T4D 22 TekPower TP4000ZC

[retiredcaps]

Hi Martin,

Just a friendly reminder not to test the frequency measurement on mains until after you are done the review. 

I brought this multimeter to your attention because some viewers may only care about the logging functionality at a low cost and not the build quality, continuity speed, glass fuses, erognomics, etc.  All the latter qualities really don't matter if they just want a data logger. 

If I needed a data logger, then I would certainly consider getting one and then using my other multimeters for general use.

Looking forward to this review and some of the other lower cost models.

[MJLorton]

LOL...yes, I will try keep it in one piece for the review and do appreciate the functionality it can probably provide at the price point.

Cheers,
Martin.

[retiredcaps]

I forgot to mention you may want to test the power consumption of the multimeter to see how much current it draws so people know what to expect during data logging with 2 AA batteries. 

[MJLorton]

Good point...will do in part 2.

Cheers.

[retiredcaps]

I just quickly watched your video and while I'll watch again sometime this weekend, I'll only point out some quick things.  It is 2:11 am here.

1) I always measure a battery before using it even if it is supposedly new.  That way, I avoid surprises.

2) The RS232 icon appearance/setting seems inconsistent.  When you changed to the Duracell batteries, it was clearly on.  Then when you did the off "side to side" off and back on, the RS232 icon was off.  After the disassembly to see the insides, the RS232 came back on.

3) Okay, I found the manual, software, datasheet, etc

http://www.multimeterwarehouse.com/TP4000ZCf.htm

The website says it takes a 9V which is clearly wrong.

4) For the software part, I suspect you may find bugs and getting the proper driver to work a bit of a challenge as some of the reviews on Amazon.  I recommend you install it on a PC that doesn't have all your important data so if the install screws up, you are not sol.  Hopefully, you will read this post before doing the install.

[MJLorton]

Thanks for the feedback good man, appreciated.

I have installed the software on my little portable PC and it works like a charm....so no issues on my side.

Just about to film part 2.

Cheers,
Martin.

[birrbert]

Hi!

I don't know if this is the right topic to discuss it and it's just a shot in the dark, but is there anybody who could help me get a hold of this multimeter? I'm from Romania and purchases from abroad of over 10 EUR or USD are taxed here (import duty). Also, shipping costs are high (which normally I would accept), but I'm afraid that if I receive a faulty piece then sending it back to USA would be costly and complicated.

Also, is it possible that this multimeter has a different name in Europe than in USA? I checked on the European Amazon websites (UK, France, Germany, Italy, etc.), but they don't carry TP4000ZC. Does anybody have information about this?

Thanks!

[retiredcaps]

Hi!

I don't know if this is the right topic to discuss it and it's just a shot in the dark, but is there anybody who could help me get a hold of this multimeter? I'm from Romania and purchases from abroad of over 10 EUR or USD are taxed here (import duty). Also, shipping costs are high (which normally I would accept), but I'm afraid that if I receive a faulty piece then sending it back to USA would be costly and complicated.

PM Martin about a certain upcoming review and ebay affiliate program. 

[SeanB]

Local suppliers for this Martin?

[Eagle88]

Hi!

I don't know if this is the right topic to discuss it and it's just a shot in the dark, but is there anybody who could help me get a hold of this multimeter? I'm from Romania and purchases from abroad of over 10 EUR or USD are taxed here (import duty). Also, shipping costs are high (which normally I would accept), but I'm afraid that if I receive a faulty piece then sending it back to USA would be costly and complicated.

Also, is it possible that this multimeter has a different name in Europe than in USA? I checked on the European Amazon websites (UK, France, Germany, Italy, etc.), but they don't carry TP4000ZC. Does anybody have information about this?

Thanks!

Birrbert, try to google "4000zc multimeter" you may found identical multimeter with other brands and from other sellers, someone in Europe. For example:
http://www.elv.de/rs-232-digitalmultimeter-dt-4000-zc.html
http://www.digitek.com.hk/en/cpxx.php?id=697

[SeanB]

I like the optoisolator that they use, a led and a phototransistor on another board. I think you can modify that serial cable to run off a generic usb serial device nicely, as it most likely only runs at 9600 baud one way.

[retiredcaps]

as it most likely only runs at 9600 baud one way.

2400 baud as per links that I listed above.  They also list the protocol if you want to write your own software or get my fellow Canadian at ultradmm.com to possibly incorporate it into his software.

http://www.ultradmm.com/SupportedMeters.aspx

[birrbert]

retiredcaps, I'll contact Martin. Thanks!

Eagle88, thank you for the tip. Right now I'm looking at German websites, since they seem to be having the DT4000ZC, though I couldn't find out how does shipping work and how much it costs.

By the way, I did a quick search on eBay and found the multimeter in two stores. The price is about the same as on Amazon, 29.99 USD and 36.99 USD respectively, but shipping would cost 44.10 USD to Romania. Item location: California. Bummeeeer!

[MJLorton]

Local suppliers for this Martin?

I ordered mine from Takealot.com for R438...but I search there now and they don't have it....odd!
WantItAll have it.....R1076!!!!!!

Bloody hell....

[SeanB]

Will wait then...................