I just got a UNI-T 139C that i ordered off eBay. I haven't done anything more than play with it yet, a couple of thoughts on why I chose it:
- Most of the household and automotive electrical that I do is a matter of is there voltage (yes/no) and is there continuity. So a simple meter is adequate, and I had been thinking of going with the Fluke 101 as a reasonably priced very basic model.
- While I haven't particularly needed precision, the biggest problem I had with my old meter was that resistance measurements were impossible to get with any accuracy, to the point I couldn't tell if a heater was burned out or not. I think the main problem was the leads, but I didn't really want to buy good leads for a very cheap meter.
- While voltage/resistance/continuity was enough to do everything I've needed, I do take on the odd small project that pushes my capabilities. Looking at the Fluke 106, 12E+, 15B+ and 17B+ that are non-RMS meters from overseas markets, I thought there was better value propositions out there. I'd like the Fluke, but just wasn't willing to pay for it today.
- The one thing I did want was a good continuity check. A lot of the youtube reviews I saw said other meters had slow reactions to the continuity check, and since that's what I use most it is important. The UNI-T was decent in a few reviews I saw, otherwise I may have gone with an Amprobe model.
- The model I picked has a little less resolution than the 61E, but does have the thermocouple and frequency measurements, and a backlight, all of which I think will be useful for some of my projects. From what I can see the 61E might be better for electronics, and the 139C is better for all-around work.
- I'm hoping to use a magnet and a pickup loop to be able to measure RPM's on some things, so I did like the Hertz function being included.
- True RMS is only really useful or important if you have modified waveforms. if it's a true AC sine wave, no issues, but throw rectified signals, square waves, clipped waves, and you can get significant variation from the readings. But really if that becomes relevant I would think a scope is a better tool to use. That said the 139C does have True RMS.
One of the most important things on a multimeter is having a decent set of probes - good probes are the only way you're going to get good contacts is the only way you'll get good measurements. I have ordered Fluke probes and a set of alligator clip adaptors for the probes, and they haven't arrived yet. The probes on my meter seem not too bad, but you'd definitely want to clean them with alcohol before use. Just my view, but spending a few bucks on better leads is the first place I'd start upgrading if you're working on a budget.
In the multimeter world it does seem there are basically two types - Fluke, and everyone else. I saw good reviews on Brymen, but it was harder to find and a higher price point. And there's lots of cheap stuff out there, some of which is basically functional and some of which is horrible.
