New TRMS Uni-T UT139C DMM is available now

[Wytnucls]

The new 6000 count UT139C DMM is now coming to market. It felt pretty well built, when I handled a sample two months ago, before its official release.
It seems reasonably priced too, for a TRMS meter with temperature measurement,a backlit LCD, NCV and optional clamp meter connection. It sells for about 50$ plus delivery cost on eBay (free delivery for the US).
At first glance, it looks like at least one HRC fuse is accessible from the 2 AA battery compartment. It is marked as CAT III 600V.



http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNI-T-UT139C-True-RMS-Digital-Multimeters-AC-DC-with-Temperature-Auto-Range-/181179994103?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a2f2b4ff7
 

[edavid]

I don't get it, why would you buy this instead of a UT61E?

[Monkeh]

I don't get it, why would you buy this instead of a UT61E?

Temperature, clamp, backlight, NCV...

Counts aren't everything.

[Wytnucls]

It also has VFC (Variable Frequency something?), Max/Min, auto power off, 3V diode test and possibly, proper input protection.
The rubber holster looks like it is removable.

[BillyD]

I don't get it, why would you buy this instead of a UT61E?

Temperature, clamp, backlight, NCV...

Counts aren't everything.

what clamp does it have? A current clamp?

[Lightages]

The VFC function is basically a low pass filter to to remove noise caused by variable frequency motors/drives. It they took input protection seriously this time this would be a nice meter for the money. If they skimped and lied bout the rating again then this would be a potential bomb ready to go off in your hand.

[Wytnucls]

I think it is compatible with the new UT221 and UT222 clamp meters, both TRMS AC and DC.
I'm not sure if they are available yet.

[Wytnucls]

The VFC function is basically a low pass filter to to remove noise caused by variable frequency motors/drives. It they took input protection seriously this time this would be a nice meter for the money. If they skimped and lied bout the rating again then this would be a potential bomb ready to go off in your hand.

There is hope, look at the picture

[chibiace]

are you sure thats a clamp icon on the voltage jack.

[Monkeh]

are you sure thats a clamp icon on the voltage jack.

Yes. It supports an external clamp with a 60A range, 10mV/A.

[true]

Temperature, clamp, backlight, NCV...

If it's like the UT136 the NCV is 220V only. Need to find a manual...

[Monkeh]

Temperature, clamp, backlight, NCV...

If it's like the UT136 the NCV is 220V only. Need to find a manual...

Not their fault certain countries are behind the times.

[true]

Temperature, clamp, backlight, NCV...

If it's like the UT136 the NCV is 220V only. Need to find a manual...

Not their fault certain countries are behind the times.

Thanks for being helpful and posting the manual.

The meter I keep in my work bag is sensitive starting at 24V, but does trigger below that so in addition to outlets and power cords it's handy for quick checks to see if alarm and lighting panels are powered.

[Monkeh]

Temperature, clamp, backlight, NCV...

If it's like the UT136 the NCV is 220V only. Need to find a manual...

Not their fault certain countries are behind the times.

Thanks for being helpful and posting the manual.

I'm sorry, but I don't speak Chinese. Perhaps you'd like to go have a look?

I think we can reasonably expect it to be set for 230V.

[true]

I think we can reasonably expect it to be set for 230V.

Why? As I wrote above, it's possible to have a wider range than just line voltage. Additionally, the basic meter or stick NCV that trigger at ~100V will typically also trigger at higher voltages.

[Monkeh]

I think we can reasonably expect it to be set for 230V.

Why? As I wrote above, it's possible to have a wider range than just line voltage. Additionally, the basic meter or stick NCV that trigger at ~100V will typically also trigger at higher voltages.

Trigger at higher levels, yes, and be violently oversensitive around lower voltages and coupled voltages in countries which don't use 120V distribution.

[true]

I really don't know why you want to argue this so much, it's like you feel personally attacked by this or something. Over a feature to quickly check if power is present on a power line or outlet. Sorry for upsetting you so strongly over such a simple question; I didn't know there would be such animosity when the possibility of voltages lower than 230V are brought to discussions.

I'll just wait for someone who buys one to post what the manual says.

[Monkeh]

I really don't know why you want to argue this so much, it's like you feel personally attacked by this or something.

Not so much..

Sorry for upsetting you so strongly over such a simple question; I didn't know there would be such animosity when the possibility of voltages lower than 230V are brought to discussions.

My sincerest apologies for offending you with a joke.

[don.r]

I think we can reasonably expect it to be set for 230V.

Why? As I wrote above, it's possible to have a wider range than just line voltage. Additionally, the basic meter or stick NCV that trigger at ~100V will typically also trigger at higher voltages.

Given that the UT136D only does 230V for NCV, its most likely true here as well. Remains to be confirmed, however.

[true]

Given that the UT136D only does 230V for NCV, its most likely true here as well. Remains to be confirmed, however.

Yeah, that is what I originally wrote... I am concerned because for what I do it would be helpful. My PM55A works fine but takes a while to "boot"

If it's like the UT136 the NCV is 220V only. Need to find a manual...

[don.r]

Given that the UT136D only does 230V for NCV, its most likely true here as well. Remains to be confirmed, however.

Yeah, that is what I originally wrote... I am concerned because for what I do it would be helpful. My PM55A works fine but takes a while to "boot"

If it's like the UT136 the NCV is 220V only. Need to find a manual...

Ooops... must have skipped past that bit. Sorry. It would have been good, even if they offered a D or E model with 120V NCV instead of 220V.

[Wytnucls]

NCV is good for the States too on this one; it triggers at any voltage above 100V RMS.

[Electro Fan]

Anyone actually see/use the 139C yet?

[Wytnucls]

I held a sample in the Uni-T office before the release, but didn't have time to test it properly. It felt reasonably well made, but the low count (6000 max) put me off a bit.

Here is a picture of the meter I took at the time, while in China:

[Fsck]

if you had one in your hand, should've distracted the workers and taken it apart.