Author Topic: Rigol DMM DM858 comparison thread  (Read 180 times)

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Offline ballsystemlordTopic starter

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Rigol DMM DM858 comparison thread
« on: Today at 03:43:55 am »
Recently, Rigol released a new DMM series, the DM858E and DM858 models. Both of them are 5-1/2 digit DMMs. As they already have 5-1/2 and 6-1/2 digit offerings, I thought I'd be interesting to compare these to each other and to other DMMs on the market.

The differences between the E and non-E model are that the E model has 0.06% vs 0.03% DCV accuracy, can store only 20K readings vs. 500K, and does 80 readings a second vs. 125 readings a second. Additionally, the E model lacks the 10A input jack. It can only measure up to 3A. They retail for $370 and $500 USD, respectively.

It should be noted that I'm including the Keithley just to give you an idea as to what a really powerful DMM in capable of. I converted the PPM readings to the typical XX% + YY% (reading + range).

FLIR DM93*DM858`DM3058DM3068Keithley 2001^
DCV0.05 + 1d0.03 + 0.0040.015 + 0.003-40.0035-55 + 0.0005-100.0024-41 + 0.0002
DCA0.2 + 2d-10d0.055-0.250 + 0.005-200.055-0.250 + 0.005-200.007-0.1+0.002-200.04-9 + 0.0020-25
ACV (50-60Hz)0.5 + 2d0.2 + 0.10.2 + 0.050.06-8 + 0.03-40.1-0.07 + 0.015
ACA1 + 2d0.05-3.00 + 0.02-50.3-5 + 0.1-20.10-15 + 0.04-60.20-15 + 0.015
Ω0.2-2.0 + 1d-20d0.05-3.00 + 0.02-150.02-25 + 0.003-50.01-4 + 0.001-40.005-4.000 + 0.0004-0.1

The overall conclusion I can draw is that you should buy the DM3058 over the DM858. The E model and a good handheld DMM are kind of a toss up. The DM858E is better at ACV, but worse DCV accuracy, and the shunts for both DCA and ACA are rather restricting.

Well, I hope you enjoyed the write up. What are your thoughts?


* This is the DM93 original. They have since released a DM93-2 with worse accuracy. Oddly enough, it's also bigger and heavier. These counts are for the 3-3/4 range, not the full 4-3/4 range as it's accuracy specs are not listed in the datasheet/manual. I could have chosen a Fluke 287 for this chart, but the accuracy of that meter is largely worse than the DM93.
^ Yes, the resistance accuracy really does drop off for the Keithley 2001/2, but then the range at that level is 1Gohm; which is well above what the other DMMs can do.
` It should be noted that the burden voltage of this DMM is well above the average 100ohms. The DM858 uses a 330ohm shunt for the 100uA-1mA range, a 3.3ohm shunt for the 10-100mA range, and a 0.008ohm shunt for the 1-10A range. What good is accuracy if the burden voltage is over 3x other meters?
« Last Edit: Today at 03:47:25 am by ballsystemlord »
 
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Offline bdunham7

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Re: Rigol DMM DM858 comparison thread
« Reply #1 on: Today at 04:09:10 am »
I doubt anyone is buying these for their accuracy.  There are plenty of other reasons to have a bench meter. 

As for specs, they're barely competitive with good handhelds including some that are half the price (BM868S, 121GW) and I suspect there are issues even meeting what they've listed.  b/t/w, how do you calculate the DM93 has better specs than a 287 with 0.025% basic accuracy? 
A 3.5 digit 4.5 digit 5 digit 5.5 digit 6.5 digit 7.5 digit DMM is good enough for most people.
 

Online csuhi17

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Re: Rigol DMM DM858 comparison thread
« Reply #2 on: Today at 05:33:45 am »
There is better than this, the RMS is only up to 8kHz.
Others would not buy this because of its accuracy.
If an advanced loop record function is included, and the basic functions are developed and refined, more people would buy it.
 

Online Kleinstein

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Re: Rigol DMM DM858 comparison thread
« Reply #3 on: Today at 10:52:41 am »
The meters has the rather large memory for logging data and the big scree may also be a bonus - especially if if supports using the full screen for really large digits. This could be a thing for educational use (demonstration experiments). The limited AC bandwidth is indeed a bit disappointing.

Compared to a handheld meter one gets main supply (can be a bonus, but not always), the graphics features (no idea how useful) and 4 wire ohm function.
As a somewhat comparable meter I would look at the Sigilent SDM3055, or for the form factor maybe the Keysight EDU34450.
 


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