Author Topic: Best Digital Multimeters of 2023  (Read 17662 times)

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Offline joeqsmith

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Re: Best Digital Multimeters of 2023
« Reply #25 on: June 27, 2023, 04:05:40 pm »
Can you define "best"? 

I know if I was going to go out and buy a brand new DMM for my own use today which one it would be.   That doesn't suggest it would be the best meter for you. 

Also, if I wanted a meter to measure electrical conditions, it would not be the same meter I would buy for my own use.  There are better tools for different jobs.  All depends.   

Common across all my tools, I want reliability, robustness, longevity. 

Online Fungus

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Re: Best Digital Multimeters of 2023
« Reply #26 on: June 27, 2023, 06:17:12 pm »
Common across all my tools, I want reliability, robustness, longevity.

How many people here own a cheap 1980s Radio Shack/Tandy/Dick Smith meter that still works perfectly?

 

Offline joeqsmith

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Re: Best Digital Multimeters of 2023
« Reply #27 on: June 27, 2023, 08:45:34 pm »
Common across all my tools, I want reliability, robustness, longevity.

How many people here own a cheap 1980s Radio Shack/Tandy/Dick Smith meter that still works perfectly?

Seems like a rather dumb question to ask me.    I guess you could try and run a poll but you may want to know their specific use case.   Still, seems like you would end up with a lot of bias.   Lets see what you come up with. 

I have some drawing pencils that are pre 80s still perfect condition.  I've never had them out of the box.  I even have a few rounds from my my dad that I bet are from the 50s still in perfect condition.   If you don't ever use things and store them properly, they should last a very long time.  You may want to consider that as part of your poll.  The free HF meter sitting in the kitchen drawer that is used to check some AAAs every now and then will last a long time.   Person may suggest that is a high use case. 

As far as meters I actually use on a regular basis,  I think my CEM lasted about 7 or so.   I had a B&K that made it about that long before the switch went bad.  Had a few Mastechs, one lasted about a year.  I still have one but it's not 100% functional anymore (display problems).   A few years back we purchased several UT210E clamps.  A very high percentage of them have had their switches go intermittent.   Of course, if we include my first DMM, Fluke 8000A, that little princess could be damaged (and was) by the slightest over voltage condition.   

Then again, my two HP meters were purchased after the Fluke died the last time.   The only problem I have had with them is when the lighting storm took out my 34401A. 

Recently I made a few videos where I was wanting to see if applying high voltage DC (>1kV) across a crystal would change its resonance.   I mentioned this would be a typical test condition where I could possibly damage a low end meter.   People always equate it to safety but these are the kinds of low energy transients I want a meter to survive.

https://youtu.be/6u2WSWI1SBc


Offline floobydust

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Re: Best Digital Multimeters of 2023
« Reply #28 on: June 27, 2023, 10:15:20 pm »
How many people here own a cheap 1980s Radio Shack/Tandy/Dick Smith meter that still works perfectly?

I have several old digital multimeters mostly 1980's. Some I cherish because I know exactly what they do out in the field, how they read in the presence of hum, noise, water, cold, EMI etc.
Nothing at all to do with "robustness".
One belts out 15V on Ohms/Continuity, another has super fast analog continuity, another big LCD and LED displays. Ones I can read outdoors in sunlight or in the dark, ones that work at -30°C, ones I can use in the rain.
Most are Made in USA, reliable enough given their age, compared to Taiwan and china builds of today which I find not so great for quality/reliability.

Lab testing multimeters, a nice pristine bench- it means nothing to me as they aren't challenged by the real world.
New ones are either expensive and missing features, or the manufacturer is all pride and ego but the quality is poor, or features have degraded gone downhill so they aren't any good out in the wild.
 

Offline EEVblogTopic starter

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Re: Best Digital Multimeters of 2023
« Reply #29 on: June 27, 2023, 10:45:18 pm »
Kiss analog's electrician's DMM shootout from 2 days ago. 

Exactly my point. To compare meters usefully in a shootout you need to limit them to some sort of feature/usage/price category.
Electrician category is one such good example.
I've lost count of number of people that have asked me if the 121GW is suitable for an electrician and I tell them a flat out no, don't buy it.

I thought you were currently selling the 121GW.   I've had a few people suggest to me that your reputation took a hit for selling such a product.  I'm not sure how you recover from it.  Maybe it doesn't actually have any impact.

It sells very well and countless people love their 121GW. But it's not the meter for everyone's needs, surprise, surprise.
I also sell the BM235 and BM786, neither of which I have done a review video for either.

Quote
I've limited my metrics to robustness
Bingo.
You talked about doing something like this at one point.  That's one nice thing about having some standard way of testing them, you remove the bias.  The meters do what they do.   The down side,  sponsor's like Keysight may not like seeing their products do so poorly on so many levels. [/quote]

Exactly what I've been saying. I'll repeat for the 3rd or 4th time, to compare meters usefully in a shootout you need to limit them to some sort of feature/usage/price category. You do robustness, terrific, keep at it.
Do you seriously think I give a shit what "sponsors" think? Really? I've ranted about every manufacturer in the business including showing all sorts of problems in my own products, I'm (in)famous for it.

The problem with doing these shootouts is that they are ahuge amount of work, especially if you want to set up forms of automated testing etc, and I have a dozen other different types of videos that I make. I have limited time and varied interests.
 

Offline MathWizard

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Re: Best Digital Multimeters of 2023
« Reply #30 on: June 28, 2023, 12:36:06 am »
Now that I have benchtop DMM's, what I find annoying about my handheld DMMs, is whether or not to leave the batteries in them. I don't use them much anymore, and I use rechargeable batteries.

I don't like removing the rubber case, or messing with the screws, too easy to strip them or the holes.

I would like a DMM with battery pack that was spring loaded, and you push it in til it locks, then push again to release and pop back out.

Not that practical for some users, but that's what I want.
« Last Edit: June 28, 2023, 12:39:07 am by MathWizard »
 

Offline floobydust

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Re: Best Digital Multimeters of 2023
« Reply #31 on: June 28, 2023, 01:39:55 am »
There is a shock hazard with a multimeter if you can touch the batteries, SD card etc. anything with a path leading to the input jacks. Safety codes require use of a tool for access or cute isolation method.
 

Online Fungus

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Re: Best Digital Multimeters of 2023
« Reply #32 on: June 28, 2023, 03:55:48 am »
Now that I have benchtop DMM's, what I find annoying about my handheld DMMs, is whether or not to leave the batteries in them. I don't use them much anymore, and I use rechargeable batteries.

What's the problem with leaving them in?
 

Offline ArdWar

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Re: Best Digital Multimeters of 2023
« Reply #33 on: June 28, 2023, 04:52:42 am »
What's the problem with leaving them in?
My Fluke 3000FC draws ~5nA in OFF state, 1587 draws ~40nA. That's not zero ;D

The problem here is battery self discharge. Can't leave them in the drawer and expect them to be just fine indefinitely. Not to mention chemical leakage etc.
« Last Edit: June 28, 2023, 05:04:47 am by ArdWar »
 

Offline AVGresponding

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Re: Best Digital Multimeters of 2023
« Reply #34 on: June 28, 2023, 05:19:52 am »
Common across all my tools, I want reliability, robustness, longevity.

How many people here own a cheap 1980s Radio Shack/Tandy/Dick Smith meter that still works perfectly?

I do; a 22-195. I'll post pics later if you like.
nuqDaq yuch Dapol?
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Offline radiolistener

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Re: Best Digital Multimeters of 2023
« Reply #35 on: June 28, 2023, 05:40:04 am »
just asked chat-gpt :)

Quote
what is the best multimeter?

There are several excellent multimeters available on the market, and the "best" multimeter depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are a few popular options that are highly regarded by professionals and hobbyists:
   
  • Fluke 87-V: The Fluke 87-V is known for its accuracy, durability, and wide range of features. It offers True RMS voltage and current measurements, capacitance, frequency, and temperature measurements, along with advanced troubleshooting capabilities.
  • Fluke 117: The Fluke 117 is a compact and versatile multimeter designed for electricians. It features True RMS measurements, low input impedance to prevent false readings, and a built-in non-contact voltage detector.
  • Klein Tools MM600: The Klein Tools MM600 is a reliable and affordable multimeter that offers a good balance of features and value. It includes True RMS measurements, temperature measurement, and low impedance mode for voltage measurements on sensitive electronic devices.
  • Brymen BM869s: The Brymen BM869s is a high-end multimeter with advanced features and exceptional accuracy. It offers True RMS measurements, high-resolution display, extensive measurement capabilities, and data logging functionality.
  • Amprobe AM-570: The Amprobe AM-570 is a versatile multimeter with a robust set of features. It includes True RMS measurements, capacitance and frequency measurements, temperature measurement, and a built-in flashlight for convenience.
These are just a few examples of highly regarded multimeters. When selecting a multimeter, consider factors such as your specific measurement needs, budget, desired accuracy, durability, and additional features that may be important to you. It's also helpful to read reviews and compare specifications to find the best multimeter for your intended use.

 

Online Fungus

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Re: Best Digital Multimeters of 2023
« Reply #36 on: June 28, 2023, 05:49:31 am »
The problem here is battery self discharge. Can't leave them in the drawer and expect them to be just fine indefinitely. Not to mention chemical leakage etc.

Rechargeables are supposedly leak-proof.

I don't like removing the rubber case, or messing with the screws, too easy to strip them or the holes.

You can probably leave the screws out. The rubber boot will hold the door in place. :-)
 

Offline thm_w

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Re: Best Digital Multimeters of 2023
« Reply #37 on: June 28, 2023, 11:27:30 pm »
Anyone have a comparison based on speed, fastest multimeter to display a measurement within 5% of actual. Most feature rich high end meters are on the slow side.
What can I grab when I want the fastest reading for repair/reverse engineering a board. Only would need: voltage, continuity, resistance, diode test, mayybe capacitance.

Might have to use a slo-mo cam, in combination with Ian's continuity tester.
Profile -> Modify profile -> Look and Layout ->  Don't show users' signatures
 

Offline Caliaxy

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Re: Best Digital Multimeters of 2023
« Reply #38 on: June 28, 2023, 11:59:55 pm »
just asked chat-gpt :)

Quote
what is the best multimeter?

There are several excellent multimeters available on the market, and the "best" multimeter depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are a few popular options that are highly regarded by professionals and hobbyists:
   
  • Fluke 87-V: The Fluke 87-V is known for its accuracy, durability, and wide range of features. It offers True RMS voltage and current measurements, capacitance, frequency, and temperature measurements, along with advanced troubleshooting capabilities.
[…]


That’s because it’s only been trained on data available up to 2021. Wait until it self-trains with newer data, like the one in the link that started this thread.
 

Offline EEVblogTopic starter

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Re: Best Digital Multimeters of 2023
« Reply #39 on: June 29, 2023, 04:31:50 am »
That’s because it’s only been trained on data available up to 2021. Wait until it self-trains with newer data, like the one in the link that started this thread.

It can for those who have access  ;D
Here you go, it sucks...
 

Offline Muttley Snickers

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Re: Best Digital Multimeters of 2023
« Reply #40 on: June 29, 2023, 04:45:53 am »
My time is valuable so I just  Googled "What is the worst multimeter?"   :-BROKE :o ::)
 

Offline floobydust

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Re: Best Digital Multimeters of 2023
« Reply #41 on: June 29, 2023, 05:18:32 am »
Anyone have a comparison based on speed, fastest multimeter to display a measurement within 5% of actual. Most feature rich high end meters are on the slow side.
What can I grab when I want the fastest reading for repair/reverse engineering a board. Only would need: voltage, continuity, resistance, diode test, mayybe capacitance.

Might have to use a slo-mo cam, in combination with Ian's continuity tester.

During troubleshooting and repair, I need a multimeter that can work at the speed of thought. What's the voltage here here and here, must be this part what's the voltage on it. About a reading a second as you go through a circuit. Waiting for clink clank clunk autoranging... no way- that takes too long, so it's manual range plus a multimeter with no cheap slow MCU or crap averaging algo.
Video timing comparing from nothing to a level reading would be very interesting, to eliminate the subjective "oh it's fast" or "oh it's slow" that reviewers use with their assessments.

AstroAI, never heard of the chinese "brand" but good to know they make snowbrushes, car sunshades but they should add a pantyhose line.
I like the multimeter bot reviews 4.8 stars "Thanks was easy to use." "Ease of operation."  "Easy to use."
I wonder how much they spent on marketing, advertising at Amazon and Walmart to game the AI.
 
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Offline joeqsmith

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Re: Best Digital Multimeters of 2023
« Reply #42 on: July 01, 2023, 07:27:11 pm »
Quote
I've limited my metrics to robustness
Bingo.
Quote
You talked about doing something like this at one point.  That's one nice thing about having some standard way of testing them, you remove the bias.  The meters do what they do.   The down side,  sponsor's like Keysight may not like seeing their products do so poorly on so many levels.

Exactly what I've been saying. I'll repeat for the 3rd or 4th time, to compare meters usefully in a shootout you need to limit them to some sort of feature/usage/price category. You do robustness, terrific, keep at it.
Do you seriously think I give a shit what "sponsors" think? Really? I've ranted about every manufacturer in the business including showing all sorts of problems in my own products, I'm (in)famous for it.

I would have thought that you would care even less what non-sponsors like myself think, but because you have asked...  I most certainly do believe you give a shit!   I even believe that saying you don’t in such a manor appeals to some of the sponsors.  In my case, I derive no income from anything I do on-line.  There are no sponsors and no conflict of interest.   That’s the difference of actually working in the industry.  It affords me the luxury of being able to offer content for free.   

The problem with doing these shootouts is that they are ahuge amount of work, especially if you want to set up forms of automated testing etc, and I have a dozen other different types of videos that I make. I have limited time and varied interests.
I know.  And the more detailed you make it, the more time sucking it is.  Go figure.


My time is valuable so I just  Googled "What is the worst multimeter?"   :-BROKE :o ::)
I get Dave’s video from 2019.  Maybe he has a better choice now. 
https://www.eevblog.com/2019/08/18/eevblog-1238-vion-the-worlds-worst-multimeter/


Offline HKJ

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Re: Best Digital Multimeters of 2023
« Reply #43 on: July 01, 2023, 08:24:32 pm »
Funny thread, there is no best meter and adding a year do not help.

I have a couple of meters that are best, which one wins depends on what you want.
In my opinion no cheap meter get anywhere close to a best, but then again if you ask for best hobby meter for the money a cheap meter will win every time.
 
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Offline EEVblogTopic starter

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Re: Best Digital Multimeters of 2023
« Reply #44 on: July 02, 2023, 04:48:57 am »
I would have thought that you would care even less what non-sponsors like myself think, but because you have asked...  I most certainly do believe you give a shit!   I even believe that saying you don’t in such a manor appeals to some of the sponsors.  In my case, I derive no income from anything I do on-line.  There are no sponsors and no conflict of interest.   That’s the difference of actually working in the industry.  It affords me the luxury of being able to offer content for free.   

All my content is free, take it or leave it.
I've proven time and time again that I have the ability to rubbish even PAYING advertisers on my website and forum, let alone companies that just send me a free meter. I've been doing it for 13+ years now.
No company has ever paid me to review a product, I have turned down hundreds, maybe even thousands of paid sponsor requests to do so over the last decade. Some of these requests are up to $5000 for ONE video. I turn them ALL down.
I have a ton of stuff here given to me that I've done nothing with. I even had Tektronix send two top people over to Australia to hand deliver me the new Tek series 2 scope. Have I done a review video of it? Nope. You'd think I would have if I "gave a shit", right?
R&S send me their new MXO scope, gee, what are all these videos of mine showing bugs and lose screws in it. Why would I do that if I "gave a shit" what they thought?
My kids can't eat free multimeters.

I've found a way to make a living making Youtube videos that doesn't compromise my ability to rubish a product if I think it's crap, and I don't appreciate people who say I can't when the evidence is demonstrably says I can.
I know you've got something against me Joe, why I'm not entirely sure, but let it go.
 
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Offline joeqsmith

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Re: Best Digital Multimeters of 2023
« Reply #45 on: July 02, 2023, 05:07:04 am »
I would have thought that you would care even less what non-sponsors like myself think, but because you have asked...  I most certainly do believe you give a shit!   I even believe that saying you don’t in such a manor appeals to some of the sponsors.  In my case, I derive no income from anything I do on-line.  There are no sponsors and no conflict of interest.   That’s the difference of actually working in the industry.  It affords me the luxury of being able to offer content for free.   

All my content is free, take it or leave it.
I've proven time and time again that I have the ability to rubbish even PAYING advertisers on my website and forum, let alone companies that just send me a free meter. I've been doing it for 13+ years now.
No company has ever paid me to review a product, I have turned down hundreds, maybe even thousands of paid sponsor requests to do so over the last decade. Some of these requests are up to $5000 for ONE video. I turn them ALL down.
I have a ton of stuff here given to me that I've done nothing with. I even had Tektronix send two top people over to Australia to hand deliver me the new Tek series 2 scope. Have I done a review video of it? Nope. You'd think I would have if I "gave a shit", right?
R&S send me their new MXO scope, gee, what are all these videos of mine showing bugs and lose screws in it. Why would I do that if I "gave a shit" what they thought?
My kids can't eat free multimeters.

I've found a way to make a living making Youtube videos that doesn't compromise my ability to rubish a product if I think it's crap, and I don't appreciate people who say I can't when the evidence is demonstrably says I can.
I know you've got something against me Joe, why I'm not entirely sure, but let it go.

You asked and I provided my response, and this was what you take away from it.   I've never met you.  Maybe just your ego talking.  I'm pretty blunt.  Some people have a hard time with  that.  The best thing you can do is just not ask me in the first place about things your sensitive about.     

Anyone contributing to your making a living, are sponsors.  And I'm sure you have to find that right mixture to keep that income stream.   Because my income is derived from my working in the industry,  I have no sponsors.  I'm not concerned with views, ads, followers.   The meter testing was for myself, but I made it public.   

Offline EEVblogTopic starter

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Re: Best Digital Multimeters of 2023
« Reply #46 on: July 02, 2023, 05:43:42 am »
I know you've got something against me Joe, why I'm not entirely sure, but let it go.
You asked and I provided my response, and this was what you take away from it
[/quote]

It's not this interaction and you know it. You've been passive-agressive againt me for years now. Jabs here and there, some subtle, some not so subtle, dozens of them over years.
It's obvious to me because I've seen this behaviour countless time before, I get it all the time.
Let it go Joe.
 

Offline joeqsmith

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Re: Best Digital Multimeters of 2023
« Reply #47 on: July 02, 2023, 06:45:23 am »
Quote
I know you've got something against me Joe, why I'm not entirely sure, but let it go.
You asked and I provided my response, and this was what you take away from it

It's not this interaction and you know it. You've been passive-agressive againt me for years now. Jabs here and there, some subtle, some not so subtle, dozens of them over years.
It's obvious to me because I've seen this behaviour countless time before, I get it all the time.
Let it go Joe.
Sorry but this is really all in your head as I have nothing against you.   I don't follow your social media accounts and haven't subscribed your video channel in years.  As I mentioned before, we used to watch them at work after hours before heading out.  You took offense to the last time I mentioned this and wanted to know why we stopped watching.  I think you were upset that we found some of that early footage comical and very entertaining rather than viewing you as some master in the field.     

I've suggested you ban the account if it causes you too much grief.  I like using your forum to post about my electronics related hobbies and appreciate you making it available but I'm perfectly fine with you closing it.    Another option if you like, just give me a call some time.   Maybe a one-on-one conversation would help provide you with some context beyond what you get on the forums. 

Offline J-R

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Re: Best Digital Multimeters of 2023
« Reply #48 on: July 02, 2023, 10:44:23 am »
Hmm, is this thread going to be big enough for all of our egos???

Sorry Joe, but your taunting is absolutely on display here.  You admit that you found Dave's early content "comical and very entertaining" and then suggest he ban your account "if it causes you too much grief", which is clearly passive-aggressive.  You also use the excuse that you are "blunt" and some people's egos have a hard time with it.  I say a better way to classify that behavior is rudeness.  Maybe it's time for some introspection?


IMHO, shootout comparisons can be helpful for a newbie who just wants someone to offer a reasonable suggestion, but ultimately it's a no-win situation for the content creator and the buyer likely will be unhappy at some point in the future.  (I even have this issue with friends/family who ask me for recommendations.)  Products can come and go, and there is always the peanut gallery rightly pointing out things.  But with that said, the individual content about a product is still there, so if you're window shopping it can be helpful.

As an example, the Kiss Analog best electrician's DMM video takes some heat pretty quickly since he completely leaves out clamp meters and the Flir DM93 has been on sale for months for $149, not $300+.  But if I've never seen the Extech EX355 before, it's a great video for that.
 
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Online Fungus

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Re: Best Digital Multimeters of 2023
« Reply #49 on: July 02, 2023, 03:23:12 pm »
IMHO, shootout comparisons can be helpful for a newbie who just wants someone to offer a reasonable suggestion, but ultimately it's a no-win situation for the content creator and the buyer likely will be unhappy at some point in the future.

The newbie "what should I buy?" question is always impossible to answer because the devices don't all cost the exact same amount of money and no general shootout can ever take into account what the newbie will be using it for. Everything device has strengths and weaknesses.

It's much easier to see if I ask you "What car should I buy?" How on earth would anybody tell me that in a Forum? Even if you knew my income, marital status, distance to my work, weekly activities, twice-yearly activities, garage size, latitude, etc., you still don't know how tall I am, what sort of roads I drive on, crime rate in my area, whether I want new or second hand, how handy I am with a spanner, etc., etc.

 


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