Author Topic: Finally received my Uni-T UT17B Pro, I'm pleasantly surprised  (Read 8465 times)

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Offline CornerTopic starter

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Finally received my Uni-T UT17B Pro, I'm pleasantly surprised
« on: August 08, 2020, 02:43:10 am »
After a month and a half, I finally received my UT17B Pro today from across the ocean.

This looks like a direct successor to the UT139C, but better in basically every way.

They named the meters this way because they want the 15BPro and 17BPro models to compete with Fluke's similar offerings in the Chinese market.

Things I'm pleasantly surprised about:
- The pouch it came with is nice, has a pocket, designated spots for leads and the meter.
- The ruggedness of the meter
- The rotary switch is recessed and doesn't touch the ground when landing on the floor face down.
- Diode mode emits a short beep when detecting a voltage drop and continuous beep when detecting a short
- Continuity mode doesn't miss a single beep no matter how fast I short the tips.
- Gold plated probe tips are a nice addition, 18AWG leads, probe handles are rubberised
- The backlight mechanism is great and a big step up from their previous models
- Thermocouple wire is similar to Flukes in terms of feel
- Two Bussmann fuses, board looks clean, input protection looks decent

Things they claim:
- 30000 rotary switch cycle test
- 8kv transient voltage protection on all ranges

Things I'm not happy with:
- The meter is pretty big. Maybe similar to 139C in terms of height, but definitely wider.

Overall, for the price I paid, this is probably the best value for money for a multimeter.
 
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Offline CornerTopic starter

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Re: Finally received my Uni-T UT17B Pro, I'm pleasantly surprised
« Reply #1 on: August 08, 2020, 03:04:55 am »
A couple of small details I like:

- The rotary switch has rubber overmold, it feels nice.
- The bottom of the tilt stand is coated with rubber. The tilt stand is wide and stable.
- The screen is big and digits are very clear! This is one of the easiest to read screens out of the tens of multimeters I've owned and used.
« Last Edit: August 08, 2020, 05:16:42 am by Corner »
 
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Offline Wytnucls

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Re: Finally received my Uni-T UT17B Pro, I'm pleasantly surprised
« Reply #2 on: August 08, 2020, 10:39:32 am »
It looks well made, safe and well priced.

Some downsides:
No independent testing ( ELT and CE are mentioned in the manual, ELT is embossed on the back of the meter)
No bargraph
No decent bandwidth for true RMS (500Hz max)
Logic level frequency test 100 KHz max
100uV resolution only

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001155376244.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.7fff270anvWB2Q&algo_pvid=1ddd12b6-3871-4cf3-bc40-91a80bf8cc44&algo_expid=1ddd12b6-3871-4cf3-bc40-91a80bf8cc44-5&btsid=0be3764515968833870752980e9dec&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_
« Last Edit: August 09, 2020, 06:48:29 pm by Wytnucls »
 

Offline CornerTopic starter

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Re: Finally received my Uni-T UT17B Pro, I'm pleasantly surprised
« Reply #3 on: August 08, 2020, 11:46:32 am »
I think you may have some unrealistic expectations for a 65 USD (90AUD) multimeter. It's made to target a specific market.

It looks well made, safe and well priced.

Some downsides:
No independent testing
No bargraph
No decent bandwidth for true RMS (500Hz max)
Logic level frequency test 100 KHz max
100uV resolution only

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001155376244.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.7fff270anvWB2Q&algo_pvid=1ddd12b6-3871-4cf3-bc40-91a80bf8cc44&algo_expid=1ddd12b6-3871-4cf3-bc40-91a80bf8cc44-5&btsid=0be3764515968833870752980e9dec&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_
 

Offline Wytnucls

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Re: Finally received my Uni-T UT17B Pro, I'm pleasantly surprised
« Reply #4 on: August 08, 2020, 12:31:28 pm »
I have no expectations.
Few multimeters, if any, are perfect.
I am just pointing out the areas which are below par for this particular 6,000 count meter.
The prospective buyer can then decide if he can live with the restricted set of features, which won't affect his planned measurements.




 

Offline coromonadalix

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Re: Finally received my Uni-T UT17B Pro, I'm pleasantly surprised
« Reply #5 on: August 08, 2020, 12:41:27 pm »
The major fail for me is :   the second fuse is hidden ????  i would punch a hole for it ... unacceptable for me


Seems Uni-T  have upped their game in some models  (better design and protection) ?  and the look and feel seems better too.
« Last Edit: August 08, 2020, 12:44:01 pm by coromonadalix »
 

Offline Fungus

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Re: Finally received my Uni-T UT17B Pro, I'm pleasantly surprised
« Reply #6 on: August 08, 2020, 12:47:18 pm »
The major fail for me is :   the second fuse is hidden ????  i would punch a hole for it ... unacceptable for me

If you manage to blow the big fuse then you should probably be looking inside the meter for damage.  :)
 
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Offline Fungus

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Re: Finally received my Uni-T UT17B Pro, I'm pleasantly surprised
« Reply #7 on: August 08, 2020, 12:51:41 pm »
What's the diode test voltage?

Looks solid... but accuracy is below par for a $100 meter.

(accurate enough for most purposes IRL though)
« Last Edit: August 08, 2020, 12:56:23 pm by Fungus »
 

Offline Wytnucls

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Re: Finally received my Uni-T UT17B Pro, I'm pleasantly surprised
« Reply #8 on: August 08, 2020, 01:00:49 pm »
What is disconcerting, is that Uni T built what seems to be a very safe 'PRO' CAT IV meter, which is now compromised by the lack of a proper certification. ELT certified
They then add a VFD and flashlight feature to the same meter, instead of a decent true RMS converter.
« Last Edit: August 09, 2020, 06:49:35 pm by Wytnucls »
 
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Offline CornerTopic starter

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Re: Finally received my Uni-T UT17B Pro, I'm pleasantly surprised
« Reply #9 on: August 08, 2020, 01:01:51 pm »
What's the diode test voltage?

Looks solid... but accuracy is below par for a $100 meter.

(accurate enough for most purposes IRL though)

Open circuit voltage is about 3.26V.
 
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Offline CornerTopic starter

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Re: Finally received my Uni-T UT17B Pro, I'm pleasantly surprised
« Reply #10 on: August 08, 2020, 01:05:48 pm »
What is disconcerting, is that Uni T built what seems to be a very safe 'PRO' CAT IV meter, which is now compromised by the lack of a proper certification.
They then add a VFD and flashlight feature to the same meter, instead of a decent true RMS converter.

But... do you consider the much more expensive Brymen BM235 and Fluke 117 having better RMS converters? I'm a noob so correct me if I'm wrong, those two meters only have a bandwidth of 500-700Hz?

EDIT: never mind, I found the corresponding numbers in the data sheets.
« Last Edit: August 08, 2020, 01:16:57 pm by Corner »
 

Offline Fungus

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Re: Finally received my Uni-T UT17B Pro, I'm pleasantly surprised
« Reply #11 on: August 08, 2020, 01:48:20 pm »
What's the diode test voltage?

Looks solid... but accuracy is below par for a $100 meter.

(accurate enough for most purposes IRL though)

Open circuit voltage is about 3.26V.

Good enough! :-+

(There seems to be a boost circuit on the PCB right next to the battery contacts so hopefully that's not the battery voltage)
 

Offline joeqsmith

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Re: Finally received my Uni-T UT17B Pro, I'm pleasantly surprised
« Reply #12 on: August 08, 2020, 03:11:04 pm »
Hard to say how it would hold up.  It looks like the high speed clamps are tied to the return path for the MOVs.  If they use a different reference for other sensitive parts, it may not hold up very well.  I wouldn't say UNI-T has a good track record in getting this right.  I think I have looked at more UNI-T products than any other and they never perform very well.   

Things they claim:
- 30000 rotary switch cycle test
- 8kv transient voltage protection on all ranges

If this is true, it's interesting that they would talk about the 30K cycle test.   We could run it to 50K full cycles and see if there is anything left.   
If the whimmpy grill starter didn't damage it and it survived my smaller generator (6KVish), that would be a big improvement for UNI-T.  The 138C can't come anywhere near that.   

Really, I would want the "UT181B Pro".   

Offline Wytnucls

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Re: Finally received my Uni-T UT17B Pro, I'm pleasantly surprised
« Reply #13 on: August 08, 2020, 11:00:05 pm »
The similarly priced UT191T may be a better choice, having been through GS certification (CAT III 600V).
It also has a few extra features like a bargraph, peak capture, LoZ and is dust/water proof with an IP65 rating.

Some downsides:
No decent bandwidth for true RMS (500Hz max)
100uV resolution only

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32920369855.html


« Last Edit: August 09, 2020, 06:50:24 pm by Wytnucls »
 

Offline CornerTopic starter

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Re: Finally received my Uni-T UT17B Pro, I'm pleasantly surprised
« Reply #14 on: August 09, 2020, 03:51:25 am »
Hard to say how it would hold up.  It looks like the high speed clamps are tied to the return path for the MOVs.  If they use a different reference for other sensitive parts, it may not hold up very well.  I wouldn't say UNI-T has a good track record in getting this right.  I think I have looked at more UNI-T products than any other and they never perform very well.   

Things they claim:
- 30000 rotary switch cycle test
- 8kv transient voltage protection on all ranges

If this is true, it's interesting that they would talk about the 30K cycle test.   We could run it to 50K full cycles and see if there is anything left.   
If the whimmpy grill starter didn't damage it and it survived my smaller generator (6KVish), that would be a big improvement for UNI-T.  The 138C can't come anywhere near that.   

Really, I would want the "UT181B Pro".   

They do make these claims on their official store on Taobao, see attachments. It IS interesting that they claim the 30k switch cycle test considering almost no one does it. They also say the test leads go through a series of high stress tests.
 

Offline Saskia

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Re: Finally received my Uni-T UT17B Pro, I'm pleasantly surprised
« Reply #15 on: August 09, 2020, 05:02:37 pm »
probably going to buy when it creeps by and is available as a bargain.
 

Offline joeqsmith

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Re: Finally received my Uni-T UT17B Pro, I'm pleasantly surprised
« Reply #16 on: August 09, 2020, 07:04:19 pm »
Hard to say how it would hold up.  It looks like the high speed clamps are tied to the return path for the MOVs.  If they use a different reference for other sensitive parts, it may not hold up very well.  I wouldn't say UNI-T has a good track record in getting this right.  I think I have looked at more UNI-T products than any other and they never perform very well.   

Things they claim:
- 30000 rotary switch cycle test
- 8kv transient voltage protection on all ranges

If this is true, it's interesting that they would talk about the 30K cycle test.   We could run it to 50K full cycles and see if there is anything left.   
If the whimmpy grill starter didn't damage it and it survived my smaller generator (6KVish), that would be a big improvement for UNI-T.  The 138C can't come anywhere near that.   

Really, I would want the "UT181B Pro".   

They do make these claims on their official store on Taobao, see attachments. It IS interesting that they claim the 30k switch cycle test considering almost no one does it. They also say the test leads go through a series of high stress tests.

Of course they also claim the UT90A is rated for CAT III 600V with those piss ant fuses in there.   

Maybe Dave will break out his toggle bot and spit shin the contacts on one.  If you decide to contact them about the meter and their testing, I would be interested to hear about how they conduct the switch tests.   

Offline joseph nicholas

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Re: Finally received my Uni-T UT17B Pro, I'm pleasantly surprised
« Reply #17 on: August 09, 2020, 07:12:32 pm »
It's such an old school meter.  I would look for a used Fluke 87v in a pawn shop for $50 usd.
 

Offline joeqsmith

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Re: Finally received my Uni-T UT17B Pro, I'm pleasantly surprised
« Reply #18 on: August 09, 2020, 07:50:17 pm »
It's such an old school meter.  I would look for a used Fluke 87v in a pawn shop for $50 usd.

Really?  I thought that was a brand new product for them.   

Offline joseph nicholas

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Re: Finally received my Uni-T UT17B Pro, I'm pleasantly surprised
« Reply #19 on: August 09, 2020, 10:49:19 pm »
It's such an old school meter.  I would look for a used Fluke 87v in a pawn shop for $50 usd.

Really?  I thought that was a brand new product for them.

Well, it does seem designed for the electrician in mind, it also looks to be referencing some of the work you have done by claiming high voltage protection.  Do I exaggerate?
 

Offline Fungus

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Re: Finally received my Uni-T UT17B Pro, I'm pleasantly surprised
« Reply #20 on: August 10, 2020, 11:37:46 am »
Well, it does seem designed for the electrician in mind

OTOH it has a uA range and a decent diode test voltage.

From what I've seen so far I'd say it was a fairly good meter for the money.

OTOH: It has no independent certification and it's a Uni-T so you can't garantee that the one you buy will have the same components inside it as the one shown here.
 

Offline Wytnucls

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Re: Finally received my Uni-T UT17B Pro, I'm pleasantly surprised
« Reply #21 on: August 10, 2020, 01:22:26 pm »
It has an ETL certification, as embossed at the back of the meter and as stated in the Chinese user manual.
(Intertek's Electrical Testing Labs)
« Last Edit: August 10, 2020, 01:25:25 pm by Wytnucls »
 

Offline CDaniel

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Re: Finally received my Uni-T UT17B Pro, I'm pleasantly surprised
« Reply #22 on: August 10, 2020, 05:08:01 pm »
I see many people excited  but this meter has the crappiest AC bandwidth , no bargraph , so beside beeing cheap what is the point  buying it for electronics ? And I doubt  any professional electrician would trust a company like this for his life ...  :--
At this price the quality can't be good , I'm sorry but good things don't come free ... I don't want to be evil >:D but first check if those fuses are't just chinese fakes . They know by now how much people love big fuses  ;D
« Last Edit: August 10, 2020, 05:14:18 pm by CDaniel »
 

Offline coromonadalix

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Re: Finally received my Uni-T UT17B Pro, I'm pleasantly surprised
« Reply #23 on: August 10, 2020, 05:33:26 pm »
Bigger is better  loll
 

Offline CornerTopic starter

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Re: Finally received my Uni-T UT17B Pro, I'm pleasantly surprised
« Reply #24 on: August 10, 2020, 11:46:07 pm »
I see many people excited  but this meter has the crappiest AC bandwidth , no bargraph , so beside beeing cheap what is the point  buying it for electronics ? And I doubt  any professional electrician would trust a company like this for his life ...  :--
At this price the quality can't be good , I'm sorry but good things don't come free ... I don't want to be evil >:D but first check if those fuses are't just chinese fakes . They know by now how much people love big fuses  ;D

To be fair, I don't trust Uni-T either, but the actual physical construction and the PCB are made to a higher standard than a lot of their previous models. I was just curious as to what the meter feels like so I bought it to check it out. If you wanna depend your life on it? That'd be crazy, and I wouldn't do that either, but for someone who's looking for a cheaper alternative with relatively good quality (compared to those absolute cheapies), it does feel a lot better in the hand, and the measurements are consistent, screen is big and fonts are bold, not to mention the great backlight feature and the beeping diode mode.

I see nothing wrong with these cheaper alternatives. They have a place in the market, and I see no prob Uni-T actually try to improve the quality of their cheapies.

EDIT:
Again, is 500Hz bandwidth too different from 800Hz? Is a crappy bargraph worth having? Name me a few meters that have decent bargraph in the $60-$70 range that has similar fit and finish and construction? The UT61E seems to be a lot better in this regard, but it was not built in the same way. Nothing is free I guess as you said.

What I'm really trying to say is, nothing is free. You get something, you lose something. I don't believe you'd be able to get a UT61E successor in this kind of build quality for a similar price. Well that hasn't happened yet, so we'll see.
« Last Edit: August 10, 2020, 11:53:34 pm by Corner »
 


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