WTB: Multimeter ~$80

Hey guys,

Well I am in need of a serious upgrade from my current Dicksmith cheap shit-ass multimeter. \/\/\/\/



I do not need something with amazing 0.01% accuracy or amazing safety features
since I am not going to be measuring high voltages or mains power supply circuits.

One of my requirements however would to be able to measure high current draws. In some cases, in excess of
10A continuous current draw. Temperature measurement would be nice to have but obviously not necessary in this price range.
Auto-ranging is a feature which is a no brainier and is definitely preferred.

One multimeter that caught my eye was the Fluke 17B.

I watched this tear-down video and the reviewer was reasonably impressed with the construction and features of this chinese made fluke.
Although at the end of the video he said that the fluke 17b was not very good value for money since it has very basic features for its price

Considering my requirements and price range what would be a good multimeter to purchase? Or should I be extending my budget?

I would recommend the 17B, it has all the essential features and does all of them very well. I've never needed more than it offered for day to day use.

I asked this question recently on EEVblog.

I was steered towards the uni-t 61e($60) and the Brymen BM-257($120)

Basically the uni-t has much higher counts, great accuracy, but no backlight, and sub standard safety(don't use for mains work) But im sure would be more than good for bench work.

The Brymen was much better constructed(tougher), top notch safety(mains work no problem would feel safe) but lower counts. Came with VERY nice gold plated silicone wire leads and a temp sensor.

I went with the brymen strictly for the backlight and physically tougher construction as I use it outside a lot for automotive uses.

Hmm, decisions, decisions

Well it looks like to me that one would mainly buy the 17b for the name. But the lack of a backlight is a deal breaker for me

EEVblog mentioned that you could find the 17b for $60! But currently I haven't seen them below $110. If the 17b was $60 I would definitely buy it. Otherwise the uni-t 61e looks really nice for the price

Although I wonder if the uni-t 61e is actually a true RMS meter :thinking:

I think EEVBlog meant that the 15B was $60.

TBH I've never needed back light on any multi-meter. I keep my work areas well lit

will manners said:

Hmm, decisions, decisions

Well it looks like to me that one would mainly buy the 17b for the name. But the lack of a backlight is a deal breaker for me

EEVblog mentioned that you could find the 17b for $60! But currently I haven't seen them below $110. If the 17b was $60 I would definitely buy it. Otherwise the uni-t 61e looks really nice for the price

Although I wonder if the uni-t 61e is actually a true RMS meter :thinking:

Click to expand...

If you go with uni-t make sure its either the 61e or another well researched model. As I was warned on eevblog that while the 61e is an amazing meter for the money(it is true rms, and very accurate and feature rich) that the other models can be VERY bad even other models in the 61x series. Really need to do your homework with uni-t apparently.

Im actually probably going to purchase a 61e eventually just as a second meter.

Well it looks like the uni-t 61e then

EEVblog also suggested on their forum that the 17B is manufactured by uni-t.

The only real advantage that I can see in the 17b is the name and the ability to measure temp. Or perhaps I've missed something else?

This one has worked very well for me.

High Quality Victory Brand F01729 VC97 31/2 Auto range Digital multimeter meter analog bar AC DC R C F Temp 3 3/4-in Multimeters from Industry & Business on Aliexpress.com

20 amp AC and DC.

Will take a few weeks to get.

LarryDFW