What is the brain behind Dave's secret multimeter ?

[ez24]

Is Dave using a PIC like this one

http://www.ijstr.org/final-print/july2015/Design-And-Construction-Of-Digital-Multi-meter-Using-Pic-Microcontroller.pdf

for his secret multimeter ?  If not what is used as the brain ?

[hamdi.tn]

what secret multimeter 

[mrpackethead]

The brain behind Daves Meter is Dave.

[Evil Lurker]

NE555P, LM324, and a 78L05? 

[Muttley Snickers]

It could perhaps be the retro look for all we know.

 

[NF6X]

I'd buy an EEVblog-branded VTVM.

[ez24]

what secret multimeter 

That is the point.  But if you look carefully you can find it

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/multimeter-spreadsheet/msg393947/#msg393947

starting at row 315   Models DM1 and DM2

[EEVblog]

It may or may not be a PIC

[EEVblog]

isnt the collaborative product done with brymen?

No, but I'll be rebadging a Brymen I had a tiny tiny hand in.

[VK5RC]

Any rough idea of ETA?

[EEVblog]

Any rough idea of ETA?

The Brymen, this month.
The something else, TBD

[crispy_tofu]

So the BM235 is probably the EEVBlog DM2 (similar specs to the BM257)... so what's the DM1?

EDIT: whoops, I guess that's the something else

[Towger]

I can just see all the posts if the BM325 is not:
Built like a brick dunny.
Has dickie firmware.
Is not accurate to a bee's dick, for at least 25 years.
Fails input protection testing...

[VK5RC]

Good timing for Christmas, I would like to add a Brymen to my collection (none so far) . 

[pascal_sweden]

The top of the line Brymen labeled with Australian Airforce would be cool. Like the scores Dave did before at an Auction, where they had oscilloscopes that were branded with Australian Airforce label.

That would make the Brymen's a real collector's item

[MrMacman2u]

If the DM1 has those features and specs, is "Dave Approved", and is branded EEVblog? Just... Stop... Right now, and take my money.

[ez24]

If the DM1 has those features and specs, is "Dave Approved", and is branded EEVblog? Just... Stop... Right now, and take my money.

It will be funny to see him review his own meter.

[EEVblog]

It will be funny to see him review his own meter.

No meter is perfect, compromises have to be made in many ways.

[nbritton]

what secret multimeter 

[VK5RC]

The review of the meter would be interesting,  in particular the discussion of the compromises,  $,  market potential, features  etc.

[ormandj]

Did this ever come to fruition/is it still on the horizon? I'm in the market for a nicer DMM in the near future, and this sounds like it would fit the bill.

[TheAmmoniacal]

There is a lot more information in the Supporter's Lounge, just saying

I can't imagine selling rebadged meters being worth it, how much do you profit per meter? (and what's the international shipping cost from you?)

[joeqsmith]

Any rough idea of ETA?

The Brymen, this month.
The something else, TBD

I checked your Amazon store don't seem to find this meter.   Could you provide me with a link?  Thanks

[PedroDaGr8]

Any rough idea of ETA?

The Brymen, this month.
The something else, TBD

I checked your Amazon store don't seem to find this meter.   Could you provide me with a link?  Thanks

Check the supporters lounge, there is a LOT of information. I don't know if you knew but when you crossed 1000 posts you got access to that sub-forum.

[HAL-42b]

VTVM or bust!   

[joeqsmith]

Any rough idea of ETA?

The Brymen, this month.
The something else, TBD

I checked your Amazon store don't seem to find this meter.   Could you provide me with a link?  Thanks

Check the supporters lounge, there is a LOT of information. I don't know if you knew but when you crossed 1000 posts you got access to that sub-forum.

Really?!      I had no idea and just assumed I had to contribute.   I'll check it out.   Seems like we should at least find out how it falls in with the pack.   

[EEVblog]

I can't imagine selling rebadged meters being worth it, how much do you profit per meter? (and what's the international shipping cost from you?)

I can't tell you profit per meter, that's confidential, but it's well worth it in this case. Not in small part because Brymen's don't exactly flood the market. I probably couldn't do the same thing with Uni-T for example.
Not sure about dealers carrying it though, that's double whammy import charges. I've have to look at getting them shipped directly to them.
It costs $20 to ship internationally, some countries will be $30+, that's cost price for me, I don't make money on shipping.

[Muxr]

I can't imagine selling rebadged meters being worth it, how much do you profit per meter? (and what's the international shipping cost from you?)

I can't tell you profit per meter, that's confidential, but it's well worth it in this case. Not in small part because Brymen's don't exactly flood the market. I probably couldn't do the same thing with Uni-T for example.
Not sure about dealers carrying it though, that's double whammy import charges. I've have to look at getting them shipped directly to them.
It costs $20 to ship internationally, some countries will be $30+, that's cost price for me, I don't make money on shipping.

I've had orders to ship to Australia and I don't envy you. Those shipping costs are a pain this direction too. I end up paying a few extra bucks over my standard international shipping rate for it too. So I lose a bit of money from the product's margin.

[Towger]

It costs $20 to ship internationally, some countries will be $30+, that's cost price for me, I don't make money on shipping.

I know you like the hands on approach, but would it not have been better to drop ship them directly from China?

The savings on shipping to you, the long list of extra taxes and import charges you got stung with and then the expensive cost of shipping from Oz must be adding a good $25+ to the final price. Even taking into account the cost of the shippers cut.

[gameru]

Brymen are made in Taiwan not China

[wblock]

I know you like the hands on approach, but would it not have been better to drop ship them directly from China?

The savings on shipping to you, the long list of extra taxes and import charges you got stung with and then the expensive cost of shipping from Oz must be adding a good $25+ to the final price. Even taking into account the cost of the shippers cut.

Totally worth it for the "QC Approved by Probes the Monkey" sticker.

[hibone]

Dave's multimeter is easy to recognize...
It's the only one that comes with screws in a bag.

Take-it-apart ready... 

[bitseeker]

Perfect. Open the package. All the bits look good? Install screws and then turn it on.

[EEVblog]

I know you like the hands on approach, but would it not have been better to drop ship them directly from China?

They are made in Taiwan, not China.

[ECEdesign]

Dave has a multimeter?  Did I miss the memo...

[bitseeker]

Nope, you just found it.

[miguelvp]

Teardown video in the works?

[mtdoc]

I know you like the hands on approach, but would it not have been better to drop ship them directly from China?

They are made in Taiwan, not China.

Ahem. You mean not mainland China. Right.

[miguelvp]

Taiwan is its own entity, not part of the People's Republic of China. Yes there is a Republic of China but that's in Taiwan, nothing to do with mainland China.

Yeah, complicated, like the rest of the World

[mtdoc]

Taiwan is its own entity, not part of the People's Republic of China. Yes there is a Republic of China but that's in Taiwan, nothing to do with mainland China.

I realize that. But the Taiwanese consider themselves Chinese. In fact officially Taiwan is the "Republic of China".  They still claim an area of the mainland and maintain their own large milirary to prevent forced "reunification".

I was just ribbing Dave with my post - i wouldn't want him to offend his manufacturing partners.

Yeah, complicated, like the rest of the World

Yes it is. 

[PedroDaGr8]

Taiwan is its own entity, not part of the People's Republic of China. Yes there is a Republic of China but that's in Taiwan, nothing to do with mainland China.

I realize that. But the Taiwanese consider themselves Chinese. In fact officially Taiwan is the "Republic of China".  They still claim an area of the mainland and maintain their own large milirary to prevent forced "reunification".

I was just ribbing Dave with my post - i wouldn't want him to offend his manufacturing partners.

Yeah, complicated, like the rest of the World

Yes it is. 

It is much like Persian versus Iranian.  I have some friends who were born in Iran but identify as Persian not Iranian (this is especially true of the Zoroastrians). The Zoroastrians have a legitimate reason they don't like being called Iranian, due to their persecution under the current regime. Then others who don't care if you call them Persian or Iranian. Though I don't know of any that insist I call them Iranian, but it may just be a small sample size issue.

I have Taiwanese friends who do not like being called Chinese, they will request that you call them Taiwanese, they say that they are their own country, that their language, while related, is different from the Chinese spoken in China, etc. That by calling them Chinese, it implies that they don't have a right to their own independence and that the mainland is right in wanting to overthrow their democratic government and subject them to Beijing rule. On the other hand I also have Taiwanese friends that don't give a damn, Chinese or Taiwanese doesn't matter, they say that ethnically they are Chinese but nationally they are Taiwanese, so calling them either is correct. It is likely sample bias, based on the fact I only really know Taiwanese living in the USA, but I don't know of any that identify solely as Chinese.

[mtdoc]

It is much like Persian versus Iranian.  I have some friends who were born in Iran but identify as Persian not Iranian (this is especially true of the Zoroastrians). The Zoroastrians have a legitimate reason they don't like being called Iranian, due to their persecution under the current regime. Then others who don't care if you call them Persian or Iranian.

That's a good analogy.

I thnk it's a generational thing as well. I know some older "Taiwanese" who are offended if you imply that they are not from China.  "I'm not from Taiwan, I'm from the Republic of China" they'll say.  The memory of the Chinese civil war that forced their families (and government) to move to the island is still fresh in their minds.

[LeoUCDavis]

I have Taiwanese friends who do not like being called Chinese, they will request that you call them Taiwanese, they say that they are their own country, that their language, while related, is different from the Chinese spoken in China, etc.

The language they speak on the mainland and in Taiwan is the same.

[PedroDaGr8]

I have Taiwanese friends who do not like being called Chinese, they will request that you call them Taiwanese, they say that they are their own country, that their language, while related, is different from the Chinese spoken in China, etc.

The language they speak on the mainland and in Taiwan is the same.

They gave it a different name though, something like Hoeken or something like they. I wouldn't ever claim to be a linguistic expert but I've had several friends insist it is different from Chinese. They might just be super nationalistic and enhancing minor differences. No clue to be honest.

[mtdoc]

It's the same language. It's only been 66 years since the split. Same language (Mandarin), same ethnicity(Han Chinese), same culture for the most part.

[EEVblog]

Any rough idea of ETA?

Some Oz supporters already have one in the post and will get it today or tomorrow.
Orders are not open to non-supporters yet.
But this is not my "secret" meter 

You can see the rebadged one here though:
http://www.eevblog.com/files/BM235-Manual-EEVblog.pdf

[ludzinc]

From the manual:

"Trouble Shooting
If the instrument looks to be buggered"

GOLD!

[Muxr]

That color scheme is much better than the standard Brymen. I dig it.

[ez24]

Orders are not open to non-supporters yet.

Dave - would you allow me to make 500 posts on the same subject ? (to become supporter)?

Can you tell me what city they come from?  Just curious - I lived in Taiwan for 5 years - so I just wonder where they are made.\

Edit :  only 50 posts to go (not 500) - I cannot believe it  

[Tom45]

Dave's multimeter is easy to recognize...
It's the only one that comes with screws in a bag.

Take-it-apart ready... 

"Don't take it apart, put it together"

[ADC-1995]

I didnt see the local Aussie price. What does the 'not secret' EEVBlog branded DMM sell for?

I like the meter.

EDIT: found it on a new post!

[rt]

Will it be available in yellow?

[crispy_tofu]

Will it be available in yellow?

*Fluke bursts through the front window*

[Towger]

Ok. So we will agree that Taiwan is not China and I assume they don't have a subsidied postal service, where everything is a $2 gift.
Still looks like good value.

Do Tektronics have a patent on blue multimeter holsters :-)

[HAL-42b]

Will it be available in yellow?

*Fluke bursts through the front window*

[ADC-1995]

Fluke agents! Radio, cuffs, weapon, and most important....
MULTIMETER.

[Muxr]

Will it be available in yellow?

*Fluke bursts through the front window*

original

[bitseeker]

You can see the rebadged one here though:
http://www.eevblog.com/files/BM235-Manual-EEVblog.pdf

I like it!

[Brumby]

Gotta love this.... (from the manual)

Dave's Note: Proper ceramic HRC (High Rupture Capacity) fuses are expensive,
but they are designed to fail safe and not explode. That makes you safer.
Don't be a tight arse and put cheap glass ones in there instead! If you wanted
cheap you should have bought a cheap arse meter instead of this one.
Beware the fakes on ebay!

 

[EEVblog]

Teardown photos for those interested:
https://flic.kr/s/aHsktJhSBY

[HAL-42b]

Teardown photos for those interested:
https://flic.kr/s/aHsktJhSBY

No way this is going to pass an EEVBlog teardown. Look at those solder blobs!  And no blast shields either!!

[bitseeker]

Ooh, the varistors are color-coordinated with the integrated holster.

[Helix70]

Will it be available in yellow?

*Fluke bursts through the front window*

?? Both my fluke meters are grey, in an orange holster. Do they even make a yellow meter?

[crispy_tofu]

?? Both my fluke meters are grey, in an orange holster. Do they even make a yellow meter?

The holster is yellow (cheese-coloured?). They've even trademarked it! 
Related: https://www.sparkfun.com/news/1428

[Helix70]

Looks orange to me. 

[Wytnucls]

Incoming Metrel mortar fire!

[Scottjd]

Incoming Metrel mortar fire!

Looks like a Brymen, but with features for automotive like RPM.
If it is a Brymen rebrand the disturbing part is the color looks to be the same as the EEVBlog meter color. I thought Brymen promised him that was going to be only his color and they wouldn't use it with any other rebrand?
I guess we will find out when it get torn down if anyone buys it.

[Wytnucls]

They are rebranded Brymen meters, as sold by Emona in Australia.
http://www.emona.com.au/products/electronic-test-measure/multimeters.

Metrel is based in Slovenia, if I'm not mistaken.
http://www.metrel.si/products/digital-multimeters-current-clamps-voltage-testers/digital-multimeters.html

I don't think they would be as protective as Fluke about the color of their rubber boots.

Their agents in the US are AVOX Technologies
http://www.avoxtechnologies.com/products/metrel/multimeters/


MD9060 aka BM869
MD9050 aka BM829
MD9040 aka BM822
MD9016 aka BM257

[rsjsouza]

Teardown photos for those interested:
https://flic.kr/s/aHsktJhSBY

Fluke better beware; the meter looks really well put together with the big honking via stitching, the beefy R12 high voltage resistor and the riser board acting as a bit of blast shield for the first line of defense. Perhaps send one to joeqsmith? 

I wonder if longevity tests were done to the meter. The small IDC headers of the riser board are one of the points that I have seen introduce mechanically induced noise and increase low-ohm measurements. It is a 6000 count meter, thus I am unsure if this is a concern.

The other aspect would be the survivability of the riser board if the meter falls flat on its face with the leads plugged in. From the pictures I have the impression the extended square PCB for the "A" jack is the weakest point (despite the large solder blobs).

These are nitpicking details, but overall Brymen does not disappoint. Excellent meter!

[Towger]

Going on the dates on a couple of PDFs I looked at the MD9035 appears to have been first produced in 2012.
http://eshop.micronix.sk/data/sk/att/002/9027-6061.pdf
It is quite similar but it very much for the automatic market. Cat 2 rated, so may not have the daughter board for the input sockets.

Dave, did you inquire into the possibility of Brymen adding a ESR measurement function? I basic 100Hz test with decent input protection would be a nice addition and make the meter standout from all the other models on the market.

[EEVblog]

If it is a Brymen rebrand the disturbing part is the color looks to be the same as the EEVBlog meter color. I thought Brymen promised him that was going to be only his color and they wouldn't use it with any other rebrand?

No, I simply asked for Blue. Anyone other rebadger is free to ask for a blue too.

I guess we will find out when it get torn down if anyone buys it.

That is not the new 230 series, it has a bargraph. Likely the older 250 series.

[EEVblog]

Dave, did you inquire into the possibility of Brymen adding a ESR measurement function? I basic 100Hz test with decent input protection would be a nice addition and make the meter standout from all the other models on the market.

This is a not a custom meter design, I couldn't just ask for anything I wanted.

[Wytnucls]

Going on the dates on a couple of PDFs I looked at the MD9035 appears to have been first produced in 2012.
http://eshop.micronix.sk/data/sk/att/002/9027-6061.pdf
It is quite similar but it very much for the automatic market. Cat 2 rated, so may not have the daughter board for the input sockets.

The Metrel MD9035 is the same as the CAT II 1000V Brymen BM319, produced for the automotive market.

[Scottjd]

It looks like the EEVBlog meter is now live for the cart to order.   
Dave must have finished the web cart add on now, so I guess it's time to order one. 
https://www.eevblog.com/product/bm235-multimeter

This may have been posted on other threads, but I didn't see it in this thread so I thought I would add it.
Now it's a waiting game for the other secret item he mentioned.

[Towger]

This is a not a custom meter design, I couldn't just ask for anything I wanted.

I know. But for a while have thought it would be a useful feature, which none of the current multimeters have. It is the preserve of ICR meters, DIY component testers and the odd dedicated device. 

Edit
I just bought a BM235 off you this morning, why do I still have a deep need to buy yet another meter with a ESR function?... Dam GAS is acting up again....

[ozwolf]

What subtle marketing you have Dave!  You spend years telling us we need multiple meters, now I've gone and bought one of yours...

My small way of saying thanks for all of the videos and entertainment you've given me for the last couple of years.

Ozwolf

[Towger]

My small way of saying thanks for all of the videos and entertainment you've given me for the last couple of years.

  He'll soon be tweeting about how much a chore packing and hauling all the meters down to the post office has become. 

[crispy_tofu]

My small way of saying thanks for all of the videos and entertainment you've given me for the last couple of years.

  He'll soon be tweeting about how much a chore packing and hauling all the meters down to the post office has become. 

Are you psychic? 

[Scottjd]

My small way of saying thanks for all of the videos and entertainment you've given me for the last couple of years.

  He'll soon be tweeting about how much a chore packing and hauling all the meters down to the post office has become. 

Are you psychic? 

What, shipping bugs. Well at least he didn't have cart bugs and shipping bugs at launch.

[spartacus976]

Any updates on the DM1? I'm looking to buy a nice multimeter and would like to know if I should wait or go ahead and buy the BM235.  The BM 235 looks fantastic - but if the next one will be even better I'd be willing to wait.

Specifically...
1) Can we have a general timeframe for release of DM1? (1 month? 6 months?)
2) How accurate are the specs on Wytnucls’ chart for the DM1? (Will DM1 not have NCV or Input Jack warnings?)

Thanks!

[Towger]

No response from those who have access to the elite section....

To answer 1.  Listening to the Amp Hour.  At least 6 months a way, as with all these things probably more.

[EEVblog]

Any updates on the DM1? I'm looking to buy a nice multimeter and would like to know if I should wait or go ahead and buy the BM235.  The BM 235 looks fantastic - but if the next one will be even better I'd be willing to wait.

They are entirely different meters in entirely different price ranges.

1) Can we have a general timeframe for release of DM1? (1 month? 6 months?)

6 months.

2) How accurate are the specs on Wytnucls’ chart for the DM1? (Will DM1 not have NCV or Input Jack warnings?)

No NCV. Yes on jack warning.

[Neo2199]

I am looking for some nice multimeter to upgrade my current once. I am wondering any update on DM1? Specs are looking good. Would be a nice Christmas present
Thanks

[bitseeker]

Dave will release no device before its time.

[ez24]

Looking back I was asking what was the MCU in it (not the 235).  I forgot the model number of the "secret meter".

Somewhere it is listed and it is a Stm32 (it started out as a PIC), but I do not know which one.

Probably someone should link in the thread that is more about his "future" meter.  The last I heard was Dave was trying to figure out what to do with the extra OFF switch (I cannot imagine designing 2 OFF switches)

It sounds like it is still being designed (final stages - the case is final) so it is not going to make it by Christmas but early next year.

It is being designed and made in Korea by a secret team of engineers.  I expect it will be sold on Amazon like this one is:


https://www.amazon.com/EEVblog-BM235-Brymen-Multimeter/dp/B01JZ1ADCO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1477791391&sr=8-1&keywords=eevblog+bm235+multimeter#customerReviews

[ez24]

That thing went to an impact factor 3.02 journal? WTF? That looks like an undergrad boy's senior design project!

blueskill what are you drinking?  Are you a Cubs fan (they are down right now)?

[ez24]

Do you think that should end up in a journal paper?

Sorry I have no idea what you are talking about.  A long time ago I asked Dave what MCU was in his new meter (not the 235) and he said PIC then the company making it changed it to a STM32 but I forgot which one.  That is the brain behind his meter, that is all I was asking.  I have no idea what a journal has to do with anything?  I just guess you are a Cubs fan (they are losing) 

FMI (for my info) do you make YT videos? 

thanks