Multimeters: EEVBlog 121GW vs Brymen BM869s

Multimeters: EEVBlog 121GW vs Brymen BM869s
Posted by Ziginox on 24 Feb, 2022 17:37
Hello all,

I've been wanting to get a new meter for a while, as I could use some of the features my old BK 2703C meter lacks. Most of my work is repair of older PC and test equipment.
My budget is $300 US or less (I figure, buy once cry once, right?)

Mostly, my must have list is:
- Dual display, with AC+DC modes so I can view power supply ripple without dragging the oscope out
- Temperature/thermocouple measurement
- Capacitance measurement
- Data logging and/or PC comms, independent data logging would be especially attractive as I already have a bench meter that can send data to the PC
- Proper input protection, while I don't intend to go near mains very often, being a DIYer means it's bound to happen eventually
So far I've narrowed it down to the EEVBlog 121GW and the Brymen BM869s. Looks like they're comparable in precision, and both have the usual min/max/hold/autohold features. the BM869s is slightly more expensive, but not by much.
The 121GW also has some really unique test features (15V diode test, for instance) which could come in handy.
The BM869s has some more features related to AC (duty cycle, etc) but I can't really see myself having a use for them in most cases. The dual temp might be handy in some cases.
I think, typing it out, the logging features of the 121GW have swayed me that way, but the BM896s is also an attractive proposition. The open design and easily updatable firmware also helps. I'm sure either one would be a fine meter for years to come, but wanted to get opinions for either meter, or suggestions for others to look at.

TIA!

#1 Reply
Posted by maat on 25 Feb, 2022 06:13
It depends on how ~~crazy~~ confident you are, but the 121GW has a 600V CAT-III while the BM869s has a CAT IV 1000V rating.

#2 Reply
Posted by Ziginox on 25 Feb, 2022 06:39
Quote from: maat on 25 Feb, 2022 06:13
It depends on how ~~crazy~~ confident you are, but the 121GW has a 600V CAT-III while the BM869s has a CAT IV 1000V rating.

Thanks, I'd missed that part! I don't think I'll be going near anything quite that high, at least not for a long time.
Looks like the 121GW also does have duty cycle after all (I'd missed the percentage on the Hz setting.)

#3 Reply
Posted by miro123 on 25 Feb, 2022 09:22
I own BM869s next to bunch of Fluke's.
Honestly I don't know 121Gw quite well. 121GW & BM869s look to me more different than similar.
121GW is more like BM525/237.
Can you adds - some comments on your requirements list. E.g
- Dual display - Must have, nice to have or optional.

Here is the similar thread - https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hard-dilemma-sanwa-or-brymen/100/

Tip - if you go bryman way - buy
1. Extra silicone cables - they are really high quality at bargan price.
2. Storage case - measurement instruments must be handled with care
3. USB dongle if needed

PS: Did you consider used Flukes. Brymen is interesting in europe - due to local distributor. eBay offers nice used fluke's to US market.

#4 Reply
Posted by rsjsouza on 25 Feb, 2022 09:46
Unfortunately I don't have any, but following several discussions (and seeing videos) about both multimeters I can tell the BM869S seems to be the better choice for a day-to-day usage. The reason being that it is faster in measurements than the 121GW. Dave did a comparison of speed of the 121GW and it was only marginally faster than the Keysight U1282A, which I have and find it quite slow. The difference is that I can reduce the resolution of the U1282A and it becomes lightning fast.

If you are still considering other options and has patience to look at eBay, the Keysight U1272A is an excellent multimeter (I have its brother U1273A and it is my favourite meter) and it ticks all the boxes. Also, its datalogging options are quite extensive.

(and no, I don't work for Keysight nor make any money out of it).

Good luck in your search!

#5 Reply
Posted by Kean on 25 Feb, 2022 10:54
I have both of these, but I don't use either regularly so I can't give a detailed comparison. My day-to-day DMMs are my BM235s.

What I can say in a quick summary is:
The BM869S is huge, but it has a comprehensive set of features and for me it works just as expected. When I say huge, it is by far my largest DMM and only dwarfed by my PM93 Scopemeter.
The 121GW is very compact, has some excellent and unique features, but it is just a bit quirky. Read the 121GW related topics here for some examples.

If the size doesn't bother you, then the BM869S is awesome and comes close to functionality of a bench meter. If the 121GW unique features are something you would use, then I'd expect you can happily live with any quirks. Keep in mind one DMM is never enough...

If you haven't already, see the reviews by forum user HKJ
https://lygte-info.dk/review/DMMBrymen%20BM869s%20UK.html
https://lygte-info.dk/review/DMMEEVBlog%20121GW%20UK.html

#6 Reply
Posted by Ziginox on 25 Feb, 2022 17:14
Quote from: miro123 on 25 Feb, 2022 09:22
Can you adds - some comments on your requirements list. E.g

Tip - if you go bryman way - buy
1. Extra silicone cables - they are really high quality at bargan price.
2. Storage case - measurement instruments must be handled with care
3. USB dongle if needed

PS: Did you consider used Flukes. Brymen is interesting in europe - due to local distributor. eBay offers nice used fluke's to US market.

I should have mentioned, the list was my must-haves. I'll definitely be getting a case for the meter, regardless of which I go with! I'd also factored in the cost of the USB cable. I'll check out some used Fluke meters, any ideas on which would line up with those requirements?

Quote from: rsjsouza on 25 Feb, 2022 09:46
If you are still considering other options and has patience to look at eBay, the Keysight U1272A is an excellent multimeter (I have its brother U1273A and it is my favourite meter) and it ticks all the boxes. Also, its datalogging options are quite extensive.

Thank you for the suggestion! Regarding the slowness, I did check out a couple of videos and it seems like it should be fast enough for my uses. Unfortunately, checking US eBay, the Keysight meter you mentioned is a fair bit more expensive.

Quote from: Kean on 25 Feb, 2022 10:54
The BM869S is huge, but it has a comprehensive set of features and for me it works just as expected. When I say huge, it is by far my largest DMM and only dwarfed by my PM93 Scopemeter.
The 121GW is very compact, has some excellent and unique features, but it is just a bit quirky. Read the 121GW related topics here for some examples.

If the size doesn't bother you, then the BM869S is awesome and comes close to functionality of a bench meter. If the 121GW unique features are something you would use, then I'd expect you can happily live with any quirks. Keep in mind one DMM is never enough...

I did see HKJ's reviews, thank you! As for size, the compactness of the 121GW is a plus, although that means the display digits are a bit smaller. I don't think the 869's size would be a huge problem, though. As for quirkiness, that I can mostly deal with as none of it seems show-stopping, and dealing with quirky software is pretty much my job description these days. I can definitely agree that moar meters is moar better, the BK Precision 2703C should make an okay second meter for the time being, although I may eventually pick up a BM235 or BM257...

I appreciate all of your responses! Seems that either meter will do the business for my uses, but I'm leaning towards the 121GW for the logging features. I'm also going to give the BM525 another look. I had marked it off the list at some point, but can't remember why.

#7 Reply
Posted by skander36 on 25 Feb, 2022 17:47
Quote from: rsjsouza on 25 Feb, 2022 09:46
Keysight U1282A, which I have and find it quite slow. The difference is that I can reduce the resolution of the U1282A and it becomes lightning fast.

Yes, I can confirm exactly this fact.
I have also Brymen 869, which I find it very usefull with a lot of functions, including 500000 resolution display in DC scale.
But you can have also bad luck, to get one that was not very well checked on factory and that have some misalignements.
My 867 is more fine calibrated than 869.

#8 Reply
Posted by rsjsouza on 25 Feb, 2022 21:56
Quote from: Ziginox on 25 Feb, 2022 17:14
I should have mentioned, the list was my must-haves. I'll definitely be getting a case for the meter, regardless of which I go with! I'd also factored in the cost of the USB cable. I'll check out some used Fluke meters, any ideas on which would line up with those requirements?
From Fluke, the used meters still in production that meet these specifications of 50k counts are the models 287 and 289. Out of production are models 187 and 189. All of them will have prices varying around $300 ± $50.

The 287/289 are said to draw batteries quite extensively and be slow. I have an 189 that is a very good meter and it is one of the best Flukes around.

#9 Reply
Posted by skander36 on 25 Feb, 2022 23:24
I'd say that Fluke 289 is not in that budget.
From my experience I wouldn't call it slow. Maybe boot time is slow.
Batteries also depend on usage. One of the reason for drain can be the screen that is not very crisp and generates the need to turn on backlight.
Ziginox, if you can find a 189 , or 87V in google condition, go for it. If not, go for 121GW brand new.

#10 Reply
Posted by Ziginox on 25 Feb, 2022 23:46
Appreciate the replies! I'm not much into the Fluke koolaid, but I'll still keep an eye out for the 189. The 87V is single display and doesn't do logging, and the 287 is right on the edge of my budget in most cases, but I appreciate the suggestions all the same!