Velleman DVM860BL and DVM810 multimeters

[edy]

Hi folks,

I blew out the fuse on my cheap-a$$ DVM810 multimeter (http://www.vellemanusa.com/products/view/?country=us&lang=enu&id=350295) and when I took it apart, I noticed it was SOLDERED DIRECTLY to pads on the PCB! No holder, not an axial fuse... I mean a regular fuse that is supposed to go into fuse clips, but instead just soldered directly flat onto the PCB. It was a bitch to change, and I had to heat up both ends at the same time to pry out the old fuse, and had even more trouble trying to get a new fuse to stick as it was rolling around (or the solder wouldn't stick to it). Are they really trying to save a few fractions of a penny?

What is interesting is I had a look on this site here:

http://www.robotroom.com/Multimeter-Reviews.html


Take a look at the Trisonic TS-F308, it is the same crap as DVM810 and shows the same soldered fuse:

http://www.robotroom.com/Multimeter-Reviews/Trisonic-TS-F308-digital-multimeter.jpg
http://www.robotroom.com/Multimeter-Reviews/Fuse-holder-(Sinometer)-versus-soldered-fuse-(Trisonic).jpg


So while I was in the store buying a fuse to fix up the DVM810, I also picked up a Velleman DVM860BL as shown here:

http://www.vellemanusa.com/products/view/?id=521480


It cost a little more ($20) but looks to be better built. For one, the fuse is attached with clips. It takes 3 AAA batteries which makes it a lot easier to change (rather than the 23A 12V  battery). The DVM860BL also came with a thermocouple and it has some extra features including auto-ranging, backlight, temp, diode testing and a few other modes.

Internally I am sure it is still built down to a price. Anyone have any experience with it? Good, bad and the ugly? What do you think about the $20 price tag?

[retiredcaps]

What do you think about the $20 price tag?

The ODM is Mastech.  Mastech MS8221. 

The MSRP on Amazon.com is $150 ( ), but it is on sale for $20 USD.

Take it apart and take clear focused pictures of the internal please.