, when measuring resistance, you'd short the probes together, wait for the reading stabilise, then press REL. It's not A faulty meter, I have 2, and they're both the same...

But in the https://lygte-info.dk/review/DMMZeast282%20UK.html but in the Zeast 282 review seems that it was working. I wonder if the FLASH needs to be programmed differently.

Googling "vc 28ii multimeter",  that is printed on the board, brings up results for the Fluke 28II. I think this is supposed to be a clone of it.


I wonder why this has 2 chips. How are the functions divided between them?

Next to right one you can see the label "IC7 HY12P..." and according the review the complete label is HY12P65 that is one fo the well known http://www.hycontek.com/wp-content/uploads/UG-HY12S65_EN.pdf (See also DS-HY12P65-EN.pdf ). Unless it is "protected by program", the program can be dumped ( see http://www.hycontek.com/wp-content/uploads/APD-HYIDE009_EN.pdf )
The left one may be used to drive the second reading on the display.

I also wonder if the settings can be calibrated like in the AN8009 [update: it can jumping the RCAL2]

[Camicia]

Regarding:

It looks very similar to the Zeast 282 that I have looked at: http://lygte-info.dk/review/DMMZeast282%20UK.html

@HKJ Can you dump the EEPROM of the Zeast 282 and post it here? I wonder if that can be used to enable the REL button.


Also related thread: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/another-cheapo-multimeter-19999-count-0-05-dc-accuracy

[HKJ]

@HKJ Can you dump the EEPROM of the Zeast 282 and post it here? I wonder if that can be used to enable the REL button.

Sorry, but I do not have a ready setup to read EPROM's and the meter is somewhere in a couple of boxes filled with multimeters (I still have most of the meters I have reviewed).
I believe it would take way to much time to do it.

[indman]

@HKJ Can you dump the EEPROM of the Zeast 282 and post it here? I wonder if that can be used to enable the REL button.

Hi,guys!
EEPROM of the Hy-19E(Zeast 282) it is possible to download at this link  https://yadi.sk/d/fy7nRoX_3Lqzsf. This dump became available thanks to the review on a multimeter from the user of uncle_sem at the Russian-speaking forum https://mysku.ru/blog/china-stores/54451.html

[Camicia]

Thank you @indman. I think the EEPROM only contains the calibration values that are device specific. Without further documentation and deeper understanding of it, I think we will have to reverse engineer the firmware in the HY chip to understand if some configuration beside the calibration values are read from the EEPROM. And we need to hope that is not read protected.
In te meanwhile we could download some content of the surpeer and compare it with the Hy-19E or Zeast 282 dumps.


I also found out that if you jump RCAL2 visible in the battery compartment, you can set the Surpeer av4 in calibration mode in case you need to calibrate it with more accurate instruments. You should not do it if you do not have a more accurate instrument or you may mess up its built-in calibration. If somebody want to do it and document the calibration procedure, it would be great!

[indman]

Thank you @indman. I think the EEPROM only contains the calibration values that are device specific.

It is not absolutely right. EEProm also contains management of device selector operation modes.
Check whether the REL button very simply will work. For a start it is necessary to save surely an original dump 24C02(08), and then to program flash that option which saved uncle_sem in this chip and to check whether there will be an effect for the REL button. If this button does not work, means these settings are stored in the main HY12P chip.

[retiredcaps]

the meter is somewhere in a couple of boxes filled with multimeters (I still have most of the meters I have reviewed).

Now the above picture would be worthy of the "show us your multimeter" thread ... 

[rsjsouza]

Price went up $2 

The board looks like has some extra flux that was not cleaned: https://lygte-info.dk/pic/DMM-Other/Zeast%20282/DSC_2358a.jpg
In another picture I have, it seemed that something that was supposed to be in CAL2 ( around 9V- ) exploded - probably just a dirty dry flux puddle.

Mine had a few of those as well, but it was just a bit of dirt/grime.

This is a video review. The guy is very enthusiastic:

(...)

This is a less enthusiastic review: http://testmeterpro.com/surpeer-multimeter-av4/
Definitely it is  the same hardware of the Zeast 282 in the review that was already mentioned: https://lygte-info.dk/review/DMMZeast282%20UK.html

The guy on the video is flabbergasted by the ceramic fuses and the probes... It only tells he hasn't seen a properly designed input protection before, and the probes are ok (above average).

Not sure what to think... it seems that people look at the price to judge if a multimeter is good or "cheap".

IMHO this is a lost opportunity to create a great meter. It is physically robust, the rubber jack is quite nice, the large numbers on the display are very good (although it could use a bit more contrast), the PCB seems to have very high quality (although it has almost no transient protection) and the rotary switch and the rubber buttons are well above average.

The inoperant/flawed Peak/Rel is a great disappointment, especially given the very high number of counts is quite nice for the lowest ohms and capacitors. The bargraph update rate is also very disappointing, particularly due to the fact it looks really nice and sharp. Also, the unforgiving non-volt ranges is quite troubling - voltages as low as 30V threw my meter completely off, requiring restart. The flimsy input jacks and the dismal input protection do not make justice to the quality of the PCB and the rest of the meter. 

[graybeard]

The frequency measurement is supposed to go up to 20MHz according to specs: Frequency: 10Hz/100Hz/1KHz/10KHz/100KHz/1MHz/20MKHz (0.01%+3) Or at least it is what I think they meant with 20MKHz. It is the Vac measurement that decrease accuracy as the frequency increases.

I have verified that the frequency measurement does go up to 20 MHz.   There is a loss of sensitivity as you go up, I have not characterized it.   If you use a long coax cable you should add a 50 ohm termination across the input.  At 20 Mhz a 51 Ohm carbon composition resistor across a BNC to banana adapter will work fine.

The AC measurement only works up to 1KHz, it is not reliable above 1KHz.   It works a bit higher than the 200Hz spec, but it would be foolish to use this for anything besides AC power measurements because of the limited bandwidth.

The PC board is labeled WINHY 28II Ver 7.  https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Multimeter-Portable-Voltage-Detector/dp/B0798MSZ5S

Interestingly enough I did a web search a couple of weeks ago on Surpeer and found they were just one of several brand names for a Chinese marketing company.  Interestingly enough another of their brand names specializes in marketing sex toys.  Unfortunately I can't remember the URL or name of the corporation.

Supeer's web site http://www.surpeer.com seems to be online again.   It has been missing for the last two months.

[Fungus]

Supeer's web site http://www.surpeer.com seems to be online again.   It has been missing for the last two months.

Maybe they read this thread. 

[Prizmatic]

4 months use on the bench so far (240v max). Hobby R/V/Current/Cap'/continuity use, It a nice feeling meter but there are problems. The connectors can be fussy with leads other than there own, also banana plugs. The yellow markings on the selector switch are near invisible in low light. The time period for the backlight is too short. Its a real pity because the measurement performance and build quality is excellent.

[cdev]

So, in order to shave 5% off the BOM price they changed it from a better than average or good meter deal to a marginal one?

[rsjsouza]

100%, cdev. The major problem I see are the various bugs. The input jacks are not terribly great, although I was able to get stable readings with other banana jacks by rotating them so any grime or grease can be removed.

I put it under my DMMCheck Plus gizmo and it gave pretty close readings, well within spec when compared to the 3458A originally used to calibrate the gizmo.

[cdev]

Maybe they have some internal conflicts going on between the engineers and bean counters and the bean counters 'won' but lost the battle to put out a decent product?

Are the jacks in question easily user replaceable?

[rsjsouza]

Maybe they have some internal conflicts going on between the engineers and bean counters and the bean counters 'won' but lost the battle to put out a decent product?

I have a few theories:
- The product was released before the firmware was thoroughly tested/validated (or it was a midnight shift product)
- The product itself is a reverse engineer job that was released just at the brink of minimum functionality
- There was a fallout between the brand and the OEM (sabotage)

Are the jacks in question easily user replaceable?

They are fairly easy to desolder, but the trick is to find higher quality ones that fit on the same place (I haven't searched)

[graybeard]

I have used mine up to 850 VDC and they both worked fine.

[Kosmic]

Same here. Overall, it’s working fine. Resolution and accuracy are great. Measurement speed is slow as hell though.

[rsjsouza]

I have used mine up to 850 VDC and they both worked fine.

I am not sure if you are referring to my previous comment about the 30V on the inputs. In my case I was highlighting the issue in non-voltage ranges (Ω, )))), cap, diode), - i.e., the meter is quite unforgiving to user error. 

[Fungus]

I have used mine up to 850 VDC and they both worked fine.

Sure.

The input protection circuitry is there for when you make mistakes or when the voltage is way outside what you expect.

If you have all the leads and the range selector in the right places then even a free DT830B will measure 1000V. I wouldn't like to spin the dial with it connected though. 

[joeqsmith]

Topic reminds me of Voltlog's video.

https://youtu.be/pnv5qJoWIak

[graybeard]

[rsjsouza]

These are my results with the DMMCheck Plus:

[zwillhill]

@HKJ Can you dump the EEPROM of the Zeast 282 and post it here? I wonder if that can be used to enable the REL button.

Hi,guys!
EEPROM of the Hy-19E(Zeast 282) it is possible to download at this link  https://yadi.sk/d/fy7nRoX_3Lqzsf. This dump became available thanks to the review on a multimeter from the user of uncle_sem at the Russian-speaking forum https://mysku.ru/blog/china-stores/54451.html

There are two positions seems may modify something base on my web search (base on other DTM0660 models and not tested!):
1. 10H, 11H data corresponds to the division value 10000, 12H, 13H corresponds to the shift upper limit of 9200, 13H, 14H corresponds to the shift off line 880(UT139B)
2. Description of the address in the form:
24H, 25H is the NCV base (threshold, threshold), that is, the mV value that has an initial response to the start of the mains induction.
26H, 27H for NCV resolution, in general, for UT139C is the first short bar of the display to the second short bar (second to third, third to fourth) display required The mV value is the mV value required for the first display light to be displayed after the first display light is displayed.
You can adjust the NCV starting sensitivity by changing the address 24H value, increase the sensitivity and increase the sensitivity.
The numerical choice is generally:
28, 32, 64, 96, FA
Specific model reference value: UT139C, the value is FA, UT139B is FA, UT210E is 64, and UT211B is 96.

sorry for my bad English

[zwillhill]

I wonder if that rendering is accurate... *two* large chips on board, plus an eeprom.

The design is similar to the HYELEC MS8236/PeakMeter PM8236, two chips solution (DTA0660 (6000 counts) + Hycon HY11P14) + eeprom

Maybe this one is HY3131 (50,000 counts DMM Analog Front End) + HY11P14

Hycon HY3131
http://www.hycontek.com/en/products-en/3413

? HYELEC MS8236 True – RMS.
https://mysku.ru/blog/china-stores/32869.html



not many DMM chipset has NCV function. Hycon chipset is one of them has NCV

The chipset in right position seems be HY12P65, the left one maybe HY11P series.
http://lygte-info.dk/review/DMMZeast282%20UK.html

[graybeard]

There are more of these WINHY 28II 20000 count multimeters for sale at Ali Express at the moment.  The REL and Peak measurement keys do not work, but everything else does.  The two I have work well and are very stable.  They meet their accuracy spec and do a much better job of measuring capacitance than my 121GW.  I have measured voltages up to 850V.  The frequency counter works up to 20 MHz.

I have two SURPEER AV4 units that I am very happy with (for the price) and I just ordered one more for $17.80 with free shipping.  It appears to be the same meter and the board (shown in feedback).  Ali Express is now adding $1.82 California Sales tax so I am paying $19.62.