Mastech MS-8233E, MS-8240D and MS-8250C

[iloveelectronics]

Since opening my own eBay store recently I've been out trying to source electronics stuff that I can sell at reasonable prices. Obviously being located in Hong Kong my sources would be from China. Mastech is one of those Chinese companies that make a lot of multimeters either under their own brand or rebadged as others. Martin reviewed the MS-8218 on his YouTube channel that I sent him but despite being very accurate there are a few too many negatives going against it. So I continued the search and found these 3 other Mastech at different price ranges. They are rather rare and hard to find and I had to basically contact the manufacturer directly and special order them (at much higher than normal prices unfortunately).

MS-8233E - This is the auto ranging and more feature packed version of the much more common 8233A/B/C variants (easily found on eBay), at a beginner's price point. This E variant is rebadged as the Klein Tools MM200 in the US market, available at Amazon for <$35. EDIT: After looking closer it appears the MM200 is actually slightly different from the 8233E. It doesn't have the NCV detector and it has the frequency/duty cycle measurement in place of the Max Hold feature on the 8233E.

MS-8250C - I haven't been able to find any rebadged version of this meter but what caught my eye first was its appearance which for some reason I really really like. The C variant of the 8250 also features a dual display, non-contact voltage detector, USB interface etc. Its rather unique 6600-count also led me to believe it's running the same chip as the BK Precision BK2709B which won Dave's $100 multimeter shootout 2 years ago.

MS-8240D - This is the mysterious brother of the Uni-T UT61E which some people knew existed but rarely (if ever) seen in real life! It uses the same Cyrustek ES51922A chip that the UT61E uses, so basically it offers the same performance, accuracy and resolution. What sets it apart from the UT61E is that it has implemented most of the features that the UT61E lacks, namely the backlight, MAX/MIN (besides PEAK), Auto Power Off and ability to turn off USB data logging. It also comes default with a USB cable instead of the RS-232 for the UT61E. It is rebadged as the PeakTech 3430 in Germany.

Here's a picture of the 3 meters together with the UT-61E. I'll post a very brief review of them later.

[iloveelectronics]

MS-8233E

Pros:
1. Exceptionally clear high contrast display.
2. Very compact in size. About the size of a modern large screen smartphone (much thicker though of course).
3. Removable holster.
4. Decent quality leads (for its price) with ratings marked on the probes and wires.
5. Very positive feeling range switch. Nice click-clacking!
6. Good display refresh rate at >3 times per second.
7. Feature rich for its size and price. Autoranging, max hold, backlight, temperature in both C and F scales, non-contact voltage detection.
8. Auto ranges the entire voltage range, no need to select between V or mV.
9. Fast voltage auto ranging.
10. Tilting bail allows 2 tilting angles.
11. Good DC and resistance accuracy (based on DMMcheck Plus/PentaRef and comparison to my Brymen 867).

Cons:
1. Only 2000 counts.
2. Slow continuity tester. Not the slowest I've seen but slow nonetheless.
3. Slow resistance auto ranging.
4. No bar graph display.
5. mA range shares the same socket as V and other measurements.
6. AC voltage measurement was way out (10%) on the 5VAC output on my DMMcheck Plus. Mains voltage measurement was fine though. EDIT: I just realised DMMCheck Plus outputs 5VAC RMS square wave, and this meter is not a true RMS meter, hence the large error.
7. No true RMS. Perhaps that's what leads to the problem in (6) above? Can't really expect TRMS at this price point I suppose.
8. Diode tester doesn't work on LED's.
9. Jumper wires connecting the NCV indicator and LCD gingerly soldered onto the main board.
10. Only uses a 9V battery clip. But at least the wires are connected in a way that prevents too much stress on the joints.
11. Cat II 600V rated only. And current inputs are rated (and fused) at 250V only.


Overall I think (I may be biased) it's a very decent meter in the sub-40 dollar price range. Things like bar graph and true RMS you can't really expect from a low end meter like this anyway. It performs quite well and quick otherwise.

[T4P]

How much did you find the MS8240D for?

[Monkeh]

MS-8233E - This is the auto ranging and more feature packed version of the much more common 8233A/B/C variants (easily found on eBay), at a beginner's price point. This E variant is rebadged as the Klein Tools MM200 in the US market, available at Amazon for <$35.

Does not appear to be quite the same. No non-contact voltage (not that I care, mostly useless 'function'), different range switch arrangement.

[iloveelectronics]

How much did you find the MS8240D for?

Almost $96 not including shipping. But as I said I paid a premium for the special order. If I were to bulk order the price would be lower.

[iloveelectronics]

MS-8233E - This is the auto ranging and more feature packed version of the much more common 8233A/B/C variants (easily found on eBay), at a beginner's price point. This E variant is rebadged as the Klein Tools MM200 in the US market, available at Amazon for <$35.

Does not appear to be quite the same. No non-contact voltage (not that I care, mostly useless 'function'), different range switch arrangement.

I stand corrected. The Klein Tools MM200 does differ from the MS-8233E somewhat. Apart from the NCV, the 8233E also have included the Max Hold function instead of the frequency/duty cycle on the MM200. Perhaps it would have been coded the MS-8233D if it existed

Regarding the NCV function, I agree it's pretty useless in electronics work but I actually find it quite handy when working with household stuff, such as fiddling with the wall sockets for whatever reason. I can easily make sure I have indeed turned the main switch off before I do anything silly

[Monkeh]

I can easily make sure I have indeed turned the main switch off before I do anything silly

They are not to be relied upon for that. You may as well use a neon screwdriver.

[iloveelectronics]

I can easily make sure I have indeed turned the main switch off before I do anything silly

They are not to be relied upon for that. You may as well use a neon screwdriver.

That's true. Not that I have those neon screwdrivers anymore though...

[Wytnucls]

Not impressed by the board on the 8233. Lay-out is very confused. Floating watch crystal. 205 ceramic fuses, but are there fast blow (FF)?
Also, the spark gap was left out, even though the footprint is on the PCB. Mastech didn't even try to secure those connecting wires properly. I know it is a cheap meter, but they should be ashamed to sell something put together in this fashion.
How does this meter compare to the Extech MN36, EX320 or the VC99, selling for about the same price?

[iloveelectronics]

How does this meter compare to the Extech MN36, EX320 or the VC99, selling for about the same price?

I re-watched Dave's review on the EX330 (the big brother of EX320) and the VC99 in his $50 multimeter shootout from a couple of years ago. VC99 looks pretty terrible and I'd say the MS-8233E is definitely better than that, with a much more compact form factor. Feature wise the 8233E beats the EX320 by having the temperature measurement and the backlight, while missing the manual ranging capability. I don't know enough about circuit design and input protection etc to make any clever comments but from the surface the Extech has more input protection components but uses glass fuses while the Mastech only has one PTC but uses ceramic fuses (they are marked F10AH250V 50CF and F250mVH205V 50CF, I don't know if they are fast blow or not). Performance wise I'd say the Mastech is on par with the EX330 that Dave reviewed, and it doesn't have that sliding and spinning on your desk problem for sure

I think saying "they should be ashamed to sell something put together in this fashion" is a bit harsh as I've seen meters that look much worse internally. Even the UT61E has 2 spark gaps footprints left unpopulated. At least this leaves you the option to beef up the protection a bit if you so choose to. But this is just my opinion.

[Bored@Work]

They are rather rare and hard to find ...
MS-8233E - This is the auto ranging and more feature packed version of the much more common 8233A/B/C variants

The E is not too difficult to find in Europe. Rebadged http://www.rapidonline.com/test-measurement/ms8233e-autoranging-d-tal-multimeter-85-0725 or original http://www.electronic-shop.lu/EN/products/134704 http://www.oboyle.ro/shop/multimetru-mastech-ms8233e.html Someone must have imported a shipping container or two of them to Europe.

[iloveelectronics]

MS-8250C

Pros:
1. Very nice tough looking appearance. This is a very personal thing, I just really like the straight lines, angles and layout on this meter. Holds very nicely in the hand too.
2. Excellent range switch with ball bearing mechanism.
3. Easy access to fuses and battery with metal threaded screw receivers. (The 8233E also has metal threaded screw receiver for the battery compartment with I forgot to mention)
4. Lightning fast continuity tester.
5. Lightning fast autoranging, for both voltage and resistance.
6. Down to 1pF resolution for capacitance measurement. I don't have the equipment to test its accuracy but readings from basic ceramic and electrolytic caps look well within spec.
7. Very nice and even white backlight.
8. Doesn't have the Fluke Auto Hold but features the same "delayed hold" found on the UT61E for handsfree operation, by holding the HOLD button for a couple of seconds.
9. Dual display for measuring AC voltage/current and frequency, or frequency and duty cycle at the same time.
10. Built-in RS-232 to USB interface conversion with CP2102. Optically isolated with 2 pairs of infrared LED's and photodiodes. 2-way communication maybe?
11. Auto detects the USB connection so no need to push any button for enabling/disabling PC data logging.
12. Very good sensitive and accurate NCV detector (much more sensitive than the one on the 8233E).


Cons:
1. Display doesn't have very good contrast, looks a bit washed out when viewed directly. No problem when viewed at a slight angle.
2. Defaults to AC on all voltage and current ranges.
3. Software that comes with it is really basic.
4. Weak input protection. Only 3 PTC's, no MOV's or power resisters.
5. Only 6600 counts (which is actually quite sufficient for normal use).
6. Also only uses a 9V battery clip

I thought the MS8250C used the same main chip as the BK2709B which Dave reviewed in his $100 multimeter shootout video, but I was wrong. It uses a Chinese made Silan SC7968 and I can't find any datasheet on the internet. EDIT: Jarvis pointed out that the SC7968 is actually a Cyrustek ES51968 ripoff.

I just found that DealExtreme actually has this meter for sale at a similar price point as the UT61E. I don't think I can beat them on the price even if I manage to source some for my eBay store. Apart from the number of counts this meter actually compares quite well against the UT61E in terms of performance and features. However, the lack of datasheet for the main chip probably means it's hard to find/write custom software to replace the very basic one that comes with it. EDIT: Again, now that we know it's basically equivalent to the Cyrustek ES51968 finding a datasheet isn't a problem anymore.

[Bored@Work]

I thought the MS8250C used the same main chip as the BK2709B which Dave reviewed in his $100 multimeter shootout video, but I was wrong. It uses a Chinese made Silan SC7968 and I can't find any datasheet on the internet.
...
However, the lack of datasheet for the main chip probably means it's hard to find/write custom software to replace the very basic one that comes with it.

You could try to ask them for a datasheet http://www.silan.com.cn/ Although I couldn't find the SC7968 on their site.

[jarvis]

You could find the datasheet from Cyrustek.

Silan's SC7968 is a counterfeit of ES51968.

[iloveelectronics]

You could find the datasheet from Cyrustek.

Silan's SC7968 is a counterfeit of ES51968.

Really?  So it is indeed the same chip as The BK Precision after all then!

[jarvis]

BK2709B use ES51967. That is different from ES51968.

[iloveelectronics]

BK2709B use ES51967. That is different from ES51968.

oh ok... BTW, how do you know The Silan chip is a Cyrustek ripoff?

[Wytnucls]

ceramic fuses (they are marked F10AH250V 50CF and F250mVH205V 50CF, I don't know if they are fast blow or not). Performance wise I'd say the Mastech is on par with the EX330 that Dave reviewed, and it doesn't have that sliding and spinning on your desk problem for sure

I think saying "they should be ashamed to sell something put together in this fashion" is a bit harsh as I've seen meters that look much worse internally. Even the UT61E has 2 spark gaps footprints left unpopulated. At least this leaves you the option to beef up the protection a bit if you so choose to. But this is just my opinion.

The fuses are pretty good actually, if like I suspect they are Holly HRC 1.5KA at 250V. Probably not fast blow, but close. Strictly speaking, one shouldn't try to measure voltages above 250V with that meter, in case the leads are in the wrong jacks.
The reason I said the company ought to be ashamed, is because they are fostering a reputation to be a cut above the main Chinese manufacturers, like Uni-T and Extech, when in fact, they take the same shortcuts, with dodgy wiring and minimal protection. The cases might look the part, but the innards are mostly a disappointment.

http://hollylan.manufacturer.globalsources.com/si/6008800048269/pdtl/Ceramic-tube/1000977222/Tube-Fuses.htm

[jarvis]

BK2709B use ES51967. That is different from ES51968.

oh ok... BTW, how do you know The Silan chip is a Cyrustek ripoff?

My friend in China told me.
There are some patent issues between Silan & Cyrustek.
That's why you could not find the datasheet on the Silan's website.

[iloveelectronics]

The reason I said the company ought to be ashamed, is because they are fostering a reputation to be a cut above the main Chinese manufacturers, like Uni-T and Extech, when in fact, they take the same shortcuts, with dodgy wiring and minimal protection. The cases might look the part, but the innards are mostly a disappointment.

I can see your point now. But I guess to compete at the lower end market these meters do have to build down to the price. I believe CEM is the manufacturer that actually makes a lot of the Extech meters. Most of their meters (under their own CEM brand) are selling at higher prices then similar meters of other Chinese brands. I may get a couple of them to look at in the future to see if the higher price translates into better quality.

[iloveelectronics]

My friend in China told me.
There are some patent issues between Silan & Cyrustek.
That's why you could not find the datasheet on the Silan's website.

That makes sense! Anyway, thanks a lot for the information, now I can look at the Cyrustek datasheet and learn a lot more about the MS8250C 

[T4P]

CEM is indeed the OEM

[jarvis]

CEM should be the ODM.

[iloveelectronics]

MS-8240D

Pros:
1. High resolution at 22000 counts
2. Easy access to batteries and fuses through 2 screws with metal threaded recievers.
3. Big beefy fuses.
4. Uses 4 AA size batteries instead of a 9V.
5. Offers the missing features on the UT61E, namely the Backlight (nice and even too), Max/Min, Auto Power Off and the ability to turn off PC data logging to save battery life.
6. Good accuracy.
7. Lightning fast continuity tester.
8. Fast autoranging (the 8250C is faster though).
9. Built-in RS232 to USB interface conversion with CP2102, optically isolated by a pair of infrared LED and photodiode.

Cons:
1. Mushy range switch.
2. Build quality and design of the housing not as nice as the UT61E. With the UT61E once you put the back and front of the housing together it feels very robust even without the screws. With the 8240D how well you tighten the screws plays an important role. And because there is no metal threading for the housing screws the longevity and robustness really comes into question over time (after you've opened it up a few times).
3. A bit too bulky, especially when comparing to the UT61E.
4. Still no temperature measurement although the chipset has the function available.
5. Only down to 10pF resolution on capacitance measurement. Curiously UT61E does it down to 1pF resolution.
6. Aside from the beefy fuses the input protection looks wimpy. I can only see one spark gap and a tiny surface mounted MOV. The fuse terminals also seem a bit too close to the input jacks, although when closed the plastic case does offer a bit of separation but it's still not completely shielded.
7. Same as the UT61E, it suffers from a very high burden voltage problem for low current measurement, especially on the micro amp range.
8. At least 50% higher in price comparing to the UT61E.

The particular unit I've got has the user manual and software missing, although the supplier claims that they were included. I have tested the PC connectivity with the UltraDMM software though which supports the UT61E, and I can report that it works fine with this MS8240D. Another interesting thing about all 3 of these Mastech meters is that I don't see any aluminium shielding at all on the back or around the cases. I have no idea if the missing software or the lack of the shielding has any thing to do with these being special ordered units and not retail ones.

As it shares the same main chipset with the Uni-T UT61E I tend to compare them a lot with each other. The backlight and the other missing features from the UT61E surely are nice but at a much higher price level I'm not sure I would choose this over the UT61E. The less robust housing and mushy range switch also are a bit of a turn-off for me as well.

[iloveelectronics]

That concluded the mini review of the 3 Mastech meters. I hope some of you would find some value in it.

Now the question as an eBay store owner: do you think any of these meters will sell? Would you buy any of them?

[tlu]

The MS-8240D resembles the Amprobe AM-270 in my opinion. Very much similar in the physical layout.

[iloveelectronics]

The MS-8240D resembles the Amprobe AM-270 in my opinion. Very much similar in the physical layout.

But the Amprobe should be a rebadged Brymen 817a, with a modified housing. Lower counts but much better internal build quality than any Mastech.

[tlu]

Thanks for the info. Nice to know.... Great reviews of these DMM...

[Wytnucls]

Wow, Mastech really went to town with the beefy fuses! They should be commended for that.
I don't understand the input protection on the volt range though. The usual layout is to first have a PTC in series at the jack, then a MOV or GDT (Spark Gap) in support behind it, to give the PTC enough time to clamp the voltage.
I don't think a tiny gas discharge tube, right across the input jacks, will do the job, but I'll let the experts decide on that.
There is a PTC in the middle of the board, but one would have to follow the traces to see what it actually protects.
Still not impressed with the wire connections to the PCBs (USB and piezo speaker), but they look neater than on the baby Mastech.
I'm not fond of the overall industrial look of the case, but that is just personal taste.
At that price point, I think it should have an aural warning on the amp jacks, to avoid mishandling of voltage measurement.
Overall, not a bad meter, but your reported questionable sturdiness of the case would be a deal breaker for me.
Apart fom the Uni-T 61E, what would be the other worthy competitors in that $80.00 price range, with a 20,000 count?

[chickenHeadKnob]

The MS-8240D resembles the Amprobe AM-270 in my opinion. Very much similar in the physical layout.

But the Amprobe should be a rebadged Brymen 817a, with a modified housing. Lower counts but much better internal build quality than any Mastech.

Hello Iloveelectronics, I don't want to thread hi-jack but could you source me a Brymen 867 or 869 at a decent price? These are only sold in Canada (and only the 869) rebadged as greenlee  with 100% or more markup. Pisses me off.

[Wytnucls]

Hello Iloveelectronics, I don't want to thread hi-jack but could you source me a Brymen 867 or 869 at a decent price? These are only sold in Canada (and only the 869) rebadged as greenlee  with 100% or more markup. Pisses me off.

This one?:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brymen-BM867-50-000-500-000-count-Digital-Multimeter-Fluke-87V-alternative-/200843831633?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ec339a951

[iloveelectronics]

Hello Iloveelectronics, I don't want to thread hi-jack but could you source me a Brymen 867 or 869 at a decent price? These are only sold in Canada (and only the 869) rebadged as greenlee  with 100% or more markup. Pisses me off.

Not sure about your idea of "decent price" but I have one last Brymen BM867 for sale in my eBay store. I can give you a $20 discount if you trust me enough to deal outside of eBay because I can save the eBay fees that way. The price already includes standard air mail shipping fee. I can offer other forms of shipping but there will be extra costs involved.

Link to my eBay store is in my signature.

[chickenHeadKnob]

Not sure about your idea of "decent price" but I have one last Brymen BM867 for sale in my eBay store. I can give you a $20 discount if you trust me enough to deal outside of eBay because I can save the eBay fees that way. The price already includes standard air mail shipping fee. I can offer other forms of shipping but there will be extra costs involved.

Link to my eBay store is in my signature.

I think I looked at your ebay site some time in the past but missed seeing the 867, my ebay search-fu is crappy though 

The price is quite a bit more than tme in poland 130 euro for 867, 183 euro for 869 but ordering from europe is a hassle for  a canadian. I will have to think about it.

best regards

[iloveelectronics]

I think I looked at your ebay site some time in the past but missed seeing the 867, my ebay search-fu is crappy though 

The price is quite a bit more than tme in poland 130 euro for 867, 183 euro for 869 but ordering from europe is a hassle for  a canadian. I will have to think about it.

best regards

I understand it's isn't cheap but unfortunately that's the best price I can offer without losing money. I'm basically selling it at cost (and I guess my cost was a bit too high).

[Wytnucls]

Well, the only other 20,000 count meter I could find in that price range is the Uni-T UT-71A. So it might be worthwhile having a look at that one, if you can't find the Mastech at a reasonable price.

[iloveelectronics]

Well, the only other 20,000 count meter I could find in that price range is the Uni-T UT-71A. So it might be worthwhile having a look at that one, if you can't find the Mastech at a reasonable price.

The UT71 series of meters seem to have a rather mixed reviews from comments I've read before, especially in regards to its internal build quality/input protection. Let me research more and see if it's worth taking a closer look at. Thanks for pointing it out.

[Wytnucls]

I really think its tepid reputation is undeserved.
I have two of them and they behave as advertised.
Of course, the input protection is flimsy, but the requirement for beefy fuses is quite recent. Before, if the FF (very fast blow) glass fuses ruptured cleanly, with no potential injury to the user, it basically passed the test.
In many ways, the protection is not worse than the UT-61, which has cheap ceramic fuses, not intended for multimeters, rated as medium/fast by the manufacturer.
Uni-T really offers a fantastic package at a low price, with the 71 range.
The meter is sturdy, offers USB connectivity as standard and does true RMS AC+DC measurement; but the glorious feature is the LCD screen. Multi-data display with high contrast and stunning backlight, which is only challenged by the Agilent OLED screen.
It has a decent Cyrustek ADC, which can go up to 400,000 counts if paired with a 10 MHz crystal. It is also equipped with the same low power microcontroller as the expensive Flukes (Texas Instruments).
I wish someone qualified would do a proper review of the 71 range, because I feel people are missing out on a true gem here.

[Monkeh]

In many ways, the protection is not worse than the UT-61, which has cheap ceramic fuses, not intended for multimeters, rated as medium/fast by the manufacturer.

I assure you, BS1362 fuses are vastly more suitable than glass fuses for multimeter usage. Unlike a glass fuse, they will contain 6kA faults.

[Wytnucls]

Ideally, you want a fast blow HRC fuse in a multimeter. The BS1362 doesn't qualify with 6kA, otherwise it would be used in all multimeters, being so cheap. Is a fast medium BS1362 better than a very fast glass fuse? Probably, but the glass fuse will open at 100A in 40ms. So there may not be much damage in the meter afterall.
I was thinking about the overall protection anyway. The 71 has an aural warning on the whole range of meters, to warn of dangerous probe connection to the A/mA jacks, while measuring voltage.
The latest safety regulations do require HRC fuses, so let's see what Uni-T will come up with in the next batch of meters.

[Monkeh]

Ideally, you want a fast blow HRC fuse in a multimeter. The BS1362 doesn't qualify with 6kA, otherwise it would be used in all multimeters, being so cheap.

It doesn't qualify for a whole host of reasons as a fuse for a high-end multimeter. It's still worlds ahead of glass fuses and adequate for usage on ELV DC or domestic LV AC.

Probably, but the glass fuse will open at 100A in 40ms. So there may not be much damage in the meter afterall.

And at 2kA 250VAC, it will 'open', shatter, and let the arc run rampent inside the meter. A BS1362 will open faster than 40ms with that sort of current, too.

[Monkeh]

Ah, and here comes the pot.

[Lightages]

I see this latest exchange as being an intrusion on the topic, Mastech meters. There are threads for discussing the other meters mentioned here, and for CAT ratings. Why don't we leave this thread for its owner's intention and not hijack?

[T4P]

Not impressed by the board on the 8233. Lay-out is very confused. Floating watch crystal. 205 ceramic fuses, but are there fast blow (FF)?
Also, the spark gap was left out, even though the footprint is on the PCB. Mastech didn't even try to secure those connecting wires properly. I know it is a cheap meter, but they should be ashamed to sell something put together in this fashion.
How does this meter compare to the Extech MN36, EX320 or the VC99, selling for about the same price?

Right ... the MS8233B does not sell for the same price, it goes for only 15$

[Wytnucls]

The MS8233E sells for USD 26.00 on line, in Europe. Perhaps you have a better source for these meters.
The Extechs are more expensive at about USD 40.00.

http://www.electronic-shop.lu/EN/category/5852
http://www.ebay.com/itm/new-VC99-3-6-7-Auto-range-digital-multimeter-with-bag-/280732106486?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item415ceffef6

[T4P]

Whoops, i mean shops in china

[neel]

Hello there,

The MS-8250C is catching my attention.

I'm looking after an entry range meter (50€ price range).
I'm not going to do high energy work so I'm not concerned by poor input protection.

At the very top of my priority list is the update speed for both the autorange and the measure reading. Autorange is a nice feature I'd like to have, but when it is slow the feature becomes an annoyance (personal opinion) hence why this MS-8250C is catching my attention. Though I'm wondering about how fast it is, as "lightning fast" can differ from one person to another. Also what about the measure update speed ? Is it 2 or 3 per second like most meters in this price range or is it better too ?

So how does this MS-8250C compares to the Agilent U1272A for exemple, or the UNI-T UT71D in "fast reading" mode (hold blue button at powering on, drops count but updates becomes almost as fast as the Agilent) ? You can see their speed in this review.

So does the MS-8250C compete with those in the autorange speed area only or in the reading update speed too ? It would be very nice if you could make a short video showing the MS-8250C autoranging speed and reading refresh speed.

[ales22]

MS-8250C

Cons:
2. Defaults to AC on all voltage and current ranges.

This can be hacked with one transistor and two resistors. Let me know if you are interested in more details.

[neel]

Just found the answer to my question in another thread so I'll copy-paste here as it is the main thread for this meter:

Just checked the MS8250D manual again. It says digital display is updated 2.5 times per second, but I timed 85 updates in a 30 second period, which is close to 3 times/sec, in V, R and AC current ranges. DC Current measurement is only undated once per second. Analog display is claimed to be updated 25 times per second, I don't know how to verify but it looks smooth enough for me.

So it seems acceptable. I'd still be interested in a short video to have a better idea though.
Also I guess you won't find anything faster (reading refresh rate) in this price range (?). Otherwise let me know !

@ales22 I'd be interested into this hack indeed.

edit: @iloveelectronics I guess MS8250D is a typo and you meant C ? (Mastech website doesn't mention any D version of the MS8250)

[retiredcaps]

The MS-8250C uses the Cyrustek ES51968 like chip as per post #11.  According to the datasheet,

http://www.cyrustek.com.tw/spec/ES51968.pdf

the ADC conversion rate is 2.8 times/sec and bargraph is 28 times/sec.

[neel]

Thank you.

I would have liked something faster of course but I guess I will have to deal with that as to have a step above in speed it seems you have to put twice the price you can get this Mastech on ebay (Brymen BM811A, 5Hz measurements, 60Hz baragraph, 92€ incl. ship.). Of course if it's like other Brymen EEV has reviewed you get way better build quality and input protection (but you lose features too).

Still, 2.8Hz measurement and 28Hz bargraph should remain "bearable". I guess the MS8218 Martin reviewed is way slower than this (judging by the video). I wish he reviewed this MS8250C instead of the MS8218.

[ales22]

OK, here is the hack for MS8250C default DC range. Use at your own risk, it's just a quick hack, resistor values pulled from my arse 
This meter uses rotary switch and diode logic to create 5 signals for main IC driving the ranges. That one at D19 & D17 is SLACDC. So I removed these two dual diodes, which disconnects the SLACDC pin from rotary switch. Conveniently, there is a negation of the new desired signal as output of the rotary switch at D18, so transistor inverter will do the job. There are more than one supply voltage, that's why the 15k pull up is connected to GND. The  better device would be some logic gate in small package, but they are almost unobtainium (here where I live) and definitely more expentive than few scraped parts. Have fun.

[iloveelectronics]

edit: @iloveelectronics I guess MS8250D is a typo and you meant C ? (Mastech website doesn't mention any D version of the MS8250)

Yes, the "D" was a typo, I meant "C".

OK, here is the hack for MS8250C default DC range.

Nice hack! I might try that on my own unit!

[uncle_sem]

MS-8240D - This is the mysterious brother of the Uni-T UT61E which some people knew existed but rarely (if ever) seen in real life! It uses the same Cyrustek ES51922A chip that the UT61E uses, so basically it offers the same performance, accuracy and resolution. What sets it apart from the UT61E is that it has implemented most of the features that the UT61E lacks, namely the backlight, MAX/MIN (besides PEAK), Auto Power Off and ability to turn off USB data logging.

but how they made "light/pc-link" button? some microcontroller inside, or different es51922 chip firmware?

[JohnyRo]

I'm very interested in the MS-8250C, but I have a few concerns.

It has vanished from the manufacturers website. It used to be here: MS8250C AUTORANGING DIGITAL MULTIMETER
I managed to pull that out from Google cache. The A and B variants are still available. The website is atrocious and I can't find the English manual on it or anywhere else. I also find it's not at all popular, so I can't rely on community support, like UT61E has.

So despite it matching my needs perfectly: mucking around with Arduino, USB data logging and NCV, I'm not confident in buying it.

On the plus side the Cyrustek ES51968 spec sheet should be enough in lieu of a manual and the meter is supported by UltraDMM, so someone, somewhere made it work.

So what I'm asking for is reassurance from owners, suggestions for alternatives, the manual, anything basically. I have considered a UT61E and UT139C combo previously, but that's an overkill and too expensive for my current needs. I'm (kind of) limited to $USD 70 per item by customs regulations and I'd much rather buy only one at the moment.

[torr032]

edit: @iloveelectronics I guess MS8250D is a typo and you meant C ? (Mastech website doesn't mention any D version of the MS8250)

Yes, the "D" was a typo, I meant "C".

OK, here is the hack for MS8250C default DC range.

Nice hack! I might try that on my own unit!

I see there is a MS8250 "D" version now on the manufacture site but still no where to be found for sale .  Frenky, is his continuity latched or unlatched, can you please try to remember? And does it overshoot on voltage range?

[Armitas]

Hi,

I know this request is not belong the topic, and I ask for forgive me,

My 8250c is not connecting with the windows software, somebody could help me? Im trying to test with a fresh copy of the software but I cant find nowhere to get it.

Somebody could give me a copy or link to download?

I already ask p-mastech but they no answer.

Please.

Thanks in advance.
Regards from Spain

Harold Armas.