A low-cost multimeter selection for a new meter enthusiast

[mozcelikors]

Hello guys,

First time on this forum in a loong time.

Huge fan of Dave here. Keep up the excellent youtube videos!, if you ever see this message

I am a Embedded Systems master student who needs multimeter just for measuring up relatively small voltages /amps.
I would like to buy a decent meter with low budget.

Here are a few choices I picked from aliexpress, since they will have a big sale soon:

1st) UNI-T UT70B
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-Shipping-UNI-T-UT70B-LCD-Digital-Multimeter-frequency-conductance-logic-test-transistor-temperature-analog-display/32606763003.html?spm=2114.13010208.99999999.271.LcJGXG

2nd) Mastech MS8229
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Mastech-MS8229-5-in-1-Auto-Range-Multi-functional-Digital-Multimeter-With-AAA-Battery-Digital-Multimeter/32658832590.html?spm=2114.13010208.99999999.297.LcJGXG

3rd) PEAKMETER MS8236
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/HYELEC-MS8236-Auto-Range-Auto-Power-off-Digital-Multimeter-with-Temperature-Test-and-Data-Logger/32324278405.html?spm=2114.13010208.99999999.264.LcJGXG

The things that are appealing to me:
1- Big screen with well-lit, good angled, and continuous backlight
2- Logging via RS232 or USB could be nice.
3- Auto-ranging of course

I fear that some of these Chinese meters might disappoint me. Although the comments on Mastech MS8229 are very positive, I'm not sure if Id regret picking a meter without any logging functionality in the future.

Id like to hear your experience or suggestions.
Thanks in advance.

[NivagSwerdna]

I have a MAS-343; probably considered junk on these threads but it has served me well. 

I did use the logging once... connected to a PT100 and a fridge but to be honest I think that might be a bit of a vanity function... there are probably better ways now.

One day I will buy a proper bench DMM but for now my Mastech works just fine.

[Lightages]

Of the three meters you have mentioned, I would go for the PEAKMETER. IMHO Mastech makes junk, the UT70B does not have very much input protection AFAIK and the PEAKMETER looks OK.

I get the idea that you budget is around $60. It is hard to find everything you want in a well built meter for that price. If you can live without the PC connection then consider the UT139C or Amprobe AM-510. If you find you want a logging multimeter then you probably need two meters anyway as one will be locked into logging use and you will want another to use while the other is occupied. Most people will tell you that you need more than one multimeter anyway.

If your budget is higher then the options open up more.

[mozcelikors]

Thanks for the opinions,

Actually I can give up logging functionality for now probably, I dont want to but it seems I have to.
but I really hate when meters have like 5-10second backlight, if I am going to settle for one that has that, it has to be really good.
Otherwise, I want a semi-professional meter, as I said I use it for low voltages, continuity, and low amps and so on. 
I am even more confused now since everybody has their own experience and they think differently about these meters
My budget is max 60$

[ez24]

A bluetooth data logging in your range

https://www.amazon.com/OWON-multimeter-measurement-Bluetooth-recording/dp/B01C3IQDE8/ref=sr_ph_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478748499&sr=sr-1&keywords=owon+multimeter

Be sure to look at the multimeter spreadsheet

[Wytnucls]

The UT70B is UL listed. High voltage protection should be adequate.

[MosherIV]

Hi

I have the UT-70B ( though mine is a rebranded one - Tenma - the Farnell brand).
While it is OK as a DMM, it is expensive for what it is, you can get better spec meters for less.
It is well built.
I think the UT61E is better value but it is not as well built and does not have as good input protection.

Mastech have a poor reputation. Mainly because they are built to a price and are sold in Harbour Freight in USA (bargin store).

Do not know anything about Peakmeter

Have you considered the Fluke 15+ or Fluke 101 ?
Do a search for them, they might be in your price range.

[omgfire]

comments on Mastech MS8229 are very positive

Sure. I heard MS8229 have planned obsolescence. After rotary switch wear out solder mask you would need to buy next multimeter. http://y2u.be/PSBRl7U2WYc

[omgfire]

If you can live without the PC connection then consider the UT139C

Uni-T UT139C use DTM0660. Some multimeters based on DTM0660 can connect to PC with USB: V&A VA40R, PeakTech 3415, Velleman DVM4100.

http://www.peaktech.de/productdetail/kategorie/software/produkt/dmm-tool-basic.1034.html

[Fungus]

What about this:

https://www.adafruit.com/product/308

[MosherIV]

What about this:

https://www.adafruit.com/product/308

Extech are meant to be OK in terms of design but their build quality is random.

Check out Dave's $50 meter shoot out (if I remember correctly)

[tszaboo]

Mastech have a poor reputation. Mainly because they are built to a price and are sold in Harbour Freight in USA (bargin store).

I see mastech's multimeters IRL this week. They are made from the worst quality plastic I think I ever hold in my hands. It was hard to hide the terror and disappointment from the sales guy.

[mozcelikors]

Guys, Here is what I think:

Since the performance of UT61E is said to be way better for its money's worth,
I thought I could buy that and install the backlight myself. (As the guy did it here, or just a simple installation directly battery powered:

Then I'd have a multimeter that cost less than 60 dollars which is 22000 display counts , which fulfils all my expectations,
- Quality, autoranging, accuracy 0.1%
- Continuous well lit backlight
- RS-232 logging.

What do you think ? Do you know how to install a backlight in a simple way (led sockets are available in UT61E)
And which led do they use in those well-lit white LCD's?

Thanks in advance. Tell me what you think please.

[Fungus]

Extech are meant to be OK in terms of design but their build quality is random.

So is Uni-T.

Since the performance of UT61E is said to be way better for its money's worth,

I was going to suggest that one, too. It's good value for money.

Look at it this way: For $60 you're going to have to compromise on something.

All meters have two basic properties:
(a) Features
(b) Safety/electrical robustness

Meters like the $42 Fluke 101 don't have many features but they're very safe and almost impossible to kill electrically.

The UT61E is the complete opposite. It has a good chipset with plenty of features but there's almost zero internal components for safety/robustness.

I'm not saying it's a bad meter, just be aware of where it lies on the graph of (a) vs. (b).

[Lightages]

Extech are meant to be OK in terms of design but their build quality is random.

So is Uni-T.

I haven't seen complaints about bad build quality for Uni-T. Do you mean bad QC or bad design implementation?

[mozcelikors]

What about this one guys?

This one looks good.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/VICTOR-830L-Portable-mini-DMM-Digital-Multimeter/32613148599.html?spm=2114.30010308.3.28.H7SvdT&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_2_10091_10090_10088_10089,searchweb201603_1&btsid=46952228-2711-4376-8cef-5ad650767cc3

[Fungus]

Extech are meant to be OK in terms of design but their build quality is random.

So is Uni-T.

I haven't seen complaints about bad build quality for Uni-T. Do you mean bad QC or bad design implementation?

I mean you have no idea what's going to be inside. There's a lot of variants of every model out there, "China" models, "CE" models...

If you order one at random on eBay you have no idea what you'll receive.

[ez24]

What about this one guys?

This one looks good.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/VICTOR-830L-Portable-mini-DMM-Digital-Multimeter/32613148599.html?spm=2114.30010308.3.28.H7SvdT&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_2_10091_10090_10088_10089,searchweb201603_1&btsid=46952228-2711-4376-8cef-5ad650767cc3

9v 

[Lightages]

What about this one guys?

This one looks good.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/VICTOR-830L-Portable-mini-DMM-Digital-Multimeter/32613148599.html?spm=2114.30010308.3.28.H7SvdT&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_2_10091_10090_10088_10089,searchweb201603_1&btsid=46952228-2711-4376-8cef-5ad650767cc3

9v 

It will be an OK meter but nothing that will last IMHO. And as far as 9V, many high end meters still use 9V batteries including Fluke.

[mozcelikors]

Hello again,

Thanks everyone for their opinions and the discussion.

I think I will go for UT61E, given its specs.

I have just another question, if you could answer, id appreciate it.

I own a Vichy VC99. I recently discovered that there is a little bit of room for LED backlight installation.

I also noticed that there the battery is 3V, and its easily attachable to the PCB.

So what I am thinking is simply getting 2 LEDs and plugging them in parallel.

Would I use any kind of drive circuit if I want to use a high-power LED? Can I simply hook up a 1W led to the 3V battery (by attaching aswitch of some sort)

I would assume with normal LED, it should work fine, I'm wondering if I can use a high-power LED in its simplest form. Would too much current draw burn the circuity of the PCB, as the same source is also powering the PCB?

I know its a bit of a rookie question, but better to be safe then sorry I think.

Thanks in advance.

[mtdoc]

Thanks for the opinions,

Actually I can give up logging functionality for now probably, I dont want to but it seems I have to.

You don't have to give it up. There is a meter that fits your budget with data logging, backlight, auto-ranging, true-RMS, accurate with good build quality (for the price).

The Digitek 2844R.  It use to be for sale on forum member Franky's ebay store but I don't see it there now.  It can be found here for $56.45

Lightages did a nice review of it. Perhaps he will want to weigh in:

[Lightages]

Actually I reviewed the DT2843R which does not have PC communications. It is an OK meter but not recommended for high energy use. The meter with RS232 is the DT4000ZC or TP4000ZC.

[mtdoc]

Actually I reviewed the DT2843R which does not have PC communications.

Oh ,right. My mistake. I have a TP 4000ZC which has it and I wrongly assumed the DT2844R did as well.   TP(DT) 4000ZC is a great meter for the price as well but no backlight and no TRMS.    I bought it just for a cheap data logger and was surprised how accurate is.

It is an OK meter but not recommended for high energy use.

True - but to be fair, neither is the UT61E.

[joeqsmith]

I use the Mastech for my outside beater meter.  It's survived a few years now getting heat cycled in the trailer.  Been pretty happy with it.  Recently made a video with it where I compared it with Dave's rebranded Brymen in the temperature mode.  It's not electrically robust but survived the basic grill starter test just fine.  Lots of people hacking it to add data logging.  I stuck a magnetic strap to mine but that was it. 

Not a fan of UNI-T.  One of the few brands that will fail the basic ESD testing time and time again.  I did make a few videos of a UT61E where I attempted to address some of the weaknesses in the front end.  Also added an adaptive backlight to it.  Not a bad meter with all the mods but would suggest just getting a meter that does what you need it to do.

I have not played with the 70 but did try their 181A.  More $$$ does not mean a more robust meter.   Once again, I attempted to improve on the  181A's design. It was a major chop up.  The meter has other problems as well.  Maybe the 70 is a better meter.   

No idea about the last meter you show.