Amprobe AM-570 or AM-270

[jrbdmb]

I am in the market for a general purpose DMM.  I originally considered BK Precesion 2709B, but after more research I'm considering buying an Amprobe to get the extra protection of the Cat III / Cat IV rating (though my uses should seldom put me in a position to require that protection).

I've read quite a bit here on the AM-270, but there is really no info out there on the relatively new AM-570.  The AM-570 has a few features and ranges the AM-270 doesn't: slightly higher count, frequency measurement to 66 MHz, capacitance to 60 mF, duty cycle measurement.  The AM-270s main claim to fame is its accuracy that trounces the AM-570 in almost all cases, and a good design based on a tear-down here.

Based on what I've read here, I suspect that the AM-270 is the reccomended choice.  Should I even be considering the AM-570?  Any info to push me towards (or away) from the AM-570 would be appreciated.  (Or you all can tell me to stick with the BK.)

[Lightages]

The AM-270 is made by Brymen. The AM-570 is believed to be made by UNI-T, that is based on its form of construction and other clues. If I it comes down to only this fact in the decision I would most definitely choose the AM-270.

If accuracy is your main need, then obviously the AM-270. IF all the other features are important, then the AM-570. To me it is as easy as that.

[jrbdmb]

Great, I did order the AM-270.  For 99% of what I will be using it for it appears to be the better choice.  Thanks for the info.

[Wytnucls]

Be aware that the fuses are only rated for 600V (1000V on the AM-570) and the LCD backlight is of a poor design.
Otherwise, a solid meter with good accuracy and low ranges.

Fuse (FS1) for uAmA current input:1A/600V, IR 10kA or better, F fuse;
Fuse (FS2) for A current input: 10A/600V, IR 100kA or better, F fuse

[castironman]

The am-570 has a good protection input protection, it's main chip is a Cyrustek ES51995, sensing shunt resistor for the µA range is 500 ohm and 6.2 ohm for the mA. I found to be a little slow on auto-ranging and capacitance readings. The input connectors are not that great, split metal type. The back light is great and the display is very easy to read, it fells great on your hand and it is very light in relation to it's size. On volts, amps, cap it came very close to my Fluke 87-5, so I believe it is pretty compatible in readings. I would be a little against using it with high voltages. It has input alerts for the amperage connectors and the stand is pretty solid. Good meter for the money but with some flaws.

[castironman]

Just an update on my meter, unfortunately I was in a hurry and I put in the 9v backwards _ it fits so well... Should had take my time... ...Some immediately magic smoke and meter worked for a while then dead as  a brick - red one I may say....

[retiredcaps]

Post two clear focused pictures of the pcb (both sides).  Maybe we can spot something?

[David Hess]

My reply is too late to influence your decision but I will pass it along anyway.

Amprobe is on my short list of suitable general purpose handheld multimeters along with B&K but not for a reason most people would consider; I really like the isosceles jack arrangement of the old Beckman Industrial RMS225 which allows a standard 3/4" spacing banana plug to be used on the current ranges.  On occasion, I have taken advantage of this feature to wire my slightly diminutive RMS225 into a circuit on my workbench or into a breaker panel to measure current for several days at a time.

Amprobe has the 37XR-A, HD-110C/HD-160C, and AM-500 meters which use this configuration.  B&K also has a number of meters like this.