UNI-T UT57 Meter

[markman]

First review posting here.  Please be nice.

So...  Many years ago, I got a Metex 3800 series meter that I loved.  I LOVED the manual range selection.  When I'm working on electronics, I tend to settle on one range, like 20V and use it until I need to measure a current or something.  I just like having the big old rotary switch and I'm the one in charge.  Even the big HP's at work drive me nuts watching them flip through ranges - especially like if you don't have a great connection all the time and all you see is it flicker through ranges continuously and it doesn't give you a clue if you're on or off the connection.  Working through post coat all the time makes this even worse.  I decided I wanted a new home meter as much like the old manual Metex as possible - shoot me for not wanting auto ranging.

After poking around, I stumbled on the UNI-T UT57 which looked somewhat similar to the UT61E.  DC voltage is twice as accurate at the UT61E and resistance is 5 times better than the UT61E.  Well.. so they say.

Counts:  19999
DC Voltage Accuracy:  +/-0.05% +3
AC Voltage Accuracy:  +/-0.8% +20  (True RMS)
DC Current Accuracy:  +/-0.5% +2
AC Current Accuracy:  +/-1% +20
Resistance Accuracy:  +/-0.1% +2
Capacitance:  +/-2% +10

It does not have a backlight.  Input protection is pretty minimal.  The main IC is the microchip TC7129.  The main divider network is an EBG 1776 with specs like <0.02% radio stability (for 6 months) and 10-50ppm/C TCR (depending on specific model).  There's also an LM385.  The build is clean and the rotary switch feels good, but this is clearly meant for low voltage bench work.

[retiredcaps]

So...  Many years ago, I got a Metex 3800 series meter that I loved.  I LOVED the manual range selection.

I think I saw a Metex 3800 like clone NIB on ebay.  Let me check and I'll update if I find something.  I have a Metex M-3610, but it doesn't work properly.

After poking around, I stumbled on the UNI-T UT57 which looked somewhat similar to the UT61E.

Thanks for the teardown photos.

[don.r]

Very interesting. Glass fuses are definitely an no-no even for cheap meters these days. The binding posts are soldered directly so no strain relief. There is no uA range so not so useful as the 61E. Personally not a fan of manual ranging although sometimes the 61E is so slow it would be quicker to manually range. It would be interesting if it managed to keep from drifting like the 61E reportedly does (mine hasn't after 6 months).

[retiredcaps]

Glass fuses are definitely an no-no even for cheap meters these days.

There seems to be a date code that suggests this meter is from 1999?

[retiredcaps]

So...  Many years ago, I got a Metex 3800 series meter that I loved.  I LOVED the manual range selection.

There is a Knight 3900 NIB on ebay for less than $20 USD.  If you loved the 3800, maybe check out the 3900 (likely a Metex rebrand)?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/301032683649

I have no affiliation or experience with the seller.