Review: Mid Range / Priced Multimeter Shootout / Buyers Guide

[MJLorton]

Link to video: http://youtu.be/wRd2fX_1318

Multimeter buyers guide / review / shootout: UNI-T UT61E vs Brymen TBM251 / BM251 vs Fluke 17B vs Agilent U1232A vs Fluke115

Full Reviews:
------------------
Multimeter Review / buyers guide: Part 1 - UNI-T UT61E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bz6CYDRl1M8

Review: Brymen TBM251 / BM251 Multimeter with PC Data Logging
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AnIhAVnvH0

Review: Fluke 17B, Chinese and New International version
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDQBFe7GSGc

Review: Pt 1 - Agilent U1232A Multimeter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2em32KNwry0

Review: Pt 1 Fluke 115 TRMS Multimeter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnTi6n4lYNo

Buying options:

Fluke 115: http://www.tester.co.uk/fluke-115-technicians-digital-multimeter?cmid=QmhzQjcxYjVlc1E9&afid=bFcwbzliNzVDc289&ats=bEJvb09NWEo1Lzg9

Metrel (Brymen) MD9040 TRMS:
http://www.tester.co.uk/metrel-md9040-trms-industrial-digital-multimeter?cmid=QmhzQjcxYjVlc1E9&afid=bFcwbzliNzVDc289&ats=S3Yxd2tOMjVISzA9

Mid Range / Priced Multimeters on my Amazon Store:
http://astore.amazon.com/m0711-20?node=27&page=1

UNI-TUT61E: http://stores.ebay.com/99centHobbies

[retiredcaps]

In the Uni-t UT61E part 4 episode, Martin said he would test the UT61E to see if the calibration holds or not (i.e drift).

Initial readings were taken Nov 9, 2012, calibrated on Nov 20 and shootout was done Mar 31, 2013.

From his videos.

Code: [Select]

Initial Calibrated Shootout Sept 8, 2015
0.2496 0.2499 0.2496 0.2496
1.4990 1.5005 1.4992 1.4989
4.995 5.000 4.995 4.995
7.743 7.751 7.744 7.743
9.942 9.953 9.943 9.942

Now I realize the temperature might be different during all the periods, but it looks like the UT61E has drifted back to almost its original values as tested on Nov 9 (4 months ago).

In addition, a sample size of 1 isn't exactly scientific.

[NevDickens]

Hello Martin
Thanks for another great review. All the meters appeared pretty even in their accuracy considering their price differences. The Fluke 17B stood up pretty well given that its 4000 count and non true RMS. The UNI-T 61E is right up there as well. Hmmm maybe an idea there for a review of a few 4000 count, non true RMS meters in say the $50 to $100 price range.


cheers Neville

[SeanB]

Probably settling on the pots, but in any case within the accuracy specs. I must get one of those pentarefs and use it to check my meters, though I will probably have to build the mini metrology lab KVD first and make a 200V power supply ( at about 5mA though via a cc source and a pull down transistor) to do higher voltages.

[LightAges]

I agree with the assessment of the meters on whole. This was a very good review with just the right information to help a new buyer make decisions. I also had probes with the calibration of my UT61E drifting back after setting it. I believe it to be a design fault. The UT61E does not really have any input protection and it should have been noted in the review that the CAT rating was downgraded on the GS rated meter in Europe after it received updated input parts. The actual safety of the UT61E is totally in question now and I probably would not stick it in the wall socket too often.

As an aside but relevant story, I recently purchased an insulation tester. I ran a 1000V and 2500V test into the inputs of my UT33C ($16), my UT71E ($200), and my UT61E ($60). They all made a nice buzzing noise inside as they arced over inside on the selector switch tracks. The one to stop working after this brutal disregard for the ratings on the meters was the UT61E. The main chip hs lost its marbles permanently. The other two survived. This highlights the need for spark gas or MOVs on the inputs so high voltage does not make it to the main parts inside. Yes, this was not fair as it was beyond the rating of the meter. It is possible to generate this kind of voltage pulse from household static discharge however.

So buy any meter with the mind that it might not be safe and use it for low voltage work only unless you have good reason to believe it actually meets its CAT ratings.

[MJLorton]

Hi Martin
I really like the UNI-TUT61E, and have one on order from Franky Tong, it will do nicely for my Amateur Radio Electronics, really enjoyed the review, there seems to be no perfect meter as far as I can see. I think your right ,you have to buy one that fits your needs.
I'm not one for poking around in high voltage so I don't need one that does that, although my main transceiver is a 30+ Year old Kenwood 820 ,at the PA valve end there is some voltage there that could send you to the promise land quickly, however I never delve into that part, there are plenty of Radio Amateur Techs that can/will, without me even thinking about it. Yes I'm chicken, and in no hurry to leave this life.
Paul M0BSW
ps Is that a Uni T bench meter on your bench if so what do you think of it.

Hi Paul,
Thanks for the feedback as it always adds value for other folk as well.

That bench UNI-T....not great...I will try get round to that review soon as there are other asking too.

Cheers,
Martin.

[MJLorton]

In the Uni-t UT61E part 4 episode, Martin said he would test the UT61E to see if the calibration holds or not (i.e drift).

Initial readings were taken Nov 9, 2012, calibrated on Nov 20 and shootout was done Mar 31, 2013.

From his videos.

Code: [Select]

Initial Calibrated Shootout
0.2496 0.2499 0.2496
1.4990 1.5005 1.4992
4.995 5.000 4.995
7.743 7.751 7.744
9.942 9.953 9.943

Now I realize the temperature might be different during all the periods, but it looks like the UT61E has drifted back to almost its original values as tested on Nov 9 (4 months ago).

In addition, a sample size of 1 isn't exactly scientific.

Thanks for that info! That was crossing my mind during the review and I always wondered about temperature playing a part. But as I recall, someone else that has one said they seemed to drift. I will keep an eye on that and perhaps do some follow-up as it might be relevant to some folks.

[MJLorton]

Hello Martin
Thanks for another great review. All the meters appeared pretty even in their accuracy considering their price differences. The Fluke 17B stood up pretty well given that its 4000 count and non true RMS. The UNI-T 61E is right up there as well. Hmmm maybe an idea there for a review of a few 4000 count, non true RMS meters in say the $50 to $100 price range.


cheers Neville

Thanks for the feedbackNeville. Yup...good point about that price range and type for review...noted.

Cheers, Martin.

[MJLorton]

Just rang him its a Gosson Metrawatt Xpro  here's a linkhttp://www.gossenmetrawatt.com/resources/marcom/prospekte/207_p_gb.pdf

Great meters...have had my eye on them for a while...will a get a couple once in the US.

[MJLorton]

As an aside but relevant story, I recently purchased an insulation tester. I ran a 1000V and 2500V test into the inputs of my UT33C ($16), my UT71E ($200), and my UT61E ($60). They all made a nice buzzing noise inside as they arced over inside on the selector switch tracks. The one to stop working after this brutal disregard for the ratings on the meters was the UT61E. The main chip hs lost its marbles permanently. The other two survived. This highlights the need for spark gas or MOVs on the inputs so high voltage does not make it to the main parts inside. Yes, this was not fair as it was beyond the rating of the meter. It is possible to generate this kind of voltage pulse from household static discharge however.

So buy any meter with the mind that it might not be safe and use it for low voltage work only unless you have good reason to believe it actually meets its CAT ratings.

Great to have some feedback like that even if it's not the most fair / scientific testing...I was hoping to do the same with a gift that SeanB sent me...will have to wait for the US...plus I'll have a few insulation testers to throw into the mix as well.

[SeanB]

I was hoping to do the same with a gift that SeanB sent me...will have to wait for the US...plus I'll have a few insulation testers to throw into the mix as well.

Just remember it is a 220VAC 50Hz item only, you will have to have a 150VA inverter that gives 220/50 to drive it properly in the USA.

[MJLorton]

I was hoping to do the same with a gift that SeanB sent me...will have to wait for the US...plus I'll have a few insulation testers to throw into the mix as well.

Just remember it is a 220VAC 50Hz item only, you will have to have a 150VA inverter that gives 220/50 to drive it properly in the USA.

I know...

[Puch-Maxi]

I agree with the assessment of the meters on whole. This was a very good review with just the right information to help a new buyer make decisions. I also had probes with the calibration of my UT61E drifting back after setting it. I believe it to be a design fault. The UT61E does not really have any input protection and it should have been noted in the review that the CAT rating was downgraded on the GS rated meter in Europe after it received updated input parts. The actual safety of the UT61E is totally in question now and I probably would not stick it in the wall socket too often.

As an aside but relevant story, I recently purchased an insulation tester. I ran a 1000V and 2500V test into the inputs of my UT33C ($16), my UT71E ($200), and my UT61E ($60). They all made a nice buzzing noise inside as they arced over inside on the selector switch tracks. The one to stop working after this brutal disregard for the ratings on the meters was the UT61E. The main chip hs lost its marbles permanently. The other two survived. This highlights the need for spark gas or MOVs on the inputs so high voltage does not make it to the main parts inside. Yes, this was not fair as it was beyond the rating of the meter. It is possible to generate this kind of voltage pulse from household static discharge however.

So buy any meter with the mind that it might not be safe and use it for low voltage work only unless you have good reason to believe it actually meets its CAT ratings.

True, the UT61E is probably not the most safe DMM to use on the mains. Actually, here in Europe (The Netherlands) it's forbidden to measure/detecting mains voltage using a DMM. We need to use a  Benning (Duspol) instead, according to the NEN 3140 guidelines. However it doesn’t stop anyone from trying to measure mains voltage using a DMM off course 

On another note: I've just received my UT61E, it seems Uni-Trend is now at Rev. 150507-9 for the 61E.
No big changes though, see the attached picture I've been using it with the UT-D04 USB cable and UT61E V4.01 software and it works like a charm.

[MJLorton]

Thanks for the interesting post!

[retiredcaps]

Initial readings were taken Nov 9, 2012, calibrated on Nov 20 and shootout was done Mar 31, 2013.

Hi Martin,

Now that you moved and it is almost 3 months later, it would be interesting to see if your UT61E has drifted and is/was affected by movers, airplanes, cargo handlers, environment, etc.  Maybe a "quick" 5 minute video?