Decent benchtop multimeter for beginner?

[KungFuJosh]

Ok! I think I’m going to keep an eye on the siglent clearance page and if an 8055 comes up I’ll snatch  that.

I don't know if I would go that route. That clearance page can supply you with something out of calibration (which costs $200 for the 3055), or sometimes a lower warranty, maybe only 1 year at best.

The normal Siglent warranty is 3 years.

If you want to save money, I would look on eBay or facebook marketplace. You can ask the seller the purchase date, and/or email the serial number to Siglent support to find out if the DMM is still in warranty/calibration.

[bdunham7]

How is the Rigol DM858E?

Apparently pretty bad unless they've fixed the issues mentioned in this thread:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/rigol-dmm-dm858-comparison-thread/msg5417507/#msg5417507

If you are allergic to used and want new, modern gear only then the SDM3055 is probably a good choice.  If you aren't in a hurry you can stalk Amazon for a deal--they run sales occasionally and sometimes on Prime Day or Black Friday you can get an exceptional deal.  I believe Siglent is currently selling directly on Amazon, so you won't be dealing with questionable third parties.

[J-R]

The performance of Siglent products is only covered by a 1 year warranty even if the product itself is under a 3 year warranty.  So you'd still need to pay for yearly calibrations on a new DMM if that is important to you.

An aged DMM with a new calibration is a popular go-to solution and probably a better route.

But now you're at a much higher price point.

[KungFuJosh]

The performance of Siglent products is only covered by a 1 year warranty even if the product itself is under a 3 year warranty.  So you'd still need to pay for yearly calibrations on a new DMM if that is important to you.

That's misleading. The warranty is 3 years. Calibration is 1 year. They don't guarantee calibrated performance for more than the calibrated period. That seems like something that should be obvious.

[J-R]

The performance of Siglent products is only covered by a 1 year warranty even if the product itself is under a 3 year warranty.  So you'd still need to pay for yearly calibrations on a new DMM if that is important to you.

That's misleading. The warranty is 3 years. Calibration is 1 year. They don't guarantee calibrated performance for more than the calibrated period. That seems like something that should be obvious.

You seemed to be trying to make the point that a new product would be a better purchase than clearance in the context of calibration, and I'm saying it seems they're essentially identical.

Personally, I'd rather have a clearance/refurbished product direct from the manufacturer than other used purchase options.

[nctnico]

The performance of Siglent products is only covered by a 1 year warranty even if the product itself is under a 3 year warranty.  So you'd still need to pay for yearly calibrations on a new DMM if that is important to you.

An aged DMM with a new calibration is a popular go-to solution and probably a better route.

That makes no sense. Old or new, all test equipment has set calibration intervals which don't change with age. So if you want to be sure the measurement result are traceable to a calibration standard, you need to stick to the prescribed calibration intervals. But keep in mind that equipment may fail so you'll need to the a pre and post check when doing measurements which are important.

[J-R]

The performance of Siglent products is only covered by a 1 year warranty even if the product itself is under a 3 year warranty.  So you'd still need to pay for yearly calibrations on a new DMM if that is important to you.

An aged DMM with a new calibration is a popular go-to solution and probably a better route.

That makes no sense. Old or new, all test equipment has set calibration intervals which don't change with age. So if you want to be sure the measurement result are traceable to a calibration standard, you need to stick to the prescribed calibration intervals. But keep in mind that equipment may fail so you'll need to the a pre and post check when doing measurements which are important.

Of course it makes sense and you know why.

[live2fish88]

So many options!
Let’s say under $500. It’s funny to put a budget on something only to realize you don’t really get your moneys worth in quality until a certain price point.
I do random projects and repairs here and there and my biggest pet peeves are slow refresh, I need at least 3 digits after the decimal. Resistance, continuity, voltage, amps, diode are really all I use. I don’t mind spending the money for when I get more involved years down the road. Slow meters drive me nuts. Low continuity buzzers drive me nuts. Resistance is important. The cheaper $200 from what I’ve read in this thread don’t refresh fast enough.

I know I’m all over the place in the thread but between price and options, it’s a lot! I don’t work in a lab environment so spending the money once is important to me. I really only need one set of probes on the meter, I see some you can apply two sets. Though it seems in the $400-500 range you get that feature regardless. I was hesitant to get the owon, Kaiweets, etc because all my other meters with the exception of my throw around ones are good quality and I tend to spend to the best of my ability. I like the siglent display. I don’t do the type of work that requires HIGH accuracy as far as something being +-.05 to something being +-.015 it won’t matter in my application, but I appreciate high accuracy. I tend to use the TPI 194 due to the display and the extra digits over the fluke, but I use the fluke for the continuity buzzer and for AC type applications more. I’d like the bench unit to be a sit down at my work area and probe away. I could have used it today actually. I feel like if I’m spending 150-250 on a cheaper owon, Kaiweets, uni-t, etc that I’ll probably regret buying id rather spend twice that and buy once. I just want the BEST for my money. And yes new, I’m one of those weird people who want to know my money went towards something new that hasn’t been messed with, though I don’t mind factory refurbished.

[KungFuJosh]

You seemed to be trying to make the point that a new product would be a better purchase than clearance in the context of calibration, and I'm saying it seems they're essentially identical.

Personally, I'd rather have a clearance/refurbished product direct from the manufacturer than other used purchase options.

I never said that. I did say 1. I prefer a warranty; and 2. figure calibration into the cost.

I don't see the benefit of buying on clearance from the manufacturer if you lose every benefit of buying from the manufacturer. If they have it on their clearance page in cal with a 3 year warranty, I would absolutely prefer that. But if it's out of cal, and only has 1 year warranty, it's not worth it.

Simple example: they had an SDM3065X on sale for $600 something on their clearance section with a 1 year warranty, and no statement of calibration...in other words, very likely out of cal. Siglent charges $295 for calibration, or you can get it done from Trescal directly around $200 plus shipping costs. So tell me how it's a good deal to lose 2 years worth of warranty, and need to spend more money on calibration than what you save in the first place?

[KungFuJosh]

So many options!
Let’s say under $500. It’s funny to put a budget on something only to realize you don’t really get your moneys worth in quality until a certain price point.

New: get the SDM3055. Used: be patient and get a good deal on an SDM3065X. IMO that's the best bet for the money.

[live2fish88]

Is Ali express legit?
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806417536519.html?src=google&aff_fcid=552b5cb0b38c429d8292f81a744a1dc7-1721577183452-07993-UneMJZVf&aff_fsk=UneMJZVf&aff_platform=aaf&sk=UneMJZVf&aff_trace_key=552b5cb0b38c429d8292f81a744a1dc7-1721577183452-07993-UneMJZVf&terminal_id=dc38be48f2bf4b389ee4a2ebb6d24988&afSmartRedirect=n&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

[J-R]

No more speculation, I e-mailed Siglent to ask them the calibration status of that clearance DMM.

The OP's original price target was $300, and despite the recent budget uplift, I do not see them having a need for a $500 DMM plus $200 per year in calibrations.  So a $300 open-box DMM direct from Siglent that you sanity check every so often against your other DMMs really seems the most logical to me.  I read all of the OP's posts to date (35) and everything I'm reading aligns with that.

But obviously we can all buy what we desire.


Tony has a comparison of the three Siglent units here:

[KungFuJosh]

I'm not really disagreeing with you there either. If that meter is in cal, it's a killer deal for $300. The only reason I care about receiving a (new to me) meter in cal is to know I can trust it to begin with.

For example, if I have 3 meters, and 2 agree but one doesn't, the 2 agreeing don't mean a lot if they're the ones out of cal. Whether he ever renews cal again is up to his needs.

If your meter is in cal when you get it, you can use standards to monitor drift over time.

[Fungus]

For example, if I have 3 meters, and 2 agree but one doesn't, the 2 agreeing don't mean a lot if they're the ones out of cal.

If they both agree down to the last digit and that's all you have, then... maybe it's the third one.

If your meter is in cal when you get it, you can use standards to monitor drift over time.

These meters really don't go out of spec. They're designed not to, and have all sorts of tricks to ensure it.

You can buy a really good standard (or two) for less than the price of a $200 calibration.

Yearly, paid-for calibration is mostly for people with legal liabilities.

[EEVblog]

I currently have a fluke 179, TPI 194 II, Fluke 374, a Klein and a kaiweets. The latter are just throw in the car or in the toolbox for a throw around meter. I’d like a dedicated bench top meter for the larger display, somewhat permanent location and the ability for it not to fall down lol. It seems the stands on handhelds are never wide enough to provide good stability, one wrong move with the leads and they fall down. Sometimes it’s hard to see the display without a backlight… the list goes on.

In that case there is no need to pay for an expensive bench meter, sounds like even a 4.5 digit benchtop will do the job.
Probably the majority of people buy bench meters for the extra accuracy and resolution, e.g. 5.5 or 6.5 digit. But there are 4.5 digit benchtops that cater to thoe that just prefer the bechtop form factor.
Uni-T have an affordable 4.5 digit one, but no idea if it's any good.
https://instruments.uni-trend.com/UT8804E

[EEVblog]

Is Ali express legit?
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806417536519.html?src=google&aff_fcid=552b5cb0b38c429d8292f81a744a1dc7-1721577183452-07993-UneMJZVf&aff_fsk=UneMJZVf&aff_platform=aaf&sk=UneMJZVf&aff_trace_key=552b5cb0b38c429d8292f81a744a1dc7-1721577183452-07993-UneMJZVf&terminal_id=dc38be48f2bf4b389ee4a2ebb6d24988&afSmartRedirect=n&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

AliExpress is legit, personally had no problems myself. But it's really up to the individual seller.

[krish2487]

If you dont mind getting a used one.. why not something like the venerable 3478a?
You get good deals under 100 bucks..
granted you might need to spend a little effort with the rifa caps replacement and the battery replacement.. but it is still a solid piece of kit as any.
Choose one that passes the self test, so that you know the cal constants are still present.
And of course, if you are up for it, then do a fram mod on the unit to dispense with the battery forever.
Id wager those 3478a are much likely to be on par and in spec as any of the UniT and rigols.

[J-R]

I'm confident the OP is not looking for an old, used $100-price point DMM.

But still, the HP3478A seems like an iffy recommendation due to the extensive list of missing features.  The go-to beginner oldie at that price point has to be the Fluke 45?

Not sure about all countries, but for North America Siglent has a disclaimer on their warranty page essentially stating if you don't buy from them or an authorized distributor, then they won't provide any warranty coverage.  You would need to deal with the seller instead: https://siglentna.com/service-and-support/warranty-information/

The UT8804E feels like a step back for a bench DMM due to the 11-position selector knob.  There is the UT8805E, but it's almost $500 USD.

[tszaboo]

I currently have a fluke 179, TPI 194 II, Fluke 374, a Klein and a kaiweets. The latter are just throw in the car or in the toolbox for a throw around meter. I’d like a dedicated bench top meter for the larger display, somewhat permanent location and the ability for it not to fall down lol. It seems the stands on handhelds are never wide enough to provide good stability, one wrong move with the leads and they fall down. Sometimes it’s hard to see the display without a backlight… the list goes on.

In that case there is no need to pay for an expensive bench meter, sounds like even a 4.5 digit benchtop will do the job.
Probably the majority of people buy bench meters for the extra accuracy and resolution, e.g. 5.5 or 6.5 digit. But there are 4.5 digit benchtops that cater to thoe that just prefer the bechtop form factor.
Uni-T have an affordable 4.5 digit one, but no idea if it's any good.
https://instruments.uni-trend.com/UT8804E

I personally would never consider a benchtop DMM with a manual range switch.
If you ever want to do any kind of automation, that switch limits you. And it's a moving part.
And it makes it 100% certain that the meter is just a handheld meter in a desktop chassis. Even the Rigol DM858E is that based on the teardowns.
It would need to be a lot cheaper that that for me to even consider it. At least that's my 2 cents.

[nctnico]

I currently have a fluke 179, TPI 194 II, Fluke 374, a Klein and a kaiweets. The latter are just throw in the car or in the toolbox for a throw around meter. I’d like a dedicated bench top meter for the larger display, somewhat permanent location and the ability for it not to fall down lol. It seems the stands on handhelds are never wide enough to provide good stability, one wrong move with the leads and they fall down. Sometimes it’s hard to see the display without a backlight… the list goes on.

In that case there is no need to pay for an expensive bench meter, sounds like even a 4.5 digit benchtop will do the job.
Probably the majority of people buy bench meters for the extra accuracy and resolution, e.g. 5.5 or 6.5 digit. But there are 4.5 digit benchtops that cater to thoe that just prefer the bechtop form factor.
Uni-T have an affordable 4.5 digit one, but no idea if it's any good.
https://instruments.uni-trend.com/UT8804E

I personally would never consider a benchtop DMM with a manual range switch.
If you ever want to do any kind of automation, that switch limits you. And it's a moving part.
And it makes it 100% certain that the meter is just a handheld meter in a desktop chassis. Even the Rigol DM858E is that based on the teardowns.

The manual range switch is a personal preference. I wouldn't like it either but maybe other people find that easier compared to having function button.

I disagree though on the never ending hand-held in a desktop chassis argument. For general purpose use you actually want a handheld DMM in a desktop chassis which is mains powered. A lot of higher end bench DMMs are not a good 1 on 1 replacement for a handheld because they are optimised for different use cases. Take continuity testing and startup time for example. For a quick measurement you don't want to wait 2 minutes for a DMM to boot. And continuity is often software defined and slower instead of faster. Also consider power consumption and fan noise. In this case more is actually less.

[Phil1977]

I disagree though on the never ending hand-held in a desktop chassis argument. For general purpose use you actually want a handheld DMM in a desktop chassis which is mains powered. A lot of higher end bench DMMs are not a good 1 on 1 replacement for a handheld because they are optimised for different use cases. Take continuity testing and startup time for example. For a quick measurement you don't want to wait 2 minutes for a DMM to boot. And continuity is often software defined and slower instead of faster. Also consider power consumption and fan noise. In this case more is actually less.

Isn't it the only reason for having a mains powered DMM to let it switched on all time you are working or even always? If you switch it on and off a battery lasts eternities (think of the Fluke 37) and a mains power cable is only annoying. Make it at least a USB-C power input instead of a mains socket if you only need a few Watts.

[tszaboo]

I disagree though on the never ending hand-held in a desktop chassis argument. For general purpose use you actually want a handheld DMM in a desktop chassis which is mains powered. A lot of higher end bench DMMs are not a good 1 on 1 replacement for a handheld because they are optimised for different use cases. Take continuity testing and startup time for example. For a quick measurement you don't want to wait 2 minutes for a DMM to boot. And continuity is often software defined and slower instead of faster. Also consider power consumption and fan noise. In this case more is actually less.

I get it, you want fast continuity. I just have an Uni-t 61E on my desk, that I grab most of the time to take quick measurements, not the desktop one.

[live2fish88]

It's too bad nobody offers a modular multimeter yet..

[Kleinstein]

There were modular multimeters in the past, with optional board for Ohms and RMS or similar. Today this makes little sense, as the costs for the AC part or ohms part are relatively low and the extra connectors pose a problem for the protection and leakage.
One may sill get some options / versions with GPIB interface or a scanner, though more like a choose at order.

The internal construction can be modular, but the is more thing for the manufacturer with little help for the user. E.g. the case and display part for the SDM3045/55/65 are essentially the same. A benefit for the user is a similar UI and maybe slightly better spare part availabilty.

[bdunham7]

It's too bad nobody offers a modular multimeter yet..

Be careful what you ask for!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/404613379451

These were truly mix-and-match devices that could be configured as needed even after sale.  Modern devices are much, much less expensive and there's little demand for such flexibility.