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been looking to buy my first multimeter, but I need (a little) help
Posted by ziegler on 13 Jan, 2015 23:15 -
So I been looking at a lot of multimeters, but I shorted the list down to about 2 meters
BRYMEN BM867S or BRYMEN BM869S
(the brymen BM869S is over my budget, so I'm not buying it)
I really like these 2 meters a lot, the only thing that I think is weird, is the amount of extra digits
BRYMEN BM869S
- DC current measuring accuracy ±(0,1% + 20 digits)
- AC voltage measuring accuracy ±(0,4% + 30 digits)
- AC current measuring accuracy ±(0,7% + 50 digits)
(Frequency measuring range 10...200kHz)
BRYMEN BM867S
DC current measuring accuracy ±(0,1% + 20 digits)
AC voltage measuring accuracy ±(0.8% + 60 digits)
AC current measuring accuracy ±(1 % + 40 digits)
(Frequency measuring range 10...200kHz)
Can I trust my readings with all those extra digits ?
Looking at the specs from the brymen BM829 meter, it looks like brymen gos in the wrong direction.
BRYMEN BM829
DC current measuring accuracy ±(0,2% + 4 digits)
AC voltage measuring accuracy ±(0,5% + 3 digits)
AC current measuring accuracy ±(0,6% + 3 digits)
(Frequency measuring range 0,001...15/1k/10k/50kHz)
With that said, this will be my first meter, so I'm totally green in this area.
So I wanted to ask:
- should I buy the BM829 or the BM867S ?
- and why ?
Any help will be appreciated, thanks in advance.
http://www.tme.eu/en/details/bm829/portable-digital-multimeters/brymen/#
http://www.tme.eu/en/details/bm867/portable-digital-multimeters/brymen/bm867s/#
http://www.tme.eu/en/details/bm869/portable-digital-multimeters/brymen/bm869s/#
http://www.brymen.com.tw/product-html/cata820/BM820_Catalog.pdf
http://www.brymen.com.tw/product-html/cata860/BM860_Catalog.pdf -
It makes sense when you consider that the 867 is a 50000 count multimeter whereas the 829 is only a 6000 count multimeter in current measurement mode. The 867 will be better most of the time*, even though its accuracy specifies more counts.
Let's make an example, let's say you measure a current of 40mA DC exactly. According to the specs, the 867 will display a value between 39.920mA and 40.080mA, whereas the 829 will display a value between 39.88mA and 40.12mA. So as you can see, the 867 is more accurate.
The additional resolution can be useful too. The 5th decimal digit there doesn't make the 867 any more accurate, but it does let you see relative changes. If the value you measure in the above example changes by 0.003mA, the 867 will show it, while the 829 will not.
* except in the range 5*10n to 6*10n -
thanks for your help, that was just what I needed to hear.
but when I look at the shop link, for the 867 meter, it says that it's out of stock.
- Stock level: 0 [pcs]
should I order one from them and wait a long time.
or maybe there is another shop, that ships it's products from the EU.
(I live in Denmark and we have extra taxes/vats on any product, that are shipped from the outside of EU)
feel like it would be easier just to wait until I have enough for the bm869 -
thanks for your help, that was just what I needed to hear.
Do keep in mind, you'd only have to wait until which ever of the following conditions is met first to get one of these to you the quickest, as it seems waiting will be part of the equation regardless:
but when I look at the shop link, for the 867 meter, it says that it's out of stock.
- Stock level: 0 [pcs]
should I order one from them and wait a long time.
or maybe there is another shop, that ships it's products from the EU.
(I live in Denmark and we have extra taxes/vats on any product, that are shipped from the outside of EU)
feel like it would be easier just to wait until I have enough for the bm869- The 867 shows stock available.
- You've saved enough funds to cover the cost of the 869.
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It is not usual for people to buy a nice multimeter for their first one. I am happy to see you getting something really good instead of some cheap junk.
If you want to spend a bit less and still have a great multimeter, the BM257s is very good too. It is less accurate of course, lower counts, and the TRMS is AC only, but it is a very handy meter for all round use and also has temperature and a non-contact voltage detector. It is a very good meter and more than most hobbyists will need. This also allows you to get the PC interface and still be within your budget I think.
You can also consider the BM857s. It is basically all the BM867s is but it does not have dual display. It saves you some money again and maybe you can still get the PC interface. -
You've saved enough funds to cover the cost of the 869.
Yes and no, I have a little less then what it cost, the rest I can get from my parents.The 867 shows stock available.
then I think I will buy it, thank you for telling me that.It is not usual for people to buy a nice multimeter for their first one. I am happy to see you getting something really good instead of some cheap junk.
The funny thing is that, for the same budget I can get a cheap junk meter here in Denmark.
We don't have those good meters here, as those from the USA.
( the only exception being the fluke)
Dave's videos have taught me what to look out for in a meter.
he also showed me what products not to buy.
( mjlorton has also been a good help, with the positive opinions towards brymen )
but I feel like I got to use my money on something else too.
I don't have a breadbord, arduino, unused parts or probes for my analog oscilloscope ( got it for free, lol ).
Feel likes that it somethings that a beginner needs, when he is starting out.
What I do have is a lot of electronics, which I got from "dumpster diving"(more like a tech box on the ground), but I'm not sure if it useful at all.
(going a little off topice here)- a lot of cd/dvd drive (mostly pata)
- a lot of floppy drive
- a lot of pc power supply
- a lot of power borads from dvdplayer, and so on
- some (laptops / boomboxes / old radios) that can be fixed, but i need a multimeter
- a lot of aluminium / stainless steel bars from printes. Was thinking to make a CNC rother, not sure how....
- a lot of DC motors, in all sizes
- some stepper motors, in small sizes
this will just be a hobby for me, planning to self teach myself with the help of the internet and this helpful forum. -
From the DVDS and floppy drives you can get some stepper motors, usually bipolar which I find hard to get cheap. Whether it is useful or not depends on your interests. Some would love to have that stash of motors, while others would just chuck them. Fixing stuff is also a great way to learn about general electronics, reverse engineering etc.
I would suggest going for the cheaper multimeter mentioned above, since as a beginner you do not really need great equipment (you can upgrade later). Get a cheap(ish) one and spent the left over cash on getting everything else (a breadboard, basic components...). Also just buy what you need. Don't get an arduino if you just want to fix old stuff or play around with your scope, although they are great for starting out in digital electronics.
Hope this helped a little bit,
Ben (is/has been in your shoes) -
From the DVDS and floppy drives you can get some stepper motors, usually bipolar which I find hard to get cheap. Whether it is useful or not depends on your interests. Some would love to have that stash of motors, while others would just chuck them. Fixing stuff is also a great way to learn about general electronics, reverse engineering etc.
I would suggest going for the cheaper multimeter mentioned above, since as a beginner you do not really need great equipment (you can upgrade later). Get a cheap(ish) one and spent the left over cash on getting everything else (a breadboard, basic components...). Also just buy what you need. Don't get an arduino if you just want to fix old stuff or play around with your scope, although they are great for starting out in digital electronics.
Hope this helped a little bit,
Ben (is/has been in your shoes)
dude, you're totaly right.
I kind of always go after the best first.
I'm setting up a new list of items that I want to buy, with the same budget.
I'm getting close to having what I need, but the oscilloscope probes aren't cheap in Denmark.
So i want to buy 2 from an other website then the tme.eu.
but I don't know where to buy them, inside of the EU.
here is my scope model
- trio 15mhz oscilloscope cs-1560a
been looking at the ebay products from england
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40%7CR40&_sacat=0&_udlo=&_udhi=&_ftrt=901&_ftrv=1&_sabdlo=&_sabdhi=&_samilow=&_samihi=&_sadis=15&_stpos=&_dmd=1&_ipg=50&_nkw=oscilloscope+probe&LH_LocatedIn=3&_sop=15
I can get it for 1/4 of the price from those of denmark.
But i'm not sure if they can fit inside my scope.
also, that bipolar motor you talked about, I got some of them (the photo is from the net)
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I'm pretty sure they will fit. I don't know that model, but every scope I've seen uses BNC probe inputs. If you post a picture of the connectors I can verify that with you. Definitely check out Amazon, the prices are slightly higher than eBay normally, but your purchases are better protected, and delivery is is usually free. I can't seem to find bipolar stepper motors on the internet, but maybe I'm not looking hard enough!
Ben
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Yes and no, I have a little less then what it cost, the rest I can get from my parents.
I was thinking in terms of saving up additional funds while you waited for the BM867 to be restocked at TME.The 867 shows stock available.
You've misunderstood me. Their site currently shows 0 units available.
I meant that as it stands, and you're in a hurry and want a meter in the shortest time possible, you wait until the BM867 is restocked at TME, or until you can save the cost difference necessary to purchase the BM869, whichever of these two events actually occurs first.
Hope this clears things up.
Either are excellent meters, but personally, I don't see the extra features on the BM869 as a necessity (nice to have, but you can get them in other meters instead, and by doing so, will allow you to take simultaneous readings via separate meters). So you could take the savings between the BM867 v. BM869 (assumes you save this up between now and whenever the BM867 is restocked), and apply it to a second meter or two (a UT139C, UT61E, and Digitek 4000ZC would be worth a look for example). Some users are even proponents of 4 meters. Or something else you may need for that matter.
There's other models worth looking at too. If you're dead set on a 50,000 count model that's less expensive, the BM857* or BM859 are the predecessors to the current top-of-the-line BM86x series (missing the dual display), and worth a look. Then there's the BM829 or BM257 to consider.
Just something to consider.
* I happen to own an older BM857 (not the current BM857s, which has even better protections and noticeably improved backlight). It's a fine meter, and offers a LOT of value for money IMHO. -
I'm pretty sure they will fit. I don't know that model, but every scope I've seen uses BNC probe inputs. If you post a picture of the connectors I can verify that with you. Definitely check out Amazon, the prices are slightly higher than eBay normally, but your purchases are better protected, and delivery is is usually free. I can't seem to find bipolar stepper motors on the internet, but maybe I'm not looking hard enough!
Ben
I would love to buy from amazon, but all the sellers (even them from england) ships the proucts from china.
here is some photos of my scope
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Nice scope! Yep any probes you get from England or elsewhere should work perfectly well. I wouldn't worry about buying from China, I know you are worrying about the quality but most things are fine for a beginner on a budget. Anyway I hope you find a pair for a decent price, and wish you luck with whatever you make!
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Nice scope! Yep any probes you get from England or elsewhere should work perfectly well. I wouldn't worry about buying from China, I know you are worrying about the quality but most things are fine for a beginner on a budget. Anyway I hope you find a pair for a decent price, and wish you luck with whatever you make!
it isn't the quality that is the problem, but when the product is from outside of EU, then I'm losing money.(I live in Denmark and we have extra taxes/vats on any product, that are shipped from the outside of EU)
Thank you for your help ben. -
Oh sorry completely missed that[emoji5]
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There's other models worth looking at too. If you're dead set on a 50,000 count model that's less expensive, the BM857* or BM859 are the predecessors to the current top-of-the-line BM86x series (missing the dual display), and worth a look. Then there's the BM829 or BM257 to consider.
right now I'm looking at :
BRYMEN BM257S
$96.55
BRYMEN BM827
$ 119.17
UNI-T UT71A* (newly added)
$ 122.20 * (newly added)
BRYMEN BM857A
$122.48
BRYMEN BM867S
$ 148.68
as I said, I need some stuff and I'm not completely done with the list.
when the list is done, I will pick a meter that fit the budget (and write it on this poll)
I have been looking at other meters before I fell in love with brymen.
The first meter I really wanted was the
- KEYSIGHT TECHNOLOGIES U1241B
but I couldn't find any reviews on it, all I did find was a lot of hardware/software errors.
(Don't want to risk buying that)
the next one was the
- UNI-T UT71D
(now that I look agian, the UNI-T UT71A model is just $ 122.20)
which is a good meter, but I don't like the glass fuses inside of it.
(saw this video and didn't want to risk that)
but I will take a look at the uni-t ut71a , even if it got glass fuses, it still a good meter for the money (not sure yet) -
Also consider a cheaper model (I went 857s), and the difference towards a de ee 5000 LCR meter:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DE-5000-High-Accuracy-Handheld-LCR-Meter-With-TL-21-TL-22-TL-23-DER-EE-/331432433527?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d2ae99777
Handy thing to have.
(side question to regulars, are those starting to disappear from EBAY?) -
...de ee 5000 LCR meter...are those starting to disappear from EBAY?
There are listings on both the US & UK sites, and it still shows up as a current product on DER EE's site (here).
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...de ee 5000 LCR meter...are those starting to disappear from EBAY?
There are listings on both the US & UK sites, and it still shows up as a current product on DER EE's site (here).
Cheers Nano, must get my eyes and Google Fu checked out! -
what do I use a LCR meter for ?
I have looked at a ESR meter, but not sure if it is useful or not.
on a side note, i have this old RLC meter, but again i'm not sure what to use it at/for.
(got it for free)
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Since it is your first meter, I would suggest that you buy a throw-away meter, like 830 - typically less than $10.
Most likely, it will be sufficient for 90% of that you do, if not more.
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I have a Uni T UT136B that replaced a £5 cheapie! Works well, has uA (but not mV) and the regular capacitance/frequency functionality. I find it perfect for my uses, although the continuity test could be faster. More/less functionality is available in the UT136A-D. Also that LCR meter you have looks like a great piece of gear!
Ben
EDIT: This particular model cost ~£20 -
Also that LCR meter you have looks like a great piece of gear!
yes i does, but it is a RLC meter, which might be better/worse, not sure.
So I picked the BM857A meter.
but when I logged in on the website, the product goes from $122.48 to $136.4685.
thats okay i think, but a little odd.
added it to my cart and saw that the price is now at $147.88
don't like that I need to do all this just to see the last price.
i'm not sure if I have paid for the shipping at this price now, or if it will be added later.
*seems like I paid for it*
*have a lot of screenshots of the shop info, just to be sure*
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The next thing is the oscilloscope probes.
but my budget was hit a little more than I thought, so I will have to remove some things from my list for now.
Thanks to all you guys, this is really a great forum/community.
I will definitely come back for help again in the future. -
when you get the BM857A on your lap, do tell us if they shipped the S version or A version.
will do.
Is the -S version better than the -A version ? -
The "S" version is updated with a better back light and upgraded input protection to meet the latest safety standards.