Anyone have experience of Iso-Tech multimeters?

[seb1982]

Hi!

I'm on the lookout for a mid-range DMM, preferably a fair bit under £100 UK (approx $150 US).  It will mainly be used for 3.3v to 9v hobby electronics, with very occasional outings as a tool in household appliance repair at mains voltages (with ambulance on standby)  .

I came across the Iso-Tech IDM 72 on the RS website for £80 (approx $120US), but for the life of me I can't seem to find out much about them.

Data sheet .pdf: http://docs-europe.electrocomponents.com/webdocs/0fbf/0900766b80fbf588.pdf
RS Website page: http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/digital-multimeters/6974042/

I was wondering if anyone had any experience of them, or knows if they're something else re-badged, or anything really!

Also, do shout out if you think it's a poor choice.  It seems to have decent features (although that's often a giveaway of a dodgy meter in itself!) and acceptable claimed accuracy, although the 1.5 readings/second is on the annoyingly slow side.

I've watched too many videos of Dave finding dodgy workmanship on the teardowns, and I've become very wary of spending any money on kit!

*Edited for the kind of typo that makes your butthole wince 

[ddavidebor]

In my school there are about 100 isotech multimeter.

Basic model...2000count...

But we're so happy with isotech that yesterday the school has bought another 25 dmm.

The external quality is good, but i don't know internal quality.

[Lightages]

IsoTech is a rebrand reseller as far as I know. mjlorton has a review of an IsoTech bench meter


But it is a rebadge/rebrand. I do not have any experience with any IsoTech product. why take a chance when you can get a proven product:
http://www.tme.eu/en/details/bm257/portable-digital-multimeters/brymen/#
or from iloveelectronics here on the forum for $135 shipped, maybe less if you contact him here.

or
http://www.tme.eu/en/details/bm815a/portable-digital-multimeters/brymen/#
good specs an build too

The Brymens are of proven build quality and the same price as the IsoTech more or less but with better specs.

[retiredcaps]

I came across the Iso-Tech IDM 72 on the RS website for £80 (approx $120US), but for the life of me I can't seem to find out much about them.

They are likely made by Appa Tech.

http://www.appatech.com/appa_product_home.php?pdid=20051221034325120265&&kindid=2005081003113623241

You may also recognize the Appa Tech (shape, style) in different coloring with different specifications.

http://www.amprobe.com/amprobe/usen/Multimeters/General-Purpose/AM-60.htm?PID=73127

http://www.megger.com/uk/products/ProductDetails.php?ID=1475

For $120 USD, I think you can do better.

[retiredcaps]

At 104 pounds, you might consider the Agilent U1232A.

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/digital-multimeters/7403529/

Martin has just done part 1 and 2 video review.

http://mjlorton.com/forum/index.php?topic=246.0

Note I have no hands on experience with any Agilent so I can't speak firsthand about it.

For USA based members, $150 USD can easily buy you a number of used Flukes (even the 87V with some patience).

[retiredcaps]

I forgot mention that I had an Amprobe AM60.  It was okay, nice and compact, with good build quality and I got it for about $20 USD (new in box off ebay).

I eventually sold it because I got an used Fluke 12 and decided to keep the Fluke instead of the Amprobe.  I liked the display font of the Fluke 12 versus the Amprobe AM-60 (not quite seven segment).

[seb1982]

Thanks ever so much, guys!

I hadn't seen the Agilent - I must have glanced at it and thought it was the one from the same range that doesn't have a large current capability.

Now ordered, and awaiting delivery ... *squee*! 

Thanks again.