How to Buy a Multimeter

Are you planning to buy a multimeter and need help? Here are some timps

How to Buy a Multimeter covers what you need to know to select a meter for DIY electronics. It focuses on the needs for audio electronics, but it’s purposely kept general in nature.

Handheld Digital Multimeters are mainly used to measure resistance, as well as DC/AC voltage and current. Common multimeters can be divided into two types, desktop and handheld digital multimeters depending on their sizes. A handheld digital multimeter is basically composed of Analogue Front End (AFE), MCU, Human-machine interface and Power supply. The design of handheld multimeters should focus on the features of low power, high performance and compact size.

Look for these features when buying a multimeter article tells that multimeters can be handy for troubleshooting PC power problems (I would say it is a must have). But the range of features and prices can be confusing when you’re shopping for one. Before you waste time and money, find out which features are essential and which are merely nice to have.

EEVblog #75 – Digital Multimeter Buying Guide for Beginners

EEVblog #91 – $50 Multimeter Shootout – Extech EX330, Amprobe AM220, Elenco, Vichy VC99, GS Pro-50

$50 Multimeter Comparison and Teardown article tells about a very nice video series on multimeters. Here is maybe the most interesting video from it:

$50 Multimeter Shootout – Part 7 – 15 DMMs Compared! – Teardowns – #0074

 

121 Comments

  1. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Square Wave Generator Mode in Digital Multimeter (DMM) | Observation on DSO
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yfq9YrUUpI

    This video will explain about the square wave output feature in digital multimeter, frequency, amplitude observation with the help of DSO.

    Reply
  2. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Why is There a Frequency / Wave Symbol on Multimeter? What is Its Use or Function?
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3EKI83NaPo

    We have seen a Frequency/Square Wave Symbol in the Yellow multimeters. But many of us do not know what it actually does. In dotays video I have explained it with practical demo.

    Reply
  3. Tomi Engdahl says:

    https://maker.pro/forums/threads/dvm-meters-with-square-waveform-mode.271344/

    Sinometer UT30D Pocket-size Digital Multimeter with 50 Hz Square Wave Generator

    Why 50hz squave wave generator? to test what at 50hz squaveform?

    Steve check it out again, it’s not an oscope, its a DVM meter with a function mode with a square waveform output at only 50hz
    It is right next to the Diode checker mode, it has a square waveform symbol
    It only outputs at 50hz at 2 volts peak to peak

    My question is the use of this mode? what can you test at 50hz? what circuits can I test using a 50hz square waveform

    I heard that one of its use is to test line power transformers, but why would you test a transformer at 50hz? plus if you apply 50hz squarewaveform to the primary how do you measure the secondary of the transformer?

    There is other brands of meters like this that output a square waveform at 30hz, but for what kinds of test? to test what at 30hz?

    The link points me to a cheap imported 3 1/2 digit multimeter. Maybe the “unique build in square wave generator” could be used to stimulate a circuit? No information on what the peak-to-peak amplitude or current sourcing capability is, but for sixteen bucks (plus shipping and handling) I bet it ain’t much. Probably a left-over from internal clock circuitry.

    Now I know what you’re talking about, the answer is simple.

    It is a mostly useless feature added to differentiate the multimeter from others. It’s pretty much the same as the transistor tester almost nobody will use it, but it seems like a nice feature to have.

    It’s also probably cheaper and easier than a frequency or counter option and maybe people will think that’s what it is.

    No, it’s ment for testing or injecting into an input or circuit
    1.) To test transformers, how can you?
    2.) PWM motors , it’s ment for PWM circuits but how so?
    3.) Adjustable voltage control circuits?
    4.) Synchronic clock?
    5.) Calibrate flow meter displays?
    6.) Tachometers
    7.) Frequency input devices

    Look at PAGE#31 of the BK meter it explains it B&K Precision Corp.’sModel 2890A
    https://bkpmedia.s3.amazonaws.com/downloads/manuals/en-us/2890A_manual.pdf

    Well there’s your answer. Congratulations.

    1.) I put a 50hz square waveform on the primary of the transformer and use an oscilloscope on the secondary?
    why is 50hz a good test frequency for transformers?

    2.) 50hz to test a PWM circuit ? to see if the PWM circuit is outputting a waveform on the oscilloscope?

    3.) not sure what an adjustable voltage control circuit is or does or what is it used for

    4.) Synchronic clock, i have no idea what this is or used for

    5.) Calibrating a flow meter display using a square waveform out?

    6.) Testing a Tachometer using a 50hz square waveform, i have no idea how this is done

    Why do you think 50Hz might be a good frequency?

    I have no idea why, why do you think it’s a good frequency?
    I would think 60hz because it’s line frequency ,
    but 50hz might work for testing line power transformers

    The other DVM meters are at 30hz, which I have no idea what to test at 30hz

    The BK meter is the only one that is a variable frequency and duty cycle square waveform output

    Would it be equally good for all transformers?

    No, just for 60hz line power transformers
    not for testing audio transformers or output transformers
    Maybe for step up and down transformers

    What output would you expect to see on the secondary?

    The same waveform on the primary to the secondary, same voltage and line frequency

    Just because some instrument has a “feature” doesn’t mean that “feature” is useful. If I want a variable frequency, variable duty cycle waveform to test something I also want to (1) be able to select the waveform (2) adjust the frequency and (3) set the duty cycle (or pulse width)… preferably with knobs not buttons. But that’s just me. A dedicated function generator, not a multi-meter, is what I would use.

    Transformers don’t pass square waves very well, so I fail to see how exciting their primary with a square wave would provide much useful information measured at the secondary. YMMV.

    Why do you think 50Hz might be a good frequency?
    I have no idea why, why do you think it’s a good frequency?
    I would think 60hz because it’s line frequency ,
    but 50hz might work for testing line power transformers

    Mains / line frequency is 50 Hz in many places outside the U.S. including the UK, Europe and Oceania. In any case 50 Hz is not too far from 60 Hz. So that might be the right answer – that the meter might be slightly useful for testing mains (line) transformers.

    What output would you expect to see on the secondary?
    The same waveform on the primary to the secondary, same voltage and line frequency

    Different voltage, unless the transformer has a 1:1 turns ratio.
    Same frequency, yes.
    The transformer will change the waveform too. A transformer that’s designed to operate at 50/60 Hz is designed to pass a sinewave, not a squarewave. A squarewave has lots of harmonics, which (by definition) are at higher frequencies than the fundamental, and a mains (line) transformer will not reproduce these very well.

    If you have one of these meters, and an oscilloscope, you can do an experiment to see how the transformer modifies the squarewave.

    Reply
  4. Tomi Engdahl says:

    What On Earth Is Diode Mode On A Multimeter? How Do I Use It? Why Is It So Cool?
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJVNI_WeTvE

    Reply
  5. Tomi Engdahl says:

    121GW Multimeter REVIEW [2023]
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iqURp-NsdM

    I take a detailed look at the 121GW from Dave Jones of EEVBlog and compare with the Fluke 116, Fluke 8845A, DE-5000 and M-830B.

    INDEX
    0:00 — Intro
    2:20 — Unboxing
    3:17 — Manuals & Add-ons
    4:01 — Power ON & Firmware
    5:49 — Battery Life
    6:27 — Changing Batteries & SD Card Slot
    8:20 — Auto Power Off (APO)
    11:29 — LCD Contrast
    13:33 — LCD Cover Issues
    16:33 — Kick Stand, Probe Holders & Wobble Woes
    19:08 — Included Probes
    21:35 — Typical Uses for DMMs
    21:57 — Continuity Checking
    27:19 — 50,000 Count Display & Resistivity Measuring
    35:09 — AC Voltage Measurements
    35:59 — DC Voltage Measurements
    36:34 — DC Current Measurements
    43:33 — Capacitance Measurements
    51:20 — Data Logging
    1:00:23 — Secondary Display, Mode Memory, Dual Temp. Sensing
    1:03:59 — 15V Diode Test (Zeners)
    1:05:20 — Volt Amp (Watts DC) Measurements
    1:06:17 — Frequency Measurements
    1:06:53 — Closing Thoughts

    Reply
  6. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Test screwdriver with microcontroller!
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fCiZ5kTDso

    This is NOT the product I was expecting. The functionality is probably the same, but the circuitry is very different, and it seems ridiculous that a microcontroller could be used in this application. Especially when you see how they detect the voltage thresholds.

    I get the impression from the ludicrous 100Mohm resistor that the circuit is just using a simple threshold system where an internal weak pull-up is used on a digital input so that a test voltage of two distinct thresholds will be detected for continuity and high voltage.

    It’s quite odd that one LED goes to positive and one to negative. But there are lots of oddities about the design, which could easily have been implemented on a single sided PCB.

    Quiescent current is spectacularly low, so the cell stack should last a reasonable amount of time.
    Although the standby current of 7uA drops to near zero after about 9 seconds when the chip goes to sleep, it was notable that a noisy electrical load in the vicinity kept it awake and drawing about 20uA.

    The microcontroller seems to waken and check the inputs briefly in standby, as tapping the end of the driver is not initially detected until it coincides with a wake-up and the microcontroller goes into sense mode.

    Reply
  7. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Simple Transistor Tester Circuit for PNP & NPN Transistors
    https://www.elprocus.com/simple-transistor-tester-circuit/

    Reply
  8. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Why The Clamp Meter Is The Only Tester You Need | Pros and DIYers
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kawFTI5-kqU

    Over the last 10-15 years clamp meters have come a long way and added a ton of features. So much so that a clamp meter is pretty much all you need for residential electrical work. In this video, I will demonstrate the Klein Tools CL120 and how this one piece of hardware can cover 95% of your testing needs.

    Reply
  9. Tomi Engdahl says:

    [US$92.00 54% OFF]TOOLTOP ET11S/ET12S 2In1 Thermal Imager Digital Multimeter 6000 Count Voltage Current Resistance Capacitance Diode Frequency Tester PC Data Transfer Measurement & Analysis Instruments from Tools on banggood
    https://ban.ggood.vip/14nr7

    Reply
  10. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Multimeter
    https://hackaday.io/project/195109-multimeter

    This is my attempt at designing a basic USB powered multimeter. Included modes are VDC, Ohms, and (Capacitance).

    Reply
  11. Tomi Engdahl says:

    EEVblog 1574 – REVIEW: Is the $42 Fluke 101 Multimeter Any Good?
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymJc5oxthlw

    Reply
  12. Tomi Engdahl says:

    EEVblog 1447 – EXPENSIVE Fluke vs CHEAPER Brymen – Teardown
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Hlmq57FQQk

    Reply

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