DC Datalogging Multimeter

[Sierra]

Getting sick of replacing inexpensive multimeters and need to invest in something better. 

It is only used for DC applications (so true-RMS isn't of value) and needs to have the following:

1) Read and record uA

2) Datalogging either to a wired or wireless connection (PC or mac) with export to Excel. 

Have been using UNI-T UT61C meters for years and while worth their money do not last. 

Any input?

[BeBuLamar]

What causes your meter to go bad?

[Sierra]

I'm unsure.  Have replaced fuses and I still get inaccurate readings.

[BeBuLamar]

I asked because even cheap meter would last a long time unless subjected to hostile environment like dust, water, heat, vibration etc..

[bob91343]

I have an old Micronta hand held DVM that has a serial RS-232 port.  Would that help?

[SmallCog]

I'm happy with my pair of these

https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/au/products/test-and-measurement/single-channel-digital-multimeter/rs-hmc8012-digital-multimeter_63493-44315.html

Not sure on your budget but they do pretty well for the money.

I love that I can leave something logging long term without having it plugged into my laptop as it saves to a USB drive.

My previous logging meter was a Fluke and it used to suffer from flat batteries on long tests, not a problem with this one as it's mains powered and on a UPS

It annoys me that there's some silly size limit on the USB drive, I had to fumble around in the back of my drawer to find a 2GB one as all my most recent ones were too big. Not a deal breaker though

Think they were around $500 from memory

[Sierra]

I'm happy with my pair of these

https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/au/products/test-and-measurement/single-channel-digital-multimeter/rs-hmc8012-digital-multimeter_63493-44315.html

Not sure on your budget but they do pretty well for the money.

I love that I can leave something logging long term without having it plugged into my laptop as it saves to a USB drive.

My previous logging meter was a Fluke and it used to suffer from flat batteries on long tests, not a problem with this one as it's mains powered and on a UPS

It annoys me that there's some silly size limit on the USB drive, I had to fumble around in the back of my drawer to find a 2GB one as all my most recent ones were too big. Not a deal breaker though

Think they were around $500 from memory

Thanks for the info.  Unfortunately not distributed in the US!  A bench top unit like this however would be fine as well.  No need for a handheld unit.  The Fluke 287 and 289 definitely seem to suffer from battery issues.

[Sierra]

I have an old Micronta hand held DVM that has a serial RS-232 port.  Would that help?

It certainly could.  Any idea what type of software is required for logging?

[bob91343]

All I can say is that the meter comes with a floppy disk.  Finding a machine to read it these days may be a problem.

[ledtester]

All I can say is that the meter comes with a floppy disk.  Finding a machine to read it these days may be a problem.

What model multimeter is it?

On this page starting where it says "Serial DVMs - RS has sold several DVMs that had a serial port. ..."

https://www.repeater-builder.com/radio-shack/radio-shack-index.html

there is info on the serial protocol for a few different models, eg: 22-168, 22-182, 22-812.

For the most part the PC sends a character + CR to initiate a reading and gets back an ASCII string.

[ledtester]

It is only used for DC applications (so true-RMS isn't of value) and needs to have the following:

1) Read and record uA

2) Datalogging either to a wired or wireless connection (PC or mac) with export to Excel. 

Here's another idea... build your own specialized meter with an INA226 and an Arduino. For instance, have a look at this project:

http://ardupiclab.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-arduina226-power-monitor.html (web archive link)

It's basically a 32k-count current meter with a full-scale burden voltage of 81.92mV. You select the shunt resistor to set the measurable current range.

Should be a simple Arduino project if all you need to do is to send the readings back over the serial connection and it offers the ability to customize it exactly however you want.

[bob91343]

Micronta model 22-182.  Comes with disk, serial cable (for RS-232), case, and manual.

http://www.repeater-builder.com/radio-shack/22-182/22-182-owners-manual.pdf

[BILLPOD]

Good Morning Sierra,
     I love my EEVblog 121GW.   It records to a micro SD card and a fresh set of  4-AAs last over a week.  Some users complain about accessing the micro SD card, but I leave  the blue boot off
the meter and I don't screw in the 2 screws that hold the back on.   I use it as a bench meter on low voltages, so CAT ratings don't come into play.  Also, I bought a 3D printed stand for it which holds it up at a good reading angle.

[bob91343]

I know this isn't the place for this so if anyone is interested in my Micronta, PM me.