help me decide wich multimeter functions i need!

[dgoodsy]

Hi guys, My name is Damen, I'm new here. Actually I have been registered here for a while, but only lurked. I've found lots of help on buying tools from here.

I am looking to buy a multimeter, I've watched a bunch of youtube videos on the subject and read a few threads here as well. I am kind of torn between 2 multimeters at the moment, the Uni t UT61e and the Uni t UT139c. I know what lots of you are thinking: "Uni t is a cheap brand, get a Fluke (or other high end meter) blah blah". I totally appreciate that but the way I see it, a Fluke is way overkill for me, as there will probably be months on end where I don't even think of my multimeter, let alone rely on it for something. To get a similarily featured Fluke meter compared to the 2 Uni t meters above I would be paying many more dollars. Maybe if I have more disposable income (and the Canadian dollar hikes up its socks) later on down the road I can buy a Fluke, but for now I don't want to spend that money. Anyways enough with justifying my cheapness and on with the question.

The trouble I am having is deciding between the 2 meters above. they have similar features (for a rookie like me, not for a electronics guru) and are both within my budget. The UT61 has way more resolution (22000 count vs 5999 count) and is in general a more accurate meter as well, but I don't see that as a real benefit for how I intend to use the meter (car and bike work and troubleshooting as well as general household stuff, nothing that requires a great deal of accuracy or resolution). For the most part they are pretty much even across the board as far a features that have value for me.

Here are product links if you are interested in the 2 meters.

UT61E - http://www.uni-trend.com/productsdetail ... CateId=909

UT139C - http://www.uni-trend.com/productsdetail ... CateId=901

The single thing that is making me go back and forth between the 2 meters are these 2 features. The UT61E comes with a PC connection and datalogging software, but no temperature probe, and vica versa for the UT139. I can't decide which feature I would want between these 2. The temp probe I could see myself using for the HVAC system in my car and maybe house, the datalogging I could see myself using to try and find intermittent electrical issues on my motorbikes or car.

Some of you surely have had these features on a multimeter before, what did you like, what did you love and what did you think you were going to use but never did?

 

[Zeke]

You can substitute an infra red laser remote temp sensor for the probe and it will be instant and accurate.

 

[dgoodsy]

I was trying not to buy lots of different tools (more $) and was hoping to get it all in one tool if I could. You raise a good point Zeke, a IR thermometer would likely better suit my needs as opposed to a contact type thermocouple. I'm guessing a thermocouple is kind of a pain to use to check vent temps and the like?

Looks like I should look at IR thermometers as well.

 

[ptschram]

Voltage and resistance will be the VAST majority of your uses

 

[jallyn]

Most any meter will give you good enough measurements for the homeowner/mechanic. And I would want temp measurement before data logging.

Cheap meters come with cheap leads. So be prepared to upgrade those for reliable readings.

I personally have a HF multi-meter with some old Fluke leads, a Fluke 87-V, and an Amprobe clamp meter. For quick and dirty checks the HF works, though it was unreliable until I upgraded leads.

 

[dgoodsy]

Yes I am aware of the value of quality leads. I know that voltage and resistance will be almost all I do. Neither of the listed meters I have listed have an advantage there.
I'm leaving towards getting the data logging function and a IR thermometer later on if the need arises. IR temp measurement would work better for me than thermocouple.

Thanks for the input guys, keep it coming!

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[Infinia]

I agree with the others buy a dedicated temp meter.
Consider data logging is via RS-232
For any china brand meter, you'd be better served buying a good set of probes.

so in the end 22,000 counts & 0.1% is pretty awesome, you don't have to use it. This with the REL button is very powerful tool!! even w/ ohms finding short circuits. E.g. 0.01 ohms. I use it to calibrate throw away DMMs.
Any meter without 4 jacks you will probably be buying a fuse.

 

[dgoodsy]

I agree with the others buy a dedicated temp meter.
Consider data logging is via RS-232
For any china brand meter, you'd be better served buying a good set of probes.

so in the end 22,000 counts & 0.1% is pretty awesome, you don't have to use it. This with the REL button is very powerful tool!! even w/ ohms finding short circuits. E.g. 0.01 ohms. I use it to calibrate throw away DMMs.
Any meter without 4 jacks you will probably be buying a fuse.

Yes, claimed accuracy is quite good! From what I have seen in reviews Uni-T 0.1% accuracy is comparable to Fluke 0.5% accuracy. Uni-T meters are often just on the edge of their accuracy specs where Flukes are most often well within their specs. I find it interesting but really moot point for my purposes though.

thanks for the input!

 

[Dingleburry]

I use multimeter at work almost daily as industrial mechanic.
As far as pc connection and datalogging goes. I dont even know what id need that for. Process monitoring maybe?
On the other hand i use temp quite often. I do have an IR thermometer. And a stand alone thermocouple thermometer for temps.
Be advised the thermocouple that comes with meters is a ************* and youll wanna buy a proper one to make it useful make sure its the right type of thermocouple. Most likely a type "K" but just be aware there are several types of thermocouples that produce different voltages for said temperature. Also note that IR thermometers "CAN" be accurate but needs different EMS settings for different surfaces. Depending on the surface say... a dull plastic, will give vastly different reading then a polished metal.
Maybe also consider a clamp meter?
Clamps are very useful.
Capacitance is also a very nice feature to have on a dmm or clamp meter.

 

[Infinia]

From what I have seen in reviews Uni-T 0.1% accuracy is comparable to Fluke 0.5% accuracy

hmm I beg to differ, most reviewers are biased in some ways. is the meter within stated specs? if it is, then any other "facts" is pure fluff. OR just buck-up and buy a USA made Fluke then, look at as an investment. As they say "cry once, or cry every time you use it"

 

[dgoodsy]

Yes dingleburry both meters I was looking at have capacitance measurements. I was also aware of the different types of thermocouples.

What about the included thermocouples makes them junk? If it is accuracy that doesn't bother me too much, I feel like I would just me taking measurements to track changes more so than to find an accurate temp. Si precision would be more important there.

School me on the general benefits and drawbacks of clamp meters. What makes them handy? I spent a few minutes looking but didn't really see exactly how they would serve me better.

I am aware of the emissivity of surfaces and their effects on IR thermometers. I suppose I might have to look into thermometers with adjustable emissivity settings?

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[DFB]

I have a few Uni products several multmeters, their digi tach and couple of the IR guns.

I think you will happy with what you eventually choose and the leads although not the best but are not all that bad either. The probes are larger in size and plug ends are fully shielded unlike the ones that come with the freebie cheapie HF meters. For what it matters I have seen identical replacement leads sold at Radio Shack.

If you feel data logging is what you need go for it. I have temp setting on UT33C a real cheapie and the readings fall within spec'd range for accuracy but is not dead on to other devices but that has been the only negative I can really say about any of my Uni Trend purchases.

If you looking at their IR thermometer I have the two of 300C models. I really like them and are more accurate than some others I have tried. The price was very reasonable ordered thru Amazon and mine where shipped slow boat direct from the Mainland. (wasn't bad though about 2 weeks) There is a 300S on Amazon right now it has adjustable emissivity I believe.

Visually look at some of the UNI models then look at some Amprobes lot of similarity

 

[ssdave]

When I did troubleshooting of HVAC stuff (as a building facilities manager with many building responsibility), I used an infrared gun for quick and easy trobleshooting, but I then backed up the observations with carefully measured temps with a themocouple and multimeter. One of the tricks I used a lot was to take a dull copper penny, put it on the surface to be measured, let it stabilize to temperature, and take the IR readings on it. That gave some consistency between measurements, by having a common surface. Metal ducts, plastic films, and other building materials gave widely varying readings using IR.

 

[dgoodsy]

hmm I beg to differ, most reviewers are biased in some ways. is the meter within stated specs? if it is, then any other "facts" is pure fluff. OR just buck-up and buy a USA made Fluke then, look at as an investment. As they say "cry once, or cry every time you use it"

I just mean to emphasize that in reviews I have seen if a Uni-T meter claims great accuracy it is often just inside of its spec, where Flukes are almost always well within their spec. Again, moot point for me as measuring voltages on bikes cars and in the house requires far less accuracy than these meters provide, and I likely won't ever be able to calibrate the meter so if it is outside its spec I won't ever know, nor will it likely make a difference to me.

I have a few Uni products several multmeters, their digi tach and couple of the IR guns.

I think you will happy with what you eventually choose and the leads although not the best but are not all that bad either. The probes are larger in size and plug ends are fully shielded unlike the ones that come with the freebie cheapie HF meters. For what it matters I have seen identical replacement leads sold at Radio Shack.

If you feel data logging is what you need go for it. I have temp setting on UT33C a real cheapie and the readings fall within spec'd range for accuracy but is not dead on to other devices but that has been the only negative I can really say about any of my Uni Trend purchases.

If you looking at their IR thermometer I have the two of 300C models. I really like them and are more accurate than some others I have tried. The price was very reasonable ordered thru Amazon and mine where shipped slow boat direct from the Mainland. (wasn't bad though about 2 weeks) There is a 300S on Amazon right now it has adjustable emissivity I believe.

Visually look at some of the UNI models then look at some Amprobes lot of similarity

Great, I saw the 300S on amazon. Looking at the Uni-T website I see it says the emissivity is 0.1~1.0 switchable. For the 300C it says 0.1~1.0 adjustable. Does that mean the 300S can do emissivity of .01 OR 1.0 and nothing in between, and the 300C can do 0.1 to 1.0 and increments in between?

When I did troubleshooting of HVAC stuff (as a building facilities manager with many building responsibility), I used an infrared gun for quick and easy trobleshooting, but I then backed up the observations with carefully measured temps with a themocouple and multimeter. One of the tricks I used a lot was to take a dull copper penny, put it on the surface to be measured, let it stabilize to temperature, and take the IR readings on it. That gave some consistency between measurements, by having a common surface. Metal ducts, plastic films, and other building materials gave widely varying readings using IR.

Thanks for the penny tip!

 

[cvairwerks]

I'll offer a different perspective... As a tech in one form or another for over 40 years, you will never use most of what either of those have some capacity for. Volts and amps, both AC and DC, and Ohms are probably about all the capability you need for a long time. If you are doing work that requires either data logging, or serious temp measurements, you will be using much higher grade test equipment than a UTI.

Climb on evilbay and find you a Simpson 260 for under 100$ or so, and grab it. The Simpson will last nearly forever and is a heck of a lot easier to use in almost every type of troubleshooting you are talking about.

 

[Greg85mcss]

I'm also looking into getting a decent multi meter so can't help you there. Tractor supply has a pretty cheap ir thermometer though. Most of what I've used them for is checking temperature difference like between parts of a cooling system. For that kind of stuff accuracy of a high dollar tool isn't going to make that much difference and if you get to the point where you do want a better one you're not out too much $. Also it's nice to have a cheapie so your friends aren't borrowing expensive tools.


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[jallyn]

Great, I saw the 300S on amazon. Looking at the Uni-T website I see it says the emissivity is 0.1~1.0 switchable. For the 300C it says 0.1~1.0 adjustable. Does that mean the 300S can do emissivity of .01 OR 1.0 and nothing in between, and the 300C can do 0.1 to 1.0 and increments in between?

They must mean adjustable. Lost in translation...

 

[Cope]

OP, This is all the meter you will need, and it includes temp.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007ORQ7I6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Infinia]

.
Climb on evilbay and find you a Simpson 260 for under 100$ or so, and grab it. The Simpson will last nearly forever and is a heck of a lot easier to use in almost every type of troubleshooting you are talking about.

Indeed sometimes an analog display just cant be beat esp. on troubleshooting on ohms and watching current. Blinking digits slow update rate just don't carry weight.
I still use my Triplett 630-A on my bench. It's accuracy still meets spec and built as work of art.

 

[Dingleburry]

Yes dingleburry both meters I was looking at have capacitance measurements. I was also aware of the different types of thermocouples.

What about the included thermocouples makes them junk? If it is accuracy that doesn't bother me too much, I feel like I would just me taking measurements to track changes more so than to find an accurate temp. Si precision would be more important there.

School me on the general benefits and drawbacks of clamp meters. What makes them handy? I spent a few minutes looking but didn't really see exactly how they would serve me better.

I am aware of the emissivity of surfaces and their effects on IR thermometers. I suppose I might have to look into thermometers with adjustable emissivity settings?

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Well the thermocouple that comes with the meters is just a crappy piece of wire. Itll be accurate. the "type" means the 2 metals used for the dissimilar metals. So itll have the same metals. Same accuracy imo. Try putting it where you want it in hard to reach areas, or hold it on a hot surface. Only thing we use those types for is just clamping to pipes etc. You would probs want a long ridgid one. Heres a pic of some. I use the long green. Brown one is type that comes with meter As far as ive seen. And the other just random ones.

As far as clamp meters go. As someone else said current is a very useful tool. dmm's do current usually max 10A continious, 20A for 30 seconds.
Disadvantages. You have to break the circuit to take amp reading. And you have those amps running through the meter.
With a clamp meter you can have much higher amps up to 2500+, you dont need to break the circuit and you dont have to have the amps running through the meter.
Id say from the meters i have, im no meter wiz but.
My clamp has no boot or protective case, dosent stand up on a bench, no magnet kit although i do clamp it over wires to hang it. and i guess the jaws could be a weak point if dropped. I dont think they are as accurate as a good dmm either. Unless you spending huge money.
Dmm can stand, has magnet kit, usually more accurate usually more features. Oh and a bar graph which i love. Maybe someone else can add to this.

Although you can find some clamps that have all the features you would need.

But still its really up to you what you think you would need it for.
For now and for what you may run into in the future.

 

[6PTsocket]

I'll offer a different perspective... As a tech in one form or another for over 40 years, you will never use most of what either of those have some capacity for. Volts and amps, both AC and DC, and Ohms are probably about all the capability you need for a long time. If you are doing work that requires either data logging, or serious temp measurements, you will be using much higher grade test equipment than a UTI.

Climb on evilbay and find you a Simpson 260 for under 100$ or so, and grab it. The Simpson will last nearly forever and is a heck of a lot easier to use in almost every type of troubleshooting you are talking about.

I have an ancient series 2 Simpson 260. I have Tektronix TX 3 with all the bells and whistles and a couple of the HF freebies. As often as not the HF is good enough to check continuity or a quick alkaline battery check or to go under the car hood of my car where I don't want to grease up my good meter. Actually I like the Simpson for checking something that did not exist when it was made, transistors. The other meters have a diode check function but the ohms function on the Simpson seems to supply enough voltage to consistently read 10 to 15 ohms forward and infinity on reverse on good junctions. I guess I just got used to it before I got the newer meters. Also, you can't beat an analog meter to watch a varying voltage. Some digitals have a virtual analog scale but it is not as easy to follow.

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[Tim37]

Dude there is like $10 difference in those models get the one you think will work best.

 

[dgoodsy]

I'm also looking into getting a decent multi meter so can't help you there. Tractor supply has a pretty cheap ir thermometer though. Most of what I've used them for is checking temperature difference like between parts of a cooling system. For that kind of stuff accuracy of a high dollar tool isn't going to make that much difference and if you get to the point where you do want a better one you're not out too much $. Also it's nice to have a cheapie so your friends aren't borrowing expensive tools.


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Good point about friends borrowing tools, I will look into tractor supply. that's a lot of what I anticipate wanting temp measurement of some kind for.

They must mean adjustable. Lost in translation...

I wondered that too, but on the 300C they specify adjustable, on the 300S they say switch. Makes me think they meant what they say, but maybe not. I will have to dig into that.

OP, This is all the meter you will need, and it includes temp.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007ORQ7I6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Looks good but that is almost double the money once it reaches my door compared to the ones I am most interested in. And it doesn't data log that I *think* I might want a meter to do.

Indeed sometimes an analog display just cant be beat esp. on troubleshooting on ohms and watching current. Blinking digits slow update rate just don't carry weight.
I still use my Triplett 630-A on my bench. It's accuracy still meets spec and built as work of art.

Yes I agree that there are times when an analog would be more useful than a digital meter, but at this point I am trying to pick a single meter, and I would rather have only a digital meter than only an analog meter. If I was looking to purchase 2 meters I would consider one digital and one analog. My idea with the data logging capability is to partially replicate that functionality of an analog meter. I don't know if it would be real time like the analog meter would be (because I don't know how the data software works) but at least I would be able to look through some data after the fact and be able to see intermittent issues that wouldn't necessarily be obvious by watching the digital readout.

Well the thermocouple that comes with the meters is just a crappy piece of wire. Itll be accurate. the "type" means the 2 metals used for the dissimilar metals. So itll have the same metals. Same accuracy imo. Try putting it where you want it in hard to reach areas, or hold it on a hot surface. Only thing we use those types for is just clamping to pipes etc. You would probs want a long ridgid one. Heres a pic of some. I use the one on the left. The middle is what comes with them. As far as ive seen. And the other just another random one.

As far as clamp meters go. As someone else said current is a very useful tool. dmm's do current usually max 10A continious, 20A for 30 seconds.
Disadvantages. You have to break the circuit to take amp reading. And you have those amps running through the meter.
With a clamp meter you can have much higher amps up to 2500+, you dont need to break the circuit and you dont have to have the amps running through the meter.
Id say from the meters i have, im no meter wiz but.
My clamp has no boot or protective case, dosent stand up on a bench, no magnet kit although i do clamp it over wires to hang it. and i guess the jaws could be a weak point if dropped. I dont think they are as accurate as a good dmm either. Unless you spending huge money.
Dmm can stand, has magnet kit, usually more accurate usually more features. Oh and a bar graph which i love. Maybe someone else can add to this.

Although you can find some clamps that have all the features you would need.

But still its really up to you what you think you would need it for.
For now and for what you may run into in the future.

I see what you mean by the cheap thermocouple and wanting a rigid one. I would probably try to bodge some way to make the wire thermocouple rigid. And then in frustration give in and spend a few bucks on a decent rigid one.

As far as amps I don't think I would ever need the ability to measure more than 10 amps. I would be using this meter for simple household repair and troubleshooting, as well as automotive stuff. Unless I am missing something or am delusional I don't think there is much there that exceeds 10 amps that I would actually care to measure. but maybe not?

I have borrowed a buddies clamp meter (Fluke something) to work on a bike before and did find the clamp handy for hanging the meter where I could read it while working with the probes. I never used the clamp to measure amps at all. One thing I am hesitant about the clamp meter is their precision with small DC amps. As in measuring amps through fuses on a car with the key off, whatever that is (mA I guess?). I don't need .1% accuracy there, in reality 5% would likely even do the trick, I just don't know what clamp meters are capable of, maybe they are more than capable of that. I will have to read some more specs I suppose!

 

[dgoodsy]

Dude there is like $10 difference in those models get the one you think will work best.

that's precisely why I made this thread!

 

[DFB]

I wondered that too, but on the 300C they specify adjustable, on the 300S they say switch. Makes me think they meant what they say, but maybe not. I will have to dig into that.

I would have to agree with jallyn

"lost in translation"

I believe it to be fully adjustable just like the C model description.

I am also going to take guess that the "S" may be most the current model the specs seem identical to the "C" best can tell. Maybe the C is unavailable or discontinued. The B is definitely fixed .95 emissivity and 10:1 there one of those on Amazon too and for more money go figure.

Anyhow here is another online description
http://alexnld.com/product/uni-t-ut...tm_term=1101400000652&utm_content=Ad group #1

I have no clue what TSC sells for these.

Obviously a slight subject change but since there is some discussion here of some these temp tools overall I like the IR measuring tools very useful for general diagnosis things like wheel bearing temps etc. I often use mine to analyze different areas of the residential radiant heat system setup I installed.

Just an FYI I for one would be curious to know which may be really the best ones out there with repeatability range accuracy etc. I had purchased a more expensive CEM (Extech) a while ago off Amazon. I swear there are more of them out there on market than cheap DMM's

My boss is so critical about his produce storage cooler temps even when we get different refrigeration tech guys for repairs and service everybody can get slightly different readings. When in doubt he always falls back on old tin coca cola sign with a built in thermometer. It always gives him the temperature he wants to see...personally I don't think it ever moves

 

[Olafur]

Few weeks ago I bought 4 multimeters for a diesel shop run by a friend. After plenty of research I went with Brymen because you seem to get a lot for your coin in them. I am a nerd and also electronic technician so I know a thing or two about multimeters.

Brymen (Taiwan) is the OEM for many meters sold by others. There are several serious reviews on Brymen meters on youtube and they are well designed, well made, fast and quite accurate. Same reviewers don't like Uni-T meters. Their design, connectors for the leads, leads, high voltage protection and quality of components is not good. They seem to reach specified accuracy by trimming plenty of variable resistors and such when they leave the factory - instead of relying on quality components. This if fine to begin with but will not last for long.

I played a bit with the Brymen meters after I got them, and the hype seems to be true. BM257s multimeter and BM065 clamp meter. Both meet expectation considering the price I paid for them. They have good functionality and are really well made for such cheap meters. The only thing I was not happy with is the K-thermocouple that comes with them. I wouldn't even consider that a feature and I suspect this is the general story with these.

Brymen makes sub $100 multimeters, BM233 BM235 for example - check them out. Some Greenlee meters are rebranded Brymen, not sure about the meter posted above but the design looks like Brymen and if so - it's a good deal.

 

[Dingleburry]

As olafur said. Ive seen nothing but good about brymen. Apparently a better Cat rating then fluke also. Mjlorton does a good review of the brymen on youtube. And many others.
And yeah mostly anything household will be less than 10 amps. And to read miliamps with a clamp you need a special, not really special but a dedicated mA meter. Think they are process meters. But f ing expensive. Thats one thing i forgot to mention is clams you need like .5A minimum. Dmm goes to like micro amps i believe. Also ac/dc amp meters are typically more expensive then ac only clamps.

Good luck with your search!!

 

[6PTsocket]

You are correct about the difference between different types of thermocoiples being the type of metals. The dufference between J, K,etc., thermocouples is the voltage they produce and the range over which they are usable. The basic bead where the wires are just spot welded togethet is what is often included. It is cheap to make but it is not a piece of junk. It what you would use if you wanted to embed the bead in something. Thermocouple probes come with the bead inside for all kinds of specialized jobs like liquids gases and flat surfaces. As long as the probe is the same type like a K, they are interchangeble and even have rhe same plug. A needle probe is not a replacement for a bead, it is an alternative. Just like a surface probe is not a replacement for a needle probe. Accuracy is mostly detirmined by how accurately the meter reads the voltage from the thermocouple and converts it to temperature. Like anything else, they vary in quality and price. If you go to a site like Thermoworks you will see a wide range of probes for different purposes. They are not model and brand specific. Only the typeJ,K, matters.


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[pedrodagr8]

Avoid the ut61e as much as I enjoy that meter (I have two). They are very hit or miss on build quality. One, that I killed a while ago , was drifting pretty heavily before its untimely death. I haven't bothered repairing it yet. My ut61e is my third tier meter behind my HP 34401a and Brymen Bm869S of those are your only two options, go for the ut139c.

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[Olafur]

Touching and holding with bare hand - the end of the K-thermocouple wire that came with the Brymen didn't change the temp reading on the meter. However the meter was showing correct room temperature. It's obvious this thing can't be used to measure spot temperatures on radiators, exhaust manifolds or whatever if the entire wire has to be exposed to the temp you want to measure. Not sure how it supposed to work and to lazy to google it for the moment.

Last few days I have been using Fluke 561 IR thermometer quite a bit - different story altogether. Point and shoot and you get fairly accurate reading. (depending on the surface, but still useful if you understand what is going on)

 

[Olafur]

As olafur said. Ive seen nothing but good about brymen. Apparently a better Cat rating then fluke also. Mjlorton does a good review of the brymen on youtube. And many others.
And yeah mostly anything household will be less than 10 amps. And to read miliamps with a clamp you need a special, not really special but a dedicated mA meter. Think they are process meters. But f ing expensive. Thats one thing i forgot to mention is clams you need like .5A minimum. Dmm goes to like micro amps i believe. Also ac/dc amp meters are typically more expensive then ac only clamps.

Good luck with your search!!

Good points, totally agree! If you want to measure mA you need dedicated clamp for this and they come with a hefty price tag.

 

[bcexplorer]

For auto / home stuff i would get a klein meter from home depot or a greenlee from any electrical supply store. An "amp clamp" style meter that you can clamp around a wire for an amperage reading may come in handy down the road.
Theres not much you couldnt solve with that. Greenlee had a kit awhile back that had a little meter, a volt-tic, and plug tester for 20$ Or 30$ Canadian.

I am an electrician in western canada fwiw

Edit, this was the kit no current price?? It what i use at home.
https://west.westburne.ca/meter/greenlee/grt-tk-30a-electrical-kit-basic/product/GRTTK30A

 

[dgoodsy]

Thanks for the advice guys. I also have seen nothing but good reviews for Brymen, but didn't see anything in my price range really. Maybe I will have to adjust the price range a bit, and look through their meters some more.

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[pedrodagr8]

Thanks for the advice guys. I also have seen nothing but good reviews for Brymen, but didn't see anything in my price range really. Maybe I will have to adjust the price range a bit, and look through their meters some more.

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Many, but not all, Greenlee's are actually Brymen OEM. That can help expand your selection some.

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[Cope]

Many, but not all, Greenlee's are actually Brymen OEM. That can help expand your selection some.

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The DM45 I linked to is a Brymen, and is a great meter IMO.

 

[Superbec]

don't overthink this , the brainpower invested in giving you answers already costs more than the multimeter...


I have this UNI-T UT105 , it's not exactly one in your links but it's pretty close.

What you need to know... it's a big multimeter, the others too , THEY work , no , you don't need new leads , uni-t may come from china but it's made quite well .

Contrary what others may think , they are not that cheap , I have a 5$ multimeter and this uni-t is much better , both work though. , but there's a 600% price difference .

I never used the temp probe , or the data logging and probably never will .

your links don't work

for automotive work I would buy a power probe 3 , it's so much better than any multimeter.

for the house ... a good pen style voltage detector will do the job.

 

[dgoodsy]

don't overthink this , the brainpower invested in giving you answers already costs more than the multimeter...


I have this UNI-T UT105 , it's not exactly one in your links but it's pretty close.

What you need to know... it's a big multimeter, the others too , THEY work , no , you don't need new leads , uni-t may come from china but it's made quite well .

Contrary what others may think , they are not that cheap , I have a 5$ multimeter and this uni-t is much better , both work though. , but there's a 600% price difference .

I never used the temp probe , or the data logging and probably never will .

your links don't work

for automotive work I would buy a power probe 3 , it's so much better than any multimeter.

for the house ... a good pen style voltage detector will do the job.

yes but the cost of the brain power doesn't come out of my pocket

Teach me about the benefits of the power probe vs a multimeter please!


I found a cheaper source for the greenlee DM-45, I need to quick check to see of it does all the things I need (ac/dc voltage & amps, diode tester, continuity, capacitance, frequency)

anyone have any thoughts on the amprobe am510? they are decent quality for the money as well from what I have seen reviewed on youtube.

 

[btdobie]

This is the meter I have. It's not very expensive, but it's feature rich and very well rated among low cost meters. It also has a handy warning beeper if you hook up the leads wrong. I would like to get myself a Fluke one day, but for now this one works great.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000...8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=mastech+multimeter

 

[Cope]

I found a cheaper source for the greenlee DM-45, I need to quick check to see of it does all the things I need (ac/dc voltage & amps, diode tester, continuity, capacitance, frequency)

It does all of the above. Click on the link for the DM-45 manual.
https://greenlee-cdn.ebizcdn.com/media/MA5686 DM Multimeter Data Sheet.pdf

 

[Superbec]

Teach me about the benefits of the power probe vs a multimeter please!

well ..I don't know where to begin , if you just read the specs the power probe doesn't look that amazing, the thing is when you use it, it actually saves a lot of time and fiddling with the multimeter and guesswork .

the best things are simple, 12v+ or - at the tip with the push of a button .

tip voltage and polarity reading with sound and light alert .

there are youtube videos with a lot more detail , but let just say when I need to work on a bike or car I don't go to a multimeter anymore.