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BM786 multimeter - Opinion on suitability please - Possible Christmas present

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shapirus:

--- Quote from: joeqsmith on December 03, 2024, 02:07:25 am ---My personal all around favorite meter that you can buy new is still the BM869s.  You can connect it to a PC and log data.  It has a dual display that I really like having.

--- End quote ---
Ah yes. I knew I missed something. In my previous post I wrote that the differences were subtle. But the dual display is in my opinion a major feature. Sometimes it can almost be a game changer, such as when you need to measure and observe two temperature measurements at the same time without having to hit the Select button, or measure AC voltage and notice that something may be wrong with the waveform by seeing the frequency on the same display. It is also super convenient in the DC+AC measurement mode.

Dual display can probably outweigh some of the advantages that the BM789 has.

Speaking of the PC interface, it's worth mentioning that it requires a proprietary cable, which is relatively expensive for what it is. But DIY alternatives exist, see e.g. https://github.com/kittennbfive/869log, and that may very well become a great hobby project for an enthusiast. Speaking of which, and to counter the "give cash instead" opinions, receiving a good DMM as a present (and, of course, an oscilloscope at a later time) may easily spark an interest in diving into the topic of electronics further and deeper. Sometimes tools are not just tools, but they can be a starting point for learning and self-education in a new area.

chebo:

--- Quote from: J-R on December 03, 2024, 01:15:27 am ---The world is smaller now.  We can do our research to find exactly what we want.

So unless they've set up an online wish-list, just give them the money.  Gifts like this almost always miss the mark.  I have so many iFixit tool kits I could open a store.  I don't really use any of them except the exact one I wanted that I bought myself, decked out with some specific Wiha/Knipex/Megapro goodies.

You can put a note with the cash/card saying that you were thinking they could use a new DMM but feel free to use it for whatever.  And point them to this thread!


I will say my opinion on DMM shopping is always get the top-end model in the range otherwise you'll regret the one feature you're missing.  Also, get a color-matched carry case/pouch, alligator clips, banana adapters, a set of extra fuses (and batteries), and the interface kit if applicable.  So you don't have to pay shipping charges for accessories later, and everything is there to rock and roll from the get go.

--- End quote ---
That's right on target! I would sign up for every word! :-+

coromonadalix:
Welectron and TME offers some good deals ...    check them once in a while ...

Helix70:

--- Quote from: J-R on December 03, 2024, 01:15:27 am ---The world is smaller now.  We can do our research to find exactly what we want.

So unless they've set up an online wish-list, just give them the money.  Gifts like this almost always miss the mark.  I have so many iFixit tool kits I could open a store.  I don't really use any of them except the exact one I wanted that I bought myself, decked out with some specific Wiha/Knipex/Megapro goodies.

You can put a note with the cash/card saying that you were thinking they could use a new DMM but feel free to use it for whatever.  And point them to this thread!


I will say my opinion on DMM shopping is always get the top-end model in the range otherwise you'll regret the one feature you're missing.  Also, get a color-matched carry case/pouch, alligator clips, banana adapters, a set of extra fuses (and batteries), and the interface kit if applicable.  So you don't have to pay shipping charges for accessories later, and everything is there to rock and roll from the get go.

--- End quote ---

This.

If such a device is on your son's wish list, he has a particular one in mind already. It is one of those things that you want the one you want, and if you get the one you don't want, you feel bad because it is too expensive to simply replace, but you always wish you had the one you wanted.

Fungus:

--- Quote from: Helix70 on December 03, 2024, 09:32:18 pm ---This.

If such a device is on your son's wish list, he has a particular one in mind already. It is one of those things that you want the one you want, and if you get the one you don't want, you feel bad because it is too expensive to simply replace, but you always wish you had the one you wanted.

--- End quote ---

There's truth in this, too.

I like my BM857, I'd be pissed if somebody bought me a BM869.

It assumes you're clued up on Brymens though, most people mistakenly think they want a Fluke, in which case a Fluke 17B+ would be a better choice even though it's a far worse meter.

Is he very brand-oriented in real life (shoes, t-shirts, etc)?

I doubt it if his mum's a brit who owns/uses a multimeter, but you never know...

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