New Uni-T UT61 series (UT61e+)

[joeqsmith]

Nice fuses and larger PTCs.  Looking at the ad previously posted, I see no mention of the frequency counter.   That's a shame as the UT61E+ is advertised to read up to 200MHz.  Maybe they learned a lesson?

[rsjsouza]

Maybe they couldn't stretch their BS that far with a cert agency breathing in their necks...

[Saskia]

I can check the feature list. It did come with test leads, a USB adapter and a component test adapter. I did not see a temp probe, though. Did not check official pricing. Found this one on the returns shelf of a distributor in a torn box which lead to a below 50€ price. Is it worth it ? I don't know. It will not be able to compete with my Fluke 179 or my MetraHit. But those are in different price ranges.

[Trader]

Please, could you check the burden voltage (A, mA, uA)? Thanks.

[Trader]

Compare a conventional UNI-T UT61E+ DMM and the UT161E version for Europe

[Saskia]

Currently I have no opportunity to measure anything, I am moving and need to pack all my stuff. Sorry.

[AndrewBCN]

Please, could you check the burden voltage (A, mA, uA)? Thanks.

The burden voltage on the current ranges is exactly the same as that for the UT61E+.

The UT161 is the same as the UT61E+ except for the improved input protection and having undergone a certification process. The plastics are the same, the main IC is the same, the features are the same, most of the PCB layout is identical, it probably comes from the same assembly lines, etc. And it's very slightly more expensive (the price difference is under 5€), imo that means it's better value.

@Saskia, thank you for the photos. It looks much more put together than your typical Chinese meter. Obviously that, to be absolutely certain of its robustness, testing would have to be made.

joeqsmith already tested the UT61E+ for "robustness". This is exactly the same meter except for a slightly different input protection.

I did actually open it.

I'll leave it to folks more qualified to judge on the cat-worthiness of the meter.

Thanks for the pics.

[Fungus]

@Saskia, thank you for the photos. It looks much more put together than your typical Chinese meter. Obviously that, to be absolutely certain of its robustness, testing would have to be made.

Still no big surge rated resistor so those PTCs and MOVs are going to take a hammering.

[Adrian_Arg.]

I'm going to buy one in aliexpres on November 11, since the unit is going to make a good reduction, since I only have the ut61C, you always have to have two or more meters. Maximum voltage with which I work 250V and currents that do not exceed 5 or 7 amperes, to measure more I use a homemade probe that measures the voltage drop through a resistance of 1oHms 50w.


Yo voy a comprar uno en aliexpres el 11 de noviembre, ya que unit va a realizar una buena rebaja, ya que me quede solo con el ut61C, siempre hay que tener dos o mas medidores. Maximo voltaje con el que trabajo 250V y corrientes que no superan los 5 o 7 amper, para medir mas uso una sonda casera que mido la caida de tension a traves de una resistencia de 1oHms 50w.

[AlexTee]

Obtained UT161D (the certified version of UT61D+). What I noticed immediately after initial testing is how badly it behaves in continuity test mode. Yes, it latches fast enough but then it interrupts beeping momentary if you go on keeping the probes shorted. This is not the case with the more expensive UT61E+, but the D(+) version is probably quite slow at measuring resistance, which causes beep interruption until reading drops below 50 Om to engage it back, indicating a shorted circuit.
This is quite annoying as it stops someone from reliably judging about the circuit condition.

Uploaded short video to visualize the issue:
https://youtu.be/0HC-WeQ5inA

[Gyro]

The UT61D isn't the certified version of the UT61E+. It has a 6000 count display rather than 22000 counts and uses a different chip.

[AlexTee]

The UT61D isn't the certified version of the UT61E+. It has a 6000 count display rather than 22000 counts and uses a different chip.

It is 161D, not 61D.
161D is cerified independently by Intertek, it is clone of 61D+, with modified input (better protection, high energy Bussmann fuse etc.)

Nevertheless, the question was related to continuity test.

[Gyro]

Ah, sorry, missed the '1'.

Nonetheless, it still uses different silicon for the different display count, apparently with different continuity response time (as was the case with the 61D and 61E).

[AlexTee]

Ah, sorry, missed the '1'.

Nonetheless, it still uses different silicon for the different display count, apparently with different continuity response time (as was the case with the 61D and 61E).

I am aware of that. The question is would you keep such meter or is it just me who gets pissed off by such a crappy continuity test mode implementation?

P.S. corrected typo in my first post, should have been 61D+, not 61E+, obviously.

[Gyro]

No it's not just you, fast and reliable continuity indication is an essential.

[AlexTee]

No it's not just you, fast and reliable continuity indication is an essential.

It is fast, indeed, but not reliable enough. Being a minor issue, it still bothers me every single time I conduct continuity testing. Maybe I'll get used to it with time...

[AlexTee]

I'm going to buy one in aliexpres on November 11, since the unit is going to make a good reduction, since I only have the ut61C, you always have to have two or more meters. Maximum voltage with which I work 250V and currents that do not exceed 5 or 7 amperes, to measure more I use a homemade probe that measures the voltage drop through a resistance of 1oHms 50w.


Yo voy a comprar uno en aliexpres el 11 de noviembre, ya que unit va a realizar una buena rebaja, ya que me quede solo con el ut61C, siempre hay que tener dos o mas medidores. Maximo voltaje con el que trabajo 250V y corrientes que no superan los 5 o 7 amper, para medir mas uso una sonda casera que mido la caida de tension a traves de una resistencia de 1oHms 50w.

I suggest you look for 161E version. Surprisingly, it is sold cheaper at official store and at another store in AliExpress, while being absolutely same meter, but with a better input protection and independent certification, unlike the 61e+.

[AlexTee]

JFYI, the UT161E (certified version) is on sale today at AliExpress for 58.60 USD when shipped to USA and PayPal selected as payment method.
The shipping is free, btw.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003223302877.html?spm=a2g0o.placeorder.0.0.811c321e5QM90U&mp=1

[Caliaxy]

JFYI, the UT161E (certified version) is on sale today at AliExpress for 58.60 USD when shipped to USA and PayPal selected as payment method.
The shipping is free, btw.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003223302877.html?spm=a2g0o.placeorder.0.0.811c321e5QM90U&mp=1

FWIW, Newark has a small stock left of Tenma 72-10415 on sale for $55.44 (plus taxes and shipping). That's a rebadged version of UT61E with better protection. The innards look very similar to the ones of UT61E reportedly sold on the EU market (German GS, as shown here: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/uni-t-ut61e-multimeter-teardown-photos/msg581051/#msg581051).

Unlike UT61E, it comes with both RS232 and USB computer interface cables (and a CD with software).

https://www.newark.com/tenma/72-10415/dmm-hh-10a-1kv-22000count/dp/94AC6580

[AlexTee]

161E is the better version of the newest 61E+,  not the old 61E.

[Caliaxy]

161E is the better version of the newest 61E+,  not the old 61E.

I know. The old UT61E was infamous for inconsistent input protection. Most versions sold on Aliexpress, Amazon and eBay had only partially populated boards (missing some components), smaller fuses and false CAT ratings. Other than that, they were fine meters - people liked them. Some complained that the IR/USB cable was optional (an IR/RS232 cable was included by default). Reputable dealers such as Newark sold better versions, with proper input protection, fuses and true CAT ratings. Unfortunately, you'd have to pay almost 3x the Aliexpress/Amazon price for that, which was hardly worth it for an UT61E.

With UT61E being phased out, Newark is selling their remaining stock at almost 1/3 of the price. As one of the ways the new UT161E is better than its predecessor is, allegedly, better input protection I thought some people might be also interested in a properly equipped UT61E with an IR/USB cable for a fair price (I was).

[Lado]

Today my 61E+ came and I'm bummed.
I did research before buying it since I wanted a good multimeter for a while. I finally decided to bite the bullet and I bought it on sale.

Now I see not only is the 161E better, but also cheaper 

Can someone explain me the difference since I don't understand the Russian video?

Are the fuses the only difference or is there more?

Should I sell the 61E+ since it's unused and get the 161E?

[AlexTee]

The fuses, Intertek certification and the box content; the 161E comes with bag and a smd/thermocouple adapter. No huge difference, but yeah, they do sell them cheaper, I bought mine for just $55 last year from AliExpress. One thing to note is that 61E+ PCB has been updated with new revisions unlike 161E, which probably won't see any updates since it is a certified device, meaning Uni-t should pay for inspecting every new revision, which probably won't happen. If you ask me, sell it and get a Brymen, period.

[Lado]

The fuses, Intertek certification and the box content; the 161E comes with bag and a smd/thermocouple adapter. No huge difference, but yeah, they do sell them cheaper, I bought mine for just $55 last year from AliExpress. One thing to note is that 61E+ PCB has been updated with new revisions unlike 161E, which probably won't see any updates since it is a certified device, meaning Uni-t should pay for inspecting every new revision, which probably won't happen. If you ask me, sell it and get a Brymen, period.

Mine came with probes ofc, transistor tester adapter, smaller bag which is more convenient for transport and a UNI-T voltage detector. Not terrible but I wish I went for the 161. Keep in mind that I'm from Europe so the price automatically includes 25% VAT in top.
My local electronics store has those exact fuses. Are they worth upgrading?
Also, I get a dead battery notification although I've inserted new, freshly charged NiMH batteries. 950 mAh or so. Don't tell me it doesn't work on rechargables 

Doesn't the 61D come with the thermocouple adapter?

[AlexTee]

I beg your pardon. Both 61E+ and 161E come with transistor testing adapter, not thermocouple adapter, obviously. It is the 161D, that comes with smd/thermocouple adapter, but the 61D+ comes without, you just plug the thermocouple directly into jacks.

You can't directly replace the fuses of 61E+ with ones that come with 161E, they are of different sizes. You'll need to first replace the fuse holders. Not worth it if ask me.

I never tried the nimh batteries, can't comment.