I recommend Multimeter with limited budget

[Trader]

I need the multimeter to check electronic boards, power supplies, for the moment I have an electrode welder, a satellite receiver and a PC power supply that I would like to check because they don't work, things like that.

You can think about a Small DMM & Oscilloscope (very important for modern boards), like this one:  Hanmatek HO52 50M, $138 - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002339897106.html

Beautiful instrument but it's too expensive for me, yes the oscilloscope is very important, maybe in the future I could even buy it.

€ 120 = USD$ 139, this is exactly your budget.  Is a DMM + Oscilloscope in the same device.

Another option is the Unit UT161E (it's save, you can find reviews up 1000V+) and the KKmoon DS0120M ($60) or ADS5012H ($65)

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001864713768.html

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001294858727.html

Total will be $125 (the DMM is better, but the scope is only 1 channel)

[armandine2]

Re. price of hantek - mine was a bargain

[marck120]

@Trader, @armandine2

Opening the link the price is slightly different:



I do not know the brand in question, on aliexpress there is a risk that they make me pay customs.
Besides the oscilloscope, I would need a capacimeter to test the capacitors. Sorry to the translator it's difficult.


https://it.aliexpress.com/item/32753389334.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.3502665f1eyoFz&algo_pvid=ebc8f5be-a86f-456b-bb77-e03f2d377557&algo_exp_id=ebc8f5be-a86f-456b-bb77-e03f2d377557-0&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%2212000017750025530%22%7D

I was left with the doubt of the capacitors, the 1000v of the capacitors have nothing to do with the 1000v of the alternating current ? at home there are no problems the maximum is 230v, it is also true that the capacitor must be discharged before taking the measurement.

[Trader]

Check the price on Nov-11.  Check other sellers.

[marck120]

Check the price on Nov-11.  Check other sellers.

Okay, I'll do some more research, thank you 

[ledtester]

...
I knew the Aneng models, for what I have to do they would also be fine, but it is always a Chinese multimeter, the Brymen seem superior to me, I think they are built in Germany.

Bryman itself is a Taiwanese company.

This excerpt from bryman.eu doesn't mention Europe:

BRYMEN Technology Corporation is professional manufacturer in Taiwan specializing in electrical test & measurement instruments. After decades of experience in the test and measurement industry, BRYMEN Technology Corporation has grown to become one of the biggest manufacturer and developer of test and measurement instruments in Taiwan. Today BRYMEN has more than 80 product items, ranging from voltage testers, clamp meters, basic DMM, loggers to top class  measurement instruments. BRYMEN has also seen its present growth internationally. With headquarters located in Taiwan, BRYMEN has subsidiaries in China, America, Japan, Korea and Malaysia; its products are sold to more than 80 countries worldwide.

[marck120]

...
I knew the Aneng models, for what I have to do they would also be fine, but it is always a Chinese multimeter, the Brymen seem superior to me, I think they are built in Germany.

Bryman itself is a Taiwanese company.

This excerpt from bryman.eu doesn't mention Europe:

BRYMEN Technology Corporation is professional manufacturer in Taiwan specializing in electrical test & measurement instruments. After decades of experience in the test and measurement industry, BRYMEN Technology Corporation has grown to become one of the biggest manufacturer and developer of test and measurement instruments in Taiwan. Today BRYMEN has more than 80 product items, ranging from voltage testers, clamp meters, basic DMM, loggers to top class  measurement instruments. BRYMEN has also seen its present growth internationally. With headquarters located in Taiwan, BRYMEN has subsidiaries in China, America, Japan, Korea and Malaysia; its products are sold to more than 80 countries worldwide.

Yes, that's right, unfortunately I was wrong, the bryman company is in Taiwan, thanks for the correction.

[armandine2]

I like the look of the Gossen you linked - but it looks like you do not get a capacitance function.

The Hantek capacitance specs are not spectacular - see below (range, accuracy, resolution)

[rsjsouza]

I was left with the doubt of the capacitors, the 1000v of the capacitors have nothing to do with the 1000v of the alternating current ? at home there are no problems the maximum is 230v, it is also true that the capacitor must be discharged before taking the measurement.

The voltage shown in the capacitor only specifies its maximum operating range, not a voltage that is constantly present on it.
In other words, the capacitor can be charged with any voltage from near zero volts up to 1000 VDC and you always want to discharge it before measuring it.

A capacitor cannot store AC voltage.

Regarding the other options suggested and reviewing your original post, for light use and no involvement with high power electrical systems you will be satisfied with most of the suggestions here. A summary would be:

If you are looking for a meter that will last you a lifetime, go with the Brymen meters and perhaps even the Fluke 17B - but the Fluke is the one that has the least amount of features. One advantage of these brands is that, if you buy them from an official channel in Europe, you will have warranty. 

The Uni-T UT-61+ and the UT-161 are good options at a lower price than the Brymens and have better input protection than the other lower cost options. They may be also sold by a distributor in Europe, which would give you warranty as well, but I suspect the price will be higher that buying direct from China and you will miss the warranty.

The Aneng AN870 is also a good option at an even lower price, which can suit your needs as well. But it will come at the cost of being mechanically and electrically less robust when compared to the other options. I suspect they don't have an official sales channel in Europe and buying direct, although cheaper, will give you no warranty in case of problems.

The cheaper Anengs mentioned here (8008, 8009) have several reports of mechanical weakness (I have a similar model and can attest to this) and, in my opinion, are not worth it. At this price range (below twenty dollars), in my opinion me the best meter is the Richmeters RM113D.

[armandine2]

My mistake on the Gossen - if you get the DM62 version, you get a capacitance measuring function

[CharlotteSwiss]

@CharlotteSwiss

Thank you very kind

The uni-T multimeters from what they have explained to me and from the exams of Dave Jones do not respect the certifications and safety standards.

 
Unsafe Uni-T? So would I be lucky to still be alive? I have 3 uni-T multimeters, I've never had a problem. I would buy them back!
 

[Fungus]

Unsafe Uni-T? So would I be lucky to still be alive? I have 3 uni-T multimeters, I've never had a problem. I would buy them back!
 

I'd take the word of somebody who looked at the circuit and components over an anecdote of "not dead yet".

[Neutrion]

Of all  these anecdotes I am entirely sure, that the "not dead yet" part is in most of the cases true, if the poster is talking about himself. (herself in case of Charlotte.)

[Fungus]

Of all  these anecdotes I am entirely sure, that the "not dead yet" part is in most of the cases true, if the poster is talking about himself. (herself in case of Charlotte.)

It's also true of free DT830 meters.   

So long as you operate then 100% correctly they'll measure 1000V! Just make sure the dial is never in the wrong position and you'll be fine.

[Trader]

The budget is quite low, I thought I would spend about € 100 - € 120, as far as possible I would like to get a valid multimeter, with good build quality and that lasts over time. Which model do you recommend ?

I found an Excellent DMM, the best option you can find for that price, and it's on Italy.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Is-dmm180-Digital-Multimeter-High-Precision-PC-Auto-Range-True-RMS-rs232-/224560612944

This is the Same Mastech MS8218, for Only 50 euros!!! A bargain.

https://lygte-info.dk/review/DMMMastech%20MS8218%20UK.html

Check the datasheet, it can't measure high capacitors, but all other measures are like a high end DMM.

[marck120]

Thank you very much to everyone, very kind,

@rsjsouza

If I understand correctly the fuses of the multimeters are intended for current and not voltage measurements, the brymen 257s has two fuses inside one holds up to 10A and the other up to 400mA, if the capacitor is charged and I measure it in voltage should not have problems, with the multimeter in capacitance mode if the capacitor charged instead could be damaged.

Great summary thank you so much for your availability and the time you have dedicated.

Yes exactly, I need the multimeter for light use, at most I could use it on the home system, but I do not exceed 230v

I like the Brymen very much, it was also recommended to me on an Italian forum, yes the warranty and spare parts are very important especially if the price of the multimeter is high.

Personally I prefer to take a device that lasts me for many years, of course the price of the Aneng AN870 is great, it is on aliexpress, but I don't like to buy on this site, the delivery times are very long and in case of failure I don't know what guarantees I have.

Here I found a review: https://lygte-info.dk/review/DMMAnengAN870%20UK.html

The Richmeters RM113D. I found it in this Italian shop:

https://www.manomano.it/p/richmeters-rm113d-multimetro-digitale-voltmetro-13631000

@CharlotteSwiss I meant that they are less safe compared to a high end multimeter, that's what I read on the forums, I don't know if that's true.

@ Trader These DMMs are really interesting, I must say that I did not know this brand, I do not know where it is built and if there is an official site or shop that sells in Europe, I hope it is not Chinese, yes I have seen the price on ebay, there is written that it is new but it is strange, new costs almost double.

In this regard, I also found a manual in Italian: http://www.radiosurplus.it/pdf/DMM180.pdf

How build quality and internal components is better the DMM or the Brymen ?

[CharlotteSwiss]

@CharlotteSwiss I meant that they are less safe compared to a high end multimeter, that's what I read on the forums, I don't know if that's true.

Hi Marck,
I believe that if they were really dangerous, the same manufacturer would have run for cover. Honestly, I too had read some unfavorable opinions on the web, but it seemed to me a stance in favor of other brands. Then if the reasoning would be: better a uni-T or a Fluke, the answer seems obvious to me. But it would be like comparing a small city car with a Ferrari sports car 

[marck120]

@CharlotteSwiss I meant that they are less safe compared to a high end multimeter, that's what I read on the forums, I don't know if that's true.

Hi Marck,
I believe that if they were really dangerous, the same manufacturer would have run for cover. Honestly, I too had read some unfavorable opinions on the web, but it seemed to me a stance in favor of other brands. Then if the reasoning would be: better a uni-T or a Fluke, the answer seems obvious to me. But it would be like comparing a small city car with a Ferrari sports car 

Hi, I do not think they are so dangerous to the point of being withdrawn from the market, from what I understand I think it is a problem related to certifications.

I'll report what they wrote to me in a forum:

". I say immediately forget the various ANENG and emulate digital multimeters (already because they exist also rebranded). Dave Jones when he examined one (and to realize it just open one as I did on my 8008) highlighted the danger internal construction.
Yes, because they are invariably all (including the aforementioned UNI-T 61E) with alleged certifications for the various categories of overvoltages induced on the electricity distribution networks, 105% disregarded.
As a design of the printed circuit (dimensions, areas of respect provided to avoid the firing of dangerous internal sparks due to the limited space; absence of slots in the air, etc.) as well as as passive components for managing the transistors (PTC first of all but also varistors with metal oxides, gas dischargers these very uncommon indeed).
And this is a question of safety first of all that the purchase price; Digital multimeters of this kind are only suitable as fourth, fifth equipment and only for direct current measurements (within 250 Volts AC ... I wouldn't dare to measure potential differences above 400 Volts at 50 Hz). "

They say that for voltages within 250 volts a.c. there are no problems, then I don't know what to say, I'm ignorant on the subject.

I show you the various reviews I have read, they are in Italian though:

http://mylothehack.altervista.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6609#p6609

http://mylothehack.altervista.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6697#p6697

http://mylothehack.altervista.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7080#p7080

http://mylothehack.altervista.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7761#p7761

http://mylothehack.altervista.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7808#p7808

http://mylothehack.altervista.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=16577#p16577

http://mylothehack.altervista.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=17600#p17600

http://mylothehack.altervista.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=17974#p17974

http://mylothehack.altervista.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=18245#p18245

[Trader]

In this regard, I also found a manual in Italian: http://www.radiosurplus.it/pdf/DMM180.pdf

How build quality and internal components is better the DMM or the Brymen ?

Check that review page and the videos (part I and II), is a Solid, Safe, Cheap and Excellent DMM.

[marck120]

In this regard, I also found a manual in Italian: http://www.radiosurplus.it/pdf/DMM180.pdf

How build quality and internal components is better the DMM or the Brymen ?

Check that review page and the videos (part I and II), is a Solid, Safe, Cheap and Excellent DMM.

Thank you, unfortunately there are no subtitles about the videos, I will try other videos.

[marck120]

My mistake on the Gossen - if you get the DM62 version, you get a capacitance measuring function

After some research I found the DM-61 I think they are almost the same:

https://www.conrad.it/p/gossen-metrawatt-metraline-dm-61-multimetro-portatile-digitale-cat-iii-600-v-cat-iv-300-v-display-counts-6600-1897112?gclid=Cj0KCQjw5oiMBhDtARIsAJi0qk3juhMFvbQUNMhBN4xiq3jtIiDpxqdA61zb81JAQI5znUYw7E3orusaAtxvEALw_wcB&source=googleps&utm_campaign=shopping-feed&utm_content=free-google-shopping-clicks&utm_medium=surfaces&utm_source=google&utm_term=1897112&vat=true

The DM-62 costs 150 €:

https://www.amazon.it/GOSSEN-METRAWATT-METRALINE-Hand-Multimeter-Digital-Kalibriert/dp/B07GTTV7F2

[erwets]

...a multimeter for non-professional use...

...just to perform some checks on electronic boards...

Depending on your use case the Aneng AN8008 is a fantastic little multi-meter for like $20 USD. I know people are a bit pessimistic about its build quality, but I purchased a couple which have lasted for quite a while now.

I have done some fairly advanced work with a couple AN8008's on some tricky projects. I don't recommend the AN8008 (or any cheap multimeter) if you are working with higher voltages (say anything > 50V). Otherwise, you should certainly consider getting it.

For other applications, I can also highly recommend Dave's Bryman BM786.

[Fungus]

if the capacitor is charged and I measure it in voltage should not have problems,

Correct.

with the multimeter in capacitance mode if the capacitor charged instead could be damaged.

The meter shouldn't be damaged, that's the difference between the Brymen and a cheap meter.

But... it won't be able to measure the capacitor.

[Fungus]

Personally I prefer to take a device that lasts me for many years, of course the price of the Aneng AN870 is great, it is on aliexpress, but I don't like to buy on this site, the delivery times are very long and in case of failure I don't know what guarantees I have.

I don't understand this logic.

You get no garantees but that's perfectly OK when you pay half price for everything.

If one in ten things fail you're still ahead by a big margin.

(and failure is lower than that)

The secret is not to randomly buy the total crap they sell on there, only buy things that other people have bought and recommend.

[rsjsouza]

Thank you very much to everyone, very kind,

@rsjsouza

If I understand correctly the fuses of the multimeters are intended for current and not voltage measurements, the brymen 257s has two fuses inside one holds up to 10A and the other up to 400mA, [1] if the capacitor is charged and I measure it in voltage should not have problems, [2] with the multimeter in capacitance mode if the capacitor charged instead could be damaged.

You are correct on the first assertive for any of the meters mentioned in this thread. On the second assertive, the Brymen is the only one that will most probably survive the mistake, with a lower chance for the Uni-T meters.

And that is where your decision process is: if you are looking for a multimeter that will be more forgiving with mistakes, the Brymen and the Fluke are the ones with the most chance of survival.

Just keep in mind that no equipment replaces the lack of attention and inexperience, thus always be attentive when making measurements and any model here can last you many years.

Great summary thank you so much for your availability and the time you have dedicated.

No need to thank me. As you can tell, we on this forum love to talk about multimeters.

Yes exactly, I need the multimeter for light use, at most I could use it on the home system, but I do not exceed 230v

I like the Brymen very much, it was also recommended to me on an Italian forum, yes the warranty and spare parts are very important especially if the price of the multimeter is high.

For light use, you may be thinking that you are spending too much right now but it may simply be your only purchase for life. If that is your rationale, then the cost of purchasing a meter today will be insignificant throughout its lifetime - 20 or 40 Euro will make zero difference if the meter lasts 10, 15, 20 years...

My dad bought a very expensive ICE in the late 1970s that I used when I was a kid and I still have it! Years later we bought a digital (also expensive) meter that lasted with me for 20, 25 years and it was lost due to a stupid mistake on my part. Both meters had great lives and survived my inexperience of early years.

Personally I prefer to take a device that lasts me for many years, of course the price of the Aneng AN870 is great, it is on aliexpress, but I don't like to buy on this site, the delivery times are very long and in case of failure I don't know what guarantees I have.

The Richmeters RM113D. I found it in this Italian shop:

https://www.manomano.it/p/richmeters-rm113d-multimetro-digitale-voltmetro-13631000

Although I and many others here have successfully bought things on Aliexpress and Banggood many times, the risk is higher that things can go wrong. At the end of the day, it is your money and therefore balance the risk with what your conscience makes you more comfortable.

I must say that the price of the Richmeters in the store is a bit high for what the meter offers, but buying locally can give you some extra reassurance with returns and (maybe) warranty - just be sure to have all the terms fully clarified with the dealer before making the purchase.