Author Topic: Best multimeter for my price range?  (Read 11557 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline multiJ

  • Contributor
  • Posts: 31
  • Country: gr
Re: Best multimeter for my price range?
« Reply #50 on: October 29, 2022, 06:02:24 pm »
I am writing this here so as not to start a new thread, as I am in a somehow similar(?) position.

I am thinking to buy a Brymen 785 or 867s from Germany (delivered in the EU). 785 is 150€, 867s is 160€ (+shipping)

It is primarily to be used for monitoring charging and discharging 12V-24V (automotive) batteries. Checking parasitic drain or other current draw too (<10A, less often). Data logging is not a must. Good continuity is.
Nothing too spectacular, I know, considering the depth of knowledge there is in this forum... but please bare with me.

I already have a Fluke 179 that I bought new ten years ago -at almost half the price of what they sell now (USD/EUR exchange rate, supply situation, etc), but I would like more resolution. 20,000+ counts, please.

I have singled out these two Brymens, because their dial positions seem to be more "clean" than their bigger brothers, but maybe I am mistaken because I have never used any of them. Straightforward dial positions without a ton of button selection pressing is something I appreciate very much in the Fluke.

-For example the 785 has different switch positions for A and mA. However it lacks dBm, nS, and 4-20mA. Don't need these, I think (for now?).
-The 867s has 500,000 counts in DC, dual display, dBm and nS, but looks also quite bigger than the 7XX series -and has that cable connection for the 9V battery that I really don't like from my experience with the 179.

Any pointers, please, for choosing between these two? Or should I forget about them and go for the 786/789 (170€/190€) or the 869s (220€) -as the price difference is not that great and the extra functions can be useful in the future (maybe)? Can you talk me out of any specific model(s)? Or recommend other(s)?
I am looking for something that will be fun to use (I am no pro by no means). Thanks!
 

Offline Fungus

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 17518
  • Country: 00
Re: Best multimeter for my price range?
« Reply #51 on: October 29, 2022, 06:17:34 pm »
Have a look at the BM857s.

It has an even simpler dial and is "industrial", ie. the screen is recessed so it doesn't get scratched up so easily in a workshop.

It's also quite a lot smaller than the curvy meters.

(it's a 9V battery though...)

Any pointers, please, for choosing between these two? Or should I forget about them and go for the 786/789 (170€/190€) or the 869s (220€) -as the price difference is not that great and the extra functions can be useful in the future (maybe)?

Don't ever feel bad about not buying functions you don't need.

You obviously have different requirements than "every possible function".


 
The following users thanked this post: multiJ

Offline ogden

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 3731
  • Country: lv
Re: Best multimeter for my price range?
« Reply #52 on: October 29, 2022, 09:05:43 pm »
Do you really plan to use single multimeter forever? In case you answer "no", then whole another can of worms open. Meaning by using simple discipline, you can split safety and precision into two devices.
 
The following users thanked this post: multiJ

Offline LinuxHata

  • Frequent Contributor
  • **
  • Posts: 412
  • Country: us
Re: Best multimeter for my price range?
« Reply #53 on: October 29, 2022, 09:33:15 pm »
Well I would start with one with separate on/off button and fast reading rate (at least, 5 fps).
Only Amprobe PM-55 comes in mind...
 
The following users thanked this post: multiJ

Offline multiJ

  • Contributor
  • Posts: 31
  • Country: gr
Re: Best multimeter for my price range?
« Reply #54 on: October 30, 2022, 03:26:11 pm »
Do you really plan to use single multimeter forever? In case you answer "no", then whole another can of worms open. Meaning by using simple discipline, you can split safety and precision into two devices.

I am not sure I understand what you propose exactly  :)

Well I would start with one with separate on/off button and fast reading rate (at least, 5 fps).
Only Amprobe PM-55 comes in mind...

I would prefer a 20,000+ count device :D
 

Online bdunham7

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 8175
  • Country: us
Re: Best multimeter for my price range?
« Reply #55 on: October 30, 2022, 04:24:49 pm »
I would prefer a 20,000+ count device :D

If you work with 24/28V systems, you want a 50,000+ count meter or you are back in the same boat as before.

If you are monitoring battery charging, the PC-Comm function may be very useful. 

If the cost is very important right now, then the 857S with the PC-Comm kit is pretty reasonable.  If you can spend a bit more now, the 869S has 'everything' so you'll never regret not getting some feature. 

You don't have any bad choices here, more like too many good ones.
A 3.5 digit 4.5 digit 5 digit 5.5 digit 6.5 digit 7.5 digit DMM is good enough for most people.
 
The following users thanked this post: multiJ

Offline multiJ

  • Contributor
  • Posts: 31
  • Country: gr
Re: Best multimeter for my price range?
« Reply #56 on: October 30, 2022, 04:40:27 pm »
Have a look at the BM857s.

Will do that too, thanks!

If you work with 24/28V systems, you want a 50,000+ count meter or you are back in the same boat as before.

If you are monitoring battery charging, the PC-Comm function may be very useful. 

You don't have any bad choices here, more like too many good ones.

So true - x 3! I am leaning towards the 8XX series. Thank you!

 

Online nctnico

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 28429
  • Country: nl
    • NCT Developments
Re: Best multimeter for my price range?
« Reply #57 on: October 30, 2022, 05:24:25 pm »
Do you really plan to use single multimeter forever? In case you answer "no", then whole another can of worms open. Meaning by using simple discipline, you can split safety and precision into two devices.

I am not sure I understand what you propose exactly  :)
My guess is that the idea is to have a precise multimeter for electronics work AND a multimeter with safety ratings for working on mains. I already went that route myself; I have a VC8145 bench DMM for electronics work and a handheld Keysight U1241 for working on mains / industrial installations.
There are small lies, big lies and then there is what is on the screen of your oscilloscope.
 
The following users thanked this post: multiJ, ogden

Online J-R

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 1318
  • Country: us
Re: Best multimeter for my price range?
« Reply #58 on: October 30, 2022, 08:39:43 pm »
If you plan to do quite a bit of long-term logging, battery life and ease of access to the battery might be a minor concern.  The Brymen models with a 9V and rubber holster that have to be removed could be annoying as-is.  They are rated for just over 100 hours.  A solution could be to leave the holster off and also use a rechargeable 9V.
 
The following users thanked this post: multiJ

Offline multiJ

  • Contributor
  • Posts: 31
  • Country: gr
Re: Best multimeter for my price range?
« Reply #59 on: October 31, 2022, 07:13:41 am »
If you plan to do quite a bit of long-term logging, battery life and ease of access to the battery might be a minor concern.  The Brymen models with a 9V and rubber holster that have to be removed could be annoying as-is.  They are rated for just over 100 hours.  A solution could be to leave the holster off and also use a rechargeable 9V.

That's an interesting point too. It is my understanding that data logging meters eat batteries.
Is it common to use 9V rechargeables in them? Of what type? (I see there are "rechargeables 9V ~200mAh" like Varta, "9,6V PreCharged 230mAh" like Powerex, and "8,4V PreCharged 300mAh" like Powerex and Duracell, to state a few).
Have a good new week!
« Last Edit: October 31, 2022, 07:18:34 am by multiJ »
 

Offline Fungus

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 17518
  • Country: 00
Re: Best multimeter for my price range?
« Reply #60 on: October 31, 2022, 07:24:26 am »
Is it common to use 9V rechargeables in them?

A rechargeable 9V battery has a fraction of the capacity of an alkaline.

I guess you could recharge it right before a long logging session.
 
The following users thanked this post: multiJ

Offline multiJ

  • Contributor
  • Posts: 31
  • Country: gr
Re: Best multimeter for my price range?
« Reply #61 on: October 31, 2022, 07:51:36 am »

A rechargeable 9V battery has a fraction of the capacity of an alkaline.

I guess you could recharge it right before a long logging session.

Got it, thanks!
 

Online J-R

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 1318
  • Country: us
Re: Best multimeter for my price range?
« Reply #62 on: October 31, 2022, 08:50:26 am »
Actually, modern Li-ion 9V batteries have basically the same capacity as Alkaline versions (about 600mAh).  I have been using the EBL 9V batteries for over two years with my PDVS2mini (who am I to argue with Ian?!).

There are also Lithium primary (non-rechargeable) 9V batteries available, such as from Ultralife (1200mAh) and Energizer (800mAh).  The Ultralife is a tiny bit larger than nominal, so some tight battery compartments can be an issue.
 
The following users thanked this post: multiJ

Online bdunham7

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 8175
  • Country: us
Re: Best multimeter for my price range?
« Reply #63 on: October 31, 2022, 02:39:14 pm »
That's an interesting point too. It is my understanding that data logging meters eat batteries.
Is it common to use 9V rechargeables in them?

Yes.  NiMH 9V batteries are fairly useless unless you find the 7-cell variety--and even then they are only about 1/3 the capacity of an alkaline.  The EBC 2-cell Li-ion 9V batteries are very good for meters and other devices that work down to 7.0V or lower, they will match or outperform alkalines.  Most reasonably well designed devices will fit this description.  Apparently the low voltage indicator comes on at about 7.0V on 9V-powered Brymen meters, so all good there. 
A 3.5 digit 4.5 digit 5 digit 5.5 digit 6.5 digit 7.5 digit DMM is good enough for most people.
 
The following users thanked this post: multiJ

Offline multiJ

  • Contributor
  • Posts: 31
  • Country: gr
Re: Best multimeter for my price range?
« Reply #64 on: October 31, 2022, 03:22:18 pm »
Actually, modern Li-ion 9V batteries have basically the same capacity as Alkaline versions (about 600mAh).  I have been using the EBL 9V batteries for over two years with my PDVS2mini (who am I to argue with Ian?!).

There are also Lithium primary (non-rechargeable) 9V batteries available, such as from Ultralife (1200mAh) and Energizer (800mAh).  The Ultralife is a tiny bit larger than nominal, so some tight battery compartments can be an issue.

Yes.  NiMH 9V batteries are fairly useless unless you find the 7-cell variety--and even then they are only about 1/3 the capacity of an alkaline.  The EBC 2-cell Li-ion 9V batteries are very good for meters and other devices that work down to 7.0V or lower, they will match or outperform alkalines.  Most reasonably well designed devices will fit this description.  Apparently the low voltage indicator comes on at about 7.0V on 9V-powered Brymen meters, so all good there.

Much appreciated info, thank you
 

Online J-R

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 1318
  • Country: us
Re: Best multimeter for my price range?
« Reply #65 on: November 05, 2022, 07:58:26 am »
Quick note on the EBL 9V batteries (and other 9V Li-ions), they are basically two small pouch-style cells in series.  Typically you would see 4.2V per cell fully charged (8.4V) and depending on who you talk to, somewhere between 3.2-3.6V for a safe discharge level (6.4V-7.2V).  So when the DMM indicates a low battery, that is probably a reasonably safe voltage for the cell to be at, temporarily.
 
The following users thanked this post: multiJ

Offline BlueAppleTopic starter

  • Regular Contributor
  • *
  • Posts: 51
  • Country: us
Re: Best multimeter for my price range?
« Reply #66 on: November 13, 2022, 08:21:10 pm »
I ended up going with the Greenlee rebadge of the BM257, thank you guys for all you help!  :-DMM
 

Offline Caliaxy

  • Frequent Contributor
  • **
  • Posts: 307
  • Country: us
Re: Best multimeter for my price range?
« Reply #67 on: November 13, 2022, 11:48:01 pm »
I ended up going with the Greenlee rebadge of the BM257, thank you guys for all you help!  :-DMM

Great meter, I have one too and love it! Just remember to avoid using AA lithium batteries - BM235 (and supposedly BM257 too) can't take more than 3.6V (there is a thread somewhere here about people damaging their BM235s by using 1.8V lithium batteries...)
 
The following users thanked this post: BlueApple


Share me

Digg  Facebook  SlashDot  Delicious  Technorati  Twitter  Google  Yahoo
Smf