EEVblog #1083 - Pocket Mutimeter Shootout

[nidlaX]

It's a shame the Sanwa CD800b / CD800f are so big. It would be awesome if they could fit those specs into the PM300's footprint.

[voltlog]

Doesn't he have a piece of Keithley gear for that? a vintage unit, with big decade knobs etc..?

That's why I was wondering which source did he use in this test, because I remember he has one of those voltage sources that could go quite up, it wasn't visible in the video though.

[Fungus]

Although Dave didn't seem to think so, I find my UNI-T 120C case has pretty easy probe storage.

I agree. At first glance it looks like you have to wind them carefully around the posts but you can just shove them in if you want. Same for the ANENG 101. I really like those style of cases more than the wallets.

It's clear Dave likes wallets and pretty much rejected all the ones with amps ranges. His main criteria seem to be CAT rating and loud buzzer.

(which is fine - horses for courses, but YMMV)

I take mine along to Arduino club a lot and it's good to be able to check the power consumption of people's little circuits. They're mostly USB powered so 400mA with a polyfuse is enough for that.

Besides: I noticed the famous Sanwa case never closed properly in the video because wires were sticking out every time. I know Dave's looking at a tiny screen and trying to do everything around a tripod, but... it caused a bit of LOL here. 

[bitwelder]

I wonder what did Dave use when he applied that AC voltage on the ohms range, was it AC from a wall socket (high energy)? or something generated by one of his power supplies?

Didn't he say the AC was 400 Hz ? (so, no wall socket mains)

[EEVblog]

Besides: I noticed the famous Sanwa case never closed properly in the video because wires were sticking out every time.

It also happened to every other meter when you don't bother to store them properly before closing.

[EEVblog]

Doesn't he have a piece of Keithley gear for that? a vintage unit, with big decade knobs etc..?

That's why I was wondering which source did he use in this test, because I remember he has one of those voltage sources that could go quite up, it wasn't visible in the video though.

[EEVblog]

Interesting to note that the AN8203 was bang on until you killed it.

DAVE, you should open the AN8203 and at least see if it was anything easily fixable.

Maybe Dave's AN8203 sample was defective. Here: https://youtu.be/pnv5qJoWIak?t=693 he's uses an even higher voltage but for less time and didn't kill it.

Insulation testers typically have bugger-all power capability, they don't have the ability to dump a large amount of power into the DUT (and hence any failing protection devices). MY EDC reference can deliver 20W at up the 1KHz up to 1000V

[EEVblog]

would it be a good idea to compare the best 3 pocket meters to a small Brymen (BM253) to see how they perform against it.

No, they are a different class of meter designed for different uses IMO.

[Brumby]

Besides: I noticed the famous Sanwa case never closed properly in the video because wires were sticking out every time.

I noticed that too, but it wasn't worth commenting about because it was obvious Dave didn't lay the leads down properly - which, during a 14 unit shoot-out, isn't hard to understand.

As Dave says:

It also happened to every other meter when you don't bother to store them properly before closing.

[Fungus]

Besides: I noticed the famous Sanwa case never closed properly in the video because wires were sticking out every time.

It also happened to every other meter when you don't bother to store them properly before closing.

Besides: I noticed the famous Sanwa case never closed properly in the video because wires were sticking out every time.

I noticed that too, but it wasn't worth commenting about because it was obvious Dave didn't lay the leads down properly - which, during a 14 unit shoot-out, isn't hard to understand.

Yes, I know, but it was quite amusing to watch Dave telling us how great the case is and the case fighting back the whole time.

[rsjsouza]

Besides: I noticed the famous Sanwa case never closed properly in the video because wires were sticking out every time.

It also happened to every other meter when you don't bother to store them properly before closing.

I noticed that my new PM300 did that as well, until I used it after about 20 times and the brand-new cable twisting is almost gone. The trick is to put the probes first into their proper place and then mold the cables behind the tab that holds them in place.

[TJM]

I've got two UT120C meters bought back in 2013, both with 09/2012 production date on the back. One of them I carry around in a document pouch so it basically goes everywhere with me, mostly to be used every other day at work if needed. The second one is a garage meter. They are quite durable, after 5 years the cases are now definitely less transparent from all the scratches and do not lock properly anymore,  but the meters inside still pretty much look almost like new. Of course they both share the same flaw on capacitance (10,15nF minimum reading). Both meters have survived some accidents and they still work fine, so I'd say they were definitely worth buying.
Btw, I think the UT120C cases were designed to wind the probe wires around the holders inside instead of just sticking them there. At least it works for me, I've been doing that for years and never had a problem with probes or wires sticking out from the case.

[triethylene]

I think I had that UT10A as the Tenma 72-7935, I still have the manual but lost the meter in a flood. Kind of an old meter, I don't think they make it anymore.

[f4eru]

Moldy Meters ! We love Moldy Meters here on the EEVBLOG
 

[xani]

That Amprobe DM78C kinda looked like bargraph just had insanely high refresh rate

Bargraph updates the moment Dave touches the output while display updates ~1s later.

Kinda looks like sampling speed was in tens or hundreds and bargraph got unfiltered output of that, while display got averaged one

[Electro Detective]

Moldy Meters ! We love Moldy Meters here on the EEVBLOG
 

No thanks, crusty meters are easier on the nose 

[floobydust]

Where mention of the batteries used in these pocket multimeters?

I've seen AAA, CR2032, SR44, and 12V A23 batteries used. Some need a tiny Philips screwdriver to access the battery.

Since these DMM's are often used in the boonies, a dead battery can be either impossible to find or that screwdriver you left at home is needed.

[Fungus]

Where mention of the batteries used in these pocket multimeters?

In the video...? 

[ElektroQuark]

UNI-T UT120C for 7€.
In the auction site.

Take a look here: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/(found-on-the-auction-site)-uni-t-ut120c-7/

[EEVblog]

That Amprobe DM78C kinda looked like bargraph just had insanely high refresh rate
Kinda looks like sampling speed was in tens or hundreds and bargraph got unfiltered output of that, while display got averaged one

Bargraphs are usually 20/sec updating or so.

[engineerguy]

Have you ever heard of this brand of pocket multimeter? https://au.rs-online.com/web/p/digital-multimeters/1336519/
The idea is you have one probe clipped on the back, and use that in one hand, with the other probe in your other hand. It seems like it would be an awkward use for bench work, and only seems useful for wall-mounted electronics. I quite like the display though.

[Fungus]

Have you ever heard of this brand of pocket multimeter? https://au.rs-online.com/web/p/digital-multimeters/1336519/
The idea is you have one probe clipped on the back, and use that in one hand, with the other probe in your other hand. It seems like it would be an awkward use for bench work, and only seems useful for wall-mounted electronics.

It's usually called a "duspol", it's mostly for electricians. The idea is you don't need three hands to use one when you're standing up and walking around.

Lots of companies make them, even Fluke: http://www.fluke.com/fluke/m2en/electrical-testers/electrical-testers/t90-t110-t130-t150-voltage-and-continuity-testers.htm?pid=73757

I quite like the display though.

Given the way you use them I think it would be better if it was readable in the vertical orientation.



If you like orange displays you might be interested in Agilent multimeters.

[engineerguy]

Thanks for that. I actually do quite like orange displays!

[MacMeter]

Dave made me buy a 2nd Sanwa PM300, how?
He cut the price! Got to NY in 10 days, nice job Dave.
I’ve seen all the others, own a few, but still think the Sanwa is the nicest. Tucking the cords inside is the only real complaint I have. Super accurate tested on my DMMCHECK Plus.
I think I’m DONE buying pocket meters, he said ........

[floobydust]

Where mention of the batteries used in these pocket multimeters?

In the video...? 

I summarized here:

Code: [Select]

Batteries Battery Cover Enclosure
XB-866 2 AAA one screw
ANENG AN8203 2 AAA one screw
ANENG AN101 CR2032 one screw
Uni-T UT10A CR2032 - one screw metal insert
Uni-T UT120B/120C CR2032 - one screw metal insert
Jaycar QM1544 two LR44 - one screw metal insert
Sanwa PM3 CR2032 - one screw metal insert
Brymen BM22/Amprobe PM51 CR2032 - one screw metal insert
Kyoritsu KEW1018 two LR44 one screw metal insert
Hioki 3244-50 CARD HiTester CR2032 - one screw metal insert
Amprobe DM78C two LR44 one screw
DER EE DE-19S 2 AAA one screw metal insert
Sanwa PM300 CR2032 - one screw metal insert