$500 multimeter recommendation

[bingo600]

My better half has offered to buy me good multimeter, AUD$500'ish budget. What would your top recommendations be?

Agilent U1272A
http://www.triosmartcal.com.au/2251-agilent-u1272a-dmm-digit-water-dust-resist.html

I'd check if the PSU + Free meter also applies to OZ
http://uk.farnell.com/agilent-technologies/e3610a-u1272a/bundle-psu-bench-30w-free-u1272a/dp/2250753

Almost reachable for$500

/Bingo

[Lightages]

Agilent U1272A
http://www.triosmartcal.com.au/2251-agilent-u1272a-dmm-digit-water-dust-resist.html

Ah c'mon Dave! We are trying to get him to follow your advice to get two meters!

[ddavidebor]

I have the solution!!!

Buy a 250$ meter and use the remaining 250$ for buy something sweet for your girlfriend-wife

[EEVblog]

Ah c'mon Dave! We are trying to get him to follow your advice to get two meters!

But he asked for ONE!
Hardly anyone in here gave him the advice he was asking for, so I did 

[Ed.Kloonk]

Ah c'mon Dave! We are trying to get him to follow your advice to get two meters!

But he asked for ONE!
Hardly anyone in here gave him the advice he was asking for, so I did 

True dat. A few of the accessories on the linked page and you're pretty spot-on I thought.

 

[ivan747]

Remember this is a gift, SO, when you pick your gifts you generally do not ask for:

• Used stuff
• Things that weren't offered to you (getting 2 meters instead of 1, a scope etc.)
• Extra accesories (but that is not a strict convention)

That's how I see it.

[Lightages]

I did suggest the U1252B!    That would be my preference for ONE meter.

[ivan747]

It all depends on his needs, really.

[olsenn]

I'm still sticking to the DM3058E, haha; but if he's specifically looking for a handheld that Agilent should do nicely (I still prefer Fluke, what both are great meters).

[nanofrog]

I did suggest the U1252B!    That would be my preference for ONE meter.

+1 

[ddavidebor]

People, and an high end gossen metrawatt?

[EEVblog]

Remember this is a gift, SO, when you pick your gifts you generally do not ask for:

• Used stuff
• Things that weren't offered to you (getting 2 meters instead of 1, a scope etc.)
• Extra accesories (but that is not a strict convention)

Yep, and he's from Oz. So it's gotta be from an Oz supplier, or possibly ebay (but why would you do that and get no warranty?)
So what would go get if offered ONE meter up to the value of AU$500?
I vote the U1272A. Feature packed, and you get a nice cal certificate with values.

[Lightages]

Just curious Dave, why the U1272A over the U1252B for you?

[peter.mitchell]

I WAS going to suggest the Gossen Metrahit Energy, because it can do volts + amps at the same time, so it's like getting two meters then i looked at the price D:

[EEVblog]

Just curious Dave, why the U1272A over the U1252B for you?

- Completely new design
- More rugged
- Better IP rating
- Low Z mode
- Smart Ohm mode
- tighter count spec
- 300 hours vs 36 hours battery

[Wytnucls]

...and the big one: internal data logging. 10,000 versus 100 points only for the 1252B.
Also, CAT rating up to 3000 meters and there is a BT module available.

[EEVblog]

...and the big one: internal data logging. 10,000 versus 100 points only for the 1252B.
Also, CAT rating up to 3000 meters and there is a BT module available.

I think the BT is available for both.
Complete no-brainer though really, U1272A wins hands down.

[Wytnucls]

Features in favor of the 1252B:
50,000 count on both displays (dual display)
Square wave generator
Capacitance 100mF high range instead of 10mF on the 1272A

and yes, the BT adapter is available for both.

[Lightages]

It looks like it comes down to personal preference. But seeing as I have never seen nor used either I only have a weak opinion this one.

[mark5009]

I'm also from Oz (Sydney).  I got a used Fluke 8842A (no RMS module) delivered for around $200 from eBay.  5-1/2 digits and lovely to use.  Then you have $300 left over to get yourself something else, perhaps newer?  But, unless you have a good idea of what you are after, maybe second hand and flexible is the way to go?

  .. m.

[EEVblog]

Features in favor of the 1252B:
50,000 count on both displays (dual display)
Square wave generator
Capacitance 100mF high range instead of 10mF on the 1272A

Not close to making up for the poor battery life and other stuff IMO.

[nanofrog]

Features in favor of the 1252B:
50,000 count on both displays (dual display)
Square wave generator
Capacitance 100mF high range instead of 10mF on the 1272A

Not close to making up for the poor battery life and other stuff IMO.

FWIW, I don't find it much of an issue for bench use. But I keep an eye on the battery indicator (I've figured out how low I can go before the meter to goes flakey), and swap it for a fresh one.

For field work OTOH, I could see it as a notable issue.

[Lightages]

Hmmm, I thought your many complaints about the U1272A in your review would make it less of a recommendation.
The annoying beep
Off position on the dial (personal preference)
Buggy firmware
Pulse measurement error with DC offset
Capacitor measurement "big fail" on low caps, and errors on others "way out there"
Overload protection recovery problems


Yeah the battery life on the U1252B is horrible, but it will use a rechargeable and you can leave it on charge anytime you aren't using it. It doesn't log like the U1272A. It does have other features the 1272 doesn't. Maybe it has firmware bugs too but they haven't been mentioned that I can remember.

Actually, for either of these, $400+ they should be damn near perfect. I see little to criticize on my Brymen BM869. It just works and has no bugs and has a higher CAT rating too!

Maybe he should just get the Fluke 87V and be done with it.