A look at high end multimeters

[HKJ]

I compare most high end multimeters and try to show the differences between them.


The meters included are: Benning MM12, Brymen 869s, Chauvin Arnoux CA 5293, EEVBlog 121GW, Fluke 87V Max, Fluke 289, Gossen MetraWatt MetraHit Energy, Gossen MetraWatt MetraHit PM Prime, Hioki DT4282, Keysight U1252B, Keysight U1272A, Keysight U1282A, Kyoritsu KEW1062, Metrix MTX3291, Sanwa PC7000, UNI-T UT181A


I have all the meters and may be able to answer questions about them.

[Avelino Sampaio]

Hi

My best multimeter, recently purchased, is an Aneng AN870. I'm saving every penny to get a Brymen 869s. My daughter will bring it from Germany. Its value is 210.00 Euros. What can you say about Brymen? Exclusive use in electronics, low voltage. My biggest focus is on analog electronics. I'm also very interested in metrology.  Am I buying a cannon to kill mosquitoes? Do you suggest any other model, within this 200 Euros budget?

[HKJ]

Brymen 860s ?

Brymen is a good brand. For audio you may also want a function generator, then you can do frequency response curves. To automate that you need a computer interface for the meter and a computer controlled function generator (See TestControllers list of supported equipment).

For low voltage a cheap meter is safe enough, but a meter like Brymen is much more reliable.
For analog a BM257s is probably enough (I have not reviewed it, but I have it and like it).

[2N3055]

The meters included are: Benning MM12, Brymen 869s, Chauvin Arnoux CA 5293, EEVBlog 121GW, Fluke 87V Max, Fluke 289, Gossen MetraWatt MetraHit Energy, Gossen MetraWatt MetraHit PM Prime, Hioki DT4282, Keysight U1252B, Keysight U1272A, Keysight U1282A, Kyoritsu KEW1062, Metrix MTX3291, Sanwa PC7000, UNI-T UT181A


I have all the meters and may be able to answer questions about them.

Just a note: On MTX3293 VAC/VDC best resolution is 1 uV not 10uV. That is in 100mV range. Trick is that it won't autorange to that range... 100mV range is only manual... I presume CA 5293 will be the same.

[HKJ]

Just a note: On MTX3293 VAC/VDC best resolution is 1 uV not 10uV. That is in 100mV range. Trick is that it won't autorange to that range... 100mV range is only manual... I presume CA 5293 will be the same.

Oops. table is fixed.

[ResistorRob]

Very nice collection! That Chauvin Arnoux CA 5293 is absolutely amazing. They put it in such an ugly case and form factor, but otherwise seems perfect. Not many people selling it or the Metrix version. I only found 1 place that had it in stock and that also ships to America and they wanted close to a thousand dollars for it! If they put it in a normal case and charged $500 they would sell thousands of them!

[HKJ]

They put it in such an ugly case and form factor, but otherwise seems perfect.

Looks can always be discussed, but they had to move the input terminals to keep the size reasonable.

Not many people selling it or the Metrix version. I only found 1 place that had it in stock and that also ships to America and they wanted close to a thousand dollars for it! If they put it in a normal case and charged $500 they would sell thousands of them!

The price for the BT model is about the same as Fluke 289 in a shop I checked, the model without Bluetooth is considerable cheaper. Compared to the Fluke 289 you get more for you money (Interface cable, PC-software, calibration certificate).

[2N3055]

Very nice collection! That Chauvin Arnoux CA 5293 is absolutely amazing. They put it in such an ugly case and form factor, but otherwise seems perfect. Not many people selling it or the Metrix version. I only found 1 place that had it in stock and that also ships to America and they wanted close to a thousand dollars for it! If they put it in a normal case and charged $500 they would sell thousands of them!

You are so wrong. Case is perfect and much more ergonomic and better size than any meter with classic case. It is fits in a hand much better. Who cares how it looks like..

[coromonadalix]

PLS  don't start a war on the looks loll

High End for me is the Gossen and the Metrix Chauvin Arnoux    And  Appa too have a 100k count model

Above 60k counts


But   without being rude  you seem to take the same route than  the evvblog  meters charts we have here ??

[AndrewBCN]

Wow, what an impressive collection of excellent multimeters. I have just one question and I guess many people are curious about the same thing: which one, in your opinion, offers the best "bang for the buck" for general-purpose use  ?

[HKJ]

Wow, what an impressive collection of excellent multimeters. I have just one question and I guess many people are curious about the same thing: which one, in your opinion, offers the best "bang for the buck" for general-purpose use  ?

I do not really keep track of the price of the different meters and there is also the point about what you need.
Some thoughts:
The Benning is mostly out for electronic due to lack of uA range.
The  Keysight U1282A is out due to its slow speed, I cannot keep calm while working with it 
The UNI-T is a very impressive meter, but I am not that happy about the battery, it will probably have to be replaced in 5-10 years (due to age) with whatever I can find.
The Sanwa and Brymen is nearly the same, except for frequency range and one/two thermocouplers, for this reason I prefer the Brymen.

With the above said, it is more a question about what you need.
I have sometimes used the high voltage diode mode, it is much easier and safer than rigging something with a power supply.
The Energy meter has been very useful because it can measure watt and I have also saved fuses by using it to measure current.
I often use a meter to check direction in leds, this means the Fluke 87V is out, it cannot light a white led.

One point where there is a significant difference between the meters is the high mA range, the meters with one current input and EEVBlog 121GW all have lower burden voltage there because they are using the 10A fuse, not the 400mA fuse that has around 1ohm resistance (The shunt resistance typically 1ohm in that range).

[ResistorRob]

It is fits in a hand much better. Who cares how it looks like..

ME!!!!
Otherwise I wouldn't have mentioned it, haha

I just like to sit back and admire the beauty of all the equipment on my workbench!
But yeah, I agree the form factor is probably better as far as function goes.
I'm not a hater. I think it's an amazing meter, and I'm saving up for it after reading the comparison chart.
Maybe the looks of it will grow on me over time.

[Fungus]

this means the Fluke 87V is out, it cannot light a white led.

To be clear, it's the 87V MAX that can't light LEDs. The normal 87V can light them no problem.

(I believe the 87V can go up to about 7V in diode test mode... I don't own one though :-) )

[Caliaxy]

this means the Fluke 87V is out, it cannot light a white led.

To be clear, it's the 87V MAX that can't light LEDs. The normal 87V can light them no problem.

(I believe the 87V can go up to about 7V in diode test mode... I don't own one though :-) )

Yes, it does. The (measured) open voltage is about 7.3V. It can light up quite strongly two white LEDs in series (even three, very dimly). Unfortunately, it chooses not to display any voltage over 3V.

[2N3055]

It is fits in a hand much better. Who cares how it looks like..

ME!!!!
Otherwise I wouldn't have mentioned it, haha

I just like to sit back and admire the beauty of all the equipment on my workbench!
But yeah, I agree the form factor is probably better as far as function goes.
I'm not a hater. I think it's an amazing meter, and I'm saving up for it after reading the comparison chart.
Maybe the looks of it will grow on me over time.

It actually looks quite fancy and futuristic to me... And it is great instrument.  You have high current/voltage mode ( 10 mA/27V ) diode test for instance. Single socket for current is great.. Many advanced features...Math, support for custom current shunts / clamps etc.. etc..
It is very precise, pretty much several time better than spec. AC RMS goes to 300 kHz..
It is basically 5.5 digit benchtop meter in a handheld.. With some added functions..

It does kill batteries quickly, but they are rechargeable, and you can charge while working....
Quickly means a week or two of all day work. For occasional use more than  a month..
Bateries are NiMh, and you can replace them.. Or even put standard AA if needed.

It comes with IR adapter and can speak proper SCPI for instrument control. They even have decent software for it. Those two things for Gossen Metrawatt alone cost 250-400€ depending on meter....

[richmit]

Not to sound old and grumpy, but I sure do miss my Fluke 189...

-mitch

[Fungus]

Not to sound old and grumpy, but I sure do miss my Fluke 189...

There's still plenty of them around.

[HKJ]

New version of TestController with support for Chauvin Arnoux and Metrix multimeters:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/program-that-can-log-from-many-multimeters/

This has also shown me that Chauvin Arnoux do not exactly take software bugs serious. I found bugs in both CA5293 and MTX3291 and asked Chauvin Arnoux about one of the bugs, but newer got a useful answer (paraphrased):
My question: The meter sends LF CR instead of CR LF, can you give an estimate on when this will be fixed.
Answer (Second time around): The meter uses LF CR, it is an error.

With this type of answer I did not bother telling them about the other bugs I found.

Note: I did not find any bugs with the actual measurements, only with the protocol.

[mqsaharan]

Hi HKJ,
Thank you very much for your comments on practicality of these meters and summarizing their specs. I always liked your review.
Please do post the frequency response graph for UT181A.
Also, I am patiently waiting for your detailed reviews for Chauvin Arnoux CA 5293, Gossen MetraWatt MetraHit Energy, Keysight U1272A and UNI-T UT181A. I hope you'll make and post these someday.

I have a question regarding MetraHit Energy. Its manual says that it can only measure up to 700mA continuously. I think it is because of the surface mount current shunt. How much does it actually deviate if you measure a few amperes for a few hours?
I like one terminal current input very much. And both CA 5293 and MetraHit Energy has such limitations. CA 5293 is better with 7A continuous current specs. But I am not sure because it also uses a surface mount current shunt. And unlike MetraHit Energy it is two terminal device.

A little addition/correction for your High End meter page:
Fluke 289/287 also has a Bluetooth adapter like Keysight meters. Check out the following links:
https://www.fluke.com/en-gb/product/accessories/adapters/fluke-ir3000-fc
https://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/accessories/wireless-fluke-connect-accessories/wireless-fluke-connect-module-ir3000fc.htm
I guess this same adapter can also be used with 189.

Regards,
Qasim.

[HKJ]

Thank you very much for your comments on practicality of these meters and summarizing their specs. I always liked your review.
Please do post the frequency response graph for UT181A.

I cannot do that before it is supported in TestController.

Also, I am patiently waiting for your detailed reviews for Chauvin Arnoux CA 5293, Gossen MetraWatt MetraHit Energy, Keysight U1272A and UNI-T UT181A. I hope you'll make and post these someday.

I will not promise anything and the Energy meter is definitely not on the review list.

I have a question regarding MetraHit Energy. Its manual says that it can only measure up to 700mA continuously. I think it is because of the surface mount current shunt. How much does it actually deviate if you measure a few amperes for a few hours?
I like one terminal current input very much. And both CA 5293 and MetraHit Energy has such limitations. CA 5293 is better with 7A continuous current specs. But I am not sure because it also uses a surface mount current shunt. And unlike MetraHit Energy it is two terminal device.

My manual says:
16A for max 30 seconds
10A for max 5 minutes

When using a current clamp with current output the maximum current is 0.7A continuous through the meter

A little addition/correction for your High End meter page:
Fluke 289/287 also has a Bluetooth adapter like Keysight meters. Check out the following links:
https://www.fluke.com/en-gb/product/accessories/adapters/fluke-ir3000-fc
https://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/accessories/wireless-fluke-connect-accessories/wireless-fluke-connect-module-ir3000fc.htm
I guess this same adapter can also be used with 189.

Thanks.

[BeBuLamar]

A little addition/correction for your High End meter page:
Fluke 289/287 also has a Bluetooth adapter like Keysight meters. Check out the following links:
https://www.fluke.com/en-gb/product/accessories/adapters/fluke-ir3000-fc
https://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/accessories/wireless-fluke-connect-accessories/wireless-fluke-connect-module-ir3000fc.htm
I guess this same adapter can also be used with 189.

Regards,
Qasim.

I bought 2 Fluke IR3000FC units from Grainger. One was working perfectly with both the 189 and 289. The other didn't work with the 287 or 289 (didn't test with the 189). I had Grainger exchanged for me twice and it still didn't work. All the units that didn't work have higher serial number than the one that worked. So Grainger decided to have a Fluke representative to come to my plant and tried to help me with the units. The first thing he did was updated the firmware of the unit that worked and made it no longer worked. So basically he gave up, and had me returned all the units and Grainger refunded. The Fluke representative gave me a free Fluke A3000FC ammeter he said for my trouble with the IR3000FC. But I wish that I could have a couple of the IR3000FC that work.

[mqsaharan]

Also, I am patiently waiting for your detailed reviews for Chauvin Arnoux CA 5293, Gossen MetraWatt MetraHit Energy, Keysight U1272A and UNI-T UT181A. I hope you'll make and post these someday.

I will not promise anything and the Energy meter is definitely not on the review list.

I know it is a hard and tedious job. And it takes a lot of time, too. But you have the means to do it. And I was just hoping that if you could spare some time then someday, in the future, you'll make and post reviews for these meters on your website.
Its sad to read that you have completely excluded MetraHit Energy from your review list. But I'm sure you have your reasons.
May I request that when ever you'll decide to get your MetraHit Energy calibrated and adjusted, please make a review for this meter before sending it to the lab.

I have a question regarding MetraHit Energy. Its manual says that it can only measure up to 700mA continuously. I think it is because of the surface mount current shunt. How much does it actually deviate if you measure a few amperes for a few hours?
I like one terminal current input very much. And both CA 5293 and MetraHit Energy has such limitations. CA 5293 is better with 7A continuous current specs. But I am not sure because it also uses a surface mount current shunt. And unlike MetraHit Energy it is two terminal device.

My manual says:
16A for max 30 seconds
10A for max 5 minutes

When using a current clamp with current output the maximum current is 0.7A continuous through the meter

Aah, I forgot the 10A for 5 minutes with >30 minutes rest. Thanks.
I checked the specifications again and suddenly realized that It is more of a lab instrument than a field unit, same as CA5293.

Thanks for your efforts.

[HKJ]

I know it is a hard and tedious job. And it takes a lot of time, too. But you have the means to do it. And I was just hoping that if you could spare some time then someday, in the future, you'll make and post reviews for these meters on your website.
Its sad to read that you have completely excluded MetraHit Energy from your review list. But I'm sure you have your reasons.
May I request that when ever you'll decide to get your MetraHit Energy calibrated and adjusted, please make a review for this meter before sending it to the lab.

For the other meters I have started a file for a review, i.e. I have taken photos of box and meter and put them in my DMM review folder.

I checked the specifications again and suddenly realized that It is more of a lab instrument than a field unit, same as CA5293.

I am not sure how you get that idea. They are both fairly robust meters, but have some limits (Look at CAT, IP and temperature). Another point is that a cheaper meter would often work as well for the required measurements and would be a less issue to replace if damaged.

[armandine2]

robust meters - definitely in the top end price bracket

Fluke 28ii - Ex
Gossen IM e-drive
Gossen IM xtra



for some reason they don't seem to get the videos they deserve.

[mqsaharan]

For the other meters I have started a file for a review, i.e. I have taken photos of box and meter and put them in my DMM review folder.

Thank you very much for that.

And I also thank you for not getting angry that I am bringing up the topic of MetraHit Energy review again and again even though you have said no. I actually forgot one very important part during my last request for MetraHit Energy review. That is:
There is no need to dismantle the meter because we already have the inside video of it from Dave. Just review it from operational point of view. You usually highlight some points of the equipment that shows the practical limitations of it that are skipped by the manufacturer. For example, I was surprised to read that nS function is kind of fake on this meter.

I checked the specifications again and suddenly realized that It is more of a lab instrument than a field unit, same as CA5293.

I am not sure how you get that idea. They are both fairly robust meters, but have some limits (Look at CAT, IP and temperature). Another point is that a cheaper meter would often work as well for the required measurements and would be a less issue to replace if damaged.

I may be wrong in my assessment. But I got the idea when I saw in the specifications that the meter can survive overload condition for AC and DC voltage functions only. It may not survive overload condition for more than 10 seconds on other functions.
I am not saying it is not well built. It is. I am just saying that it feels like it is designed to be used in a lab like environment or on a bench.