DMM Peakmeter MS8229



This is a cheap DMM with all common function and some environment functions.



It arrived in a generic DMM box with no information on it.



It included the DMM, a pair of probes, a thermocoupler, batteries, a bag and a manual.




The probes has removable tip covers. The CAT rating is marked on the tip and will change when the cover is removed.



The plug is fully shrouded and a bit shorter than standard size.




The meter includes a cheap thermocoupler.



The tilting bale is stable enough to use the switch and buttons.
The range switch has very loud clicks, this can avoided by turning it carefully.



The environment sensors.








Display

The meter do not show all segments during power on.



Typical display during usage, it will show the number and what measurement is selected.
The display will always show humidity and ambient temperature, but they need a few second to initialize when powering on.



Functions



Buttons:

• Range: Will disable auto range and change range, hold down to activate auto range again.
  
• Hz %: Shows frequency and duty cycle in V and A ranges, changes to duty cycle in Hz range.
  
• Rel: Shows values relative to current value, will also select manual range. Press again to disable.
  
• °C/°F: Select between Celcius and Farnheit, holding this button down during power on will disable auto power off.
  
• : Turn background light on.
  
• Function: Select the secondary ranges (VAC AAC, continuity, diode, capacitance).
  
• Hold: Freezes the display, press again to release.
  

• Off: Meter is turned off
  
• V: Voltage DC and AC, use FUNCTION to select AC and use manual range to select mVAC
  
• Hz %: Frequency and duty cycle, for high bandwidth this selection must be used, it is only for low voltage.
  
• : Ohm, Diode, continuity and capacitance range, use SELECT to change between them.
  
• Temp: Temperature with thermocoupler, this will be shown on the main display and will not affect readout of ambient temperature.
  
• dB: Sound pressure.
  
• Lux: Brightness
  
• x10Lux: Brightness, higher range. The display has a small x10 indication to show this range is selected.
  
• uA: Current AC and DC, use SELECT to select AC
  
• mA: Current AC and DC, use SELECT to select AC
  
• A: Current AC and DC, use SELECT to select AC
  

• 10A: High current, it can only withstand 10+ ampere for a short time (Fuse is 10A).
  
• mAuA: The lower current ranges and thermocoupler (temperature) input, the selector switch will change between two different shunts, it has a 400mA fuse.
  
• COM: The common terminal for all ranges.
  
• xxx: All other ranges.
  

• Volt and frequency
  
  
  
  • Frequency counter and duty cycle requires a zero crossing on AC and DC range, frequency input do not require it, but only works with positive signals.
    
  • At 1Vrms frequency input range is from 0.4Hz to 700kHz
    
  • Input impedance is 9.3 to 11Mohm on DC and AC
    
  • mVDC range is high impedance (100Mohm) up to 1.5V where it drops to 10Mohm
    
  • Duty cycle works from 10% to above 95% at 10kHz with 4Vpp, precision is within 3.6
    
  • Duty cycle is slow to stabilize.
    
  • 1 VAC is 5% down at 1.75kHz
    
  • High DC voltage may block for AC readings and vice versa.
    
  • Frequency input is 1-10Mohm below 10V, above 10V it drops to 1.5kOhm
    
  
  
• Current
  
  
  
  • mA range is protected with 0.4A/250V 6.3×32mm fuse
    
  • A range is protected with 10A/250V 6.3×32mm fuse
    
  
  
• Ohm, Continuity, diode and capacity
  
  
  
  • Ohm needs about 2.8s to measure 100ohm
    
  • Ohm is 0.42V open and 0.21mA shorted
    
  • Continuity is moderate in speed (About 60ms).
    
  • Continuity beeps when resistance is below 44ohm (There is some noise for a few ohms more).
    
  • Continuity is 0.44V open and 0.21mA shorted
    
  • Diode range uses 1.5V, max. display is 0.999V at 0.2mA, max. current is 0.64mA shorted
    
  • 100uF takes about 16 seconds to measure.
    
  • 10uF takes about 3.2 seconds to measure.
    
  
  
• Miscellaneous
  
  
  
  • Sound meter do not follow a A or C curve and readings will be too low at 1000Hz and above
    
  • Light meter is fairly precise with incandescent, but is not filtered correctly.
    
  • Meter will often reset when turning the switch, it will reset the display to Celcius.
    
  • Current consumption of meter is 4 to 5mA (15mA with backlight)
    
  • Meter turns off at 3.8V on battery, battery symbol show at 4.8V.
    
  • Reading will change slightly with battery voltage: 2 count on a 3.0V reading from 6V to 4.8V, below 4.8V %RH will increase slowly.
    
  • Backlight brightness will vary with voltage, but is works down to the meter turns off.
    
  • The meter usual need a couple of display update to reach the final value and may show a too high value during that time.
    
  • Viewing angle is fairly good, except from the top
    
  • Display updates around 3 times/sec
    
  • Backlight will automatic turn off in about 8 seconds.
    
  • Will automatic turn power off in about 10 minutes.
    
  • Standard probes fits in sockets.
    
  • Weight is 422g without accessories, but with rubber sleeve and batteries.
    
  • Size is 192 × 93 × 55mm with rubber sleeve.
    
  
  
• Probes
  
  
  
  • Probe resistance 43mOhm for one.
    
  • Probe wire is soft and 100cm long.
    
  
  

Internal Resistance Tester YR1035




This is a meter designed to measure internal resistance in batteries.



I got the meter in a random shipping cardboard box, it contained:
The meter, 4 terminal probes with extra pogo pins, 4 terminal clamps, 4 terminal battery holder and a manual in Chinese (It is possible to order with the accessories that you want).



The meter has a recharge battery inside and is charged from a micro usb connector.



It uses a round metal connector for the four terminal connection. The connector is locking, i.e. the plug cannot fall out. Pulling the ring on the plug will unlock it can be pulled out.







The meter has Chinese text in the display and it is not possible to select English.



For just using it as a milli-Ohm meter it is not really an issue.



When not used for some time, it will go into standby mode, this requires a button pres to leave.




There is a couple of buttons:
Power is used to turn on/off the device.
Hold/Zero is used to freeze the ohm reading, I did not have much luck with the zero function.
Range R is used for manual range select on ohms (20m, 200m, 2, 20, 200, auto).
Range U is used for manual range select for volts (1V, 10V, 100V, auto).



Four terminal probes made with pogo pings in aluminium tubes and some shrink wrap.
The wires are soft silicone.



A closer look at the business end.



If a pogo pin is damaged, it can be pulled out and a new one pushed in, the pack included four spares.



The plug looks like a fairly good quality.



The clamps are a cheap Chinese four terminal model.



The battery holder is a fairly standard four terminal holder (I use same type for my battery test). It is not the fastest way to connect a battery, but gives stable connections.





Measurements

• The ohm meter is 2200 count display
  
• The voltmeter is a 100000 count display.
  
• The AC used to measure ohms are 1kHz at up to about 100mV rms, it will vary with range and measured resistance.
  
• Output voltage when open is about 2.5Vrms.
  
• Power consumption while off: 5.1uA
  
• Power consumption while on with light: 65mA
  
• Power consumption while on with light and shorted probes: 140mA
  
• Power consumption in standby mode: 15mA
  

DMM Aneng AN870



The brand Aneng has been on a lot of meters recently (in 2017), most of them very capable meters at very good prices, do this trend continue with this meter?



I got the meter in the usual black plastic bag with some protective wrapping around the pouch.



The pouch.



It included the DMM, a pair of normal probes, a pair of DIY probes, a thermocoupler and a manual.




The probes has removable tip covers, the tip and tip cover has the usual CAT markings, but there is not much markings on the probe them.



The shrouded plug is the slightly short variety.



The DIY probe set, it is a bit low in quality and some work may be required to screw the tips in (One of the banana plugs was missing threads).



A end without any tip.







The DIY probes with the different tips.





The thermocoupler is the probe type, this is useful for stuff where you want to stick the thermocoupler in, but not very good at measuring surface temperatures.




The range switch is a bit difficult to use single handed when meter is on the tilting bale, it slides around.





















Display



The above picture shows all the segments on the display, not all are used by this meter.
Notice the small 2, 20,200, 2000 digits, they are used to show the selected range.
The backlight has a hotspot at the minus sign, the rest of the display is fairly even illuminated.



Typical display during usage, it will show the number and what measurement is selected.



The NCV is the usual bars and the buzzer.



Functions



Buttons:

• Range: Will disable auto range and change range, hold down to activate auto range.
  
• Rel: Shows values relative to current value, will also select manual range. Press again to disable.
  
• Max/min: Starts recording maximum and minimum value, press to select between max/min.
  
• Hz % (Blue): Shows frequency and duty cycle in AC ranges.
  
• Select (Yellow): Select the ranges printed with yellow and between C°/F°
  
• Hold: Freezes the display, hold down for backlight.
  

• Off: Meter is turned off
  
• VAC: Show AC voltage, using the blue button frequency and duty cycle can be selected.
  
• VDC: Show DC voltage.
  
• mV: Show DC or AC mV and temperature. In AC the blue button will show frequency and duty cycle.
  
• : Resistance, continuity, diode and capacity.
  
• Hz: Logical frequency and duty cycle (Use blue button to change between them).
  
• A: Current AC and DC. In AC the blue button will show frequency and duty cycle.
  
• mA: Current AC and DC. In AC the blue button will show frequency and duty cycle. Watch out for burden voltage.
  
• uA: Current AC and DC. In AC the blue button will show frequency and duty cycle.
  
• NCV: Non-contact voltage or electric field detection.
  

• 20A: High current, it can only withstand 20+ ampere for a short time due to heat (Fuse is 20A).
  
• mAuA: The lower current ranges, the selector switch will change between two different shunts (Fuse is 200mA).
  
• CON: The common terminal for all ranges.
  
• xxx: All other ranges.
  

• Volt and frequency
  
  
  
  • At 100mVrms input frequency range is from 1Hz to 5.6MHz
    
  • At 2Vrms input frequency range can be stretched to 20MHz
    
  • Max/min needs about 360ms to capture a voltage with repeating pulses.
    
  • 1 VAC is 5% down at 2.1kHz (RMS will not work at the frequency).
    
  • Frequency counter and duty cycle can only be selected in AC ranges.
    
  • Frequency input requires a zero crossing.
    
  • Duty cycle works from 2% to above 99% at 100kHz with 1Vpp, precision is within 0.2 (Mostly 0.1).
    
  • Input impedance is 10..11Mohm on DC and AC
    
  • mV range is high impedance for DC up to around 1.5 volt where it drops to a few kOhm. AC is similar, but capped at 10Mohm
    
  • Frequency input is 10Mohm up to around 2 volt, then the protection clamps to 2kOhm
    
  
  
• Current
  
  
  
  • Frequency counter and duty cycle can only be selected in AC ranges.
    
  • 200mA current is protected by a 0.2A/250V 6×30mm fuse.
    
  • 20A current is protected by a 20A/250V 6×30mm fuse.
    
  • The 20A range has an audible alarm at 10A.
    
  
  
• Ohm, Continuity, diode and capacity
  
  
  
  • Ohm needs about 2.8s to measure 100ohm
    
  • Ohm is 1V open and 0.37mA shorted
    
  • Continuity is fast (About 20ms).
    
  • Continuity beeps when resistance is below 50ohm.
    
  • Continuity is 1V open and 0.37mA shorted
    
  • Diode range uses 3.2V, max. display is 3.000V at 0.13mA, max. current is 1.6mA shorted
    
  • 10uF takes about 4.5 seconds to measure.
    
  • 70000uF takes about 9 seconds to measure.
    
  • Overload protection is not rated
    
  
  
• Miscellaneous
  
  
  
  • Current consumption of meter is 1.2 to 2mA depending on range (AC adds 0.4mA), with backlight it is up to 9mA.
    
  • Meter works down to 2.2V where it turns off, battery symbol show at 2.4V.
    
  • Reading do not change with battery voltage.
    
  • Backlight only works down to about 2.6V where it is fairly dim.
    
  • The meter usual need a couple of display update to reach the final value.
    
  • Viewing angle is good.
    
  • Display updates around 3 times/sec
    
  • Backlight will automatic turn off in about 120 seconds.
    
  • Will automatic turn power off in about 15 minutes.
    
  • Standard probes cannot be pushed fully down they are a bit loose.
    
  • Weight is 374g without accessories, but with rubber sleeve and batteries.
    
  • Size is 180 × 89 × 44mm with rubber sleeve.
    
  
  
• Probes
  
  
  
  • Probe resistance 33mOhm for one.
    
  • Probe wire is soft and 78cm long.
    
  • DIY probes resistance is 51mOhm
    
  • DIY probe wire is 86cm long
    
  
  

DMM UNI-T UT120C



This is a small pocket DMM with voltage, current, frequency, ohms and capacity.



The meter was in a clamshell pack. On the back is a comparison between the 3 models in this series, this one here is the only model with current and mVDC.



In the pack was the meter and a manual in English.



The probes are small, but they are rated for 600V.



The probes are directly connected to the meter, no plugs and sockets. The meter can be used inside the box, this will give some splash protection.



The range switch is easy to turn, but the detents are not very marked, it is easy to place it between ranges.












Display



The above picture shows all the segments on the display.



Typical display during usage, it will show the selected range and value.



Functions



Buttons:

• Select: Select AC in volt and current ranges and between ohm, diode, continuity and capacitance
  
• Hz/duty: Will select between voltage, frequency and duty cycle in both DC and AC.
  
• Rel: Store current display value and show all new values relative to this value.
  
• Hold: Will freeze the display reading, until pressed again.
  

• Off: Meter is turned off
  
• V: DC/AC voltage and frequency/duty cycle.
  
• : Ohm, diode continuity and capacitance.
  
• Hz: Logical frequency input.
  
• uA: Microampere both AC and DC and frequency/duty cycle
  
• mA: Milliampere both AC and DC and frequency/duty cycle
  

• Volt and frequency
  
  
  
  • At 1V rms input on frequency the counter range is from 0.5Hz to 720kHz
    
  • At 2V rms input on frequency the counter range is up to 1.5MHz
    
  • At 5V rms input on frequency the counter range is up to 4.1MHz
    
  • Duty cycle works from 5% to 95% at 10kHz with 4Vpp, precision is within 3.0
    
  • Frequency inputs need a zero crossing.
    
  • 1V AC readings is 5% down at 2kHz
    
  • V input impedance is 10-11Mohm,
    
  • mV input impedance is high below 1.5V and drops to 100kOhm below 12V, above it drops to 2kOhm, AC is clamped by 10Mohm.
    
  • Frequency input is above 1Mohm below 8V and drops toward 1kohm above 12V
    
  • Input protection is 600V AC/DC.
    
  
  
• Current
  
  
  
  • Fuse is a PTC
    
  
  
• Ohm, continuity, diode and capacity
  
  
  
  • Ohm needs about 3.5s to measure 100ohm
    
  • Ohm is 0.42V open and 0.22mA shorted
    
  • Continuity is very fast (
  • Continuity beeps when resistance is below 20ohm and makes noises up to about 50ohm
    
  • Continuity is 0.44V open and 0.22mA shorted
    
  • Diode range uses 1.5V, max. display is 0.999V at 0.2mA, max. current is 0.67mA shorted
    
  • 100uF takes about 13 seconds to measure.
    
  • Rated overload protection is 600 VDC/VAC
    
  
  
• Miscellaneous
  
  
  
  • Current consumption of meter is 1.4mA except DC where it is 0.8mA
    
  • Meter fails below 1.6V, battery symbol show at 2.4V.
    
  • Readings will drift about 8 count when from when battery symbols shows to the meter fails.
    
  • Viewing angle is good
    
  • Display updates around 3 times/sec
    
  • Will automatic turn power off after about 30 minutes
    
  • The meter often need many display update to reach the final value.
    
  • Weight is 62g without accessories (102g in plastic box), but batteries.
    
  • Size is 110 × 58 × 14mm (probes not included) and 121 × 90 × 18.3 in box.
    
  
  
• Probes
  
  
  
  • Probe wire is a bit thin, they are 47cm long.
    
  
  

DMM UNI-T UT171A



This is a industrial DMM designed with good precision and logging. It is the simplest meter in the UT171 series and uses AAA batteries, the other meters in the series has builtin LiIon batteries.



The box do not say anything about the meter and the illustration is of another model in the UT171 series.



Inside the box was only a pouch.



With all parts inside.



That was the meter, the probes, a CD with software and a manual (Both software and manual can be downloaded).




Probes are branded UNI-T and rated for 10A



With a tip cover they are CAT IV 600V or CAT III 1000V, without CAT II 1000V (This is fairly standard for probes).



The plugs are fully shrouded, but the shroud is a bit short



The meter is heavy enough to keep it stable while turning the range switch, this means it can easily be used with one hand, either lying flat or standing.











Display



All the segments are shown during power on, not all of them are used.



Typical display during usage, it will show the number and selected measurement



During logging the secondary display will show remaining time of logging session (May alternate with other values).



Here I have activated the max/min/avg function and the secondary display is used for these value, the main display will continue to show the input voltage.



NCV display is the usual bars and a red flashing led above the display, together with the buzzer.

The secondary display is used for:

• VAC/mVAC: Frequency/duty cycle
  
• AAC/mAAC/uAAC: Frequency/duty cycle
  
• Hz: Duty cycle
  
• Min/max: Min/max/average
  
• REL: Reference value
  
• Range: Shortly shows selected range (4/40/400/4000 it is adjusted to the correct max value)
  
• Logging: Remaining time
  
• Recall: Record number in log.
  
• Store: Prompt text
  
• Setup: Parameter value, main display is prompt text.
  

• Range: Select manual range and change range, hold down to reactivate automatic ranging (I did not find any usage for Delete).
  
• Store: Store a single value in the log, hold down to start recording (Meter will prompt for record interval and record time).
  
• Recall: Press to recall last value from the log, use arrow keys to move around, end with Esc.
  
• Max Min: Start max/min/average function, press to select readout in secondary display, main display will show actual value.
  
• Hold/Esc (Yellow): Will freeze the display reading, until pressed again, hold down to activate backlight. When in configuration it is a escape button.
  
• Rel: Shows values relative to current value, will also select manual range (Reference value is show in secondary display). Press again to disable.
  
• Hz % Setup: Select frequency/duty cycle in AC voltage and current modes, hold down to enter configuration.
  
• Ok Select VFC: Select AC in mV and current modes, hold down to activate LPF in VAC mode.
  

• Off: Meter is turned off
  
• VAC/VFC: AC voltage, hold blue button down to activate LPF (Low pass filter)
  
• DCV: DC voltage
  
• mV: AC or DC milli volt
  
• : Ohm, continuity and diode.
  
• : Capacitance.
  
• Hz: Logical frequency input.
  
• A: Ampere DC or AC
  
• mA: Milli ampere DC or AC
  
• uA: Micro ampere DC or AC
  
• NCV: Non contact voltage, this is not very sensitive.
  

• 10ADC: 10A DC current input.
  
• uAmA: Micro and milliampere input.
  
• COM: The common terminal for all ranges.
  
• xxx: All other ranges.
  

• Volt and frequency
  
  
  
  • 1V AC readings is 5% down at 130kHz, rms will not work at that frequency
    
  • 7V AC readings in VFC is 5% down at 430Hz, rms will not work at that frequency
    
  • Frequency input do not require a zero crossing, it has a capacitor at the input.
    
  • At 0.1Vrms frequency input range is from 2Hz to 1MHz
    
  • At 1Vrms frequency input range is from 2Hz to 20MHz
    
  • At 3Vrms frequency input range is from 2Hz to 47MHz
    
  • Duty cycle works from 30% to 80% at 100kHz with 4Vpp, precision is within 6.0.
    
  • Duty cycle works from 20% to 91% at 10kHz with 2Vpp, precision is within 1.0.
    
  • Max/min needs about 280ms to capture a voltage, autorange is disabled when using this function.
    
  • Input impedance is 10-11Mohm on DC, AC has a capacitor in input.
    
  • mV AC/DC is 10Mohm below 2V where it drops to a few kOhm (Manual specify high impedance, but that is not correct).
    
  • Maximum voltage not specified.
    
  
  
• Current
  
  
  
  • 10A range is fused with a 10A/1000V 10×38mm fuse
    
  • mAuA range is fused with a 0.8A/1000V 6×32mm fuse
    
  • Display will show “Lead” when leads are in the wrong terminal and the buzzer will sound if a current terminal is used when not expected.
    
  
  
• Ohm, continuity, diode and capacity
  
  
  
  • Ohm needs about 0.8s to measure 100ohm
    
  • Ohm voltage is 1V open and 0.65mA shorted.
    
  • Continuity is quick (About 80ms).
    
  • Continuity beeps when resistance is below 15ohm.
    
  • Continuity is 2.1V open and 0.65mA shorted
    
  • Diode range uses 3.1V, max. display is 3.000V at 0.06mA, max. current is 1mA shorted
    
  • 10uF takes about 1.6 second to measure.
    
  • 11000uF takes about 8 seconds to measure.
    
  • Overload protection is not specified.
    
  
  
• Miscellaneous
  
  
  
  • Current consumption of meter is 12mA (16mA with backlight at 50%).
    
  • Meter turns off at 6.8V, battery symbol show at 7.3V.
    
  • Readings will be correct until meter turn off.
    
  • Backlight is fairly stable until meter turns off
    
  • Viewing angle is good
    
  • The meter can log 1000 values, there is no concept of files, all values are saved in on long list.
    
  • Display updates around 5 times/sec
    
  • Bargraph updates faster than numbers.
    
  • Configuration: Auto power off, Auto backlight off, Erase log, Brightness, USB, Buzzer
    
  • Backlight can be configured in 5 to 30 seconds auto turnoff or never.
    
  • Power can be configured in 5 to 30 minutes auto turnoff or never.
    
  • Standard probes cannot be fully seated in the meter, but they do connect.
    
  • The meter usual shows the correct value at first update.
    
  • Weight is 515g without accessories, but with battery.
    
  • Size is 206 × 95 × 53mm
    
  
  
• Probes
  
  
  
  • Probe resistance 30mOhm for one.
    
  • Probe wire are 88cm long.
    
  
  

DMM Hioki DT4282



Hioki is a Japanese test equipment manufacturer, this multimeter is one of their top models.



I got it in a cardboard box designed for the two top models, they can be compared on the back of the box. It also list what is in the box and some accessories.



The box contained the meter, batteries, test probes and a manual in Japanese (A English manual can be downloaded). No thermocoupler or pouch.
The manual is very thorough with functions and specifications.





The probes has removable tip covers, the tip and tip cover has the usual CAT markings.



The shrouded plug is full size.



The range switch is fairly easy to turn and with this heavy meter it is stable both lying and standing. Due to the shutters plugs in the terminals can block the movement of the range switch.



The meter has a couple of power on options (hold button down and turn on), some of them are saved (nice). To help remembering them the tilting bale has a list on the back.









The computer interface is a small brick with a usb connector that is placed in this hole. The adapter is a bit expensive.
The serial number label can also be seen, this serial number was on the box and is coded into the meter and can be electronically read from the meter.







Display



The above picture shows all the segments on the display, these are not shown on a normal power on, but using a power on option (VA PEAK), they can be shown.
The current clamp symbol is not used on this model.



Typical display during usage, it will show the number and what measurement is selected.



In AC ranges the frequency is shown on the secondary display.



Some function will also use the secondary display.



The memory uses its own counter on the display.
Secondary display functions (After / is small display):

• AC volt: VAC/frequency, dBm/frequency, dBV/frequency
  
• AC+DC volt: AC+DC/frequency, VDC/VAC
  
• Continuity: ohm/threshold
  
• Diode: volt/threshold
  
• uA mA A: ADC, AAC/frequency
  
• muA: ADC, AAC/frequency, %x-20mA
  
• A: ADC, AAC/frequency
  
• Peak: max/min
  

• Max/Min rel: Display maximum and minimum values, meter will always capture max/min values, this only shows the captured values. Hold down to store current value and show relative to this (Auto range is still active), hold down again to disable.
  
• Clear: Clear max/min/peak values or a memory location.
  
• Read/Filter: Recall memory locations, use up/down to select location, press read again to disable. Hold down to activate a LPF (Low pass filter) on VAC or AC+DC.
  
• : Turns on background light on/off.
  
• Range/Auto: Press to select manual ranging, press again to change range, hold down for automatic ranging.
  
• Hold (Pink): Freeze display reading, hold down for auto hold, i.e. meter will freeze any stable display reading.
  
• Mem/Slow: Saves the displayed values to memory, hold down to enable a averaging filter on values.
  
• : Arrow keys used to select memory number and to adjust some parameters.
  
• VA Peak: Capture peak values in voltage and current modes, when this is active meter is in manual range.
  
• Shift (Blue): Select the ranges printed with blue.
  

• Off: Meter is turned off
  
• VAC: Show AC voltage and frequency, use the blue button to select dBm or dBV.
  
• VDC: Show DC voltage.
  
• VAC+DC: Show AC+DC voltage and frequency or both AC and DC at the same time.
  
• : Continuity and diode, on both the sensitivity can be adjusted with the arrows.
  
• : Resistance and temperature.
  
• : Capacity and conductance.
  
• uA: Current DC and AC. In AC the blue button will show frequency and duty cycle.
  
• mA: Current DC, AC and %x-20mA. In AC the blue button will show frequency and duty cycle.
  
• A: Current DC and AC. In AC the blue button will show frequency and duty cycle.
  

• 10A: High current.
  
• mAuA: The lower current ranges, the selector switch will change between two different shunts.
  
• CON: The common terminal for all ranges.
  
• xxx: All other ranges.
  

• Volt and frequency
  
  
  
  • At 10mVrms VAC frequency input range is from 1Hz to 460kHz
    
  • At 100mVrms VAC frequency input range can be stretched to 500MHz that is maximum for meter.
    
  • At 420mVrms AC+DC frequency input range works from 1Hz to 500kHz
    
  • Max/min needs about 360ms to capture a voltage on DC.
    
  • Peak needs about 0.3ms to capture a voltage with repeating pulses on DC (It either need a slightly longer pulse or a few pulses to capture the full voltage).
    
  • Max/min is always active, using the max/min button will show the captured values. The button changes between max/min/actual.
    
  • 1 VAC is 5% down at 190kHz, AC+DC is 230kHz (RMS will not work at the frequency).
    
  • With filter (LPF) activated the range is locked to 600V & 1000V and I my generator do not have high enough output to test bandwidth
    
  • Frequency counter will automatic be shown in AC ranges.
    
  • Frequency input on AC do not require a zero crossing, on AC+DC the offset must be within about +/-5V
    
  • In dBm the following impedance can be used as reference: 4, 8, 16, 32, 50, 75, 93, 110, 125, 135, 150, 200, 250, 300, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1200
    
  • The AC+DC range has lower precision than the separate AC and DC ranges.
    
  • On this meter it is important to stay above 5% (or at least 2%) of AC ranges, they will not show correct at very low values and may even show 0.
    
  • Input impedance is 10..11Mohm on DC. VAC is a capacitor with 1Mohm after) and AC+DC is 1Mohm (This just about qualifies as a LowZ mode).
    
  • The meter has a special polarity function that can be enabled (Setting is stored) and will give alarm every time a voltage at -10 volt or lower is measured.
    
  • mV DC range is high impedance for DC up to around 1.5 volt where it drops to 10Mohm
    
  • Frequency input on AC volt is 1Mohm.
    
  • Over voltage protection is 1100VAC/DC
    
  
  
• Current
  
  
  
  • Frequency counter will automatic be shown in AC ranges.
    
  • On over current the digits and red background light will flash and there is an audible alarm if over current is high range of uA, mA or A setting.
    
  • 600mA current is protected by a 0.63A/1000V 10.3×38mm fuse.
    
  • 10A current is protected by a 11A/1000V 10.3×38mm fuse.
    
  
  
• Ohm, Continuity, diode and capacity
  
  
  
  • Ohm needs about 1s to measure 100ohm
    
  • Ohm is 0.48V open and 0.64mA shorted
    
  • Continuity is very fast (About 10ms).
    
  • In addition to the buzzer continuity also flashes the red background light.
    
  • Continuity has adjustable threshold: 20, 50, 100, 500ohm
    
  • Continuity beeps when resistance is below selected threshold (It is very precise) and continues to beep until resistance is considerable higher.
    
  • Continuity is 2.1V open and 0.64mA shorted
    
  • Diode range uses 4.3V, max. display is 3.600V at 0.19mA, max. current is 1.0mA shorted
    
  • Diode has adjustable threshold: 0.15, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0V, buzzer and red light will be activated when voltage is below threshold.
    
  • 10uF takes about 2.8 seconds to measure.
    
  • 70000uF takes about 33 seconds to measure.
    
  • Over voltage protection is 1000VAC/DC
    
  
  
• Miscellaneous
  
  
  
  • Current consumption of meter is 16 to 23mA depending on range (AC, continuity and capacity is 23mA), with backlight it is up to 42mA.
    
  • Meter works down to 3.7V where it shows “Batt lo” and turns off, battery symbol flashes at 4.4V.
    
  • Reading do not change with battery voltage.
    
  • Backlight is stable until the meter turns off due to low battery.
    
  • Meter has both a white backlight for lighting the display and a red backlight for notifying the user.
    
  • The meter will often show the correct value in first display update.
    
  • Viewing angle is good.
    
  • Display updates around 5 times/sec
    
  • Backlight will automatic turn off in about 40 seconds, this function can be disabled.
    
  • Meter will go to standby in about 15 minutes and turn off in 45 minutes, this can be disabled.
    
  • Standard probes fits perfectly.
    
  • Weight is 647g without accessories, but with batteries.
    
  • Size is 197 × 93 × 53mm.
    
  
  
• Probes
  
  
  
  • Probe resistance 23mOhm for one.
    
  • Probe wire is fairly soft and 90cm long.
    
  
  

DMM BSide ACM91



A clamp meter from BSide with a DC sensitivity of 1mA, it do also have a lot of other ranges including temperature.



I got the meter in a brown cardboard box with a label specifying the contents.





The pouch.



It included the DMM, a pair of probes, a thermocoupler and a manual.





The probes is branded BSide and has removable tip covers. With the cover on they are CAT III 1000V rated



The shrouded plug is the slightly short variety.




The thermocoupler is the cheap type with banana plugs.





A probe holder for one probe, this means it only requires one hand to hold the meter and stick the probe somewhere, the other hand can be used for the black probe.














Display



The above picture shows all the segments on the display, not all are used by this meter.
The small display is used for frequency in AC modes and Fahrenheit temperature when measuring temperature.



Typical display during usage, it will show the number and what measurement is selected.



In AC modes the frequency is included on the secondary display.



Non contact voltage or electric field will show —— when no field and NCV with red background light and buzzer sounding when a field is detected.



Live detection will show —— when no mains is detected and LIVE with red background light and buzzer sounding when a something is detected.



Functions



Buttons:

• : Press to turn meter on or off.
  
• SEL/Zero: Select AC and ohm/continuity/capacity. Hold down to zero clamp in DC mode.
  
• H/light: Freezes the display, hold down for backlight.
  
• V~Alert: Hold down for NCV function.
  

• Live: Detect mains voltage with a single probe.
  
• A: Clamp measurement of DC and AC current.
  
• V: Measurement of voltage om input terminals.
  
• LoZV: Measurement of voltage om input terminals, with low impedance. AC/DC is automatic.
  
• : Resistance, continuity and capacity.
  
• : Temperature measurement with thermocoupler
  
• uA: Low DC Current measurement with probes.
  

• CON: The common terminal
  
• INPUT: The positive terminal.
  

• Volt and frequency
  
  
  
  • At 100mVrms input frequency range is from 10Hz to 3kHz
    
  • At 2Vrms input frequency range is from 10Hz to 3kHz
    
  • 1 VAC is 5% down at 2.1kHz (RMS will not work at the frequency).
    
  • Frequency input requires a zero crossing.
    
  • Frequency counter is dual display in AC ranges.
    
  • LowZ has automatic DC/AC selection.
    
  • LowZ starts in DC and will switch to AC when voltage is above 1VAC without any DC.
    
  • Input impedance is 10..11Mohm on DC and AC
    
  • LowZ is 1Mohm input impedance.
    
  
  
• Current
  
  
  
  • Frequency counter is on secondary display in AC ranges.
    
  • uA uses the probe inputs.
    
  • Initial DC offset on clamp is about 260mA, doing a demagnetizing I got it down to 70mA
    
  • uA current is protected by the PTC’s
    
  • Clamp can handle about ø18mm
    
  
  
• Ohm, Continuity, diode and capacity
  
  
  
  • Ohm needs about 2.8s to measure 100ohm
    
  • Ohm is 0.51V open and 0.37mA shorted
    
  • Continuity is fast (About 30ms, but most of the time 3mS).
    
  • Continuity beeps when resistance is below 30ohm.
    
  • Continuity is 1V open and 0.37mA shorted
    
  • 10uF takes about 2.2 seconds to measure.
    
  • 6000uF takes about 8 seconds to measure.
    
  • Overload protection 250VDC/VAC
    
  
  
• Miscellaneous
  
  
  
  • Current consumption of meter is 19mA and 24mA when using clamp (26mA with backlight in clamp mode).
    
  • Meter works down to 2.2V where it turns off, battery symbol shows at 2.4V.
    
  • Reading do not change with battery voltage.
    
  • Backlight only works down to about 2.6V where it is fairly dim.
    
  • The meter usual need a couple of display update to reach the final value.
    
  • Viewing angle is good.
    
  • Display updates around 3 times/sec
    
  • Backlight will automatic turn off in about 60 seconds.
    
  • Will automatic turn power off in about 30 minutes (Manual says 20 minutes).
    
  • Standard probes cannot be pushed fully down.
    
  • Weight is 161g without accessories, but with batteries.
    
  • Size is 180 × 70 × 32mm, the large with is due to probe holder on one side and clamp button on the other side.
    
  
  
• Probes
  
  
  
  • Probe resistance 54mOhm for one.
    
  • Probe wire is soft and 78cm long.
    
  
  

DMM Sanwa PM3



This is a small pocket DMM with voltage, ohms and capacity, but without current.



The meter was in a clamshell pack. On the back is a some explanation about using the meter.



In the pack was the meter and a manual in English.



The probes and wires need some pressure to close the cover.



The probes are small and without any markings.



The probes are directly connected to the meter, no plugs and sockets.



The range switch is easy to turn, there is not many selections, Sanwa has decided to use a buttons for many measurements












Display



The above picture shows all the segments on the display.



Typical display during usage, it will show the selected range and value.



Functions



Buttons:

• Select: Select between ohm, diode, continuity and capacitance
  
• Relative: Store current display value and show all new values relative to this value.
  
• Hold: Will freeze the display reading, until pressed again.
  
• Hz/duty: Will select between voltage, frequency and duty cycle in both DC and AC.
  

• Off: Meter is turned off
  
• VDC: DC voltage and frequency/duty cycle.
  
• VAC: AC voltage and frequency/duty cycle.
  
• : Ohm, diode continuity and capacitance.
  

• Volt and frequency
  
  
  
  • At 1V rms input on DCV/ACV the frequency counter range is from 0.5Hz to 8kHz
    
  • At 2V rms input on DCV/ACV the frequency counter range is up to 15kHz
    
  • At 5V rms input on DCV/ACV the frequency counter range is up to 21kHz
    
  • Duty cycle works from 5% to 96% at 1kHz with 4Vpp, precision is within 0.8 (Mostly 0.3)
    
  • Both DC and AC frequency counter inputs need a zero crossing.
    
  • 1V AC readings is 5% down at 2kHz
    
  • V input impedance is 10-11Mohm,
    
  • mV input impedance is high below 1.5V and drops to 10MOhm above.
    
  • Frequency on DC is high impedance below 1.5V and drops to 10Mohm above.
    
  • Input protection is 500V AC/DC.
    
  
  
• Current
  
  
  
  • There is no current ranges
    
  
  
• Ohm, continuity, diode and capacity
  
  
  
  • Ohm needs about 3.5s to measure 100ohm
    
  • Ohm is 0.43V open and 0.16mA shorted
    
  • Continuity is very fast (
  • Continuity beeps when resistance is below 20ohm and makes noises up to about 50ohm
    
  • Continuity is 0.44V open and 0.16mA shorted
    
  • Diode range uses 1.5V, max. display is 0.999V at 0.1mA (Real voltage is 1.1V), max. current is 0.44mA shorted
    
  • 200uF takes about 43 seconds to measure.
    
  • Rated overload protection is 500 VDC/VAC
    
  
  
• Miscellaneous
  
  
  
  • Current consumption of meter is 1.6mA except in AC where it is 2.2mA
    
  • Meter starts to fade at 2V and fails below 1.6V, battery symbol shows at 2.3V.
    
  • Readings will drift about 8 count from when battery symbols shows to the meter fails.
    
  • Viewing angle is good
    
  • Display updates around 3 times/sec
    
  • Will automatic turn power off after about 15 minutes
    
  • The meter often need many display update to reach the final value.
    
  • Weight is 91g without accessories, but with sleeve and batteries.
    
  • Size is 108 × 5 × 12mm (probes not included) and 120 × 79 × 16 in sleeve.
    
  
  
• Probes
  
  
  
  • Probe wire is a bit thin, the are 41cm long.
    
  
  

DMM UNI-T UT195DS



This is a industrial grade DMM designed for electricians. This is the the most advanced of the meters in the 195 series.



I got it without the box, but in the pouch.



With all parts inside.



That was the meter, the probes and a Chinese manual (I could download an English version).




Probes are branded UNI-T and rated for 20A, they have very low resistance this means the 20A rating is probably good enough.



With a tip cover they are CAT IV 600V or CAT III 1000V, without CAT II 1000V (This is fairly standard for probes).



The plugs are fully shrouded, but the shroud is a bit short



The meter is a bit heavy and the range switch easy to turn, this means it can easily be used with one hand, either lying flat or standing.



All the red plastic is slightly rubberized in feel including the range switch.
The red plastic works as bumpers from any direction.





The battery/fuse compartment is sealed and due to that the lid uses 5 screws, that usual stays in the lid (i.e. no lost screws).



The flashlight led and a hanger.



Display



All the segments are shown during power on. A few symbols are not used by this meter.



Typical display during usage, it will show the number and selected measurement and sometimes the secondary display.
Secondary display functions:

• In AC+DC secondary display will change between AC and DC voltage automatic.
  
• In AC it will show frequency.
  
• When min/max is active it will show min/max, main display shows actual value.
  
• When Peak is active it will show peak min/max, main display shows actual value.
  
• In frequency it will show duty cycle.
  

• Range: Select manual range and change range, hold down to reactivate automatic ranging
  
• Max/min: Capture maximum and minimum values, secondary display will show value. Hold down to disable.
  
• Rel: Shows values relative to current value, will also select manual range. Press again to disable.
  
• Peak: Capture peak values, this can only be used in AC modes, secondary display will show value. Hold down to disable.
  
• Hold (Yellow): Will freeze the display reading, until pressed again.
  
• : Turn automatic backlight off until next power cycle.
  
• : Turn flashlight on or off.
  
• Select (Blue): Select DC/AC in voltage and current modes, continuity and diode in ohm mode.
  

• LoZ: Low input impedance (300kOhm), range is always 600VAC.
  
• Off: Meter is turned off
  
• VAC: AC voltage and peak detection, frequency is on secondary display when measuring AC.
  
• VDC: DC voltage and AC+DC voltage
  
• mV: AC or DC millivolt
  
• : Ohm, continuity and diode
  
• : Capacitance.
  
• Hz: Logical frequency input and duty cycle.
  
• uA: Microampere DC or AC, frequency is on secondary display when measuring AC.
  
• mA: Milliampere DC or AC, frequency is on secondary display when measuring AC.
  
• A: Ampere DC or AC, frequency is on secondary display when measuring AC.
  

• uAmA: Micro and milliampere input.
  
• 20ADC: 20A DC current input.
  
• COM: The common terminal for all ranges.
  
• xxx: All other ranges.
  

• Volt and frequency
  
  
  
  • Millivolt range starts in AC
    
  • 1V AC readings is 5% down at 20kHz (Both AC and AC+DC), rms will not work at that frequency
    
  • 1V AC readings in LPF mode is 5% down at 600Hz, rms will not work at that frequency
    
  • Frequency input do not require a zero crossing.
    
  • At 1Vrms frequency input range is from 1.1Hz to 22MHz
    
  • At 2Vrms frequency input range is stretched to 40MHz
    
  • Duty cycle works from 1% to 90% at 100kHz with 2Vpp, precision is within 2.0.
    
  • Duty cycle works from 1% to 99% at 100kHz with 4Vpp, precision is within 0.3.
    
  • Default range for LPF mode is 1000VAC, but it can be changed with the RANGE switch (Mode do not support auto ranging).
    
  • Max/min needs about 150ms to capture a voltage, auto range is disabled when using this function.
    
  • Peak only work in AC and needs about 0.5ms to capture a voltage, auto range is disabled when using this function.
    
  • Input impedance is 10-10.1Mohm on DC and AC
    
  • mVDC is high impedance up to about 3V where it drops to about 100kOhm, above 12V it will drop to 3kOhm
    
  • mVAC is the same, but capped by a 10MOhm resistor.
    
  • LowZ is constant 300kOhm input impedance and is locked in 600VAC range.
    
  • Input protection is 1000VDC/750VAC
    
  
  
• Current
  
  
  
  • 20A range has audible alarm above 20A
    
  • 20A range is fused with a 11A/1000V 10×38mm fuse
    
  • mAuA range is fused with a 0.6A/1000V 6×32mm fuse
    
  • Current ranges starts in DC
    
  
  
• Ohm, continuity, diode and capacity
  
  
  
  • Ohm needs about 1s to measure 100ohm
    
  • Ohm voltage is -1.1V open and -0.24mA shorted.
    
  • Continuity is very fast (About 3ms).
    
  • Continuity beeps when resistance is below 30ohm.
    
  • Continuity is -3.3V open and -0.93mA shorted
    
  • Diode range uses 3.1V, max. display is 2.800V at 0.11mA, max. current is 1.1mA shorted
    
  • 10uF takes about 1 seconds to measure.
    
  • 11000uF takes about 10 seconds to measure.
    
  • Overload protection is 1000V
    
  
  
• Miscellaneous
  
  
  
  • Current consumption of meter is 5mA to 8.5mA depending on range (21mA with flashlight, 12mA with background light, max. 26mA).
    
  • Meter turns off at 5V, battery symbol show at 7.2V.
    
  • Readings will be correct until the meter turns off
    
  • Backlight fades with dropping voltage and is mostly gone at 5.5V
    
  • Flashlight fades slightly with dropping voltage, but is still bright when the meter turns off at 5V
    
  • Viewing angle is good
    
  • Display updates around 5 times/sec
    
  • Bargraph is about 20 updates/sec
    
  • Backlight will automatic turn on when in dark surroundings
    
  • Flashlight will not turn off automatic, but turns off with the auto power off.
    
  • Will automatic turn power off in about 15 minutes.
    
  • Standard probes can nearly be fully seated in the meter.
    
  • The meter need one or two display update to before it display the final value.
    
  • Weight is 41g without accessories, but with battery.
    
  • Size is 195 × 96 × 61mm
    
  
  
• Probes
  
  
  
  • Probe resistance 14mOhm for one, that is very low.
    
  • Probe wire are 88cm long and feels a bit stiff, probably due to the thickness.
    
  
  

DMM Fluke 289 (Used)



This has been the top multimeter from Fluke for many years. Here I am looking at my old (2009) copy of the meter. This means I cannot say anything about the box or accessories it was delivered with.



The range switch is fairly easy to turn and with this heavy meter it is stable both lying and standing.










The meter needs 6 AA batteries.




There is 3 connection on the meter, but only two on the battery tray.




Display

The meter uses a graphical display, this means fairly low contrast, but it can show many different layouts. To get the pictures here I used the background light on the display.



The meter has a build in manual.



A fairly simple display for showing volt DC. The soft keys shows the usual functions:
Menu: Options for the current selected range.
Save: Save one or more values or look at the saved values.
Empty: Use for some shortcuts and range specific functions.
Setup: General meter setup and calibration.



Here is the “Menu” for DC, the arrow keys are used to move the black square around and each location has one or more functions. For this menu there are a total of 10 functions (VDC, Rel, Rel %, Peak, AC+DC, AC,DC, DC,AC, Hz, %, ms).



The min/max (and peak) display shows all the values at once, including time stamps for when the event occured.



Continuity shows resistance, bargraph and a graphic on open/short. There is a shortcut key to change between ohm and continuity, to avoid using the menu button (For nS the menu must be used.



When current ranges is selected a warning will be shown until leads are plugged into the current terminals.
If leads are in the current terminals in other ranges both the warning and the buzzer will be used to warn.



The meter saves data in record sets with data time and samples. Events is used to capture changing values that happens between sample intervals and will add extra sample points. Default setting is that a 4% change will add a event, but it can be adjusted.



The meter can also show captured data in graphical form and it is possible to zoom on the data.



The setup function makes it possible to see some information about the meter (Like calibration data and software versions) and adjust a couple of preferences.



Here is most of the preferences.
Secondary display functions (After / is secondary values):

• REL: relative/reference/absolute
  
• min/max: value/min/average/max each with time of event.
  
• Peak: value/min/average/max each with time of event.
  
• VAC-LPF: VAC, frequency/VAC
  
• Frequency: frequency/VAC, percent/frequency, puls_time/frequency
  
• dB: dBm/VAC, dBm/frequency, dBV/VAC, dBV/frequency
  
• VDC: AC+DC, VAC/VDC, VDC/VAC
  
• VAC: Crest_factor/VAC
  
• IDC: AC+DC, IAC/IDC, IDC/IAC
  
• IAC: Crest_factor/IAC
  

• F1: Usual “Menu”, but when special functions are active it can be other function (Like “Restart” in min/max/peak)
  
• F2: Usual “Save”
  
• F3: Usual empty, but used for shortcuts and other stuff when required.
  
• F4: Usual “Setup”, but also “Stop” and “Close” for min/max/peak/record.
  
• Hold: Freeze the display, when this is activate F1 can be used for auto hold. Press again to disable.
  
• : The arrows are used for menu and parameter selection (Up/Down is also contrast adjustment).
  
• Range: Change to manual range and change range, hold down to disable.
  
• Min Max: Activate min/max function, press again to stop and press once more to return to normal mode (The last two can also be done with the F-keys).
  
• Info: Build in manual.
  
• : Power button, a press will turn on the meter. This button will be illuminated when meter turns on, it turns off when the meter is on and flash when logging in low power mode.
  
• : Background light, the meter has two brightness settings.
  

• LoZ VAC: LowZ mode, it will show both DC and AC voltage
  
• VAC: Show AC voltage, frequency, dBm, dBV, Crest factor
  
• mVAC: Show AC voltage, frequency, dBm, dBV, Crest factor
  
• VDC: Show DC voltage, frequency, AC+DC, AC and DC.
  
• mVDC: Show DC voltage, frequency, AC+DC, AC and DC. Temperature input is also selected here.
  
• : Resistance, continuity and conductance (nS).
  
• : Capacity and diode.
  
• A mA: Current DC, AC, frequency, crest factor
  
• uA: Current DC, AC, frequency, crest factor
  
• LoOhm: The lowest ohm range, uses a higher current than other ranges and has a 1mOhm resolution.
  

• A: High current, it is possible to use 20A for 30 seconds
  
• mAuA: The lower current ranges, the selector switch will change between two different shunts.
  
• CON: The common terminal for all ranges.
  
• xxx: All other ranges.
  

• Volt and frequency
  
  
  
  • At 10mVrms in mVAC frequency input range is from 0.4Hz to 500kHz
    
  • At 100mVrms in mVDC and mVAC frequency input range is from 0.4Hz to 1MHz (The meter shows OL above 1MHz)
    
  • At 2Vrms in DC frequency input range is from 0.4Hz to 15kHz
    
  • At 2Vrms in AC frequency input range is from 0.4Hz to 500kHz
    
  • Duty cycle works from 2% to 95% at 100kHz with 1Vpp in mVDC, precision is within 2.0
    
  • Duty cycle works from 1% to 99% at 10kHz with 1Vpp in mVDC, precision is within 0.14
    
  • Max/min on VDC needs about 200ms to capture a voltage on DC, it will need multiple pulses to get the full value.
    
  • Peak on VDC needs less than 0.1ms to capture a voltage with repeating pulses on DC (It either need a slightly longer pulse or a few pulses to capture the full voltage).
    
  • Peak on AC is just as fast, but due to the capacitor in series with the input it will not show DC values.
    
  • Min/max on AC is slightly slower, but due to the capacitor in series with the input it will not show DC values.
    
  • Min/max/peak do not disable auto range.
    
  • 1 VAC on AC input is 5% down at 125kHz, with LPF (Low pass filter) it is 5% down at 410Hz (RMS will not work at the frequency).
    
  • 1 VAC on DC input (i.e. AC or AC+DC) is 5% down at 45kHz (RMS will not work at the frequency).
    
  • Frequency counter on DC requires a zero crossing.
    
  • Frequency counter on AC is capacitor coupled and do not require a zero crossing.
    
  • LowZ is a fixed 1000V range that shows both VAC and VDC (Not AC+DC)
    
  • In dBm the impedance can be adjusted in 1ohm step from 0001 to 1999ohm (It is done in the configuration menu)
    
  • Input impedance is 10..11Mohm on DC. AC and mVAC is a capacitor (Impedance is around 10Mohm).
    
  • mV DC range is 10Mohm impedance up to around 2.6 volt where it slowly drops to 2kOhm
    
  • Over voltage protection is 1000V
    
  
  
• Current
  
  
  
  • On over current in mA (440mA) or A (10A) the display will flash
    
  • When selecting current ranges with probes in wrong terminal display will show a warning
    
  • When selecting non-current ranges with probes in current terminal there will be an audible alarm and the display will show a warning.
    
  • 400mA current is protected by a 0.44A/1000V 10.3×38mm fuse.
    
  • 10A current is protected by a 11A/1000V 10.3×38mm fuse.
    
  
  
• Ohm, Continuity, diode and capacity
  
  
  
  • Ohm needs about 2.5s to measure 100ohm
    
  • LowOhm needs about 2s to measure 10ohm
    
  • LowOhm is 2.6V open and 8.8mA shorted
    
  • Ohm is 3.9V open and 1mA shorted
    
  • nS is 3.9V open and 0.35uA shorted
    
  • Continuity is very very fast (Below 1ms).
    
  • Continuity start beeping when resistance is below 50ohm and stops beeping when resistance is above 94ohm
    
  • Continuity is 5.4V open and 1mA shorted
    
  • Diode range uses 5V, max. display is 3.1000V at 0.8mA, max. current is 1.0mA shorted.
    
  • 10uF takes less than 0.5 second to measure.
    
  • 70000uF takes between 4 and 10 seconds to measure.
    
  • Over voltage protection is 1000V
    
  
  
• Miscellaneous
  
  
  
  • Current consumption of meter is about 22mA, 36mA with low backlight and 58mA with high backlight
    
  • Meter works down to 5.3V where it shows “Batteries critical low, replace now” and turns off, battery gauge shows empty at 6.2V.
    
  • Reading do not change with battery voltage.
    
  • Power on time is about 8 second from on button lights up until first reading is on the display.
    
  • Backlight is stable until the battery gauge shows empty, then it turns off and cannot be turned on again.
    
  • The meter needs a few display update before it shows correct value.
    
  • Viewing angle is good, but contrast is fairly low.
    
  • Display updates around 4 times/sec
    
  • Bargraph updates 30 times/second
    
  • Bargraph will be 0..max or min..0..max depending on range.
    
  • Backlight automatic turnoff is adjustable from: off/5/10/15/20/25/30 minutes.
    
  • Auto turn off is adjustable from off/15/25/35/45/60 minutes
    
  • Standard probes fits perfectly.
    
  • Weight is 805g without accessories, but with batteries.
    
  • Size is 223 × 103 × 60mm.
    
  
  
• Probes
  
  
  
  
  

DMM Mustool MT66



This is a fairly cheap DMM with all the most common functions.



I got the meter in a box with picture of the meter and supported function listed.



It included the DMM, a pair of probes, a thermocoupler and a manual.





The probes has removable tip covers. With covers on the rating is CAT III 600V, without covers CAT II 1000V.



The plug is fully shrouded, but is slightly smaller than standard probe plug size.




A standard cheap termocoupler.



When using the tilting bale the meter is nearly stable enough to turn the switch, but the meter is very smooth and will easily slide around.


















Display



The above picture shows all the segments on the display, not all of them are used by this meter.



Typical display during usage, it will show the number and what measurement is selected.



The NCV function will show lines depending on electric field strength.



Functions



Buttons:

• Sel: Select Hz and duty cycle in VAC and frequency input. Ohm, diode, capacitance, continuity in ohm mode. C/F in temperature mode and DC/AC in current modes.
  
• Hold: Freezes the display, hold down for backlight.
  

• Off: Meter is turned off
  
• VDC: DC voltage
  
• VAC: AC voltage and SEL can be used to frequency/duty cycle
  
• mV: Show DC or AC mV.
  
• : Resistance, diode, capacitance and continuity.
  
• VAC Alert: NCV detector, it will show bars, flash backlight and sound buzzer when a electric field is detected.
  
• : Temperature with a thermocoupler.
  
• Hz %: Measure frequency and duty cycle (Use the Hz % button to select).
  
• uA: Low current range for AC and DC.
  
• mA: Medium current range for AC and DC.
  
• A: High current range for AC and DC.
  

• 10A mA: High current
  
• CON: The common terminal for all ranges.
  
• xxx: All other ranges, including mA and uA
  

• Volt and frequency
  
  
  
  • At 100mVrms frequency input range is from 0.6Hz to 3MHz
    
  • At 1Vrms frequency input range is from 0.5Hz to 27MHz (Higher voltage do not increase the upper frequency)
    
  • 1 VAC is 5% down at 2.3kHz (RMS will not work at this frequency).
    
  • Frequency counter and duty cycle needs a zero crossing (Both AC and frequency input)
    
  • Duty cycle works from 1% to 99% at 100kHz with 1Vpp, precision is within 0.3 (Mostly 0.1).
    
  • Input impedance is 10-11Mohm on DC and AC
    
  • mV range is 10Mohm for DC & AC, impedance drops above 1.8V to 3kohm
    
  • Frequency input is about 1Mohm up to about 1.5V, then it drops to 3kOhm
    
  • Voltage input are rated for 600VDC/VAC
    
  
  
• Current
  
  
  
  • A range will give audible alarm at 10A, meter shows OL above 10A.
    
  • A range will change reading when current is near 10A, but easily stays within tolerances (2%) for the 10second limit.
    
  • uAmA protected by a 0.6A/250V 5×20mm fuse (Manual says fuse must be 700V).
    
  • A is protected a 10A/250V 5×20mm fuse (Manual says fuse must be 700V).
    
  
  
• Ohm, Continuity, diode and capacity
  
  
  
  • Ohm needs about 2.9s to measure 100ohm
    
  • Ohm is 1V open and 0.25mA shorted
    
  • Continuity is fast (about 20ms).
    
  • Continuity beeps when resistance is below 50ohm.
    
  • Continuity is 2.1V open and 0.25mA shorted
    
  • Diode range uses 3.9V, max. display is 3.300V at 0.24mA, max. current is 1.5mA shorted
    
  • 10uF takes about 2.3 seconds to measure.
    
  • 9000uF takes about 10 seconds to measure.
    
  • Overload protection is specified to 250VDC/VAC
    
  
  
• Miscellaneous
  
  
  
  • Current consumption of meter is between 1.3mA and 1.8mA depending on range (Up to 8.5mA with backlight).
    
  • Meter works down to 2.2V where it turns off, battery symbol shows at 2.4V.
    
  • Reading is stable to just before battery symbol shows, it is 0.6% out when it shows
    
  • Backlight only works down to about 2.6V where it is fairly dim.
    
  • The meter usual shows the final value in first or second try.
    
  • Viewing angle is good, except from the top
    
  • Display updates around 2.5 times/sec
    
  • Backlight will automatic turn off in about 30 seconds.
    
  • Will automatic turn power off in about 16 minutes.
    
  • Standard probes cannot be pushed fully down.
    
  • Weight is 177g without accessories, but with sleeve and batteries.
    
  • Size is 138 × 82 × 36mm.
    
  
  
• Probes
  
  
  
  • Probe resistance 51mOhm for one
    
  • Probe wire is soft and 81cm long.
    
  
  

DMM BSide ZT301



This is a cheap DMM with all common function.



The meter arrived in a fairly anonymous multimeter box, but the checked illustration on the back matches the meter.



It included the DMM, a pair of probes, a thermocoupler and a manual.




The probes has removable tip covers, but is only rated for CAT-II, even with the covers on.



The plug is fully shrouded, but is slightly smaller than standard probe plug size.




A standard cheap termocoupler.



When using the tilting bale the meter is nearly stable enough to turn the switch, but the meter is very smooth and will easily slide around.












Display



The above picture shows all the segments on the display.



Typical display during usage, it will show the number and what measurement is selected.
The current software version has a bug, in manual ranging the manual annotation will disappear when using the range button.


Functions



Buttons:

• Range: Will disable auto range and change range, hold down to activate auto range.
  
• Rel: Shows values relative to current value, will also select manual range. Press again to disable.
  
• Max/min: Starts recording maximum and minimum value (This mode will also select manual range), press to select between max/min.
  
• Hz %: Shows frequency and duty cycle in AC voltage and current ranges and Hz range.
  
• Hold (Blue): Freezes the display, hold down for backlight.
  
• Select (Yellow): Select the ranges printed with.
  

• Off: Meter is turned off
  
• V: Show DC or AC voltage, using the HZ button to select frequency and duty cycle in AC.
  
• mV: Show DC or AC mV.
  
• : Resistance, continuity, diode and capacitance.
  
• Hz %: Measure frequency and duty cycle (Use the Hz % button to select).
  
• A: High current range for AC and DC.
  
• mA: Medium current range for AC and DC.
  
• uA: Low current range for AC and DC.
  
• °C °F: Temperature.
  

• 10A mA: High current, it is not stable when current gets near 10A
  
• uA: The lower current ranges.
  
• CON: The common terminal for all ranges.
  
• xxx: All other ranges.
  

• Volt and frequency
  
  
  
  • At 100mVrms frequency input range is from 1Hz to 5.1MHz
    
  • At 1Vrms frequency input range can be stretched to 7.3MHz
    
  • At 2Vrms frequency input range can be stretched to 70MHz
    
  • Max/min needs about 380ms to capture a voltage, it cannot capture on a single pulse.
    
  • 1 VAC is 5% down at 2.1kHz (RMS will not work at this frequency).
    
  • Frequency counter and duty cycle needs a zero crossing
    
  • Duty cycle works from 2% to above 99% at 100kHz with 1Vpp, precision is within 0.2 (Mostly 0.1).
    
  • Input impedance is 10-11Mohm on DC and AC
    
  • mV range is high impedance for DC and 10Mohm for AC, impedance drops above 1.8V to 3kohm
    
  • Frequency input is 10Mohm up to about 1.5V, then it drops to 2kOhm
    
  • Voltage input are rated for 100VDC and 750VAC, but mV input only for 0.8VAC/DC
    
  
  
• Current
  
  
  
  • A range will give audible alarm at 10A.
    
  • uA range will give audible alarm at 6mA, but works up to 8mA
    
  • mA range will give audible alarm at 600mA, but works up to 800mA
    
  • A range cannot handle near 10A, shunt will heat up and reading will change.
    
  • uAmA protected by a 0.8A/250V 5×20mm fuse
    
  • A is protected a 10A/250V 5×20mm fuse.
    
  • Current ranges are only rated for 36VDC and 25VAC
    
  
  
• Ohm, Continuity, diode and capacity
  
  
  
  • Ohm needs about 2.7s to measure 100ohm
    
  • Ohm is 1V open and 0.4mA shorted
    
  • Continuity is (about 20ms).
    
  • Continuity beeps when resistance is below 50ohm.
    
  • Continuity is 1V open and 0.4mA shorted
    
  • Diode range uses 3.2V, max. display is 3V at 0.12mA, max. current is 1.8mA shorted
    
  • 10uF takes about 4.2 seconds to measure.
    
  • 70000uF takes about 10 seconds to measure.
    
  • The specifications says not to input voltage in these ranges.
    
  
  
• Miscellaneous
  
  
  
  • Current consumption of meter is 1.5mA and 1.9mA in AC mode (9mA with backlight).
    
  • Meter works down to 2.2V where it turns off, battery symbol show at 2.4V.
    
  • Reading is stable with changing battery voltage.
    
  • Backlight only works down to about 2.6V where it is fairly dim.
    
  • The meter usual need a few display update to reach the final value.
    
  • Viewing angle is good.
    
  • Display updates around 3 times/sec
    
  • Backlight will automatic turn off in about 140 seconds.
    
  • Will automatic turn power off in about 15 minutes.
    
  • Standard probes cannot be pushed fully down.
    
  • Weight is 248g without accessories, but with batteries.
    
  • Size is 161 × 80 × 40mm.
    
  
  
• Probes
  
  
  
  • Probe resistance 56mOhm for one (One probe was defective).
    
  • Probe wire is soft and 65cm long.
    
  
  

Thermal Imaging Camera HT-02D



This is a fairly cheap Thermal Imaging Camera, the thermal resolution is only 32×32 pixels, for an image it is rather low, but compared to a IR thermometer it is 1024 times better. I will check it out and compare it to my much more expensive Thermal camera.





I got the camera in a fairly large cardboard box with a lot of specifications.



The box contained the camera, a pouch with shoulder strap, belt clip and the manual. Inside the camera was a 4GB micro SD card.











The micro SD card is behind a flap on the top of the camera.




The camera did not include batteries. It uses ordinary alkaline batteries and is specified to work 6 hours on a set of four.



The camera can be mounted on a tripod.



Business end of the camera, at the top is the IR camera, in the centre a visual camera and at the bottom a white led.



User interface



These 6 button is the main user interface. Hold the Menu key down turn on or off, when on a short press will enter/leave the menu system. To edit a menu setting press Select and press Select again to enter or Menu to leave a sub menu. The arrow up/down is used to adjust most settings, date/time setting and image preview requires the left/right arrows.
When viewing an image the left/right key adjust the mix between temperature and visual image (See below).

The Menu key is also the “Yes” key.



The trigger button is used to take images, to save a image the Menu key must be pressed after the trigger.
Holding down the trigger will turn the white led on.



When the trigger is pressed this dialog pops up, press the menu button to save. Pressing the trigger again or the Select button will discard the image.



The menu is a mix of options, information and functions.
It has information about: Memory card space, images on card, ambient temperature, time.
It has settings for: °C/°F, environment temperature, emissivity, color palette, mark high low on image, date/time, background light brightness
It has a function to view the saved images.



Images

I do not necessary point the camera at the most interesting spot, check the MIN/MAX annotation in the lower corner, it matches the two other markers.



When pointing at a fairly uniform surface the display just shows noise.



A hot cup of tea. Photo of screen and saved image, on the saved image is added a date/time stamp.
The center marker is always at the center, the two other markers move around to show where the maximum and minimum temperature is found (They can be enabled/disabled in the menu system).



Mixing visual and temperature image, it is possible to adjust the mixing.



Only visual image, but the temperature is still shown.



Comparing to another much more expensive thermal image

These two images where take at the same time with the cameras beside each other.
This comparison gives an idea about what can be done with the HT-02D.



The HT-02D saves a final image with all information embedded in the image.



M1: 81.3°C, M2: 79.2°C, HS1: 83.1°C
This camera saves a proprietary file with both temperature and visual image in it. To get the final image I must use some proprietary software on a PC where I import the file, then put the markers on. I can combine with visual image or not and finally export the image (The above image is not in full resolution, I have scaled it a bit down).
The final image has much larger resolution and the temperature scale (colors) are adjusted to fit the image (This is a setting, I can define max. and min. temperature in the scale).



For next comparison i used a usb load, it gets very hot.



Due to the large pixel size this camera do not find the hottest point, but it is close. I am surprised that the color scale only goes to read, I would have expected some yellow dots in this image.



M1: 202.9°C, M2: 61.8°C, HS1: 222.0°C



Lets try low temperatures, a dish with ice and a bit of water



The camera has an error in the saved image, I have seen that a few times.
Again the camera cannot find the absolute lowest temperature due to the pixel size.



M1: 5.9°C, M2: 23.8°C, CS1: -4,8°C

As above, but with some salt added to the water, this brings the temperature down:




M1: -1,3°C, M2: 23,9°C, CS1: -18,2°C

Lets also check a charger IR image:



It is a bit difficult to see what it is.



Adding some visual image helps, but there is some parallax error (The red area is slightly besides the charger), this is because I am too close to the charger.



A bit more visual and turning the camera 90°.



M1: 35.3°C, M2: 53.9°C, M3: 49.8°C, HS1: 58.3°C
The higher resolution gives a much better image, but the HT-02D shows the essential temperature information.


Measurements

• Weight: 327g inclusive batteries, but excluding pouch.
  
• Power consumption when off 1.4uA
  
• Power consumption when on 160mA with 10% backlight (Default)
  
• Power consumption when on 240mA with 100% backlight
  
• The rated 6 hours may be a bit difficult on alkaline, but is easily done on NiMH batteries.
  
• Led light add 4mA to consumption.
  
• Turn on time is about 7 seconds, but it need about double that time before the temperature reading is correct.
  
• Turn off time is about 7 seconds
  

DMM VC105



This meter do not have a normal range switch, but uses buttons for selecting range. It is equipped with usb rechargeable batteries and the specifications say that it is more or less waterproof.



The box depicts another meter.



But at the bottom the correct type is checked.



The box contains the Chinese manual and a pouch with the multimeter.



The total contents is the multimeter, two probes, Chinese manual (It is possible to download a English manual), pouch, usb cable A-A, power supply/charger.





The probes specify CAT III 1000V rating, but that is not possible without tip cover. At best they are CAT II 1000V.



The plug is fully shrouded and nearly standard size.



A standard usb power supply, but a non-standard cable with two usb-A connectors.



The meter has a hole where it can be plugged in, this is a very unsafe solution (Meter do not have galvanic isolation).
Manual do warn against charging from a computer while doing measurements.





The buttons can be used with the meter standing.











Meter is not designed for use without the sleeve.





Display



For the size the display is fairly simple.



During use it will show the selected range and the value.




Functions



Buttons:

• Sel: Select between DC/AC and ohm/diode/continuity
  
• Range: Select manual range and change range (Must be used for mVAC), hold down to reactivate auto ranging.
  
• Hz/Duty: Switch to frequency and duty-cycle in voltage and current modes.
  
• Hold: Freeze the display.
  
• : Power button, a press will turn on the meter, hold down to turn off.
  
• : Background light on/off
  
• : Computer interface, requires special cable and software and may be dangerous to use.
  
• Rel: Remember the current reading and show all new readings relative to it.
  
• V/Hz: Voltage display, use SEL for AC and Hz/Duty for frequency.
  
• A: Ampere range, use SEL for AC.
  
• mA: Milliampere range, use SEL for AC.
  
• : Ohm, Diode and Continuity, use SEL for selection.
  
• Cx: Capacity range, this is always auto ranging.
  

• 20A: High current, it is possible to use 20A for 30 seconds
  
• mA: The lower current ranges.
  
• CON: The common terminal for all ranges.
  
• xxx: All other ranges.
  

• Volt and frequency
  
  
  
  • At 100mVrms in DC frequency input range is from 0.5Hz to 2kHz
    
  • At 1Vrms in DC frequency input range is from 0.4Hz to 22kHz
    
  • At 4Vrms in DC frequency input range is from 0.4Hz to 3MHz
    
  • Duty cycle works from 20% to 80% at 1kHz with 4Vpp, precision is within 10.0 (This is just about useless)
    
  • 1 VAC on AC input is 5% down at 2.3kHz
    
  • Frequency counter requires a zero crossing.
    
  • mVAC must be manually selected
    
  • Input impedance is 10..11Mohm.
    
  • mV DC range is high impedance up to around 1.5 volt where it slowly drops to 10MOhm
    
  • Over voltage protection is 600VAC/VDC
    
  
  
• Current
  
  
  
  • 400mA current is protected by a 0.4A/250V 5×20mm fuse.
    
  • 10A current is protected by a 20A/500V 10.3×38mm fuse (Fuse is marked 1000V).
    
  • Manual specifies not to use current ranges above 250VAC
    
  
  
• Ohm, Continuity, diode and capacity
  
  
  
  • Ohm needs about 3.8s to measure 100ohm
    
  • Ohm is 0.44V open and 0.17mA shorted
    
  • Continuity is moderate speed (About 160ms).
    
  • Continuity start beeping when resistance is below 75ohm and stops beeping when resistance is above 103ohm
    
  • Continuity is 0.44V open and 0.17mA shorted
    
  • Diode range uses 1.4V, max. display is 0.999V at 0.14mA, max. current is 0.5mA shorted.
    
  • 10uF takes about than 2.5 second to measure.
    
  • 100uF takes between 13 and 17 seconds to measure.
    
  • Over voltage protection is 250VAC/VDC
    
  
  
• Miscellaneous
  
  
  
  • Current consumption of meter is about 11mA, 17mA with backlight. The relay only need a current pulse to change and will not increase power consumption.
    
  • Meter works down to 2.5V where it turns off, battery gauge shows empty at 3.3V.
    
  • Reading do not change with battery voltage.
    
  • Backlight varies with battery voltage and is very dim at 3V
    
  • The meter needs many display update before it shows correct value.
    
  • Viewing angle is good.
    
  • Display updates around 2.5 times/sec
    
  • Backlight do not automatic turn off, but turns off when the meter turns off.
    
  • Auto turn off after about 13 minutes.
    
  • Standard probes fits.
    
  • Weight is 497g without accessories, but with sleeve and build-in LiIon battery.
    
  • Size is 194 × 106 × 46mm with sleeve.
    
  
  
• Probes
  
  
  
  • Probe resistance 49mOhm for one.
    
  • Probe wire is soft and 75cm long.
    
  
  

DMM Mastech MS8218



This is the top Mastech meter with very high precision and PC connection. The meter is a fairly old design.



I got the meter in an envelope with the meter in its bag.



Everything was inside the bag.



It included the DMM, a pair of probes, a shoulder strap for the bag, the bag, a CD with software, a opto to RS232 cable, some instructions sheets and a calibration certificate in Chinese.





Probes are branded with Mastech and has removeable tip covers. The CAT rating is the usual with with II without covers and III & IV with covers.



The plug is fully shrouded and standard probe plug size.



The meter is heavy and the tilting bale can hold it while the range switch is used or the buttons is pressed.






The optical port is one led, i.e. only transmitting of data, it is not possible to send command to the meter.






Display



The above picture shows all the segments on the display.
The 51000 is used to show selected range when using manual range, i.e. it can show 5, 50, 500, 5000 and 1000



Typical display during usage, it will show the main number and what measurement is selected.



Functions



Buttons (Many buttons, but not that many functions):

• Wake: Used to wake the meter from automatic power down mode. Holding down the wake key while turning on power will disable auto power off.
  
• Max/min: Select max/min mode, press to toggle between max/min/max-min, hold down to disable again.
  
• Hz: Select Hz display in voltage and current modes, there is no duty-cycle on these ranges.
  
• Light: Turns on the background light for a very short time.
  
• Select (Yellow): Select between the different modes on each position of the range switch.
  
• Range: Manual range selection, hold down to return to automatic ranging. When dB is selected it will change reference impedance between 20 values.
  
• Rel: Shows values relative to current value
  
• Hold: Freezes the display, hold down to activate RS232 data streaming. This do not disable auto power off, see Wake key.
  
• Power (Green): A mechanical switch to turn power on/off.
  

• VAC and dB: AC voltage and dB, use range to select reference impedance for dB, Hz for frequency display.
  
• VDC and AC+DC: DC voltage and combined AC+DC rms.
  
• mV: Milli volt for DC, AC and AC+DC
  
• Hz: Logical frequency, this range requires square wave input and will show duty-cycle (use SELECT).
  
• : Diode, works up to 2.5V, but bargraphs works up to 3V.
  
• : Resistance and continuity
  
• : Capacitance
  
• uA: Microampere range, use SELECT to select AC or AC+DC.
  
• mA: Milliampere range, use SELECT to select AC or AC+DC.
  
• A: Ampere range, use SELECT to select AC or AC+DC.
  

• A: High current, maximum current is 10A
  
• mAuA: The lower current ranges.
  
• CON: The common terminal for all ranges.
  
• xxx: All other ranges.
  

• Volt and frequency
  
  
  
  • Frequency input has a trigger point around 1.5V
    
  • Voltage input requires a zero crossing on DC ranges for frequency measurement, on AC the input capacitor handles that.
    
  • Frequency input requires a square wave signal and enough level or it will show 0 or a wrong value.
    
  • At 4Vpp input frequency range is from 1Hz to 1.6MHz
    
  • At 100mVrms input on mV range, frequency range is from 1Hz to 199.99kHz
    
  • Duty cycle works from 3% to 99% at 100kHz with 4Vpp, precision is within 3.0.
    
  • 1 VAC is 5% up at 70kHz (RMS will not work at the frequency).
    
  • Max/min needs about 650ms to capture a voltage.
    
  • Auto range works when doing min/max and relative.
    
  • If there is a large AC voltage on DC range and 0 DC, it will show a DC value
    
  • Input impedance is 10-11Mohm on DC, on mV AC/DC it will drop to 20kohm when above 3V and to 3kohm above 13V
    
  • AC input has a capacitor
    
  • Frequency input is around 20kohm up to 10V, then it drops to 2kohm.
    
  • Rated overload protection is 250VDC/VAC in mV range and frequency ranges.
    
  
  
• Current
  
  
  
  • Overload protection in uA and mA: 0.6A/500V 6.3×32mm fuse
    
  • Overload protection in A: 10A/500V 6.3×32mm fuse
    
  • There is an audible warning and display turns off when using non current ranges with a probe in mAuA or A input.
    
  
  
• Ohm, continuity, diode and capacity
  
  
  
  • Ohm needs about 2.0s to measure 100ohm
    
  • Ohm is 1.2V open and 0.81mA shorted
    
  • Continuity is fast (About 10ms).
    
  • Continuity beeps when resistance is below 50ohm
    
  • Continuity is 3.2V open and 0.81mA shorted
    
  • Diode range uses 3.2V, max. display is 2.4999V at 0.18mA, max. current is 0.81mA shorted, bargraph works up to 3.2V
    
  • 4000uF takes about 58 seconds to measure.
    
  • 1000uF takes about 16 seconds to measure.
    
  • 10uF takes about 4 seconds to measure.
    
  • Rated overload protection is 250VDC/VAC
    
  
  
• Miscellaneous
  
  
  
  • Current consumption of meter is 5.8mA, IR link uses spikes of 9mA, but do not change average significantly (25mA with backlight)
    
  • Meter works down to 5.8V where segments starts to fade, display is completely faded at about 5V, battery symbol show at 6.5V.
    
  • Below 5.8V on the battery readings will change very significant.
    
  • Backlight will fade with dropping battery voltage and is completely out at around 5.5V
    
  • The meter need a couple of updates before the reading is correct.
    
  • Viewing angle is good
    
  • Display updates around 2,5 times/sec
    
  • Bargraph updates at same rate as display
    
  • Backlight will turn off in 6 seconds
    
  • Will automatic turn power off in about 15 minutes without any warning.
    
  • Standard probes fits perfectly into sockets on meter.
    
  • Generally the precision is nearly “spot on”, i.e. usual only a few counts out.
    
  • Weight is 615g without accessories, but with batteries.
    
  • Size is 210 × 104 × 50mm.
    
  
  
• Probes
  
  
  
  • Probe resistance 24mOhm for one.
    
  • Probe wire is soft and 100cm long.
    
  • Comminication cable is 112cm long
    
  
  

DMM HY-19E



This is a fairly cheap DMM with 20000 count display.




It arrived in a universal DMM cardboard box, the illustration do not match the meter.



It included the DMM, a pair of probes, a thermocoupler and a couple of instructions sheets (manual).
The manual is without branding, it only says 19E



No tip covers on these probes that is rated for 1000V Cat III and 10A
This means the rating is wrong.



The plug is fully shrouded, but shorter than standard probes.




The thermocoupler is the typical cheap construction.




















The polarity markings for the battery is not very easy to see, there is a small + and – symbol at the bottom of the battery box.



Display



The above picture shows all the segments on the display.
It has two readouts and a bargraph at the bottom.



During AC Voltage or current measurement the secondary readout will show frequency.
The bargraph looks like it has many steps, but that is a cheat, it is grouped in 5 bar groups.



Typical display on other ranges.



NCV shows dashes depending on the strength of the electric field.



Functions



Buttons:

• Hold: Freezes the display, hold down for backlight.
  
• Range: Will disable auto range and change range, hold down to activate auto range.
  
• Rel: Shows values relative to current value, will also select manual range. Press again to disable.
  
• Hz %: Shows duty cycle in AC and frequency ranges (Frequency is already on the secondary display, but it will be turned off in duty cycle mode).
  
• Select (Yellow): Select between different function in mV and ohm settings.
  
• Peak: Shows a strange value, that has nothing with a peak or maximum value to do.
  

• Off: Meter is turned off
  
• VAC: Show AC voltage and frequency, using the Hz button duty cycle can be selected.
  
• VDC: Show DC voltage.
  
• mV: Show DC or AC mV. In AC the Hz % button will show duty cycle. This selection is also used for temperature.
  
• : Resistance, continuity, diode and capacity.
  
• Hz %: Frequency, use Hz button for duty cycle.
  
• A: Current AC and DC. In AC the HZ % button will show duty cycle.
  
• mA: Current AC and DC. In AC the HZ % button will show duty cycle.
  
• uA: Current AC and DC. In AC the HZ % button will show duty cycle.
  
• NCV: Volt Alert or electric field detection.
  

• 10A: High current, it can only withstand 10+ ampere for a short time (Fuse is 10A).
  
• mAuA: The lower current ranges, the selector switch will change between two different shunts (Fuse is 200mA).
  
• COM: The common terminal for all ranges.
  
• xxx: All other ranges.
  

• Volt and frequency
  
  
  
  • Frequency counter and duty cycle can only be selected in AC ranges and Hz range.
    
  • At 100mVrms input frequency range is from 0.8Hz to 20MHz
    
  • At 1Vrms input frequency range can be stretched to 19.999MHz
    
  • Frequency is always auto range
    
  • Duty cycle works from 2% to above 99% at 100kHz with 1Vpp, precision is within 0.2
    
  • Peak can only be selected in AC mode. It do not capture peaks (I do not know what it do).
    
  • 1 VAC is 5% down at 2.0kHz (RMS will not work at the frequency).
    
  • Frequency counter requires a zero crossing
    
  • Input impedance is 10-11Mohm on DC and AC
    
  • mV range is high impedance for DC and 10Mohm for AC up to 2V, then then drop to 2kohm.
    
  • Frequency input is 1-5Mohm below 2V and 2kohm above.
    
  • Rated overload protection on mV and frequency is 550V DC/AC
    
  • Rated overload protection on V is 1000V DC or 750VAC
    
  
  
• Current
  
  
  
  • Frequency counter and duty cycle can only be selected in AC ranges.
    
  • uAmA input is protected by a 0.2A/250V 6.3×32mm ceramic fuse
    
  • A input is protected by a 10A/250V 10×38mm ceramic fuse
    
  • uA range has audible alert when current is very high (8mA)
    
  
  
• Ohm, Continuity, diode and capacity
  
  
  
  • Ohm needs about 2.6s to measure 100ohm
    
  • Ohm is 1V open and 0.38mA shorted
    
  • Continuity is fast (About 20ms).
    
  • Continuity beeps when resistance is below 50ohm.
    
  • Continuity is 1V open and 0.38mA shorted
    
  • Diode range uses 3.3V, max. display is 1.9999V at 0.7mA, max. current is 1.7mA shorted
    
  • 10uF takes about 4.5 seconds to measure.
    
  • 70000uF takes about 9 seconds to measure.
    
  • Rated overload protection on is 550V DC/AC
    
  
  
• Miscellaneous
  
  
  
  • Current consumption of meter is 2.6mA to 3mA depending on range (31mA with backlight)
    
  • Meter works down to 2.3V where it will show about 3 times the value, battery symbol show at 5.9V.
    
  • Reading are stable down to 3.2 volt
    
  • Backlight works below 3.2V where it is a bit dim.
    
  • The meter usual need a couple or more display update to reach the final value.
    
  • Viewing angle is good.
    
  • Display updates around 3 times/sec
    
  • Bargraph works at same speed as the numeric readings.
    
  • Backlight will automatic turn off in about 15 seconds.
    
  • Will automatic turn power off in about 15 minutes (Holding HOLD down during power on to disable).
    
  • Standard probes cannot be fully inserted, but they will work. Banana plugs can be fully inserted.
    
  • Weight is 357g without accessories, but with rubber sleeve and batteries.
    
  • Size is 183 × 90 × 46mm with rubber sleeve.
    
  
  
• Probes
  
  
  
  • Probe resistance 80mOhm for one.
    
  • Probe wire is soft and 92cm long.
    
  
  

DANIU 1M 4mm Banana to Banana Plug Soft Silicone Test Cable



Official specifications:

• Color: 4 Kinds of Color, Blue,Black,Red,Green
  
• Material: Wire & Conductive Metal
  
• Current: 15A
  
• Plug size: 4mm
  
• Length: 1M
  
• Suitable For: Testing

DMM Brymen BM525s



This is one of the advanced Brymen meter with good precision, logging and PC connection (Must be bought separately).



The meter arrived in a white cardboard box without any text on it.



Inside was a pouch with everything in it.



The box/pouch included the meter, two probes, a thermocoupler (Meter supports two) and the manual (It can also be downloaded).





Probes are branded with B.T.C. and has removable tip covers.
The probes are rated for up to CAT IV 1000V like the meter.



It is possible to screw a banana plug onto the tip, but then the tip cover cannot be used.



The plug is fully shrouded and standard probe plug size.




A standard thermocoupler with a standard dual banana connector.



The meter is heavy and the tilting bale can hold it while the range switch is used or the buttons is pressed.




The tilting bale can be moved a bit and then be used to hand the meter on.







The PC connection is on the back with an optical link.













The rubber sleeve must be removed to replace the battery




Display



The above picture shows all the segments on the display.
There is two 4 digit displays and a bargraph. The small display and the bargraph will only be used in some ranges, see end of this chapter. There are also a few segments that is not used on this model.



Normal DC voltage with voltage and bargraph.



In AC modes the small display with frequency will supplement the large display.



With this display the meter could not maintain the bargraph.
The bargraph will not be show when the secondary display shows voltage or current.



The meter has a special auto position where it will show voltage AC or DC and ohms.

Dual and single display functions (After / is small display):
VAC: VAC/Hz, Hz/VAC
VDC: VDC, VDC/VAC, DC+AC/VAC
mVDC: mVDC, mVDC/mVAC, mDC+mAC/mVAC, Hz, Duty Cycle
mVAC: mVAC/Hz, Hz/mVAC
Temp: T1, T2, T1/T2, T1-T2/T2 (Use RANGE to select)
mA: mADC, mADC/mAAC, mDC+mAC/mAAC, mAAC/Hz
A: ADC, ADC/AAC, DC+AC/AAC, AAC/Hz
uA: uADC, uADC/uAAC, uDC+uAC/uAAC, uAAC/Hz



Functions



Buttons (Select and a few other are remembered):

• Select: Select between the different modes on each position of the range switch, hold down to activate background light. Meter will remember the selection and use it next time the range is selected.
  
• Range: Switch to manual range and select range, hold down to activate automatic ranging again. In temperature mode it will select different combinations of thermocouplers.
  
• : Shows values relative to current value.
  
• Hold: Freeze the display, press again to release.
  
• Crest: Peak mode, will record and show fast min/max. Use button to change between max/min/max-min. Hold down to end mode.
  
• Yes: Hold down to start logging, confirm logging with a fast press or use Erase to clear all old logs before starting.
  
• Erase: Hold down to set logging interval from 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 120, 180, 300, 600 seconds (Use arrows to select, hold down to confirm). This setting is reset to fastest setting every time mode is changed.
  
• Rec: Minimum/maximum mode, will record min/max values. Use button to change between actual/max/min/max-min. Hold down to end mode.
  

• Auto check: VDC, VAC and ohms, meter will automatic select
  
• Off: Meter is turned off.
  
• VAC: Measure AC voltage and frequency
  
• VDC: Measure DC voltage, AC voltage and AC+DC voltage.
  
• mVDC: Millivolt range, measure DC voltage, AC voltage, AC+DC voltage, frequency and duty cycle.
  
• mVAC: Millivolt range, measure AC voltage and frequency
  
• : Resistance and continuity, the nS makes it possible to measure very huge resistance values.
  
• T1 T2: Measure temperature with one or two thermocouplers, can also show difference between them.
  
• : Capacitance and diode range.
  
• A mA: This is either mA or A depending on where the probe is connected. It will measure DCA, ACA, ACA+DCA and frequency
  
• uA: The uA range. It will measure DCA, ACA, ACA+DCA and frequency.
  

• A: High current, maximum current is 10A, also ground for second thermocoupler.
  
• mAuA: The lower current ranges and + input for the second thermocoupler.
  
• CON: The common terminal for all ranges.
  
• xxx: All other ranges.
  

• Volt and frequency
  
  
  
  • Frequency input (mVDC) has a trigger point around 1.2V
    
  • At 10mVrms frequency input (mVAC) range is from 2Hz to 80kHz
    
  • At 100mVrms frequency input (mVAC) range is from 2Hz to 58kHz (It is about the same at 1Vrms)
    
  • At 1Vrms input on mVDC range (logical frequency), frequency range is from 2Hz to 180kHz
    
  • At 2Vrms input on mVDC range (logical frequency), frequency range is from 2Hz to 1.2MHz
    
  • Duty cycle works from 1% to 99% at 10kHz with 4Vpp, precision is within 0.4
    
  • 1 VAC is 5% down at 7kHz (RMS will not work at the frequency).
    
  • Auto range works when doing min/max, peak and relative.
    
  • Max/min (Rec) needs about 600ms to capture a voltage.
    
  • Peak (Crest) needs about 0.7ms to capture a voltage.
    
  • Auto mode requires 1.2V DC to select voltage DC.
    
  • Auto mode requires 0.5V AC to select voltage AC.
    
  • Large AC values on DC ranges will prevent the meter from showing a value, except if dual display AC and DC is selected.
    
  • Input impedance is 10-10.5Mohm on DC
    
  • AC input has a capacitor
    
  • The DCV & DCmV range has two paths: Directly DC volt and True-RMS volt, they will not show exactly the same value.
    
  • mV DC/AC has 10Mohm input impedance up to about 3V, then it drops to 20kohm at 10 volt and 4kOhm at 35 volt.
    
  • Frequency input is 10Mohm up to 3 volt then it drops to 20kohm at 10 volt and 4kOhm at 35 volt.
    
  • Rated overload protection on V ranges is 1100VDC/VAC and 12kV transient.
    
  • Rated overload protection is 1000VDC/VAC and 12kV transient in mV range .
    
  
  
• Current
  
  
  
  • Overload protection in uA and mA: 0.44A/1000V 10×38mm fuse
    
  • Overload protection in A: 11A/1000V 10×38mm fuse
    
  • There is an audible warning and display shows “InErr” when using non current ranges with a probe in mAuA or A input.
    
  
  
• Ohm, continuity, diode and capacity
  
  
  
  • Ohm needs about 2s to measure 100ohm
    
  • Ohm is 1V open and 0.17mA shorted
    
  • Continuity is very fast (Below 10ms, but not latched making it difficult to use it faster).
    
  • Continuity beeps when resistance is below 250ohm
    
  • Continuity is 1.2V open and 0.17mA shorted
    
  • Conductivity (nS) is 1.2V open and 0.3uA shorted
    
  • Diode range uses 3.1V, max. display is 2.0000V at 0.13mA, max. current is 0.37mA shorted
    
  • 10uF takes about 3 seconds to measure.
    
  • 11000uF takes about 12 seconds to measure.
    
  • Rated overload protection is 1000VDC/VAC and 12kV transient.
    
  
  
• Miscellaneous
  
  
  
  • Current consumption of meter is 4.6mA and 4.8mA when logging (35mA with backlight)
    
  • Current consumption when logging with an interval of 30 seconds or more will drop to 2.9mA after the first 5 minutes.
    
  • Meter works down to 4.0V where it says “InErr”, battery symbol show at 6.8V.
    
  • The meter reading is stable down to 5.7V on battery.
    
  • Backlight is stable until meter reports “InErr”.
    
  • Maximum logging speed depends on range and varies between 0.05s (20 times/sec) to 2s
    
  • Meter can save up to 87000 single logging values or 43500 dual logging values (dual is used when dual display is on), this can be split in multiple sessions.
    
  • The meter sometimes need a couple of updates before the reading is fully correct.
    
  • Viewing angle is good
    
  • Display updates around 5 times/sec.
    
  • Bargraph updates 60 times/sec
    
  • When logging bargraph is used to indicate that.
    
  • Backlight will turn off in 32 seconds
    
  • Backlight has a few shadows, they do not make it harder to read the display.
    
  • Will automatic turn power off in about 30 minutes without any warning.
    
  • Standard probes fits perfectly into sockets on meter.
    
  • Weight is 638g without accessories, but with sleeve and batteries.
    
  • Size is 207 × 103 × 64mm.
    
  
  
• Probes
  
  
  
  • Probe resistance 26mOhm for one.
    
  • Probe wire is soft and 100cm long.