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Which Bench multimeter to choose?
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J-R:
The switch contacts are a known issue. I picked up 6 faulty bench meters in the last year or so that used switches and every single one required work in that area, while the 5 with soft-keys had zero issues in that area.

I did fix two 8050A units and kept the nicer one for myself, also got the touch & hold probe for it.  So I'm not saying it's junk, but it's a bit questionable to suggest that as a solution for the OP who asked for something under $500, not under $100.

The autorange & display speed of some of the VFD bench meters like the 8840A/8842A is unparalleled in my opinion.  M-Ohm to Ohm in a blink...  VFD is also far better for visibility than LCD, which can be a challenge due to viewing angles and lighting.

So if you want to be nostalgic or make the claim that "it can be done" then that is fine, but for daily tasks a large/bright/visible display, autoranging and softkeys are all good features that boost ease of use and productivity. There is a reason these vary drastically in price points...
bdunham7:

--- Quote from: J-R on December 17, 2022, 10:22:36 pm ---VFD bench meters like the 8840A/8842A...
... There is a reason these vary drastically in price points...

--- End quote ---

I agree, the 8050A and its lesser cousins are something cute you buy for $5 and fix up for fun, but the displays and switches that need physical force make them less desirable to use.  I've sold nice 8840A/8842A units with good displays or LED conversions for $250-400, so I can't imagine paying $200 for an 8050A. 

One meter I never see get any love is the 8800A.  It's not TRMS (which is OK IMO) but 5.5 digits, 50ppm basic DC accuracy, 1200V, auto range, 4-wire ohms and nice red LED display all in a compact case about the same size as an 8050A.
BillyO:
If you look back, my recommendation was an SDM3055.  I just threw in the 8050A after the horse had left.  It wan't a serious suggestion.  However, I do like mine and use it all the time.  I do a lot of vintage computer fooling around and I like to use vintage equipment to work on them.
Traceless:

--- Quote from: ElectricPower on December 14, 2022, 04:42:17 pm ---Is it possible to get one for around 500 dollar or less?

I want a minimum 10.000 count meter with good accuracy and big screen.

--- End quote ---

The SDM3055/SDM3045 that have been recommended before are probably very good choices. I don't own a Siglent DMM myself but have read watched a lot of positive reviews/experience reports.

Alternatively you could look at an Owon XDM3051 (comparison between the Owon XDM3051 and the Agilent 34461A by Jerry Walker is linked below). The Owon meters have some minor quirks (e.g. obnoxiously loud buzzer, the meter doesn't memorize trigger speed settings after poweroff, the ACV measurement is a bit sluggish at least on the lower end versions the higher end ones like the 3051 seem to be a bit faster.). On the positive side the Owon meters are surprisingly well made. The build quality is nice, for instance the mechanical power button on the Owon feels than the one used by Keysight in my opinion.

If you are adventurous you could try out the Hantek HDM 3055/3065, which is a pretty new Keysight knock-off. There is not yet much info/experience reports available around this meters. SDG Electronics took a look (see second video below). Based on his observations I think the Hantek delivers relatively good bang for the buck. The problem with those meters is, nobody knows how they will perform in terms of long-term stability/realiability.


J-R:
Fair enough the 8050A was an off-hand comment, but people come along later and read these threads looking for on-topic info.  The 8050A is a bit out there!

I will clarify that the Keithley 2015THD (and similar units) display is perhaps a little on the small side, compared to the 34401A and 884xA.

Another interesting candidate might be the 34450A, although not sure how the OLED display holds up.
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