Author Topic: Multimeter spreadsheet (80 manufacturers and over 400 meters listed) (Read 869330 times)

Deckert · « **Reply #50 on:** March 12, 2014, 12:20:50 am »

Fantastic job!

Technically the BM867 and BM869 both have auto-hold through the record function (i.e. beeps with every new max and min value). So, to auto-hold, just switch to record, take your measurement, wait for the beep, and look at the max (or min) display. Not sure if the others in the BM range have a record function.

Will you be adding a column for frequency measurement and max frequency it can measure? (not to be confused with the AC/TRMS max bandwidth)

--deckert

Wytnucls · « **Reply #51 on:** March 12, 2014, 01:49:46 am »

We could argue till the cows come home about what constitutes a proper auto-hold. Most meters with a Max/Min feature have that work-around too.

All meters have a frequency counter, usually measuring at least 100kHz.
It would be difficult to put a figure on best performance, as they are so many variables and manufacturers don't always list the full spectrum.
It is best to consult each datasheet to get a full understanding of capability.

For instance, Amprobe quotes:

Hz line level:
500mV 100mV 10HZ ~ 200KHZ
5V 1V 10HZ ~ 200KHZ
50V 10V 10HZ ~ 100KHZ
500V 100V 10HZ ~ 100KHZ
1000V 900V 10HZ ~ 10KHZ

Hz Logic Level Frequency
5.0000HZ--2.00000MHZ

%DUTY CYCLE
5HZ -- 500 KHZ, 5V logic family

lpc32 · « **Reply #52 on:** March 12, 2014, 07:41:10 pm »

Thanks for the table!

Why limit to 6000 count and true RMS?

Wytnucls · « **Reply #53 on:** March 13, 2014, 02:25:40 am »

For several reasons:
1. True RMS is a must for electronics
2. Meters starting from 6000 count tend to be better made than the plethora of cheap 4000 count or less meters.
3. The field is much reduced from that starting point, making the list easier to manage.
4. I have no interest in lesser meters, with a few exceptions.
5. Starting from a 6000 count means that some of the meters are still affordable for restricted budgets.

It doesn't mean that the meters that don't qualify for the list are all rubbish.

Wytnucls · « **Reply #54 on:** March 13, 2014, 05:36:01 am »

As suggested by Deckert, I added an extra column with the max frequency for the frequency counter.
Although I was reluctant at first, as most meters can do at least 100 kHz, some go way above that. Interestingly, not necessarily the most expensive ones either.
Anytime a new feature is added, it is a major pain in the backside, as every datasheet has to be revisited.

iloveelectronics · « **Reply #55 on:** March 13, 2014, 06:03:10 am »

Can you also include the Digitek DT-2843R in the list? It's 6000-count and AC+DC TRMS. It is likely the lowest cost AC+DC TRMS meter you can find ($44). Lightages reviewed it on his Youtube channel some time ago.

Wytnucls · « **Reply #56 on:** March 13, 2014, 06:16:46 am »

I would have Franky, but it is only a 4,000 count meter, as far as I know, unless there is a new version??

iloveelectronics · « **Reply #57 on:** March 13, 2014, 06:59:29 am »

Quote from: Wytnucls on March 13, 2014, 06:16:46 am

I would have Franky, but it is only a 4,000 count meter, as far as I know, unless there is a new version??

Oh, my mistake. I got the count missed up with another Digitek I haven't listed in my store yet...It's the DT-2867.

smni · « **Reply #58 on:** March 13, 2014, 07:31:03 am »

What do you think of adding an "average" column instead of just max/min? I spent quite a bit of time looking for a good meter that had the ability to time average voltage or current in addition to recording max and min. Most (if not all) of the Flukes have it, but for example only the Extech 570 has max/min/averaging capability while the others just measure max/min. Some of the Agilents also have averaging and I'm sure some others do too.

Averaging is desirably for me for measuring low power projects that go into a standby mode most of the time and then wake up and do something quickly then go back to standby. By averaging over several cycles of this, one can estimate average current usage and therefore battery life. This is probably a task better suited for an oscilloscope or other data logger, but I wanted a DMM that could also give me a quick idea.

Wytnucls · « **Reply #59 on:** March 13, 2014, 07:57:45 am »

Sure. I'll just write A in the Max/Min column for 'Average', instead of a tick. I don't need a new column for that.

Wytnucls · « **Reply #60 on:** March 14, 2014, 05:42:24 am »

Update the file with Min/Max details. Also added Digitek and DER-EE relevant meters.
The filter spreadsheet has been incorporated into the main listing Excel file, as an extra tab.

mcinque · « **Reply #61 on:** March 14, 2014, 12:07:40 pm »

+1 for the thread: fantastic!

majki · « **Reply #62 on:** March 14, 2014, 10:47:03 pm »

Congratulation, very good collection.
Please add legend for the colors.

One comment for Fluke 187/189.
They have Fast Min-Max mode which is actually the Peak mode:

Quote

In ac measurement functions, MAX and MIN values are
peak values, AVG is the rms value. This provides the
necessary information in one display for calculation of
Crest Factor (peak/rms).

Wytnucls · « **Reply #63 on:** March 15, 2014, 03:44:05 am »

Absolutely, Fluke called the peak function a fast Max/Min. File will be corrected soon.
Color meaning is spelled out in the introductory text.

Wytnucls · « **Reply #64 on:** March 15, 2014, 10:43:58 am »

Added pictures of all the meters listed

lpc32 · « **Reply #65 on:** March 17, 2014, 11:21:30 pm »

Colorful.

Garron · « **Reply #66 on:** March 21, 2014, 06:08:57 pm »

Brilliant collation of meters. Really helped with refining my decision making process.

rivest · « **Reply #67 on:** March 26, 2014, 04:13:09 am »

Which DMM can properly test LEDs, ie light them up and show the voltage? I know some of them only go up to 2.5V and some are 4V.

mariush · « **Reply #68 on:** March 26, 2014, 05:06:24 am »

Is it that hard to find and a 1kohm resistor and some power supply (5v+) in your house? Just put the led in series with the resistor and measure the voltage drop between the anode and cathode of the led.

ttp · « **Reply #69 on:** March 26, 2014, 06:11:37 am »

Quote from: rivest on March 26, 2014, 04:13:09 am

Which DMM can properly test LEDs, ie light them up and show the voltage? I know some of them only go up to 2.5V and some are 4V.

Use http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mini-Handy-LED-Tester-Test-Box-2-150mA-for-Light-emitting-Diode-Bulb-Lamp-E0Xc-/161060901609 for LEDs.

Bobson · « **Reply #70 on:** March 29, 2014, 05:02:22 pm »

What kind of DUT does Fluke-117 have? I could not find any info.

Fluke's site http://www.fluke.com/fluke/sgen/digital-multimeters/fluke-117.htm?PID=55996 says "VoltAlert™ technology for non-contact voltage detection", "The 117 includes integrated non-contact voltage detection to help get the job done faster." and "Min/Max/Average with elapsed time to record signal fluctuations".

Mine does not have these features. Maybe there is 117 Mk II already?

Wytnucls · « **Reply #71 on:** March 30, 2014, 08:53:40 am »

Using Auto Volts Selection (114 & 117 only)
With the function switch in the Auto-V/LoZ volt position, the Meter automatically selects a dc or ac voltage measurement
based on the input applied between the V or + and COM jacks.

Wytnucls · « **Reply #72 on:** March 31, 2014, 10:07:52 am »

New file with some corrections and new column for AC current bandwidth. Also added details for the Voltcraft meters.

Wytnucls · « **Reply #73 on:** April 07, 2014, 12:43:11 pm »

New file uploaded with an extra column for highest capacitance (mF) and little known HT Italia DMMs added:
(See 1st post for latest pictures)

Lightages · « **Reply #74 on:** April 07, 2014, 03:16:27 pm »

Thanks again for continuing to work on this. Those HT meters all look like rebrands.


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Author Topic: Multimeter spreadsheet (80 manufacturers and over 400 meters listed) (Read 869330 times)

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