Pocket Multimeter Recommendations

[apelly]

Thanks to Dave's blog, and the community here, I have pretty much all the equipment I will ever need (probably) and all of it is way over-spec'ed for my experience level. Meh; I like toys.

Anyway, one thing that appeals to me, but doesn't appear to come up often (ever?) in discussion here, is pocket multimeters. I haven't bothered to do any research, which is lazy, but I expect a bunch of people already have a favourite, and I'm looking for a recommendation.

Which pocket multimeter do you use, and what's good about it?

[Wytnucls]

Fluke 101. Cheap, real pocket size. Has most features, except for current. Best used with small probes instead of Fluke stock ones.

[apelly]

The Fluke 101 is bulkier than I had in mind. Nice looking meter though.

I have a vague recollection of a small wallet sized one in one of Dave's videos. No idea which one now though.

[Wytnucls]

UNI-T UT120C then. Hard to beat for price, size and features.

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/uni-t-ut120c-review-and-tear-down/msg180726/#msg180726

[electr_peter]

Cheap option is UNI-T UT120C. It measures current too. There are more meters in this size/form factor.

Fluke 101 comes with normal leads with banana jacks. Not a pocket DMM in my opinion. DMM above comes with attached leads.

[Thilo78]

I have a Pancontrol PAN111 for my desk.
Pancontrol is an Austrian brand. I bought the DMM in an Austrian tool store.

http://www.pancontrol.at/index.php?pid=241&prid=38

Good thing is:
It's rated CAT II 600 V, so perfect around PC and Notebook, and for general desk work.
The probes are attached to the DMM, so you can't lose them.

And it has a neat flip cover to protect it in my drawer 

By function I'd guess it's more or less the same as the UNI-T UT120C.

Edit: Forgot the price. The PAN 111 comes around 20 EUR in DE and AT.

[DanielS]

I have a $8 Hawk DMM as a spare when I need an extra voltage or current measurement somewhere. The internal build quality is horrible - the mA range fuse is soldered on the PCB and the 10A range has no fuse whatsoever unless you count the PCB itself - but it gets the job done for what I bought it for, which is mainly keeping tabs on stuff that I have already measured with my UT61E or DM27.

[retiredcaps]

Pancontrol is an Austrian brand.

The ODM is CEM Instruments.

http://www.cem-instruments.com/en/pro/pro-491.html

[retiredcaps]

I haven't bothered to do any research, which is lazy,

Not even a search here?

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/review-6-pocket-multimeters-amprobe-benning-uni-t-and-3-cheaper-ones-14921/

[Thilo78]

The ODM is CEM Instruments.

OK, didn't know that.
Thanks for the info! 

[apelly]

I haven't bothered to do any research, which is lazy,

Not even a search here?

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/review-6-pocket-multimeters-amprobe-benning-uni-t-and-3-cheaper-ones-14921/

  Fuck. Sorry guys. I was sure I would have seen any relevant threads here. This is the second one that's been pointed out. 

Thanks for pointing that out retiredcaps

[Lightages]

I am trying to get to some video reviews of many different things. One of them is some pocket multimeters. I can say briefly that pocket multimeters never seem to be the first thing I pick up, even if one is close by. I much prefer the confidence of a solid meter with proper probes. But having said that I think I can recommend a couple of different ones from my experience.

A long time back I did a review of the Uni-T UT10A, here on the forums.
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/uni-t-ut10a-review/msg65941/#msg65941

I still think it is a good value for a cheap pocket meter. I also have a couple of others that are worth considering:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Digitek-DT-4000P-2-Pocket-Digital-Multimeter-4000-count-Autorange-0-5-Accuracy-/171046640758
This one is basically a full featured multimeter, even with a mA function, in a nice hard shell package. The test lead wire quality is a bit low but otherwise it is handy to have around and is well protected in its hard case.

I would not use either of the above meters in any kind of industrial or high energy situation. They are just suited to light home use and electronics.

I also have two Brymen models on hand right now. The BM22s, and the BM27s.
http://www.brymen.com.tw/product-html/cata20/BM20_Catalog.pdf
http://www.tme.eu/en/details/bm27/portable-digital-multimeters/brymen/#

They are both made well enough that I would carry one around in an industrial situation, however the BM27s is made more for the plant electrician than the BM22s.

The BM22s has all the basics, 4000 count, and has a peak hold. It is rated 600V CATII and 300V CATIII.

The BM27s has all the basics, 6000 count, auto test function,  plus continuity test with visual indication in noisy areas, plus low and high impedance voltage functions, and a 2000uA AC/DC function for testing flame sensors and the like. The thing that makes it a really good industrial pocket meter is the non-contact voltage detector function. Before you use your little meter it is nice to know if something is live or not. The auto-test function is also a good safety feature as it will warn you if a voltage appears on a circuit you did not anticipate.

Both are very well built, have proper input protection and the third party tests to prove it. I really like them both but I don't think I will be selling any as most people won't want to pay the price for them. Most people don't see a pocket meter as their reliable meter and so will only pay maybe $20-$40 and no more. These will cost more than that after shipping. I still like them very much.

[apelly]

I can say briefly that pocket multimeters never seem to be the first thing I pick up, even if one is close by.

Yea, I understand, but having something small to throw in a bag for occasional use would be handy. Why leave home without one? I'd use it more than a pocket knife.

A long time back I did a review of the Uni-T UT10A, here on the forums.
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/uni-t-ut10a-review/msg65941/#msg65941

I still think it is a good value for a cheap pocket meter.

That meter is coming up regularly. It was top of my list, but I think it's my second choice now that you've pointed out those awesome Brymens...

I also have two Brymen models on hand right now. The BM22s, and the BM27s.
http://www.brymen.com.tw/product-html/cata20/BM20_Catalog.pdf
http://www.tme.eu/en/details/bm27/portable-digital-multimeters/brymen/#

They are both made well enough that I would carry one around in an industrial situation, however the BM27s is made more for the plant electrician than the BM22s.

This is the first I've seen of these. They look great. Can you comment on the probes they come with? I can't find any details about them.

[Lightages]

The leads on the Brymens are rather nice actually. The wires have silicone insulation, strain relief at meter and at the probes. The probes are small of course but not bad and they have removable caps that allow just the tips or the whole probe exposed.

If you want to spend the money, yes they are nice meters. Most people look at pocket meters as disposable and therefore only wish to pay disposable prices.

[artag]

I had a couple of the pocket meters with captive leads in the past. Useful, but I found the control knob irritating : in order to keep the meter thin, they had no bar on the knob, and you had to try to get some friction to turn it.

The brymen models look as though they have tried to get around this by putting spokes on the surface - does this solve the problem ?

I keep looking at the Fluke T5 series. Expensive, but they do have a current sensor. If it would read DC current I'd get one in a flash.

 

[Lightages]

There are always trade offs for size. the ribs on the control wheel do work, but there is a bit of force needed. It is not bad but it is more than enough to ensure the dial doesn't move without real intent.

[Lightages]

I also want to say that if you are considering the Brymens, there is an optional silicone cover/bumper. I would recommend it as it provides a bit more environmental seal over the obvious benefit of shock protection. It also provides a better feel and grip in hand.

[apelly]

I also want to say that if you are considering the Brymens, there is an optional silicone cover/bumper.

Yes, I saw that in the brochure you linked earlier, thanks. It seems like a reasonable idea.

[Lightages]

Anyone considering buying a pocket multimeter might want to wait till next week. I will be doing an comparison of the ones I have and this and in combination with the video by Spawn you might want to wait before making a move.

[benjamin545]

i use for work a Fieldpiece SPDM1. i really like this one. Amprobe and Ideal have a model that look exactly like it except they dont have the non contact voltage detector built in.

the only issue with it is that it uses tiny permanently attached test leads so it kinda has a limited lifespan, but at ~$35 on ebay for a brand new one its hard to beat.

[kwass]

The UEI DM5B has removable probes with standard diameter, short banana plugs, so they can be replaced (or you can use it with different cables).  Also, it has a 5A fused current range that is useful for quick battery checks, etc..  I also have a UT120C that's a little bit smaller and can measure lower current, capacitance and frequency.  I  like the display better on the UT120.   However, the UEI DM5B has a much better mode switch and seems sturdier.  Both have horrible continuity beeps.

[Wytnucls]

2mA max range on the Brymen BM27 seems a bit lame. The UT120C has a more useful 400mA scale.

[Lightages]

I agree with you 100%

The BM27s was made specifically, from my estimation, for industrial process technicians, who have very specific needs. All of the other functions are perfect for most people. The BM22s drops the very low current measurement and other features but has a nice 30mS peak measurement. IMHO, Brymen would sell many more pocket meters if they dropped the current measurement and added the peak detect. In its current form the current measurement is all but useless to anyone not measuring fame sensors.

This is why I suggest people wait to see my video review of the pocket meters I have before making any purchasing decisions. The reviews by you, Wynucls, and by Spawn, should be considered before any decisions are made.

[retiredcaps]

i use for work a Fieldpiece SPDM1

Fieldpiece, like many other brand names, get someone else to make some or all of their meters.

I think Tecpel made the SPDM1?  I will have to browse around to confirm.

http://www.tecpel.com/Product-2006125161944.html

[apelly]

2mA max range on the Brymen BM27 seems a bit lame. The UT120C has a more useful 400mA scale.

Shitter cap range too.

But these aren't, for me anyway, replacements for proper meters. More like handy voltage & continuity meters.

At risk of opening a can of worms, I haven't heard much good about UNI-T, but Brymen is developing a great reputation.

Nothing stops me from getting both of course.