Regardless of the low price of these meters, the dead spot is present due to manufactures' choice.
The 1uv resolution is very useful to me for finding shorts on laptop main boards by tracing ground plane voltage drops,
by comparing quick readings.
A slow zero offset drift is no problem. A large +/-20uv dead spot could be a problem. Offset drift will be adding or subtracting to this dead spot.
The AN8008 in Dave's review doesn't seem to have any dead spot.
I didn't buy the AN8008 just because it was cheap. I mainly use Fluke 87V DMMs.
Interesting...
This one adds:
+ Temperature (interesting probe, looks better than the usual exposed bead type)
+ 99.9Mohm range (the 9.99M of the AN8008 is a pain)
+ NCV detection (I don't use this much on DMMs, preferring a dedicated volt-stick, but the chip supports it, so why not?)
And removes:
- Square wave generator. Not a loss IMHO, but others might miss it.
But no changes to the current ranges. An opportunity wasted, sadly - personally I would have preferred them to use the switch position for a mA range rather than the NCV function, but can only assume it was easier for them to do what they've done. Oh well - roll on AN8010
I'll certainly pick one of these up. I also have a BSIDE ZT301 on the way, so will be adding these to my reviews (along with another half-dozen meters that have arrived since the last update).
I can see that case being used with other meters - it's far too big for the AN8009. From the photo, it looks pretty good for a freebie...
Hopefully the meter will be available without all the accessories for less money.
I can see that case being used with other meters - it's far too big for the AN8009.
Looks like the meter would fit in sideways.
Just thought I would mention that Banggood currently have the ANENG AN8008 multimeter on offer with a 25% discount making it about 14 UK pounds:
They just released the AN8009 so that's to be expected.
Just thought I would mention that Banggood currently have the ANENG AN8008 multimeter on offer with a 25% discount making it about 14 UK pounds:
They just released the AN8009 so that's to be expected.
I had not seen this new model - thanks for letting me know about it. I recently bought the Aneng AN860B+ after reading the reviews on the following site about it:
https://www.markhennessy.co.uk/budget_multimeters/aneng_an860bplus.htmI also bought a cheapish voltage reference (AD584) to test my multimeters with and this new one was spot on compared to the 'data sheet' that came with the reference.
I always find it quite tricky to decide on what version of a new bit of equipment to buy when there are multiple subtle differences between them so when meters are at these prices it is not too hard a decision to just get more than one.
They just released the AN8009 so that's to be expected.
I had not seen this new model
It's only just been released
I recently bought the Aneng AN860B+ after reading the reviews on the following site about it:
I'm a fan of the 860B+.
Ordered the AN8009 after I saw this. Arrived today.
Temperature measurements in C and F in whole numbers only.
Unfortunate - but, for the number of times I would use it, not a deal breaker.
100Mohm range works.
Nice, but I can't remember the last time I measured above 5M - and if I want to do insulation testing, I'd like a few more volts behind it. There will be some who will find this useful, though.
Same 5uV deadband as AN8008.
Seems I'll just keep to my AN8008 then.
Has anyone tested AN8009 in lab conditions (with precise calibration references and/or high-end reference meter) - is it as precise as AN8008?
And what about precision of the 100M range?
I've noticed that my AN8008 has some small GUI bug - when I press range switch for a first time, the display changes from AUTO to MANUAL, but when I press it for a second time the MANUAL disappears from the screen and never reappears again as long as meter stays in MANUAL mode. Also there seems to be no way to go back to AUTO mode other than by changing function or DC/AC mode.
I've noticed that my AN8008 has some small GUI bug - when I press range switch for a first time, the display changes from AUTO to MANUAL, but when I press it for a second time the MANUAL disappears from the screen and never reappears again as long as meter stays in MANUAL mode. Also there seems to be no way to go back to AUTO mode other than by changing function or DC/AC mode.
I have watched quite a few Youtube videos on this multimeter and have seen this mentioned several times. It seems to be that once in manual range mode you need to physically move the dial to get out of it as you have noticed yourself. I guess it could be called a bug (or maybe a missing feature?) as it would be handy to toggle the manual range mode on and off but for me I just turn the dial to reset it.
It seems to be that once in manual range mode you need to physically move the dial to get out of it as you have noticed yourself. I guess it could be called a bug (or maybe a missing feature?)
By bug, I meant the fact, that MANUAL sign disappears after changing range with RANGE button.
I just received my AN8009 and am a bit disappointed in it since even my free Harbor Freight CenTech has a transistor tester and came with batteries.
Really, I did just get a AN8009 to use as a backup to my Flute when it's got itself lost on the workbench. They really do need to add a "locate meter" function for meters in general! Other than putting batteries into it and seeing if the functions appear to work I haven't used it. Test leads are about of the same quality level as the CenTech and so will be limited to low voltage usage. The plastics used for the case will not stand up to hard knocks and offering a slip on rubber boot as as an option would add hopes of it surviving drops. Guess that would double the cost? Since I don't intend to attempt to drive nails with my meter I guess the case represents low cost and also answers the question -- what the heck did you expect for $20 US including shipping?
Hello,
I've looking for a while for a cheap multimeter for small DIY projects. Nothing special.
I've read several reviews and I come up with the following shortlist:
- Aneng AN860B+
- Aneng AN8009
- BSIDE ZT301
- UNI T UT139C
If they were all $20-$25, which one should I pick?
Thanks in advance
I've looking for a while for a cheap multimeter for small DIY projects. Nothing special.
- Aneng AN860B+
- Aneng AN8009
- BSIDE ZT301
- UNI T UT139C
If they were all $20-$25, which one should I pick?
ANENG AN860B+
Edit:
ZT301: Would be my second choice but I like the solid built, rubbery AN860B+ more (plus AN860B+ is cheaper).
AN8009: No proper milliamp ranges, tiny custom fuses (10mmx3mm - good luck finding replacements!)
UT139C: It's twice as expensive as the others and not really any better.
I've looking for a while for a cheap multimeter for small DIY projects. Nothing special.
- Aneng AN860B+
- Aneng AN8009
- BSIDE ZT301
- UNI T UT139C
If they were all $20-$25, which one should I pick?
ANENG AN860B+
Having one, I would also recommend it. However, I haven't actually had/tried the others.
I have both the Aneng AN860B+ and the Aneng AN8008 (I know you mentioned the Aneng AN8009 but I have not bought this one yet) and I really like them both. I like the AN860B+ as it is a great size and has a really big display, the Aneng AN8008 is smaller but has a higher count, 9999 count versus 6000 for the AN860B+. I would not use either for mains or high voltage work but as I do not do this kind of thing it is not an issue for me.
If you want a detailed description of them then I recommend the following reviews:
https://www.markhennessy.co.uk/budget_multimeters/aneng_an8008.htm for the Aneng AN8008 version
https://www.markhennessy.co.uk/budget_multimeters/aneng_an860bplus.htm for the Aneng AN860B+ version
I ended up getting both (and probably will get more) as they are really great value - if you are not sure which one to get just pick one and at a later date, when they go on offer again, just get the other one - this is what I did. It is always useful to have two or more meters, I think Dave says four is a good number...
Thank you for all you input. I bought the AN860B+