Please suggest a multimeter for a person that is willing to spend ~$150US

[kkelley311]

Hello, I'm new here.

I have a little background in electronics, but have recently gotten much more interested.  I don't have a DMM though.  The supposed DMM would mostly be used to measure relatively low voltages, low currents, resistors, and capacitors.  Relatively small electronics stuff.  What do you suggest under the following guidelines?

I would have a REALLY hard time spending $200US on a new meter.  Even $180 before tax and shipping would be tough for me to be OK with.  I do not want a second hand meter.  It has to be new.  I cannot buy a Fluke or Gossen that is going to be >$300.

Ok, that being said, I will make a list of things it needs to do and a list of things that I would like for it to do.  Anything extra would just be icing on the cake.

Needs to do:
Safely operate at up to 480V (probably won't need this, but I don't want to regret poor safety measures while my arm is on fire)
Good quality fuses (HRC fuses)
Measure True TMS AC voltage and current
Measure DC voltage and current
Measure resistance
Measure capacitance (a broad range for low value capacitors and high value)
Have a diode check
Have a continuity buzzer or beeper
HAVE AUTO RANGING
Have a backlight
Measure frequency
Have as good of accuracy on measurements as possible (this is pretty important)
Good quality input jacks
Have a relative measurement capability

I would like for it to do the following (doesn't have to do these things):
Be manufactured by a readily recognizable company with a good track record for making good quality meters
At least 4000 count
Low pass filter
An easily accessible battery OR a really long running time per battery
An Autohold feature
Temperature measurement (kinda don't care so much about this, but it would be cool)
Data logging (don't know if I will need this, but it would be nice)

That being said, I have been considering the BK Precision 2709B that won the $100 shootout on Youtube.  That does seem like a really good model, but considering that I am willing to pay a bit more than that, I figure that I may be able to get a yet even better meter.  I really don't want to get a couple years down the road and realize that I made a sizable oversight in my purchase when I could have spent another $20 or so and not have to buy a new meter.  For this reason, I will consider more expensive models.  But I really don't want to spend a small fortune.  I don't know.  I guess if I had a small fortune I would go buy a Fluke 87 or whatever.  But I don't have a rich uncle that is fading in and out.  So $400 multimeter is probably not in my future.

Oh, and another thing: pros and cons on different models would be fantastic.

Any advice will be appreciated.  Thank you very much in advance for your time and advice.

Kevin

[Wytnucls]

You will be hard pressed to find a new meter that meets your specs, for $150, delivered to your home.
You're in the States, get a good second-hand Fluke 87.
If you absolutely want a new meter, Extech may have something that suits you, but the build quality has been hit and miss, according to several reports on this site.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fluke-87-True-RMS-Digital-Meter-Multimeter-w-Soft-case-/251265839117?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a809c700d

[kizzap]

$150 delivered? watch Dave's $100 shootout. Those would be the kind to go for. If you want to spend a little more for extra features, and like the BK style, have a look at their range. They do have more accessorized meters out there.

-kizzap

[kkelley311]

Well, I was talking about $150 before tax and shipping.  Hmmm... OK so let's say $200 after tax and shipping.  That would be about a $170 cap on the price of the meter.  Any ideas?  If nothing is coming to mind, which requirement would you loosen up on.  It pretty much boils down to me wanting the best meter that I can get for under $170 before tax and shipping (that will serve my purposes, that is).  What ideas do you have?

[kizzap]

If you like the looks of the BK series have a look at the 390A.

Decent review in this thread:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/bk-precision-model-390a-or-similarly-priced-meter/msg152585/#msg152585

-kizzap

[iloveelectronics]

Based on your requirements I would HIGHLY recommend the Brymen BM-257. Dave has said nice things about this meter too in one of his recent videos:

 

[Lightages]

I agree with iloveelectronics, and he is being shy but he also sells the BM257 on his ebay store when he has stock. He sells them shipped for $135.

I would stay away from Extech EX series. They have had many problems with quality control in their EX series. The MM series is made by Brymen and does not have the same history of problems.

Another option from Amprobe, the AM-270 for $90 plus shipping. It has a horrible backl ight but otherwise meets your requirements and is built safely too:
http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/amprobe/multimeters/am-270.htm

or this Amprobe AM-140 which has been reviewed by a member here:
http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/amprobe/multimeters/am-140-a.htm
Same shitty back light and no option for temperature but highly accurate and fast.

All of the above recommendations are made by Brymen.

[Lightages]

I should also mention that iloveelectronics also has the PC cable for the BM257 for logging. All in less than $200 shipped with the meter. PM him for better pricing maybe.

[eevblogfan]

hey

since I have got that great experience with fluke . I can tell you that any fluke will do the best for the money , yes not that much functionality ---> BUT it does work no doubt and it is super reliable !

the 87V  is about 220$ on ebay - worth getting !

[gerrysweeney]

+1 for the Fluke 87V, best value for a quality meter you will not regret buying, and if you have to sell it one day you will almost certainly get your money back if you look after it. They can be got on e-bay for $200 if you look long enough

Gerry

[ve7xen]

Agilent U1232A looks like a really nice meter at this price point. I believe it hits all of your must haves and all of your wants except for the low pass filter. I really like the look and form factor, and it's got some innovative features that make it seem like it was designed in the 2000s rather than the 1980s.

Martin did a nice teardown/review on it:

[Lightages]

Used 87 series? Who knows what condition it really is in until you get it?

Agilent U1232B?  Has strange missing current measurement range. Good meter but only has 0.5% accuracy, and has a shared jack for Ma and voltage measurements. That is a big mistake IMHO.

The BK 390A is not True RMS I am afraid.