Author Topic: Most compact high quality Multimeter?  (Read 48846 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline slipjointedTopic starter

  • Contributor
  • Posts: 42
Most compact high quality Multimeter?
« on: October 05, 2011, 06:30:22 am »
Hi all,

I hate that my first post to this forum is starting another multimeter thread, but hopefully this is enough of a different vein that it may have some actual use.

I haven't purchased a multimeter since I bought my Fluke 83 brand new quite a few years ago. I recently had to liquidate my entire workshop due to some personal issues, and am now working from a desk and a small toolbag. Every tool I own is now stuffed into this bag. Unfortunately, "the brick" just isn't cutting it any more.

The market is absolutely saturated now compared to the last time I was shopping, and quite frankly, it's a bit overwhelming.

Budget isn't particularly an issue, but I did have to liquidate my shop to pay medical bills, so I can't go completely insane. Most of the truly compact DMM's I've seen are getting dangerously close to the garbage zone, if not sitting squarely in it. The best option I've seen so far seems to be the Fluke 115, but I'm not sure if there's a better option. I would like Temperature, but it's not a deal breaker, more of a convenience.

This meter will be used for occasional light industrial equipment maintenance, and simple troubleshooting and hobbying. I've gotten out of circuit design, so my function needs are pretty basic. I would prefer AC RMS measurement, but I can get by without, as most of the time I'd need it, I would probably have a loaner meter available.


Any suggestions would be welcome.
« Last Edit: October 05, 2011, 06:34:17 am by slipjointed »
 

Offline IanB

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 11771
  • Country: us
Re: Most compact high quality Multimeter?
« Reply #1 on: October 05, 2011, 07:28:27 am »
Just to throw a random suggestion at you, the Innova 3320 is the most compact meter I've come across that still has a "quality" feel to it. It weighs only a few ounces and will fit easily into a shirt pocket. The main downside from your perspective is that it is targeted at automotive use and it is definitely a low end meter (for instance you can find it in WalMart). However, if you want small and compact it fits that niche:

http://www.iequus.com/Product/Diagnostic/digital.html
 

Offline amspire

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 3802
  • Country: au
Re: Most compact high quality Multimeter?
« Reply #2 on: October 05, 2011, 07:41:34 am »
First thing you have to realize with the people here is that they are passionate about brilliantly engineered test equipment.

if a company brings out a new generation of multimeter based in diamond semiconductor (it is possible) that will operate up to 200degC   without a problem, true RMS flat to 1Ghz, etc, then suddenly the best Fluke meters will become a piece of "junk".

If you are not working with mains, even many of the $10 meters are very useable.

Next step up is probably the Vichy VC97 (about $27 delivered) and the VC99 which both include a temperature probe.  These are getting to be decent in features and accuracy, but again, I am not sure about regularly sticking it in the mains socket. If you do, it will probably be OK, but if the meter did fail, it could explode.  Definitely not unbreakable, but very useful. Around about the $40 - $50, there are a few  fairly decent meters, many of which have been extensively mentioned in these forums. Definitely some meters with much better construction then the Vichy. Some have features like USB/RS232 data logging which can be pretty cool.

Now to put things in perspective, if you look at a $50 meter today, it is probably way safer then most of the meters available in the 1980's that cost hundreds of dollars.

At $100, you start to get to the fairly safe meters with mains with the proper fuses, etc.

If you are using the meter every day, and you want something you can really trust, you will go for something like the high end Flukes, Gossens and Agilents. If you are a professional out in the field and your $50 meter dies, or gives an erroneous reading, the consequences could easily cost more then the price of a top end Fluke just in that one day. Just not worth messing around with the cheap stuff.

If you choose to get a cheap meter now, it can still remain extremely useful in the future as a second, third or 4th meter. So look at your budget and your expected usage and know that even $27, or even $10 gets you something that works and is useful, even if it feels a little junky. You can get two or three if you like. If you want to invest in something that is as safe as you can get, and that you will very likely be using in 20 years, invest in a good high end meter.

Richard
 

Offline slipjointedTopic starter

  • Contributor
  • Posts: 42
Re: Most compact high quality Multimeter?
« Reply #3 on: October 05, 2011, 09:35:37 am »
Thank you for your replies.

I don't really necessarily have a problem with the cheaper meters, but I haven't had the greatest reliability with them. They tend to die out within a year for me, and I'm pretty gentle on my equipment. The Innova 3320 posted above looks about right as far as form factor, small body with nice sized display.

Regarding the comment made about choosing a high end meter for use every day, that is what I felt I had in my Fluke 83. The problem is, it's a rather large meter physically, and just doesn't suit my needs any longer.

What I really need is a Fluke 87 class meter, in the form factor of a Harbor Freight special. Unfortunately, I don't believe that exists. That leads me to this thread; I'm trying to find the meter that is the best compromise between professional class quality and features, and el-cheapo meter compactness.
 

Offline EEVblog

  • Administrator
  • *****
  • Posts: 37626
  • Country: au
    • EEVblog
Re: Most compact high quality Multimeter?
« Reply #4 on: October 05, 2011, 10:26:09 am »
It's no surprise that the two meters that won my two shootouts were the smallest of their groups.
Not that that was the major reason, but I do value a small and compact meter.

The Extech EX330 is pretty small, and a handy toolbox meter. CAT III rated, so no slouch in the protection department for that class meter.

Good question though, just what is the best "small" meter money can buy?

Dave.
 

Offline EEVblog

  • Administrator
  • *****
  • Posts: 37626
  • Country: au
    • EEVblog
Re: Most compact high quality Multimeter?
« Reply #5 on: October 05, 2011, 12:17:14 pm »
As an aside, in a search I found this rather curious meter:
http://www.usinenouvelle.com/industry/chauvin-arnoux-2190/-count-digital-multimeter-p16446.html

Wow, Extech have a CAT IV rated pocket meter:
http://www.extech.com/instruments/product.asp?catid=49&prodid=294

Any interest in a pocket meter shootout anyone?

Dave.
 

Offline PetrosA

  • Frequent Contributor
  • **
  • Posts: 625
  • Country: us
Re: Most compact high quality Multimeter?
« Reply #6 on: October 05, 2011, 12:41:55 pm »
The AEMC/Chauvin-Arnoux is the first that came to my mind as well. They start at about $500

http://www.tequipment.net/AEMCMTX3281B-COMCM.html
I miss my home I miss my porch, porch
 

Offline thilo

  • Regular Contributor
  • *
  • Posts: 51
Re: Most compact high quality Multimeter?
« Reply #7 on: October 05, 2011, 01:17:58 pm »
Any interest in a pocket meter shootout anyone?
Definitely! I've been looking for one for quite some time now, but what good is a cheap meter that I cannot trust. And all pocket meters I've seen lately didn't inspire much trust in me :-(



Thilo.
 

Offline Kiriakos-GR

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • !
  • Posts: 3525
  • Country: gr
  • User is banned.
    • Honda AX-1 rebuild
Re: Most compact high quality Multimeter?
« Reply #8 on: October 05, 2011, 01:21:22 pm »
I hate compact size  ;D

Probably every one will hate them after getting older than 40.
 

Offline Bored@Work

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 3932
  • Country: 00
Re: Most compact high quality Multimeter?
« Reply #9 on: October 05, 2011, 02:52:16 pm »
The AEMC/Chauvin-Arnoux is the first that came to my mind as well. They start at about $500

http://www.tequipment.net/AEMCMTX3281B-COMCM.html

But I wouldn't regard the MTX series as pocket meters. They weight 400g and are more like a brick. They always had this funny carrying case accessory, doubling as a belt clip. You can see someone wearing it on page two of http://www.chauvin-arnoux.com/display.asp?9816 With that one attached the meter is even more out of the pocket range.

I never liked their menu system, but maybe this has changed with the recent series. It is some time ago that I touched a Chauvin Arnoux.
I delete PMs unread. If you have something to say, say it in public.
For all else: Profile->[Modify Profile]Buddies/Ignore List->Edit Ignore List
 

Offline Balaur

  • Supporter
  • ****
  • Posts: 525
  • Country: fr
Re: Most compact high quality Multimeter?
« Reply #10 on: October 05, 2011, 03:15:18 pm »
I'm quite unhappy with my low-cost (50 euros though) pocket Chauvin-Arnoux CA703 (which was quite sexy on paper: http://www.chauvin-arnoux.fr/produit/Famille_detail.asp?idFam=1948&idPole=1)

While I'm fully aware that they have different product lines and design teams, the fact that they decided to market such a questionable item under their own brand is extremely unfortunate. None of their +100 years history and experience is reflected in this product.

But again, this is an isolated case that should not be considered by itself. However, I will never consider to buy a C-A product again.
 

Offline saturation

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 4787
  • Country: us
  • Doveryai, no proveryai
    • NIST
Re: Most compact high quality Multimeter?
« Reply #11 on: October 05, 2011, 03:35:39 pm »
Would be interested in a Dave review.  In the pocket class, Amprobe, Extech, and Greenlee are among the better brands in the USA, the first 2 have unique offerings.  Many are typically under $50, often far less.




Some of the Greenlee look pretty much like rebadged Amprobe's :

Best Wishes,

 Saturation
 

Offline ciccio

  • Frequent Contributor
  • **
  • Posts: 659
  • Country: it
  • Designing analog audio since 1977
    • Oberon Electrophysics
Re: Most compact high quality Multimeter?
« Reply #12 on: October 05, 2011, 03:36:55 pm »
As an aside, in a search I found this rather curious meter:
http://www.usinenouvelle.com/industry/chauvin-arnoux-2190/-count-digital-multimeter-p16446.html

I know that meter: it's been on the market for several years. An interesting instrument. See attached data sheet and manual.
It is not very small (44 X 85 X 180 mm) nor lightweight (400 grams), but it is expensive (from 526 to 712 euros  plus VAT depending on the fitted options, from a good supplier).
EDIT:
The datasheet and manual are too large to be attached.
You can download them from here
: https://www.distrelec.it/multimetro-digitale-d-f-i-e/chauvin-arnoux/mtx3281b-com/919043

Regards
Strenua Nos Exercet Inertia
I'm old enough, I don't repeat mistakes.
I always invent new ones
 

Offline Bored@Work

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 3932
  • Country: 00
Re: Most compact high quality Multimeter?
« Reply #13 on: October 05, 2011, 03:49:13 pm »
I'm quite unhappy with my low-cost (50 euros though) pocket Chauvin-Arnoux CA703 (which was quite sexy on paper: http://www.chauvin-arnoux.fr/produit/Famille_detail.asp?idFam=1948&idPole=1)

While I'm fully aware that they have different product lines and design teams, the fact that they decided to market such a questionable item under their own brand is extremely unfortunate. None of their +100 years history and experience is reflected in this product.

It looks very similar to the Extech DM220. Both probably come from the same workshop in Asia.
I delete PMs unread. If you have something to say, say it in public.
For all else: Profile->[Modify Profile]Buddies/Ignore List->Edit Ignore List
 

Offline ciccio

  • Frequent Contributor
  • **
  • Posts: 659
  • Country: it
  • Designing analog audio since 1977
    • Oberon Electrophysics
Re: Most compact high quality Multimeter?
« Reply #14 on: October 05, 2011, 04:01:18 pm »
I'm quite unhappy with my low-cost (50 euros though) pocket Chauvin-Arnoux CA703 (which was quite sexy on paper: http://www.chauvin-arnoux.fr/produit/Famille_detail.asp?idFam=1948&idPole=1)

AS Balaur writes, it seems the twin brother of the EXTECH cited by DAVE

Would be interested in a Dave review.  In the pocket class, Amprobe, Extech, and Greenlee are among the better brands in the USA, the first 2 have unique offerings.  Many are typically under $50, often far less.

I have one of those Amprobe, in fact labeled with the old Meterman logo, model PM53.
It is really small and lightweight, with simple automatic operation and autoranging and  no-contact voltage detector, plus a really long life battery, but it has some drawbacks:
1) it does not measure current
2) it will not light-up any non-red LED (because of low 3 V supply value)
3) it is only 450V CT II and 300 V CATIII rated
4) last, but really annoying: the probes are fixed, very small, and this makes impossible to use custom or special cables, with longer probes to reach uncomfortable points. Sometime I fear electrocution when I put these probes at a mains level point, because I do not feel well insulated...
Sometime I think that a meter like the cheap UNI-T I review in another post is more "usable" : https://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=5023.0
Regards
Strenua Nos Exercet Inertia
I'm old enough, I don't repeat mistakes.
I always invent new ones
 

Offline mikeselectricstuff

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 13677
  • Country: gb
    • Mike's Electric Stuff
Re: Most compact high quality Multimeter?
« Reply #15 on: October 05, 2011, 04:18:21 pm »
As an aside, in a search I found this rather curious meter:
http://www.usinenouvelle.com/industry/chauvin-arnoux-2190/-count-digital-multimeter-p16446.html

Wow, Extech have a CAT IV rated pocket meter:
http://www.extech.com/instruments/product.asp?catid=49&prodid=294

Any interest in a pocket meter shootout anyone?

Dave.

I think you'd need limit it into 'real' DMMs. i.e. with current ranges (even if only up to an amp or two) , and enough  CAT rating to survive 240V mains on any range.
There are plenty of cheap voltage/resistance only ones out there, and safety is sufficiently easier to implement on these that build/design quality is probably less likely to be an issue than those with current ranges.
Youtube channel:Taking wierd stuff apart. Very apart.
Mike's Electric Stuff: High voltage, vintage electronics etc.
Day Job: Mostly LEDs
 

Offline Balaur

  • Supporter
  • ****
  • Posts: 525
  • Country: fr
Re: Most compact high quality Multimeter?
« Reply #16 on: October 05, 2011, 04:57:24 pm »

Wow, Extech have a CAT IV rated pocket meter:
http://www.extech.com/instruments/product.asp?catid=49&prodid=294

Any interest in a pocket meter shootout anyone?

Dave.


AS Balaur writes, it seems the twin brother of the EXTECH cited by DAVE


Thanks to pointing that. Indeed, the CA703 and the DM220 are twins.

I would really love to hear Dave frustrated with the sluggishness of the multimeter, the poor case design, the stupid AC default choice when selecting anything, the extremely hard plastic on the back that will shred the test leads when lodged in the back, the nonsensical inscription that will instruct you to remove the leads (!!!) when changing batteries (IIRC) and so on.

 

Offline slipjointedTopic starter

  • Contributor
  • Posts: 42
Re: Most compact high quality Multimeter?
« Reply #17 on: October 05, 2011, 06:07:49 pm »
Thanks again for the replies. The DM220 and EX330 both look interesting. The EX330 is a definite possibility, but I want to make sure I've "seen it all" so to speak.

I just found this one on tequipment.net, looks like I had overlooked it before. Sort of looks like an egg, but I guess I'm not going for looks. BK Precision 2407A Mini-Pro http://www.tequipment.net/BK2407A.html

It is downright tiny, has CATIII protection, and seems to have the features I need. It isn't cheap, but it's not expensive either.

edit: The Amprobe 15XP and 35XP look pretty reasonable as well, they're only about 6" x 3" x 1"
« Last Edit: October 05, 2011, 06:16:22 pm by slipjointed »
 

Offline gdeg

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 3
Re: Most compact high quality Multimeter?
« Reply #18 on: October 05, 2011, 06:36:52 pm »
Some of the Greenlee look pretty much like rebadged Amprobe's :

I think both are rebadged, made by Brymen in Taiwan:
http://www.brymen.com/product-html/cata20/Bm20s.htm

I have one rebadged by ELMA (http://www.elma.dk/_da-DK/v:1385;130070?visma5.prodno=5706445410224). It has brymen.com written on it.

I like it a lot, it can do the things I might need from something small enough to carry around in my laptop bag (I'm a programmer, not an EE).
 

Offline saturation

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 4787
  • Country: us
  • Doveryai, no proveryai
    • NIST
Re: Most compact high quality Multimeter?
« Reply #19 on: October 05, 2011, 06:57:18 pm »
I concur ciccio, many pocket DMM often don't do current, and have fixed leads.  I do agree the Uni-T you reviewed offers more compelling features for price.  I just hope it holds up.   Thus, it would be good to make a review of many offerings.  It sounds like the Amprobe/Meterman DMM has held up.

I've had a clone of this for 10 years, but its accuracy is really in the 1-2% range for DC and AC.
http://overseas.sanwa-meter.co.jp/index.php?pm7a










Would be interested in a Dave review.  In the pocket class, Amprobe, Extech, and Greenlee are among the better brands in the USA, the first 2 have unique offerings.  Many are typically under $50, often far less.

I have one of those Amprobe, in fact labeled with the old Meterman logo, model PM53.
It is really small and lightweight, with simple automatic operation and autoranging and  no-contact voltage detector, plus a really long life battery, but it has some drawbacks:
1) it does not measure current
2) it will not light-up any non-red LED (because of low 3 V supply value)
3) it is only 450V CT II and 300 V CATIII rated
4) last, but really annoying: the probes are fixed, very small, and this makes impossible to use custom or special cables, with longer probes to reach uncomfortable points. Sometime I fear electrocution when I put these probes at a mains level point, because I do not feel well insulated...
Sometime I think that a meter like the cheap UNI-T I review in another post is more "usable" : https://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=5023.0
Regards

Best Wishes,

 Saturation
 

Offline saturation

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 4787
  • Country: us
  • Doveryai, no proveryai
    • NIST
Re: Most compact high quality Multimeter?
« Reply #20 on: October 05, 2011, 06:58:03 pm »
Thanks for the links!  A pretty mundane website but they seem like a well established DMM maker.

Some of the Greenlee look pretty much like rebadged Amprobe's :

I think both are rebadged, made by Brymen in Taiwan:
http://www.brymen.com/product-html/cata20/Bm20s.htm

I have one rebadged by ELMA (http://www.elma.dk/_da-DK/v:1385;130070?visma5.prodno=5706445410224). It has brymen.com written on it.

I like it a lot, it can do the things I might need from something small enough to carry around in my laptop bag (I'm a programmer, not an EE).
Best Wishes,

 Saturation
 

Offline alexwhittemore

  • Frequent Contributor
  • **
  • Posts: 365
Re: Most compact high quality Multimeter?
« Reply #21 on: October 05, 2011, 07:24:13 pm »
Dave, I'll throw in my request for a pocket DMM review. I was seriously looking for one a while back but all the good ones are a tiny bit too big, and all the small ones are just a tiny bit too janky.
 

Offline slipjointedTopic starter

  • Contributor
  • Posts: 42
Re: Most compact high quality Multimeter?
« Reply #22 on: October 05, 2011, 07:28:13 pm »
Dave, I'll throw in my request for a pocket DMM review. I was seriously looking for one a while back but all the good ones are a tiny bit too big, and all the small ones are just a tiny bit too janky.

That is precisely my problem right now.

It would be nice if the review could combine pocket and sub-compact meters, I would maybe define sub-compact as under 10 cubic inches of volume (basically a bit over 25mm x 75mm x 150mm)


The only thing I've found that is very small and looks reasonably legit is the BK2407 I linked above... it's only 5" x 2.25", that's really, really small for a reputable multimeter.
« Last Edit: October 05, 2011, 07:29:44 pm by slipjointed »
 

Offline slipjointedTopic starter

  • Contributor
  • Posts: 42
Re: Most compact high quality Multimeter?
« Reply #23 on: October 06, 2011, 05:51:30 pm »
I went ahead and purchased the BK Precision 2709B from the shootout, I wish it had Temp, but that's not really that big of a deal, as I carry an infrared thermometer with a type K jack on it.

I know it doesn't really fit my "compact" requirement, but it did seem a good bit more compact than most of the full size, full function meters. I originally was going to pick up the Fluke 115, but the BK seemed to be a lot better value, and to be totally honest, I don't really hold Fluke in as high a regard as I did, now that they're just another Chinese meter stamped with a random American brand name.

I'm not saying they aren't still very high quality, but I do really question whether I'm getting more value in a Fluke 115 that costs 50% more and has less functionality than this 2709B. I tend to be a big "made in the USA" guy, not necessarily because the USA is better, just because I like to support workers in my country. I'm willing to pony up the cash for a brand like Fluke, if I'm getting a USA made unit, like I did with my old 83.

Since it is retirement time for my 83, I sold it to a friend that just needs a meter once in a while, and just about covered the cost of the new meter.

It turned out that when I thought about it more, I really would miss having a full size meter to do bench work, so I think this BK is a good compromise. I also liked it's internals the best out of the others in the shootout.
 

Offline FenderBender

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 1115
  • Country: us
    • The Solid State Workshop
Re: Most compact high quality Multimeter?
« Reply #24 on: October 10, 2011, 04:13:01 am »
Extech MN42 small as hell. Good quality. I have 2 good quality DMMs right now, but I'm considering getting a 3rd. That would be the one I get.
« Last Edit: October 10, 2011, 04:17:42 am by FenderBender »
 


Share me

Digg  Facebook  SlashDot  Delicious  Technorati  Twitter  Google  Yahoo
Smf