Pocket Multimeter Shootout

[EEVblog]

This video has been hanging around for ages now, but I'm finally making preps to do it.
I have 8 pocket meters:

Amprobe   PM51A (Brymen BM22)
UNI-T   UT10A
SANWA   PM3
DER EE   DE-19S
HIOKI   3244-60
ANENG   AN8203
Digitech   XB-866
KYORITSU   1018H

The main requirement is true shirt pocket size with case and fixed leads, no removable leads.

Setting up a comparison spreadsheet.
Planing to make the video in two parts. One is a quick overview and summary of each meter (1-2 min each?) and declaring the winner(s). The other will be all the in-depth testing.
Comment invited.

[Wytnucls]

I think the UT10A has been discontinued, replaced by the UT120A and UT120C. Old stock might still be available online for a while.

[TheAmmoniacal]

I suggest a scoring system, and deciding on a 'winner' at the end.

[Rbastler]

I think the UT10A has been discontinued, replaced by the UT120A and UT120C. Old stock might still be available online for a while.

I have the UT120A somewhere, but I havent used it for a long time. It just feels veey cheap and toy like. Apparat from safety concerns...

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[EEVblog]

I think the UT10A has been discontinued, replaced by the UT120A and UT120C. Old stock might still be available online for a while.

Woah, they claim ETL certified?
http://www.uni-trend.com/productsdetail_1950_1100_1100.html

[The Soulman]

Also asses the kink protection on the fixed (and as cheap as they could find 'em) test leads, that is a real week spot on these meters.
If you do find a "winner" send it over to joeqsmith and see what he thinks of it. 

[Wytnucls]

I think the UT10A has been discontinued, replaced by the UT120A and UT120C. Old stock might still be available online for a while.

Woah, they claim ETL certified?
http://www.uni-trend.com/productsdetail_1950_1100_1100.html

A and B models are definitely listed. Haven't seen the C model on the Intertek site yet. It is probably not listed because of its current ranges.

http://etlwhidirectory.etlsemko.com/WebClients/ITS/DLP/products.nsf/4c8700f3b75987a08525777700583333/1983b42d5046baa78625812900118263?OpenDocument

[EEVblog]

A and B model are definitely listed. Haven't seen the C model on the Intertek site yet. It is probably not listed because of its current range.

Are any other Uni-T meters ETL listed?
I'm stunned that they would do this on a cheap pocket meter 

[ebastler]

The main requirement is true shirt pocket size with case and fixed leads, no removable leads.

Why would you make that a requirement? If removable leads make a meter more bulky, that should be scored as a negative. But otherwise, I think removabe (and hence replaceable) leads are a benefit. The fixed leads -- often without proper kink protection where they enter the meter -- are a reliability concern, and potentially a safety concern in my eyes.

[Wytnucls]

A and B model are definitely listed. Haven't seen the C model on the Intertek site yet. It is probably not listed because of its current range.

Are any other Uni-T meters ETL listed?
I'm stunned that they would do this on a cheap pocket meter 

Plenty are. Especially the latest models:
UT 139/61/33/132/151/171/105/106/181

[Rbastler]

The main requirement is true shirt pocket size with case and fixed leads, no removable leads.

Why would you make that a requirement? If removable leads make a meter more bulky, that should be scored as a negative. But otherwise, I think removabe (and hence replaceable) leads are a benefit. The fixed leads -- often without proper kink protection where they enter the meter -- are a reliability concern, and potentially a safety concern in my eyes.

For me test leads need to be non remouvable for a pocket sized Meter too. But if they arent of good qulity and there is no realy strain reliev, they break.
Thats another thing I dont like about the UT120A. I have to find it and take a closer look at it. I hope dindt threw it away in the meantime.


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[TheAmmoniacal]

The pocket meter I use is the Sanwa PS8A, always bring it with me.

[plazma]

The Aneng looks like rebranded Victor VC921. The TrueRMS version is hackable witt extra buttons and UART output. I wonder if the Aneng version is as good.

[EEVblog]

The main requirement is true shirt pocket size with case and fixed leads, no removable leads.

Why would you make that a requirement?

My shootout, my rules 

[ebastler]

My shootout, my rules 

Fair enough ;-)
Don't forget the "kink stress test" then -- maybe Sagan can help with that? 

[Wytnucls]

The main requirement is true shirt pocket size with case and fixed leads, no removable leads.

Why would you make that a requirement? If removable leads make a meter more bulky, that should be scored as a negative. But otherwise, I think removabe (and hence replaceable) leads are a benefit. The fixed leads -- often without proper kink protection where they enter the meter -- are a reliability concern, and potentially a safety concern in my eyes.

For me test leads need to be non remouvable for a pocket sized Meter too. But if they arent of good qulity and there is no realy strain reliev, they break.
Thats another thing I dont like about the UT120A. I have to find it and take a closer look at it. I hope dindt threw it away in the meantime.


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The UT120 has a rubber grommet for stress relief.

[Rbastler]

I dont remember it beeing good

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[Rbastler]

For me test leads need to be non remouvable for a pocket sized Meter too.

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Why?
It is as arbitrary as saying it must be red with a translucent plastic clamshell style case, and no transistor tester. None of which affect its pocketability. But if it does then score it accordingly.

A pocket multimeter goes in a pocket and is a multimeter. That's it.

In my opinion a meter that is very small and fits nearly everywhere. I think thats rather hard to achiev with remouvable leads.  Thats wy I want a pocket dmm with fixed leads.

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[Wytnucls]

I dont remember it beeing good

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On closer inspection, it is more of a plastic retainer, molded tight on the leads to prevent stress on the PCB connections.

[Rbastler]

In my opinion a meter that is very small and fits nearly everywhere. I think thats rather hard to achiev with remouvable leads.  Thats wy I want a pocket dmm with fixed leads.

From the OED Arbitrary: Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.

I'm still claiming fixed leads is arbitrary. And pocket multimeters don't need to fit nearly everywhere, just pockets.

Thats your opinion. I respect that.

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[EEVblog]

I'm still claiming fixed leads is arbitrary. And pocket multimeters don't need to fit nearly everywhere, just pockets.

Have you used a real pocket wallet type multimeter?
The entire meter plus the fixed leads fits in less volume than just the test leads of a removable lead "pocket" meter would take with all their tangled mess.

[Wytnucls]

Can you please include the Fluke 867B in the shootout? It fits in my cargo pants pocket (Belt and braces required). 

[ebastler]

Can you please include the Fluke 867B in the shootout? It fits in my cargo pants pocket (Belt and braces required). 

Looks like the perfect form factor, but it has detachable leads -- sorry! 

[Fungus]

No Uni-T UT120C?

Best multimeter case ever...

[kalel]

I guess the 4000 count Victor VICTOR VC921 matches the bill:



There's a similar looking Aneng (and a few other brands), but the letters on the display seem a bit smaller (might be just the images).
It's nice that these $10 pocket meters are 4000 counts. Edit: The Aneng is already included.

Among the cheapest (pocket meters, not 4000 count) is also a DT variant,



$4-5 But I guess this one isn't interesting.

The cheapest would be this one, but detachable leads, so no go: