Choosing the right multimeter

[ulaci]

I'm trying to choose between 2 digital multimeters in the 100-120€ range that are sold in Europe.
1. UNI-T UT71B   http://www.uni-trend.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=show&catid=182&id=207
2. Brymen BM257s   https://brymen.eu/shop/bm257s/

I'm an electrical engineering student, I would like to use it for a long period, so I need a reliable one. I have seen the comparison videos, where there is much attention to high voltage protection, drop test, waterproofness, etc., which I don't need (I can care about my stuff and I'm not going to use it for electricians work). What is important for me is:

• precision, accuracy
• long-term properties (drift, failure)
• measurement ranges, bandwith
• any other things you have experienced that can be important

So which one do you recommend for general electrical engineering? (or some other series from these vendors)

[Fungus]

Brymen!

[2N3055]

Brymen BM257 is excellent meter, in Fluke class.  Can't go wrong.

[Cnoob]

The Bryman BM257s is my go to meter, if I want to take a quick voltage reading, buzzing out a circuit. (using continuity function.)
Fault finding on a cooker. The reason is, because of it's size.
Where as my 2 Flukes, Hioki, Keysight and Brymen 867s are simply to big. The come into there own when you want more precise measurements, adjustment and logging.

I do own a Uni-T 61E and that's reserved for car where I don't mind it getting covered in oil and for checking out domestic wiring I use my Keysight U1242C (the torch comes in handy as well).


As a first Meter (I'm assuming here.) The Brymen BM257s hands down and get a high/er end one later if you need it.





   

[coromonadalix]

Brymen  257 series and up

But

Or at  least go or the 71D

thread:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/uni-t-ut71d-review/

[shteii01]

If you end up in electronics, than you don't need high voltage "stuff".

If you end up in industrial automation (PLC, 460 VAC 3 phase motors), than you WILL NEED high voltage "stuff".

If you end up in HVAC, you will need temperature and uA measurements.

If you end up in the field a lot, you will want none contact voltage detection too.

In conclusion.  Figure on having Fluke 116 and 117, or their equivalents from other brands.  The important fact is that you are a student and you don't know in what industry you will end up.  What does it mean?  Buy what you will use in your classes, buy it cheap and when you graduate, give it away or sell it because whatever you use in your classes is not going to be good enough for your job.

So.  Buy cheap, but with solid reputation.

[HoracioDos]

You can also get a metrel md9016 (brymen  257s rebrand) in Europe a little bit cheaper than Brymen

[Cnoob]

You can also get a metrel md9016 (brymen  257s rebrand) in Europe a little bit cheaper than Brymen

The MD9016 is not a rebadged 257s the Min/Max and Crest buttons are blanked out and there is no Auto Check/Low Z selection.


I had a look at a couple of other brymans in with that form factor and the MD9016 is not one of those either.

It is a rebadged brymen, but which one?

[HoracioDos]

You can also get a metrel md9016 (brymen  257s rebrand) in Europe a little bit cheaper than Brymen

The MD9016 is not a rebadged 257s the Min/Max and Crest buttons are blanked out and there is no Auto Check/Low Z selection.


I had a look at a couple of other brymans in with that form factor and the MD9016 is not one of those either.

It is a rebadged brymen, but which one?

Good to know.!!  I always thought they were the same product. There are some threads here that say so. My mistake.!!
Thanks for correcting me.

[Electro Detective]

Good advice above, but suggest you consider two identical affordable meters.

You can do more, check one meter against the other to confirm readings,

and avoid show stoppers in the middle of a task if one breaks, dies, gets 'lost',

or everyones fav >  flat battery   

[Fungus]

Good advice above, but suggest you consider two identical affordable meters.

Yes, you always need at least two meters.

But ... I woudn't get identical ones or you'll end up with two mediocre $60 meters. A decent $100 Brymen and one of those $20 ANENGs seems a better mix to me.

[Electro Detective]

Identical meters advantages = quicker learning curve, less thinking which meter has what inputs where, and what switching for what mode

= less fuse blowouts and or DUT drama

Besides, those   "Honey I think I shrunk the multimeter"   mini format just don't feel right somehow 

I've tried the Aneng and clones and recently got a cheap unloved Fluke 101

It's ok... but the basic bare bones 114 leaves it in the dust

I'm not a pocket meter person it seems   

[rsjsouza]

Since you mentioned reliability and durability, the mix below is a good one: start with the Brymen and save some for a cheaper meter. But keep in mind you don't need to rush into buying the second one - a single meter will do a lot for you already.

But ... I woudn't get identical ones or you'll end up with two mediocre $60 meters. A decent $100 Brymen and one of those $20 ANENGs seems a better mix to me.

Although the Anengs are relatively cheap with many features, the competition is moving at a fast pace (and Aneng raised their prices since launch). The Mustool MT108T in my opinion is a much better meter for cheaper. A review by the resident expert HKJ is:
https://lygte-info.dk/review/DMMMustool%20MT108T%20UK.html

I also got a Mestek DM91A on a fire sale at Banggood for the same price of the Mustool above ($15) and it seems a somewhat decent meter, but I can't comment yet as mine is still on the boat.

[Fungus]

those   "Honey I think I shrunk the multimeter"   mini format just don't feel right somehow 

I agree. I own an AN8008 and I hardly ever grab it when I want a quick measurement.

Which one do I grab? The ANENG 860B+ - decent size, good features, good solid feel. Only about $25

But I just checked and .... "[ur=https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/ANENG-6000-counts-LCD-Digital-Multimeter-DMM-with-NCV-Detector-DC-AC-Voltage-Current-Meter-Resistance/919484_32799992769.html
l]no longer available[/url]" 

(on the official store at least, if you can find one anywhere else then grab them while you can)

[EEVblog]

You can also get a metrel md9016 (brymen  257s rebrand) in Europe a little bit cheaper than Brymen

The MD9016 is not a rebadged 257s the Min/Max and Crest buttons are blanked out and there is no Auto Check/Low Z selection.
I had a look at a couple of other brymans in with that form factor and the MD9016 is not one of those either.
It is a rebadged brymen, but which one?

It's the BM252S

[EEVblog]

I'm trying to choose between 2 digital multimeters in the 100-120€ range that are sold in Europe.
1. UNI-T UT71B   http://www.uni-trend.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=show&catid=182&id=207
2. Brymen BM257s   https://brymen.eu/shop/bm257s/

The BM235 is 14€ cheaper and just as good (better in some aspects, worse in others) as the BM257

[Fungus]

The BM235 is 14€ cheaper and just as good (better in some aspects, worse in others) as the BM257

Can the 257 light up a white LED? The diode test voltage looks a little low to me.

[Cnoob]

Thanks Dave for finding the right Brymen.

The 257 backlight is orange but you can see the 2 LED's shining on the right and the Diode test voltage is 1.5V.