small/medium sized True RMS multimeter

[cheechi]

I am looking for a relatively small meter to put in my kit with crimpers, ends, misc DC stuff for amateur radio and other misc electronics. I have a 27/FM 87V and 88V and i am looking for something about half the size, but with as many functions as I can. I would like ammeter and TRMS if possible, but i'll settle for just TRMS if the size is right. I want one with removable/replaceable leads I don't have a good history with the small ones with built in leads.

I like the size & shape of the Fluke 101 & 107, and I may get one anyway, but neither is TRMS and the 101 doesn't do amps. It doesn't have to be a fluke but i do want one that is good & reliable. I have some extech (I think) somewhere but I can't find it, i don't think its small enough for what i want, and I'm not sure its either TRMS or has an ammeter. I don't want to go with one of the HF ones unless you guys say there is a gem among them, but some of the ones they sell fit the size im looking for.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Used Fluke 8060a Is close to half size with those features. - as compared to the 27/fm brick

 

[cheechi]

wow blast from the past. I've used one or really similar, but totally forgot about those. added to the list thanks.

 

[AJHD]

Check out the Fluke 101. If you want amps, that would be the Fluke 107.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IB9S6WK?tag=atomicindus08-20

Amazon.com

// EDIT: I took a second look and these DMM's don't have True-RMS capability.

 

[richfinn]

See if you can find an older Fluke 112, it's got everything you need in a small package, TRMS/10 Amp/backlight/min-max it will take the T-PAK hangers too

 

[KnurledNut]

Check out the Brymen BM235.

 

[tool_scrounge]

The 4.5 digits of resolution on the 8060a is nice. Here is a size comparison with the 27/FM

 

[noid]

Check out the Sperry Instruments DM6850T Ultra-thin.

TRMS, ammeter, removable leads, capacitance, frequency, non contact voltage, data logging, also has bluetooth if you want to hookup and review remotely.

 

[GeoBruin]

Check out the Sperry Instruments DM6850T Ultra-thin.

TRMS, ammeter, removable leads, capacitance, frequency, non contact voltage, data logging, also has bluetooth if you want to hookup and review remotely.

That looks sweet. Especially the one that can use a type K probe. I have this Amprobe pocket Multimeter which has been great, and is tiny, but it's limited in some ways.

Amprobe PM55A Pocket Multimeter with Non-Contact Voltage Detection, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012IUZ68?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[bonneyman]

That Sperry does look phenomenal! With something that thin you'd be able to have it one you all day, in a shirt pocket or something. Very cool!

 

[rkevins]

check UNI-T i have one of there meters, I had it calibrated last year and the calibrator was impressed with the meter.

 

[KnurledNut]

I havent used one but the Klein MM450 has some nice features and is only $61 on Amazon:

 

[MichaelP]

re: UNI-T
Rkevins, which model do you have?

 

[BrandonV]

Brymen if you aren't buying a Fluke.

 

[AdAstra]

Just went thru this selection process and wound up with a Brymen BM037, great form factor and the AC/DC clamp is nice, I rarely need inline current measurement.

 

[boom_bap]

Uni-T 210-E. Great little amp clamp. Not usa made though

 

[rkevins]

re: UNI-T
Rkevins, which model do you have?

I will look but I think it is a 139S

 

[cheechi]

See if you can find an older Fluke 112, it's got everything you need in a small package, TRMS/10 Amp/backlight/min-max it will take the T-PAK hangers too

I have a search saved on ebay for this now, i'll pick one up when i find a listing i like.

Check out the Brymen BM235.

This has been on my list for a while and i didn't realize how small it is until you mentioned it in this thread.

Check out the Sperry Instruments DM6850T Ultra-thin.

TRMS, ammeter, removable leads, capacitance, frequency, non contact voltage, data logging, also has bluetooth if you want to hookup and review remotely.

this one is saved for the next time i need, i am putting together a few boxes and will probably put a meter in each.

I havent used one but the Klein MM450 has some nice features and is only $61 on Amazon:

Thanks for the suggestion this is ultimately the one i went with. I have one of the original USA made MM6000 and i like it ok but it's no fluke. i think this one has more features than it though. we will see once it arrives, whether i keep it or get a 112.

 

[noid]

it's no fluke.

After watching this, I think you might start saying its no Hioki:

 

[tak1313]

Another vote for Uni-T. They are well regarded in various electronic forums including EEVBlog.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

I have the Klein Mm400 from HD not bad but upgraded to Fluke 117 from HD. Big difference.

 

[Rabid Badger]

I havent used one but the Klein MM450 has some nice features and is only $61 on Amazon:

I had one of these. That always-on backlight eats batteries. If you try to use rechargeables it immediately shows low battery and quickly refuses to work. I don't like using alkaline batteries in my meters because they always seem to leak. That leaves Energizer lithiums, which are quite pricey.

Aside from the battery issue it's a nice meter. Solidly built, good input protection, etc. The indicator lights on the input jacks are a nice touch.

 

[KnurledNut]

I had one of these. That always-on backlight eats batteries. If you try to use rechargeables it immediately shows low battery and quickly refuses to work. I don't like using alkaline batteries in my meters because they always seem to leak. That leaves Energizer lithiums, which are quite pricey.

Aside from the battery issue it's a nice meter. Solidly built, good input protection, etc. The indicator lights on the input jacks are a nice touch.

Have you tried using it in manual low brightness mode?
My MM720 uses the same auto-brightness reverse-contrast display that has the same manual mode.

 

[Lucas Limski]

Hi What would you all use true RMS for?

 

[Rabid Badger]

Have you tried using it in manual low brightness mode?
My MM720 uses the same auto-brightness reverse-contrast display that has the same manual mode.

I gave it to my neighbor. He needs a meter maybe twice a year, so the battery drain won't be a problem for him. With the Energizer lithiums in it he's set for the next decade at least.

I'm making do with my Fluke 87V & 117, Brymen BM869S & BM235, Extech MA435T and Uni-T UT210E. I do have my eye on the EEVBlog 121GW, though.

 

[signcrafter]

I have a fluke 87 for shop use but wanted a smaller meter to carry with me. After several recommendations on this site I ordered this uni-t and love it. Nice to have a meter with all the features and an amp clamp in a small package.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0188WD1NE?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[cvairwerks]

Hi What would you all use true RMS for?

In doing AC power work, unless specified in documentation, the specified voltages are always RMS. Switch to signal work and voltages will be peak to peak for the most part. There will be some circuitry that does require measurements in RMS.

 

[GeoBruin]

In doing AC power work, unless specified in documentation, the specified voltages are always RMS. Switch to signal work and voltages will be peak to peak for the most part. There will be some circuitry that does require measurements in RMS.

A nice succinct explanation from Rockwell Automation.

Why is True-RMS So Important? | Rockwell Automation | US

Learn how a true-rms meter can accurately measure imperfect, nonsinusoidal waves compared to an average digital multimeter.

www.rockwellautomation.com

 

[American Locomotive]

Hi What would you all use true RMS for?

Standard "averaging" multimeters that can measure AC only work properly if the AC signal is a perfect sine wave. Generally speaking, perfect AC sine waves only happen on clean mains power. For just about anything your average electrician or homeowner would do, this is completely fine.

If you're doing electronics work on things like radios, amplifiers, computers, etc..., they can generate AC signals that are not perfect sine waves. They could be square waves, half-waves, distorted sine waves, or anything in between. A standard "averaging" multimeter trying to measure one of these AC signals will display very wrong numbers. TrueRMS multimeters have a special circuit that is able to accurately calculate the "True RMS Voltage" for these irregular AC waveforms.

 

[jayemm]

I gave it to my neighbor. He needs a meter maybe twice a year, so the battery drain won't be a problem for him. With the Energizer lithiums in it he's set for the next decade at least.

I'm making do with my Fluke 87V & 117, Brymen BM869S & BM235, Extech MA435T and Uni-T UT210E. I do have my eye on the EEVBlog 121GW, though.

You need more meters.

 

[BrandonV]

You need more meters.

Some of us have odd collecting hobbies .

 

[BrandonV]

Standard "averaging" multimeters that can measure AC only work properly if the AC signal is a perfect sine wave. Generally speaking, perfect AC sine waves only happen on clean mains power. For just about anything your average electrician or homeowner would do, this is completely fine.

If you're doing electronics work on things like radios, amplifiers, computers, etc..., they can generate AC signals that are not perfect sine waves. They could be square waves, half-waves, distorted sine waves, or anything in between. A standard "averaging" multimeter trying to measure one of these AC signals will display very wrong numbers. TrueRMS multimeters have a special circuit that is able to accurately calculate the "True RMS Voltage" for these irregular AC waveforms.

True RMS is also a requirement for testing certain types of AC wheel speed sensors. I know GM used to recommend the 87 and not the 88 for this reason.

 

[jayemm]

True RMS is also a requirement for testing certain types of AC wheel speed sensors. I know GM used to recommend the 87 and not the 88 for this reason.

Wasn't aware of that, but do remember getting some millivolt readings jumping around (non RMS meter) when turning the wheel by hand while under my Buick repairing broken wheel speed sensor wires. A little soldering trumped the trouble and expense of changing out a wheel bearing assembly.

 

[tak1313]

Some of us have odd collecting hobbies .

i collect all kinds of stuff - not because I want to collect them, it's more because I don't get rid of old stuff when I buy a new one...

My wife complains about my "collections" all the time.

 

[mrjaw14]

has anyone bought Brymen in the USA? I've read about just two sites where you might can get them.

 

[BrandonV]

has anyone bought Brymen in the USA? I've read about just two sites where you might can get them.

So in the United States, the best options are to buy a Greenlee (certain models are rebranded Brymens) or a EEVBlog meter.

Otherwise, if you're looking for a particular Brymen model the best place to buy IMO is TME.

Electronic components. Distributor, online shop – Transfer Multisort Elektronik

Transfer Multisort Elektronik – electronic shop – electronic parts and components. More than 700,000 products from over 1400 suppliers. Global electronic parts supplier.

www.tme.com

 

[Lucas Limski]

Hi What would you all use true RMS for?

Thank you for those explainations.

 

[Rabid Badger]

You need more meters.

Damn right I do!