Aneng AN819A Multimeter Review, Teardown, & adjustment

[graybeard]

The Aneng AN919A is large inexpensive 2000 count multimeter with an excellent large display, but with accuracy issues and very cheap test leads. I bought it because after watching many excellent Big Clive videos I wanted a fixed range meter with a large easily readable display for my own videos.

The display is excellent, but the meter was on the razor edge of it's specified accuracy.  I found a pot inside I used to adjust it much closer, but given the sensitivity of the pot I was it took some time to get close.  It should be a multi turn pot, but not to be at this price point.

It is about what I expected.  The display is very nice for a cheap meter.  I would not pay more than I did for one of these.

I got this one from Banggood for $9.50 delivered.  It was a full two months from the time I placed until I received it. It was put on slow boat. 

input characteristics:
V Range - R in
200mV DC - 498K ohms
2V DC - 9.46M ohms
20V DC - 9.91M ohms
200V DC - 9.91M ohms
100V DC - 9.91M ohms
750V AC - 9.91M ohms
200V AC - 9.91M ohms
20V AC - 9.90M ohms
2V AC - 986K ohms
200mV AC - 984K ohms

I Range - R in
20mA AC - 13.7 ohms
200mA AC - 4.76 ohms
20A AC - 0.02 ohms
20A DC - 0.02 ohms
200mA DC - 4.76 ohms
20mA DC - 13.7 ohms

R range - short current
continuity/diode - 1.42mA
200 ohms - 328µA
2K ohms - 228µA
20K ohms - 49.4µA
200K ohms - 5.55µA
2M ohms - 561nA
20M ohms - 58nA
200M ohms - 3.02µA

click on the images below for the full sized version

[ModemHead]

Thanks for the review and teardown.  I think you'll find an ICL7106 clone chip under the blob.  And no, the meter cannot directly measure it's own power source.  You should find that the analog ground (COM jack) is regulated at 3V below the positive battery terminal.  Connecting this node anywhere else inside the meter is not a good idea.

BTW, it would be helpful to improve your camera's focus, maybe engage auto-focus?

[Fungus]

Edit: Posts about new ANENGs moved here so as not to hijack your thread. 

It also makes the comment below quite esoteric. 

[coromonadalix]

An experimental meter for experimental tests loll,  seems nice,  dont know about the continuity sensivity ??

[graybeard]

BTW, it would be helpful to improve your camera's focus, maybe engage auto-focus?

My camera is a Nikon D750 DSLR.   It is a great DSLR for stills, but the autofocus in video mode sucks.  That's why I was using manual focus.

I think next time I will stop down a bit more for more depth-of-field.