Another Meter Recommendation Please

[Sierra]

Good morning.  We're in need of several portable multimeters with the following capabilities:

Will see DC use only
Max/Min and AVERAGE
mA and uA measuring
External datalogging (ideally without too much expense)

We have a single Fluke 289 now which is good but too expensive to be buying in multiples and the additional expense for data logging is high.

Have many many Uni-T UT61C meters that have served us well but are lacking the AVERAGE feature which is a big deal for our use. 

[BeBuLamar]

Since you log the readings can you use some software like Excel to calculate the average?

[mwb1100]

Brymen BM827s, BM829s, BM867s, or BM869s

Uni-T UT171A

EEVBlog 121GW


It might be a bit dated, but the table compiled at https://lygte-info.dk/info/DMMReviews.html will net you about dozen more possibilities.

[nightfire]

Questions here:
- which accuracy is needed?
- is external datalogging usedin all regards, so that a technician uses a notebook or similar whilst logging?
- extra robustness required, like in dustrial environment?

[nightfire]

With average function I would throw the HIOKI DT4261 in.
Keysight U1232 and 1242 also have logging, but I am not sure aboute the average function.

[Fungus]

Curve ball:

https://www.owon.com.hk/products_owon_4_1%7C2_digits_xdm1000_series_bench-type_digital_multimeter

It has averaging and many other math functions.

[HKJ]

External datalogging (ideally without too much expense)

Check TestController software:
Thread: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/program-that-can-log-from-many-multimeters/
Download: https://lygte-info.dk/project/TestControllerIntro%20UK.html
Supported DMMs: https://lygte-info.dk/project/TestControllerSupportedEquipment%20UK.html#Handheld_multimeters

Note that some meters include the computer interface for other meters it is extra.

It can log from many different multimeters and other devices and is free.
A "cheap" and fairly good meter is the BM257s from Brymen, but there are many other suitable meters.

[Sierra]

Brymen BM827s, BM829s, BM867s, or BM869s

Uni-T UT171A

EEVBlog 121GW


It might be a bit dated, but the table compiled at https://lygte-info.dk/info/DMMReviews.html will net you about dozen more possibilities.

Many thanks for the recommendation.  Unfortunately the Uni-T and EEVBlog recs don't seem to have the average function.  The Brymen's do so I'll likely go this direction. 

[Sierra]

External datalogging (ideally without too much expense)

Check TestController software:
Thread: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/program-that-can-log-from-many-multimeters/
Download: https://lygte-info.dk/project/TestControllerIntro%20UK.html
Supported DMMs: https://lygte-info.dk/project/TestControllerSupportedEquipment%20UK.html#Handheld_multimeters

Note that some meters include the computer interface for other meters it is extra.

It can log from many different multimeters and other devices and is free.
A "cheap" and fairly good meter is the BM257s from Brymen, but there are many other suitable meters.

WOW - I've been in need of something like TestController for a very very long time.  This is excellent.

[mwb1100]

Many thanks for the recommendation.  Unfortunately the Uni-T and EEVBlog recs don't seem to have the average function.  The Brymen's do so I'll likely go this direction.

I should make clear that I don't own any of these meters, so I'd call it more "a list of meters to look into" than a recommendation.  And according to the manuals, the Uni-T and GW121 do support the avg functionality:

[Sierra]

Have now ordered Brymen BM827s, UT-71A, UT181 and unfortunately none of them will work.  The Brymen won't allow muting at the same time as logging and several other quirks.

The UT-71As seemed to be the ticket but DESPITE what is written in the manual do not provide an Average value. 

The UT-171 would be an option however it uses a rechargeable battery which in the UT-181 did not provide sufficient runtimes.  The 171A would be an option however they're no longer available and who's to say they actually include the AVG function. 

Any other recommendations for a meter that provides
mA and uA
max / min and AVERAGE
inexpensive datalogging via TestController
User replaceable batteries

Most of the time these will be used in the field where the Average function is critical and data logging will not be possible. 

Now have nearly a day into reviewing meter data sheets and unfortunately after 3x models still can't find something that hits these really, fairly basic, requirements.

[Sierra]

Perhaps I need to ditch a criteria like compatibility with TestController and simply use different meters when in use with TestController. 

[Fungus]

Any other recommendations for a meter that provides
mA and uA
max / min and AVERAGE
inexpensive datalogging via TestController
User replaceable batteries

That Owon can run off a powerbank see video.

[J-R]

Try the 121GW and log via phone/tablet/laptop? (No Test Controller support unfortunately.)  One quirk is that it only logs what is on the screen.  If you're logging and select the Min/Max/Avg function and select Avg for example, it will only log to the app the average being displayed.  And, of course you can't download what is logged to the SD card without taking it apart.  But you can use the menu system to turn off beep and auto power off and it will retain those settings.

Also, look for used F287/F289, especially the F287 as it is typically cheapest. 

[Sierra]

Any other recommendations for a meter that provides
mA and uA
max / min and AVERAGE
inexpensive datalogging via TestController
User replaceable batteries

That Owon can run off a powerbank see video.

Thanks.  Strongly considered it however it doesn't seem to have Test Controller Support which is needed for logging multiple metrics simultaneously. 

[Sierra]

Any other recommendations for a meter that provides
mA and uA
max / min and AVERAGE
inexpensive datalogging via TestController
User replaceable batteries

That Owon can run off a powerbank see video.

Thanks.  Strongly considered it however it doesn't seem to have Test Controller Support which is needed for logging multiple metrics simultaneously.

Thanks J-R that may be the type of compromise we have to make. 

[Fungus]

Thanks.  Strongly considered it however it doesn't seem to have Test Controller Support which is needed for logging multiple metrics simultaneously.

It's written by a forum member so maybe you can ask him nicely. 

(send him an Owon as thanks)

[No.15]

The owon seems to support scpi.  Test controller support should be easy to add by end user.  It's not hard and there is excellent documentation on the website
https://lygte-info.dk/project/TestControllerConfigDevice%20UK.html

[Fungus]

The owon seems to support scpi.  Test controller support should be easy to add by end user.  It's not hard and there is excellent documentation on the website

Programming manual is here: https://files.owon.com.cn/software/Application/XDM1000_Digital_Multimeter_Programming_Manual.pdf

[paul8f]

Try the 121GW and log via phone/tablet/laptop?

Anybody know what Android app can I download from the Google Play Store, that will connect to the bluetooth of the 121GW?

[J-R]

The official app is still on the Play store, but it is hidden from newer versions of Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eevblog.x121gw

I believe Meteor still works with everything: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.westerncomputational.meteor

[ee_eh]

Good morning. We're in need of several portable multimeters with the following capabilities:

Will see DC use only
Max/Min and AVERAGE
mA and uA measuring
External datalogging (ideally without too much expense)

We have a single Fluke 289 now which is good but too expensive to be buying in multiples and the additional expense for data logging is high.

Have many many Uni-T UT61C meters that have served us well but are lacking the AVERAGE feature which is a big deal for our use.

Stick with the 289 you already have. You can log and view/share the Fluke forms between staff. Also, servicing and know-how, calibration will be streamlined.

Stick with the same vendor. I have 289 and used it for logging, it is great, allows you to create your own reports, export
to Excel or whatever other data processing you want to use.

Don't reinvent the wheel. Stick with what works well.

If I was running a business, and had engineers designing/testing, I would want them to use the same brand of equipment.

289 is kinda bulky, but it works well.

Either go with Brymen or stick with Fluke.

PS. Anyone can calibrate all your Flukes, not so sure about the Chinese brands.

[paul8f]

The official app is still on the Play store, but it is hidden from newer versions of Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eevblog.x121gw

I believe Meteor still works with everything: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.westerncomputational.meteor

Thanks for the links, but on both occasions I was met with the following message:
"This app isn't available for your device because it was made for an older version of Android."

I'm running Android 12, so that must not be supported. 

[J-R]

I'm not sure why you would see that message with Meteor.  I just tried it with Android 13 and it works fine.  However, it was hidden in the Play Store, so I downloaded it from here:
https://apkpure.com/meteor-for-121gw/com.westerncomputational.meteor

[GigaJoe]

my UT171B  , does have average ,  so it MIN\MAX button , clicking between min aver max.   and it do some calculations.  im not sure of amount of samples .
 
you still can buy it,
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003165913668.html
171A - 6 AAA batteries
171B - rechargable