Products > Test Equipment

Choosing a multimeter - decisions.... decisions....

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kayasaman:

--- Quote from: ci11 on November 14, 2022, 04:07:22 pm ---Although you are very graciously courteous, from your posted pictures it appears the environment the DMM will work in is not likely trivial, and separately, nor are you unfamiliar with potential pitfalls in built-to-a-price "test" equipment. The only answers I need when I buy test equipment are:

1. are you safe using this equipment in case of an unexpected fault, and
2. can you trust, rely on, or in some cases, publish the readings it gives

Buyers always want to pay less. Many profit-minded "businesses" seize on this to offer products at incredible "value" that are inadequately engineered and tested, or passed rigorous safety and reliability tests. Good components cost more money but they pale in comparison to the cost of thorough, competent and truthful assurance testing - components are generally getting better at the same price but the cost of competent engineers and thorough engineering is always increasing. The pages of this forum are full of doubts of brand x or y and attempts to do what "built-to-a-price" manufacturers should have done on their own.

I am now only the higher-end models from Gossen and Fluke as they best meet the 2 criteria mentioned above - they are likely safer to use, and I can trust the results they provide. Of course I have been tempted with lower-cost options and did yield to their allure a few times. But now, after eventually spending more in the end almost every time, my motto is "Buy once, cry once".


--- End quote ---

Like I said initially, I have not used a DMM for around 20 years, also I am really poor at explaining as I have a medical condition which actually "communication difficulties" are part of it. It's basically something about neurons getting stuck or going down the wrong pathways etc....

So I'm trying to do the best I can here. If it was computer network equipment from brands like Cisco then I would have a much better idea because I have been dealing with that stuff for many years both personally and professionally.

An example would be my wifi setup which uses a Cisco WLC 4402 controller, it is old... too old and EOL'd. Would I recommend it? No way, unless it is a corporate business their model is too restrictive ie. no software updates unless you have a service account and they stop support for older models quickly

In order to save some cash I bought mine used at a crazy low price and now I am suffering. Sure I don't wana spend $10k on a newer version but something like Rukus is much better supported and end user friendly due to their business model.
The controller still supports LDAP and RADIUS authentication with LEAP or PEAP etc... so absolutely no problems.


This is primarily why I didn't include a price, because at the end of the day I don't know how much would need to spent on a decent meter. The suggestions of many people have helped to assure me that you don't need to go beyond $500 or even a $1000 for decent meter.

You also mention the 'safety' aspect and I am all well too aware of it which is why having something like CATIII or CATIV certification is relevant. On the other hand, like a few people have pointed out the Flukes and Gossens have a paper trail which helps businesses that deal with these things professionally.
The above is not my use case as mostly I deal with Ethernet cable installation if at all. I have 2 Greenlee cable testers for this, one a mini tester and the other a distributed tester. I find them to be fantastic but do not use them everyday.


As for my images, I'm trying to help explain things of what I need the meters for where otherwise I am failing to explain in text. At the beginning I already recognized the issue as @Martin72 mentioned that I am not wording things very well to get to the point.
The last thing I want to do is cause frustrating for you guys or upset anyone. I am all too well aware of my personal issues and shortcomings which is why I am so grateful and thankful for so much input from everyone.
I can assure you that starting this thread was probably more difficult for me then anyone trying to chime in and help through the really vague descriptions that I have given.

Honestly, I really apologize if I am causing frustration among everyone! :(


kayasaman:

--- Quote from: unknownparticle on November 14, 2022, 04:34:46 pm ---This is such a difficult question to answer definitively as everyone has a different perspective on DMM's.
Mine is that if you are going to have just one, go for the highest spec and features within your budget. You may not need or think you need a feature rich meter but it's there if ever you do, there is always mission creep!
Looking at value for money it is difficult to beat Brymen, they are well designed and made, also reliable
If money is not an issue then Fluke is always in the equation, but generally not that upto date and seem to be short on features, quality product though, so worth considering.
Two brands that are rarely mentioned here are Flir and Chauvin Arnoux. Both are premium brands with some excellent models, and Flir is made in the USA, Chauvin in France.  The Metrix models in the Chauvin Arnoux range are superb.  I have examples from both makers and really, really like them. Not for the budget conscious though.
The other brand that doesn't get the attention it deserves is Hioki, made in Japan and outstanding quality and design. Not a budget option though.
Good luck in your quest!

--- End quote ---

I have looked at Hioki and really like them but they seem difficult to find. Only through RS and Farnell. I haven't checked Mouser for that.

I wonder if they have a local presence?


Otherwise the suggested model: https://www.hioki.com/euro-en/products/testers/dmm-4/id_5803

does look really good. Price wise it's ok, not as high as more advanced models from Fluke and Gossen


Thanks for the good wishes!! :)

mwb1100:

--- Quote from: kayasaman on November 15, 2022, 12:28:13 am ---I have looked at Hioki and really like them but they seem difficult to find. Only through RS and Farnell. I haven't checked Mouser for that.

I wonder if they have a local presence?


Otherwise the suggested model: https://www.hioki.com/euro-en/products/testers/dmm-4/id_5803

--- End quote ---

I don't know what "local" is for you, but Amazon US offers the Hioki DT4282 for around $400 shipped.  Note that the offers are from 3rd party sellers, but Amazon backs a return window that ends Jan 31, 2023 on some of them.

kayasaman:

--- Quote from: mwb1100 on November 15, 2022, 12:40:42 am ---
--- Quote from: kayasaman on November 15, 2022, 12:28:13 am ---I have looked at Hioki and really like them but they seem difficult to find. Only through RS and Farnell. I haven't checked Mouser for that.

I wonder if they have a local presence?


Otherwise the suggested model: https://www.hioki.com/euro-en/products/testers/dmm-4/id_5803

--- End quote ---

I don't know what "local" is for you, but Amazon US offers the Hioki DT4282 for around $400 shipped.  Note that the offers are from 3rd party sellers, but Amazon backs a return window that ends Jan 31, 2023 on some of them.

--- End quote ---

That would be Europe but non-EU. Will check Amazon too as I didn't even think about that one. Thanks for that :)

kayasaman:
Just checked amazon now for Hioki and this is what it came up with:

3244-60 - around $60
3030-10 - around $150
DT4256 - around $500
DT4252 - around $200
3244-60 - around $1200


That's everything after putting in "Hioki 4282" into the search bar....


If Hioki is so hard to find, then Brymen might be the best option for the moment and I can always go for another meter at a later point if I need to. Probably like @AG6QR suggested: getting two meters; something like one meter for electronic use (this can be of a larger size)
and another smaller meter for basic test measurements but certified still to high CAT rating


I admit this question is almost as difficult as asking to buy chocolate :) - which brand, type, price point etc... uh hahaha , your stock candy bar like Mars or something which will set you back 1 or 2 bucks or do you go for a high priced Belgian make that might end up costing $50 or more for very little quantity

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