Author Topic: US$150 Class Multimeter  (Read 39360 times)

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Offline EEVblogTopic starter

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Re: US$150 Class Multimeter
« Reply #25 on: February 08, 2020, 02:45:28 am »
I have been using the EX540 (DT9939) for about 8 years now and bought one to transient test that had a problem.   That 900MHz radio has been used in places that Bluetooth would never work.   The bargraph is pointless but I do like that tri-display, plus it has all the basic features.   The best deal was when a company was selling them for $120 with free shipping.  A few friends bought them before they sold out.   

$120 was a bargain.
 

Online joeqsmith

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Re: US$150 Class Multimeter
« Reply #26 on: February 08, 2020, 04:32:08 am »

Offline EEVblogTopic starter

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Re: US$150 Class Multimeter
« Reply #27 on: February 08, 2020, 05:00:04 am »
 
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Offline 2N3055

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Re: US$150 Class Multimeter
« Reply #29 on: February 08, 2020, 09:16:17 am »
Maybe a step up

https://www.tequipment.net/Amprobe/AM-140-A/Handheld-Multimeter/?v=65116#description

That meter sounds suspiciously close to being some Brymen variant close to BM857/859 family... Which is a good thing..
 

Online Fungus

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Re: US$150 Class Multimeter
« Reply #30 on: February 08, 2020, 11:25:23 am »
That meter sounds suspiciously close to being some Brymen variant close to BM857/859 family... Which is a good thing..

Nah. Brymen meters do have rebrands but they still look exactly like Brymens.

eg. https://www.greenlee.com/us/en/digital-multimeters
 

Offline rsjsouza

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Re: US$150 Class Multimeter
« Reply #31 on: February 08, 2020, 12:01:46 pm »
I agree with Fungus that the BM857/859 are quite capable and seem reasonably "rugged", although not to the level of a 28II.
The BM859 is really old design.
And is that a really bad thing? I don't really know, but the quality is certainly there - my BM857 is a pre production model of 2002 and it looks and still feels quite the meter.

Why such massive number of counts for the field? Also, would connectivity be really killer? Unless you want to play in the processmeter arena...

Why counts? Because meters can have dual use.
Usually you don't need 60,000 counts, 0.05% DC, 0.06% ohms, and 0.075% current for the field, but it's nice to have for the lab.
This product has now been a little bit delayed because the option of a Bluetooth footprint is being added, so that that capability can be added in a future model without a design or safety re-certification presumably. They wanted to slip it in before sending for UL testing. I have asked if the firmware can support it and if users can then simply solder in their own Bluetooth module, that's a maybe  :-+
I see your reasoning. Well, the 60000 counts is great if it can be as fast as the Brymen or the 187/189 with 50000 counts. The U1282A with 60000 counts is slow.

You may be able to get away with safety if the footprint is there, but obviously that will depend entirely on regulations at the time of release. Also, you will still require some additional testing for intentional irradiators and EMI susceptibility tests - after all, you need to know if the multimeter can survive a nearby zap.

That meter sounds suspiciously close to being some Brymen variant close to BM857/859 family... Which is a good thing..

Nah. Brymen meters do have rebrands but they still look exactly like Brymens.

eg. https://www.greenlee.com/us/en/digital-multimeters
Although Brymen as an OEM is known for keeping the same mold, Amprobe is big enough to create their own. The specs and the overall arrangement of buttons, jacks, range switch is identical to the BM857.
Vbe - vídeo blog eletrônico http://videos.vbeletronico.com

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Offline GreyWoolfe

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Re: US$150 Class Multimeter
« Reply #32 on: February 08, 2020, 01:57:02 pm »
In case you haven't figured it out, I fishing to see if it's worthwhile stocking a US$150 class meter in addition to my $100 class BM235 and $200 class 121GW.

The BM235 sells for $125 USD on Amazon right now while the 121GW is at the $200 price point.  All the extras for only $25 or so more might end up killing the 235, at least here in the states.
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Online joeqsmith

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Re: US$150 Class Multimeter
« Reply #33 on: February 08, 2020, 05:21:51 pm »
On the Amazon ad, there's no mention of what revision the 121 is that they are selling.  It could be the old stock like what I received.  I would suggest using the source that people are getting the latest hardware from.

https://www.amazon.com/EEVblog-121GW-Multimeter/dp/B07W8C3T3J/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=121gw&qid=1581182345&sr=8-1

Offline EEVblogTopic starter

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Re: US$150 Class Multimeter
« Reply #34 on: February 08, 2020, 11:37:02 pm »
In case you haven't figured it out, I fishing to see if it's worthwhile stocking a US$150 class meter in addition to my $100 class BM235 and $200 class 121GW.
The BM235 sells for $125 USD on Amazon right now while the 121GW is at the $200 price point.  All the extras for only $25 or so more might end up killing the 235, at least here in the states.

It would be more than US$150 on Amazon. Amazon prices are higher because they take a 17% cut.
Also, this new meter is much bigger than the BM235, and a lot of the popularity of the BM235 is the small form factor.
« Last Edit: February 08, 2020, 11:41:29 pm by EEVblog »
 

Offline Vgkid

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Re: US$150 Class Multimeter
« Reply #35 on: February 09, 2020, 04:42:02 am »
Maybe a step up
I was looking at the 140A, and it doesn't look bad.
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Online joeqsmith

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Re: US$150 Class Multimeter
« Reply #36 on: February 09, 2020, 05:37:51 am »
Maybe a step up
I was looking at the 140A, and it doesn't look bad.
No it doesn't.  CSA certified, I'm guessing no glass fuses inside.  Normally the meters that have been tested to the 61326 standard, have at least made it past the grill starter and my gun.   

Offline Vgkid

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Re: US$150 Class Multimeter
« Reply #37 on: February 09, 2020, 10:29:59 am »
There is a bit of a teardown in this video.
https://youtu.be/ZC9ffpAHiD8
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Offline 2N3055

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Re: US$150 Class Multimeter
« Reply #38 on: February 09, 2020, 10:56:47 am »
That is definitely Brymen based design. Datalogging adapter and software is the same.
Pretty much BM857 without temperature measurement...
Probably very good instrument.
 

Offline rsjsouza

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Re: US$150 Class Multimeter
« Reply #39 on: February 09, 2020, 12:01:11 pm »
Sinisa, the BM857 does not have temperature as well. The BM859 has it.

So, the AM140 is in fact a BM857 on a different shell. A great instrument.
Vbe - vídeo blog eletrônico http://videos.vbeletronico.com

Oh, the "whys" of the datasheets... The information is there not to be an axiomatic truth, but instead each speck of data must be slowly inhaled while carefully performing a deep search inside oneself to find the true metaphysical sense...
 
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Offline coromonadalix

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Re: US$150 Class Multimeter
« Reply #40 on: February 09, 2020, 11:20:34 pm »
Well not only do I not know of a go to but I don't know of any.

That's what I want to know, because I could potentially sell one for under US$150


okay  loll  what are you selling, or want to sell ??
 

Offline EEVblogTopic starter

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Re: US$150 Class Multimeter
« Reply #41 on: February 09, 2020, 11:28:47 pm »
Well not only do I not know of a go to but I don't know of any.
That's what I want to know, because I could potentially sell one for under US$150
okay  loll  what are you selling, or want to sell ??

It's not released yet, so I can't tell you.
 

Offline The Soulman

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Online joeqsmith

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Re: US$150 Class Multimeter
« Reply #43 on: February 10, 2020, 01:17:35 am »

Online Monkeh

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Re: US$150 Class Multimeter
« Reply #44 on: February 10, 2020, 01:23:32 am »
That meter sounds suspiciously close to being some Brymen variant close to BM857/859 family... Which is a good thing..

Nah. Brymen meters do have rebrands but they still look exactly like Brymens.

eg. https://www.greenlee.com/us/en/digital-multimeters

You say that.. this is a BM235: https://www.flir.co.uk/products/dm66/

Or, well, it's the same PCB - I haven't bothered to compare features between the BM231, BM233, BM235, DM64, DM66, and DM67 (which doesn't apparently exist officially.. yet?).
« Last Edit: February 10, 2020, 01:25:04 am by Monkeh »
 


Online joeqsmith

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Re: US$150 Class Multimeter
« Reply #46 on: February 10, 2020, 01:58:21 am »
https://www.reichelt.nl/multimeter-digitaal-60000-counts-trms-bluetooth-peaktech-3442-p214834.html
Seems like a nice meter. 

Basic accuracy is poor.
It seems similar to meters like the UT61E which many people claim as good enough.       

"Accuracy temperature18°C...28°C (64°F to 82°F) to maintain guaranteed accuracy"

Maybe they are just realistic as they spec it over temp, where the UT61E does not.  That UT61E had more drift than most of the meters I looked at.   

Questions I have is would it show high voltage in cases where there is high voltage present and would the grill starter end its life.    :popcorn:

Offline EEVblogTopic starter

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Re: US$150 Class Multimeter
« Reply #47 on: February 10, 2020, 03:59:06 am »
https://www.reichelt.nl/multimeter-digitaal-60000-counts-trms-bluetooth-peaktech-3442-p214834.html

Seems like everyone is doing Bluetooth now.
But that one is 0.9% DC. Horrible spec for a 50,000 count meter  :-//
 

Offline LeonR

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Re: US$150 Class Multimeter
« Reply #48 on: February 10, 2020, 02:46:12 pm »
Having an AC/DC clamp meter mode (and optional clamp) would be nice.
 

Online joeqsmith

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Re: US$150 Class Multimeter
« Reply #49 on: February 11, 2020, 01:23:11 pm »
https://www.reichelt.nl/multimeter-digitaal-60000-counts-trms-bluetooth-peaktech-3442-p214834.html

Seems like everyone is doing Bluetooth now.
But that one is 0.9% DC. Horrible spec for a 50,000 count meter  :-//

The real questions I have are if the meter can actually read correct voltages without having to manually range.  Does the switch need constant care.  Do I have to constantly update and test the firmware to get the basic features working.  Is the meter sensitive to magnetic fields in the 50/60Hz range.  Of course, also,  can it survive even the most basic of transients.   

No doubt there are meters out there with "horrible" specs but I would rather a meter like this than one with impressive specs that has problems with the above conditions.   Plus you save a few bucks....


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