EEVblog #99 - $100 Multimeter Shootout - Extech Amprobe BK Precision Ideal UEi Uni-T PART 1of2

[@BloodyCactus]

dave, i watched this 14 years ago and bought me an UEI393 meter and today helped my father in law fix his fishpond electronics. still going strong. well worth what I paid 14 years ago!

[@bigclivedotcom]

I was so keen on that ExTech meter until I saw that ugly clump of protection components smushed into one big coppery bang. I could live with the link in place of a spider-like PCB section, and I've no problems with the use of wire links in place of tracks where it keeps things well separated. But that train-wreck of protection is a complete turn-off.

[@towerclimber7277]

Sir Clive in the house fellas! You gotta love the KZbin community.

[@JohannDaart]

bigclivedotcom it looks like they took a layout from some cheap chinese dmm that had no reasonable protection and added more without changing the layout, just to fit product spec.

[@MrDoneboy]

Buy a Fluke, and never look back!

[@gotthefeelin]

Ironically the Amecal that you bought was made by the same Chinese OEM company as the Extech, called CEM.

[@bigclivedotcom]

@@gotthefeelin They make meters for a lot of different brands. There's even a possibility that they make meters for Fluke.

[@TeeDubzz]

Would love an update to this

[@Jose-tw9bl]

Absolutelly!

[@gmcote8020]

Merci beaucoup David! Great help. Went with the UEI, true rms version (DM393) . Just learning eletricity basics. Now I'm gonna see what's up with the stove front right that's lazy and get the motorcycle battery really well investigated by doing a comprehensive load test. See u next time chap lad! Keep it up, and stay safe!

[@NESpotting]

Here's a lovely cheap multimeter story. I bought a $9 multimeter. 3 weeks later, both probes ripped off the test leads. "Well." I said. "It'll make a decent transistor tester!".... not even that works anymore. That's it, I'm buying an Extech, as well as a Hakko FX-888, just because of your videos! Thanks!

[@OpenGL4ever]

EEVblog The $100 multimeter shootout is 4 years old now and i bet in the meantime there are new devices out there. So i want to ask you if you could make a new $100 multimeter shootout test?

[@KASUALKILLAS]

The Uni-T can be bought for $52 dollars now. I think I'll buy it, wish I could afford a 87-v :/

[@Michael-w8v]

KASUALKILLAS I have ExTech 430 and it help save my money from wasting money for expensive MOSFET/IGBT, Diode, Resistor and audio transformer.

[@stefanniedzielah1827]

most likely you can - just dont eat sweets for half a year.

[@gsansoucie]

Its 9 years old now...

[@s0nnyburnett]

I could watch multimeter vids all day.

[@mikeryan5326]

that's because you are a loser

[@arthur88888888888888]

mike ryan And you are a loser too, plus an idiot.

[@s0nnyburnett]

mike ryan Sorry you had a bad experience with your cen-tech meter mate. Shopping at HF usually leads to that.

[@mikeryan5326]

s0nnyburnett Ill reply later mate. Heading to the titty bar

[@robp4616]

Nobody commented on the titty bar thing? Shocking. I'll take care of this. Mike -- you have to PAY to get tits in your face? Damn :(

[@erdemua]

After 5 years, what changed? I believe it's time to update this video with newer DMMs.

[@neuromonkey]

+Erdem Altınyurt I agree. I'd be interested to know his take on the $80 Amprobe AM-530.

[@crea7or]

+Erdem Altınyurt Just bought UNI-T 61E for $35 on aliexpress. Prices going down.

[@aysat]

BK 2709B still the best among them.

[@Chingus696]

I personally would like to see a new shootout with all high end meters in the $300 - $400 range.

[@jacobbalter3330]

Hey thanks Dave, i really like your videos! Like someone said in the comments below, its been a while since you uploaded this one and you know, nobody would get happier than me if you got the opportunity to make a new vid with some new competitors. Maybe even with multimeters in the higher price ranges - im thinking 200 to 250 dollars. Thanks again

[@AnotherOverTaxedTaxPayer]

I am surprised that Innova and Mastech were not in this or the $50 dollar shootout.

[@VRS-SPORTSCARDS]

when i'm not working on cars i'm watching David Jones he truly is the best!!!!😊

[@LovelyKauai]

BK is also discontinued. I think there may be newer models and manufacturer during the last 9 years since this tube was published. What is the likelihood of another shootout?

[@tarika2732]

Agreed, time for another! Amazon has even come out with a line of multi-meters that seem to have some decent models. I'd like to see comparisons by Dave between some 2020 models

[@youvsyou945]

The B&J 2709B is still being made and is in current production and still has full support on their website...even give links to where to buy it with current stock numbers.. LOVE mine!

[@Jeepjones85]

I subscribed about 1/4 way through because you are so thorough, it's hard to find that now days lol Great video!

[@patrickcameron791]

Dave - I was in the market for a new meter and picked up the BK because you seemed to like it. Years ago I saved and saved for my first meter in college and it was a BK as well. While this BK might not be the best meter in all regards, I have to agree that it is very likable and the one I would reach for. It has that certain "je ne sais quoi" which you described quite well. Thanks for all the hard work. Don't change at all.

[@BaBOehOY]

And Dave, I like this shirt a lot better than the later version.

[@sloperdude]

I'm shocked that the UEI meter was built so well. I'm a union HVAC tech (so whoever I work for supplies my tools). One company bought all of it's techs UEI multimeters as well as carbon monoxide flue gas analyzers, and EVERY ONE of them failed in fairly short order. These weren't remanufactured or seconds, but purchased from a well known nationwide supply house. Since then I've never even thought of buying a UEI product. After that I bought my own multimeter (Fieldpiece) which is geared to HVAC use, and we switched to Bacharach flue gas analyzers. The one problem I've had with Fieldpiece multimeters is that after a year or two, the temperature function outputs numbers all over the map. The problem isn't with the temperature probes (Fluke), because replacing the probe with another doesn't fix it.

[@ronsampservice3066]

You know, auto-ranging meters have their place, but I don't care a lot about them. I have extensive computer and electronics experience . ANY time you have software and hardware control there is gonna be problems. I NEVER have an issue with MY manual range meters. NEVER! The only problem I have ever seen is if the switch/contacts become corroded, which rarely happens unless the meter gets wet or is used in VERY damp conditions. I have several older Fluke meters that I constantly use without issue, and they are manual range meters. Just my opinion. Great reviews Dave!

[@sixstringedthing]

I'd suggest that the precision and rapid response of a manual-ranging meter is great for bench work, but the convenience of a good auto-ranging meter can't be beaten for field work.

[@Tutoelectro1]

Great job! thanks! how long did it take you to make the whole thing?

[@BaBOehOY]

I also like BK, as I've had a 391a for 6 years thats never lost calibration. 100 of hours of use, and drops.

[@ECHQ23]

Definitely time for an update. 80-150 USD range would be great.

[@XOIIOXOIIO]

heh, "street prices". I can imagine techs going to a dark alley, and people with tiny shacks and trench coats selling multimeters to people at night,

[@stefanniedzielah1827]

lol "street prices" is opposite of "bargain hunting in internet".

[@charlesthomas135]

That's how I get all my electronics. Who can afford these tariffs?

[@User-nu6km]

fuck trump@@charlesthomas135

[@ForViewingOnly]

Good shootout. I'm glad that Dave is keeping manufacturers on their toes. Before EEVblog (& MikesElectricStuff), how many engineers opened up their test gear and posted a detailed review? It's only right that manufacturers start to think twice before trying to hide poor design and workmanship inside a plastic case.

[@sc0llay]

How do these compare to the fluke 17B+

[@usunoro]

According to the link in the description the BK Precision does do temperature and duty cycle it looks like.

[@ubuntututorials]

Thanks Dave for the hard work on these videos... I am considering saving up for a $50 or $100 meter. Thanks again.

[@Satchmoeddie]

I found a used Radio Shack that i really like. It has the fuses accessible, and also has a transistor Hfe test that tell me the pin out, as well as the Hfe. It is not great, but it works better than expected. Sadly I got it used, and it is no longer made. No test leads included, but I have racks full of them. I have an Extec that does DC clamp on ammeter, and a K type thermocouple input, but the on off switch sucks! I used Fluke exclusively when doing my industrial electrician gig.

[@MrocznyTechnik]

Connect them to the 220V mains on OHM range. You will have a true winner :)

[@TwistedLogic93]

He does this watch part two of the video

[@danuber558]

what stupidity

[@EEVblog]

@Twistx77 Maybe 6-8 Hours of shooting, another 6 Hours or so of editing, and maybe a dozen hours worth of rendering, transcoding and uploading. I lose track, it's a LOT of work!

[@MEGADRIVEJeroi]

I bought bk because of this. ANd boy I am satisfied. Thank you.

[@jopjopjop]

Your replacement Extech lacks the self-locking nuts on the input jack! Just regular ones there.

[@MegaHustler]

Love the review Dave! The Extech 505: "it's built like a brick shithouse!" - Dave's EEVblog

[@MrocznyTechnik]

I watched you video to the last second to make sure, you won't mentioned that UNI-T is the only one with the bargraph display!

[@towerclimber7277]

I'm a big fan of the UEI Phoenix series (clamp ons) I climb towers for a living and the size, options and ruggedness of it fits my needs the best, on the ground we use the Fluke 87v... But I'm not too keen on having one of my guys dropping my Fluke from 1800'. Or 2 feet for that matter. Great video as usual!

[@Metalhead-4life]

I would like to see some GREENLEE AA models (ie DM-510A) DMM's reviewed & taken apart, I know they are based on the brymens but are still different enough, there's hardly no videos or info on them. Also BK precisions in the +100 price range please. 393 etc.?

[@stevetobias4890]

I just purchased a new multimeter. The UNI-T UT61E, cost me about $80 and had the RS232 connection which I don't know if I will use. Would love to see you test the RS233 function though

[@gmcjetpilot]

Dave why did you not include the cheap Flukes... 15B, 17B and VC99. I think they can be had for under $100.

[@EEVblog]

@ciciolinacyc She used to complain about me doing the blog, but just the other day complained I didn't include her in it!

[@justo222]

excellent review dave! very entertaining and interesting at the same time. one item that i noticed which may be an important feature that you seemed to have missed (very understandable tho' considering all the info. that you covered) on the UEi model is that it appears as if access to the battery and fuses is a simple single screw to remove the cover, so you don't have to totally take down the unit like most (if not all) of the others. again, thanks for the great info. i'm on my way to subbing now....

[@ramzaii476]

I like the BK precision 2709B because can measure frecuency at 66Mhz, its excelent only for $100

[@exnol]

@EEVblog If he wanted you to edit something he should have said "Editing should be your friend" But I think he meant the long review time ;) Also I am glad for the FSM :D

[@onlywhenprovoked]

@onlywhenprovoked btw. the Ideal 61-361 also fails the "switching while flat on the bench test" so I would guess they're probably using the same switches in all of their models.

[@jamiedominy2686]

3:28 what was Dave smoking before shooting this?

[@oiyan-l1m]

Hi, I was reading that you can't really use a multimeter to test capacitors because it will not measure ESR. The person stated that you need another device like a Capanalyzer 88A. Is that true? Should i get one of these as the extent of my work with electronics is replacing blown capacitors. Great videos! thanks.

[@whiskeyify]

I don't think Dave has ever done a review of Sencore, they used to have a meter but i'm not sure how good it was. I use to have a lot of their stuff in my repair shop, the Oscilloscope was especially nice, it's built to withstand an Atomic Blast.

[@EEVblog]

@27dec1983 What do you suggest I edit out?

[@EEVblog]

@oleksiypilyugin Don't have one to comment. But it's a precision version of the one I reviewed. Your call as to whether that's worth the extra dollars

[@bufo333]

I have been looking for a basic multimeter for a while, all I need is something that will do basic functions, I would use it for micro controller and radio projects. I want hrc type fuses, and something with the fastest update speed I can get, similar to the Agilent. Other than that I have no requirements. Any suggestions?

[@chrispychickin]

The "mov" that you point out in the uni-t is actually rated C22... Personally I'm suprised that you didn;t review the E model since it outdoes all of these quite well with it's 22000 counts! Are you planniong to review it at any point? Love your videos! -Chris

[@hansonsux]

My extech ex505 has the worst screws. None of my driver sets would fit them properly like they're a nonstandard in between size. The heads are almost stripped out after opening the meter two times. I found the four nuts for the jacks were loose and one star washer is missing. The one with the missing star washer only worked because the tab happened tob

[@MrDoneboy]

What about the Fluke, that is sitting on your bench...as usual?

[@hansonsux]

The leads that come with the electronic and industrial test lead sets have the worst banana plugs. It is like they're too deeply set inside the shrouds and they only make contact when they're close to being bottomed out. They can wiggle loose sometimes, and one black one is so bad that I have to hold it to the side. One would think Extech leads would work with Extech meters. I tried them on my power supply and they too just barely "bite" when close to be bottomed out. They wiggle out so eas

[@10mbc]

Do any of these $100 multimeters do min / max DC voltage? How high do I need to go to have this function on a decent multimeter?

[@onlywhenprovoked]

Have you ever done a review on the Ideal 61-361 ?

[@IBoostedSS]

is there any good DMM that are more compact? here $20 gets you a Craftsman but its not auto range nor do i know how accurate it is, looking for one compact, AR, good resolution DMM any thoughts?

[@502deth]

they do make the same meter in auto ranging for a few $$ more (at least they did, i think they gutted teh line lately, and may be completely gone shortly) i have a few of the craftsman meters and, while i havent used laboratory standards to test accuracy like dave, but i can say they are very solidly built, and very functional. imo, they are (were) one of the best bang/buck meters going. its a shame sears/kmart are going bankrupt and will all likely disappear shortly, but back 3-4 years ago when i got these, they were great. example, just went to their website and had a quick look. im certain their $25 meter is the same extech i have at work that cost $65. so, yeah, still a cheap $50 range meter, but for only $25. again, great bang/buck.

[@IBoostedSS]

SUMMIT racing in Ohio carries Craftsman tools but not sure if they carry multimeters, I ended up getting a used greenlee DM-810 MM off ebay for $30 and its super accurate but not very compact

[@paulbee8327]

I paid $29.95 to buy an M75 by UEI in 1973 and upgraded to an M110 for $45.00 a couple of years later. For an accurate rugged fairly priced meter you can't beat UEI (now Klein) . I have been a repairman for 50 years and UEI. Or fieldpiece. For me.

[@TT3Dxyz]

Do you know if any of these meters have been updated since the release of this video?

[@GoranDzambazov]

It was very useful watching this review when I was in process of selecting a new multimeter few months ago. However, at the end I decided to buy a mutimeter which was not included in the shootout: Klein Tools MM2000. I also made a kind of review for this meter. The videos can be viewed on YT: Klein Tools MM2000 Multimeter Review (Part 1), and Klein Tools MM2000 Multimeter Review (Part 2). Any comments or experience you want to share for this device are welcome.

[@bryandepaepe5984]

I know this vid is old but what's up with the solder bridge on the Amprobe's main chip?

[@friddevonfrankenstein]

Hail to thee, oh mighty flying spagetti monster!

[@yambo59]

The Amprobe's beep sounds like a sick bird-lol I Have a newer Amprobe 520 and it sounds much different

[@gorbulas]

Have you reviewed the Fluke 17B ? Its a genuine Fluke, but for the chinese market, only sold in china, (and ebay for around ~$100USD)

[@ubuntututorials]

@deathventure I have a few. I also have a BK 2709B. I have the cheap meters for hazardous costs; if I damage one (e.g. by overloading the current range, or dropping it), no big deal, they're like £2 on eBay.

[@JaredReabow]

what is the pink thing between the lcd and circuit board called?

[@bobbrawley4466]

I like the little blue one because i can see the decimal point better on that one.

[@bobbrawley4466]

Yea the little blue one isn't going to work for me . I had my heart set on the ex 330 as you showed in yor bench shop setup video. but i see thats not going to work either. The sloppy rotary switch is just a real turn off , a mistake anxious, begging to happen. What really pisse me off is when the liquid crystal display supplanted the red LED display. And to have screwed on backs for a multimeter Three or four screws to immediatly lose . This is modern times and tiny little screws is so old fashion

[@computergarage-australia2301]

looking for a multimeter after watching several of your multimeter vids im leaning towards an Extech

[@FrankSandqvist]

Where did the Live Show #3 go :p

[@deathventure]

@billysgeo Mastech is sold in the US as Cen Tech rebrand. I've opened them up, little to no protection on the probes. The thru-hole parts quality is medium and the soldering job is poor. Lack of the high voltage fuses disturbs me a little. Accuracy is so so, within spec, but not quite good enough for certain things. I've checked them against a Fluke portable scope meter and an older Fluke 8060A True RMS meter as well as an Agilent full bench meter.

[@agniveshadhikari]

what do you have to say about the FLUKE lineup??

[@magova1104]

Great review like always Dave!

[@robertselectronichobbies9507]

For the record I did return that meter. They sent me a new one and it had all the same problems. Don't waste your money on the Extech 430.

[@SkazaTV]

Does UEI have crap hold function or automatic?

[@bestbuildpc]

If you guys think he is annoying just go fly a kite and if u are not interesting just dont watch it. I love all his shows. Sometimes he goes really fast but it is fine by me.

[@Satchmoeddie]

Is B&K the same as Bruel and Kjaer. I have some old Bruel and Kjaer audio db volt meters, distortion meters etc. Somehow I doubt B&K is the same as Bruel and Kjaer. I always hated Ideal meters. Amprobe was bought out or sold out some time ago. I have a great older LCD 300 amp clamp on I rather like. It looks really thrashed. I also have the clamp on Fluke 33. For work we used the Fluke 86, or 123s. Their T series with the notch ammeter is cool. Ideal's stuff is for construction work.

[@EEVblog]

@McDaedelus Yes, I found that rather strange!

[@samanelectronics]

what is UT139C calibrating mode. it is service function? can enter silect/V.C.F button + Range Button press and power on. Anybody know about that?

[@calthmlikiseethm704]

I wish you would stay consistent with your views one time you upset because the control knob sticks out too far the next one you're loving it because it sticks out too far

[@SuperAhmed1337]

Can you take the magnets off easily? There are some things in electronics where you don't want a magnet close by ;)

[@johnrobinson4445]

BK internals at 24:35.

[@bowserjunior8110]

what do you do with the tester and scope that you open test rely would like to know if you sale them would like to buy some drop me a line please thanks

[@jamestaylor8905]

My old Fluke 87 died I have a ton of cables and accessories, are they compatible with any of these? Thanks

[@tried12usernames]

Should I get the UT61D for $50 nowadays?

[@davidgamesgitas]

i gonna buy that amprobe but are they good ?

[@oiyan-l1m]

the important thing is whether it cuts the mustard or not.

[@Jeepjones85]

From experience the Uei meter will fade very fast in the sun. I like the Amprobe as I use the 51nav right now and it doesn't act all crazy like the one you have. Lol but my favorite out of your video is the white one.

[@BaBOehOY]

Extech has always made junk level meters. I have not looked at one in about 6 years, but looking at your video does not make me want to run out and buy one. I'll stick to Taiwan for med~low cost meters, they seem to have a little more pride in there products(IMO).

[@mewyn]

EEVblog You may have gotten this by now, but the Amprobe normally shouldn't sound like that. Mine makes a solid real beep, not that sickly sound; I don't remember the vintage for it, but I believe around 2009-ish.

[@klystron44]

Why no Hioki dt4252?

[@tocsa120ls]

Excellent, I just wish you'd do the measurements before gutting the things :)

[@hydrusavitus]

nice review, although quite biased. somehow I knew which one will be designated as the winner, already at the start of the final evaluation. for me the winner clearly is UNI-T, with no real shortcomings and several advantages. I expected a more factual and structured approach to the evaluation from an engineer, with such developed sense for detail on top of it.

[@alaster33]

Dave hi there, great video , would any of these meters be up to testing the iPhone motherboards please ???

[@philbx1]

@shodanxx Hey, I think Dave may have been prophetic in some way with that statement. Apparently horses are now available for courses (dinner that is) in Australia as of this week. Not that I'd want to eat them of course, big 'neigh' on that for me :-)

[@TempestWolf1]

anyone have any insight on AXIOMET multimeters? because I'm interested in an AXIOMET AX-176 which seems very good in terms of quality/price, but i find reviews quite scarce... found a few mentions on some forums that they're quite good quality and reliable but I'm not sure

[@chillingmeko]

@24:56 Dave, What did you say? What component is that? XD

[@ingenierocristian]

How can you know you are a tech nerd? because you are having fun with a video about multimeters =D, and yes, it´s also fun for me :P

[@RealationGames]

Whoa, if you're working with high-power mains like TV power supplies, I'd really not buy any under 100$ meter. These cheapies work well in 1 to 50v bench stuff. I just got myself UNI-T UT90D, and I was terrified to connect it to mains. I tried and it measured it right though :)

[@DLTX1007]

UT61E is better then the UT61D ! I saw it in a store and am impressed . 220mF and 200Mohms !

[@AbuserTube]

I prefer the Uni-T 61E instead of the 61D. The 61E has 22000 count, one extra digit on the display, although no backlight. Got one for $56 Canadian including shipping on ebay.

[@pesshau6508]

They both have their pros and cons, for my use the UT61D is ideal. The UT61E generally has a higher accuracy with its 22000 counts, but it also has worse performance when measuring current in the mA / µA ranges due to the higher shunt resistances (10Ohm / 1kOhm VS UT61D's 0,8Ohm / 50Ohm). The UT61D's backlight function is ruined by the timer, though. You only have 10s after pushing the button to position your probes and get a stable reading before the light goes out. It's pointless.

[@AbuserTube]

pesshau Right, 10 seconds is useless. Should be 30 seconds before the light goes out. May add a backlight to mine. Have seen a few sites on different methods of switching on the light. For me, I don't do many current readings anyway, so the 61E is good. I guess that's why they make different versions, as not everyone needs the same features.

[@pesshau6508]

AbuserTube Good idea. I read up on these meters before buying, and the chipset in the UT61E has a 60s timer on its backlight output, which gives plenty of time to do the measurements. Some people prefer to hook it up to the "Hold" button and just ditch the "Hold" feature. Can't say I've ever found "Hold" useful. Yes, each version has its own features. It's too bad the D and E meters don't have a temperature probe, but I reckon I'll order a UT33C to measure temperatures and keep as a spare meter. They're just ~15USD incl. shipping.

[@jabinstateresa]

My sanwa cd770 has relative function for 45 bucks. Has skimpy input protection though

[@krzysiekv12]

Im just sitting here with my 5 dollar meter haha, but its ok for what I do :D

[@krausrepair1171]

I win! mine is a harbor freight freebie!

[@krzysiekv12]

we most likely have the same meter :D

[@mitsuman007]

+Kyler Kraus I had one of those for about 5 minutes. I decided to just use it to check the voltage on a Lipo and it blew up in my hand immediately. After further investigation they had all three input jacks connected to each other.

[@lorenzovanhethul1355]

I won, i got a Agilent U1253A meter

[@sixstringedthing]

Back when I was 2IC at a local electronics store, a staff member decided to "test" one of the cheapest meters we sold (it was about AUD$7.50, this was in 2001) by sticking it across 240V active/neutral on the 10A range before I could stop him. He learned a very pointed lesson about not fooling with mains, I went and reset the breaker and then we set about trying to clear the smell of burned plastic out of the shop. Be careful with those things, they are adequate for ELV hobby use but don't go near mains voltage with one. My mate was lucky, you might not be.