Mastech MS8229 or Amprobe AM-530???

[daravuth]

Hi guys!
I've found this two DMM with is affordable in price,
Mastech MS8229: http://www.amazon.com/Mastech-MS8229-Auto-Range-Multi-functional-Multimeter/dp/B000JKMTDM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1401202935&sr=8-3&keywords=mastech+multimeter

Amprobe AM-530: http://www.amazon.com/Amprobe-AM-530-Electrical-Non-Contact-Temperature/dp/B007FZFE9K/ref=pd_sbs_indust_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1AMDBCAKPCYH6EMS3S48

I feel that I like Mastech more because it has a lot of extra function! But I want to know that if anyone ever use any of the 2 DMMs??

(sorry for my bad English)

[retiredcaps]

The MS8229 is also sold as a rebadged Cen-tech multimeter sold at Harbor Freight ...

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-in-1-digital-multimeter-98674.html

It is $49.99 and sometimes goes on sale for around $35.

[daravuth]

Thank!

Same quality??

[Evil Lurker]

I have used the MS8229 rebranded and Harbor Freight . It is actually not a bad entry level autoranging meter if you can catch it on sale for $35. Accuracy is not that great though, soldering quality was mediocre at best, and it takes forever to auto-range (long enough to where on some things I have trouble keeping the probes from slipping). With my meter I never could get the frequency counter feature to work properly. Also for whatever reason the capacitance  test function would not zero automatically... would always read 15nF. DIode check doesn't put out much voltage at all and it has trouble lighting LEDs.

Overall I would say the AM-530 looks to be a much better built meter. I'd go with it if it were me.
 

[deth502]

I have used the MS8229 rebranded and Harbor Freight . It is actually not a bad entry level autoranging meter if you can catch it on sale for $35. Accuracy is not that great though, soldering quality was mediocre at best, and it takes forever to auto-range (long enough to where on some things I have trouble keeping the probes from slipping). With my meter I never could get the frequency counter feature to work properly. Also for whatever reason the capacitance  test function would not zero automatically... would always read 15nF. DIode check doesn't put out much voltage at all and it has trouble lighting LEDs.

Overall I would say the AM-530 looks to be a much better built meter. I'd go with it if it were me.

lol, i just posted something like this yesterday.

i have 2 of them, throw them in the toolboxes, and, imo GREAT for hvac work. (que the safety nazis going on about how they are "not safe enough" for mains measurement) i think they are a great value as far as that goes. idk about very smalll electronic caps, but on start and run caps for motors, works great. BUT, as i mentioned, i could never get the frequency of either of them to read anything other than 60hz.

i could understand if it wasnt hooked up to anything and was picking up stray noise in the air, but when the leads are directly connected to something putting out a strong signal of it own?? that should easily drown out any stray interference. definite fail.

[daravuth]

It hard to find a 35$ version

[retiredcaps]

20% coupon off at Harbor Freight makes it $40.  Coupon good until May 31, 2014.

http://www.harborfreight.com/digitalsavings.html

PS. I don't have it in my hands yet, but I got this exact model for 99 cents.  It was listed on ebay as broken.

[retiredcaps]

BTW, if your budget is in the $50 range, some people here like the Uni-T 61E which forum member Franky sells.

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/brand-new-uni-t-ut61e-for-sale/msg445356/#msg445356

I don't have hands on experience with the UT61E or your other two listed choices, so caveat emptor.

If you are in the USA, an used Fluke can be found in the $50 USD range.  With some patience, you can get a Fluke 83 in the $50 range.  I do have a Fluke 83 and it is a solid meter.

[Wytnucls]

The Amprobe meter is true RMS and much better built. The buying decision would be easy for me.

[Lightages]

It would be easy for me too. Amprobe over Mastech anytime.

[daravuth]

Yeb! I know Amprobe is good, but Mastech has much more feature

Anyway, I'll for Amprobe! Thanks all replies!