Pocket Multimeter Shootout

[joeqsmith]

It is the only multimeter that you can safely use underwater it seems.

This meter gets my vote for the most mechanically robust meter.  I think these are ultrasonically welded together and the plastic is thick.  Getting mine apart destroyed the case.   But as tough as it was, it was not tougher than my lightweight transient generator...

[EEVblog]

Just tried to get a UT120C from a nearby seller but out of stock in two locations.

[joeqsmith]

Tougher than a Canadian winter...  These were some funny videos.    Of course no one ever actually tested them to see if there was any damage and no one looked at zapping them...  Where was the It's tougher than a MOT?  It's tougher then an MSD ignition?   

[EEVblog]

It is the only multimeter that you can safely use underwater it seems.

This meter gets my vote for the most mechanically robust meter.  I think these are ultrasonically welded together and the plastic is thick.  Getting mine apart destroyed the case.   But as tough as it was, it was not tougher than my lightweight transient generator...

Yes I took one through a mud obstacle course:

[Muttley Snickers]

Just tried to get a UT120C from a nearby seller but out of stock in two locations.

I'm pretty sure Supercheap Auto have them but they are double the price of Banggood so keep your receipt for the refund sequence, also Jaycar were clearing out some pocket meters at a discounted price but availability may also be limited.

Don't forget that some other people including forum members have already done video reviews of some models, Joe created some smoke in one and Lightages had a review thread on the UT-10A going back to 2011.

[joeqsmith]

<snipped> it was not tougher than my lightweight transient generator...

So, not a sledge hammer then. 

My generators are more like the handle side of a plastic butter knife than a sledge.     I was doing some actual testing a few years ago and the generator I was using was a couple of 5'  or so 19" racks.   A small one like this would be fun to have for the meters that crap out at low levels on mine.  It may give people a better sense of what if than my little toy ones.     

[EEVblog]

I'm pretty sure Supercheap Auto have them but they are double the price of Banggood

No stock in any local stocks despite the website saying they do. I just went on a wild goose chase.

[Muttley Snickers]

Oh well not to worry, leave the stress for the meters and not yourself, pretty sure nobody here is in a panic.

[amspire]

This company may have it: http://www.tobins.com.au/DisplayItem.php?item=UT120C

[Electro Detective]

I'm not sold yet on these pocket toys,
they still occupy valuable pocket space,
they can can fall out and smash
or the leads pop out, snag and rip a shirt pocket 

a Cat 1 Multimeter Watch is the way to go, with retractable leads

Waterproof

Volts, cap/diode/temp test,

Ohms/Buzzer/Silent Vibrator,
 
24/7 clock and user heart rate/pulse too 


It's 2017, decades after Detective Dick Tracy,

and no one has thought of it? 



 

[Fungus]

Might be worthwhile waiting for the UT120B, since you ordered it. Your call.

It's an interesting meter so if there's a tracking number and know for sure it will arrive in a couple of days, then... I'd wait.

But if people want the AN101 included then it will be some time.

A $5 meter is unlikely to win any prizes. Not worth holding back the shootout.

[Robaroni]

It is the only multimeter that you can safely use underwater it seems.

This meter gets my vote for the most mechanically robust meter.  I think these are ultrasonically welded together and the plastic is thick.  Getting mine apart destroyed the case.   But as tough as it was, it was not tougher than my lightweight transient generator...

Yes I took one through a mud obstacle course:

Dave,
You are an unceasing source of entertainment! You do know how to have geek fun, what a blast!

[Testing123]

I suggest... deciding on a 'winner' at the end.

+1

[EEVblog]

I'm not sold yet on these pocket toys,
they still occupy valuable pocket space,
they can can fall out and smash

Almost impossible to smash them, they simply don't have enough mass, and any case/wallet takes the impact nicely anyway.
I've dropped the wallet type countless times onto a concrete floor no problem. I carried one for years in a daily production environment.

or the leads pop out, snag and rip a shirt pocket 

That's what a wallet/case is for.

[Fungus]

That's what a wallet/case is for.

The UT120C has the best case. You'll know that as soon as you see it in real life. 

[Rbastler]

That's what a wallet/case is for.

The UT120C has the best case. You'll know that as soon as you see it in real life. 

The case is indeed build well. It could just be a tiny bit larger, so the probes fit more easily. I remember, when I had the A Version in my backpack, that the leads didn't fit easy.

Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

[kalel]

It is the only multimeter that you can safely use underwater it seems.

This meter gets my vote for the most mechanically robust meter.  I think these are ultrasonically welded together and the plastic is thick.  Getting mine apart destroyed the case.   But as tough as it was, it was not tougher than my lightweight transient generator...

As they are welded, are they without fuses/current measurement?

[joeqsmith]

This meter gets my vote for the most mechanically robust meter.  I think these are ultrasonically welded together and the plastic is thick.  Getting mine apart destroyed the case.   But as tough as it was, it was not tougher than my lightweight transient generator...

As they are welded, are they without fuses/current measurement?

No fuse, no current.  A VERY limited resistance test.  The Fluke 101 is feature rich by comparison and electrically, far more robust.  But if your only criteria is a mechanically sound case design, this meter is worth having a look at. 

[joeqsmith]

A and B model are definitely listed. Haven't seen the C model on the Intertek site yet. It is probably not listed because of its current range.

Are any other Uni-T meters ETL listed?
I'm stunned that they would do this on a cheap pocket meter 

Plenty are. Especially the latest models:
UT 139/61/33/132/151/171/105/106/181

Some if not all of the Danaher Amprobe AM-4xx and 5xx series were even certified for EN 61326.  Unlike many UNI-Ts  I have looked at, including their high end 181A, the two Amprobe meters at least survived the grill starter..   

The report may be found here:
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0ahUKEwjSxOfqm6_VAhWC44MKHah4BOIQFggrMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcontent.amprobe.com%2Fcertifications%2FAM450EUR_EMC.pdf&usg=AFQjCNGR9Zg5_LXspp6K24hVgQk2jVbhOw

[EEVblog]

Hmm, bit of a spanner in the works perhaps, but I'm currently speaking to a manufacturer who has a new model pocket meter and it looks fantastic on paper, so looking to get one. But I don't believe it's currently available anywhere.

BTW, the Uni-T meter didn't turn up today.

[dos]

I actually recently got a Victor VC921 I impulse bought after never owning a real pocket size meter and I can really see the appeal of these things now. It's obviously not something you would use anywhere there's even a whiff of danger but it beats the holy hell out of those harbor freight freebies. I carry it in my bag with a pair of these, which cost a dollar less than the meter itself 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brymen-Slip-on-Crocodile-Alligator-Clips-for-2mm-Probe-Tip-Gold-Spring-Contacts-/171302315753

Mine has the pad for the hold button so I'm probably going to hack that in at some point

EDIT: Also thought I'd mention that I thought putting the probes back in their caddy would be a pain in the ass but it's really not at all, the leads are kind of bent at the place where they fold to fit in perfectly and with like a few minutes practice it becomes automatic. It feels weird to say this about such a simple device but it's actually a lot of fun to use and I like it a lot

[Rbastler]

I actually recently got a Victor VC921 I impulse bought after never owning a real pocket size meter and I can really see the appeal of these things now. It's obviously not something you would use anywhere there's even a whiff of danger but it beats the holy hell out of those harbor freight freebies. I carry it in my bag with a pair of these, which cost a dollar less than the meter itself 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brymen-Slip-on-Crocodile-Alligator-Clips-for-2mm-Probe-Tip-Gold-Spring-Contacts-/171302315753

Mine has the pad for the hold button so I'm probably going to hack that in at some point

EDIT: Also thought I'd mention that I thought putting the probes back in their caddy would be a pain in the ass but it's really not at all, the leads are kind of bent at the place where they fold to fit in perfectly and with like a few minutes practice it becomes automatic. It feels weird to say this about such a simple device but it's actually a lot of fun to use and I like it a lot

Does it fit an a pocket of a jacket or pants ? I read some reports that it is rather big, compared to other "shirt pocket dmms".
I mostly want one for shits and giggles, because I mostly will have my backpack(or any type of carrying possibility)  with a fluke 101 with me anyway. But should it occur I dont have any, Id like to carry a meter anyway.

Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

[ebastler]

I mostly will have my backpack(or any type of carrying possibility)  with a fluke 101 with me anyway. But should it occur I dont have any, Id like to carry a meter anyway.

Away from home without a bag, but still carrying a multimeter -- now that's dedication to the hobby! (Or profession?)
But, now that you mention it, I recall those painful nights at the opera or afternoons in the football stadium where I was stranded without a meter... 

[gnavigator1007]

Just realised I don't think I've ever seen Dave wear a shirt with a pocket before. I'd imagine quick pulling and replacing these meters in a pocket must be part of testing. Time for shopping spree? Hope there's montage footage set to some appropriate music 

[dos]

Does it fit an a pocket of a jacket or pants ?

Yes, it's roughly front shirt pocket sized. Here it is next to some things for scale