Multimeter Review / buyers guide: Part 2 - UNI-T UT61E

[@DupczacyBawol]

:] Dear friends, the white Hz is for signal frequency testing (in logical circuits, electronics), where the voltage cant exceed 30V.

[@ottokrauth7387]

Thanks Martin for these videos... I purchased the UNI-T 61E as my first multimeter after seeing your videos. I must say that I am learning a lot following your video tutorials. rgds, Otto

[@elkEk0]

hi martin, recently i bought a ut61e, thanks for your review, i discovered something, if in voltage AC you push the yellow button, you can see the HZ but if you push again the yellow button, you can see the duty cycle, push again the yellow button and come back to voltage measure. Check it. And with the tester probes, i was polishing the metal part with a dremel accesories and goes much better, it is how your fluke probes. You must try this. Greetings from spain.

[@fumfoo001]

I just want to state that I have been using the UT61E for the last several years for amplifier reconditioning and other general electronic work and it has been more than adequate to the task. Sure I would like to have a better meter, but I am retired and my budget jut won't permit the purchase. Anyway the UT61E got the job done and I am glad to have it! Martin, I love your vids.

[@SjoerdBeukers]

Hi martin, some Uni-t 's can be software calibrated. by pressing or holding a certain key combination. And than exposing it to, for example, 0.5, 5 and 50 volts. or something like that

[@mjlorton]

Thanks for the feedback Otto.

[@mjlorton]

Thanks for the feedback Ken ;-) I hope to have some music back soon. Cheers, Martin.

[@ewetho]

Hey Martin, After reviewing your entire review I purchased this Meter and it came with both Chinese and English manuals. With my Fluke leads the continuity test is not scratchy at all. Seems to be an awesome meter. It is replacing a tpi153 4000 count meter in BluePoint (Snap-On) in which the mA setting no longer functions (friend borrowed it and blew both fuses but still inop after replacement). Lesson learned no meter loans. Also 10 years old so it did well but getting iffy even with good leads.

[@marcucristian80]

I want to buy the UNI-T 61E as it looks perfect for me! Thank you Martin! I love your tutorials! Brilliant! Cheers. Cris

[@kaynd]

please do the torture test. I think the temperature drift and general measurement stability is one of the main factors that separate high quality meters from bad ones.

[@FLRyoutube]

I like the ut61e, but what I bought does not correctly measure the duty cycle in the voltage range, it also did not measure frequency of 18Vrms in the frequency scale, it should measure up to 30vrms according to the manual. I made a video with these problems on my channel and when I was shooting I had a problem in peak measurement as well. Are these problems common, or did I buy a multimeter wich problem?

[@KeenanTims]

My leads were terrible too. Cleaned them with alcohol and a soft cloth for a while and they're okay now. Still not good, but they work right at least. Curious that mine was low in readings about the same amount as yours. Was able to calibrate DCV, but ohms and most other ranges don't have adjustments. I would be curious to see the approximate tempco, I think it will probably be a weak spot for this meter, it didn't seem very stable in my testing.

[@camurgo]

At 19:09 does he mean what I think he means by saying "flick through the ranges"? Can it be possible to kill a multimeter by simply doing that?

[@Inspironator]

Hi Martin, I enjoy all your videos as they are quite thorough and educational. I'm not too excited about torture testing as it is sometimes quite easy to blow a meter. Blowing a meter is entertaining if you really give it a bang, but the capability that separates this and similar meters is the collection and display of data. Nobody on YT is really addressing that, and you've just touched on it. I'm interested in logging the performance of battery charge and discharge performance. There is so much research on battery chemistries as of late... Collecting, manipulating and graphing the data is a strength and an growth among inexpensive DMMs. I hope you would cover the capabilities of different software that comes with or is used with DMMs, their applications and improving the accuracy of various DMMs. Keep up the great work. I will look forward to the next, and the next, and...

[@Jthe5th]

Would really like to see the calibration video using the internal pots.

[@Tome4kkkk]

18:50 Will this Peak feature pick up min and max of a 25 kHz square signal?

[@SeanBZA]

Well, you are on the wine route....... Just that the wine coolers have a glass front so you can see how they reach as they cool down. Many have a light inside for beauty lighting as well.

[@extendedp1]

Thanks for the review, especially for showing it next to the ms8218 and the agilent, I thought that was interesting. I would be interested to see if the meter could be calibrated a bit in pt. 3. The overshoot issue seems like it would be a deal breaker, wouldn't it? I'm just getting started in electronics, but it seems that not being able to trust your measurement device to detect voltage spikes, would be a problem?

[@DarianCabot]

It's still good to see how it responds to real world conditions. I take my Flukes out and about for work, and we get 35°C + here - what would happen if I took a Uni-T with me instead? You have a good point that this DMM should probably not be used outside of a lab, but I still think there is merit testing outside of specs. If for nothing more than curiosity.

[@mariushmedias]

I took a regular handkerchief, dipped it in alcohol (ipa) and rubbed the leads in it.. no problems from that point. The only flaw I see is switching to AC when on higher DC voltage, but if you work with the meter as a normal person does (remove probes before switching) this wouldn't be triggered

[@exscape]

Hmm strange, I've used mine to measure mains frequency (at 230 V), no beeping and it did show 50.0x Hz (x being a digit I'm not 100% sure of). It also didn't break or anything.

[@mariushmedias]

The update speed is 2 times per second, and the graph at the bottom is 20 times per second. It's kinda slow for checking voltage spikes, the agilent ones would work better for that. With this meter, you'd also use the data logging feature, and you'd see the spikes then, and you'd be able to easily exclude the erroneous readings then The "overshoot" seems to happen at range thresholds; 220mV, 2.2v, 22v etc and it only shows up for 1-2 readings, or 1s.So easy to exclude them from the measurements

[@aerozg]

Which make and model leads did you use on the Uni-t, Fluke ones? Thanks. Great videos as always.

[@mariushmedias]

Peaks on voltage seems to be when it autoranges to another scale, ex from 2.2v to more, or when going from showing 5 digits to 4 digits, and so on. It's almost as is if the dot on the display is read incorrectly once when the on screen digit amount changes ex you raise voltage and meter changes from 22.140 to 22.350 ... the meter sends 223.50 once. Doesn't look that bad to me, it's just 1-2 measurements max. so they wouldn't affect the logging that much.

[@Gollammeister]

So it uses an optical pc connection? Kinda like a fibre optic connection without the fibre?

[@bikutoso]

I can't get the D-Series of the multiumeter to work at all with MultiDMM. It seems like there is a software problem, when im adding a gauge the program shows a program error message. And when i try to add the meter it can't find the device (Using the USB not COM) And i have tested it works perfectly with the software that came with the device.

[@ifzalahmed]

Hello Martin. Detailed videos and vast knowledge. I. Looking to use the uni-T61 for electrical work demostic only would this first the bill or should I be looking at fluke? Thanks Regards Ahmed

[@PrimalEdge]

torture test? YES! also Martin, do you have a recommendation for a Desktop Power Supply, for a beginner? I checked your store and didn't see one.

[@mariushmedias]

@10:37 The Mastech MS8218 is 50.000 count with 0.03% accuracy and priced at 170$ The Agilent U1272 is 30.000 count with 0.05% accuracy and priced at 380$ Uni-T is 22.000 count with 0.1% accuracy and priced at 55$ So spec'ed at 2-3x less the accuracy and at least 3 times cheaper, and it's within spec. A 55$ meter would be 8000 count at best, so you'd see 15.99 in the best case scenario... same value you get if you round up the last digit.

[@o.t.powell1142]

What Samsung device is that at the beginning of the video? I like how it looks with the buttons.

[@KeenanTims]

Apparently DC isn't blocked in AC modes and the meter goes screwy (I can't test the current ranges for this). It should be possible to measure how much AC there is on top of a DC bias (this is how an ACV range should work), but it seems this meter can't do it. Mine behaves the same, even if I set AC first. Mine is also only good up to 100MHz on frequency (spec says 220), at ~4.5Vpp sine. It does say amplitude unspecified for > 40MHz, but larger than 4.5Vpp is a bit much to be reasonable.

[@djhousecat]

I made the same mistake with the HZ setting, but with 400V AC. It blew the meter. Resistor measurement now constantly displays 220 ohms. Voltage measurement seems still to work. So, be careful!

[@PapaGleb]

Been watching as many of your videos about multi meters as I can as well as many others and I am still lost. I purchased 3 meters and not sure if I am happy with them or not as this is all new to me. If you would buy a meter for iPhone repair and other micro electronics around $150, which one would it be? I rather invest into the best one now and have it for a long while then save money and lost in the long run.

[@Gollammeister]

I got mine through a club auction absolute bargain works as far as powering up goes but no leads as yet

[@jank9228]

This meter has enough accuracy for stable, low frequency signals. But is it also suited to measure audio signals with high crestfactors? Note: The Operating Manual gives a freqency response up to 1kHz only for AC Voltage measurements! Next I cannot find anything on crestfactor.

[@sailorbob74133]

Is the update rate achievable on the software faster than on the dmm's display? I was hoping that I might be able to use this to back probe a camshaft position sensor on a car and log via the computer how fast it's switching. At 600 rpm it should switch briefly from 4 to 8 volts about 10 times per second. Of course I may just have to break down and get a cheap automotive oscilloscope.

[@kaybhee6]

MAN IS GOOD EASY TO FOLLOW

[@GhettoRanger01]

You don't have to disconnect both leads one will do preferably the hot (Red) lead.

[@Gringo_In_Chile]

Hi Martin, Nice video, but IMHO, I do not think it is worth going to a part 4 video with this. Also, did you say "within a few ball hairs" at 10:29? I think so LOL. Lastly, I miss your theam music at the start and end of the videos. Go ahead and put it back, it is free and clear. All the best and keep up the good work! Ken Ken

[@MrHurricaneFloyd]

Seems to me you were having spiking problems with several meters. Are you 110% sure your power supply was not glitching?

[@gfx2006]

Try to sand it lightly with some very fine sand paper. It made a world of difference for mine!

[@yambo59]

I did the same, also fine steel wool works - on really bad ones the fine paper will make the difference. I also use either deoxit or alcohol at the same time, ive gotten stock leads to perform very good as you said. I also have a set of Probemasters and they really are amazingly high quality and well worth the money, they can make even the cheapest meter work better than it has a right to. Its as if there a coating, pitting or something on them that hinders the continuity performance,

[@rbaleksandar]

I've never had a multimeter with serial connection (or any for that matter) so once my own unit gets delivered to my house I will probably spend several days writing software for this thing. LOL

[@qzorn4440]

any ideas on software that could run two of the meters and have dual channel software display? thanks...

[@capleaker3721]

I'd like to see how the UniT compares to a quality meter on a High Voltage test. See how bad it explodes on a CAT 3 test @ 8 kilo volts :D

[@alexeydolin5484]

Hm.. Where is the backlight?

[@Hanske0]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4rFk5Wdl69-b6s How to activate it?

[@SeanBZA]

Cryofreeze it and toast it. You do need a glass sided cooler though...... How about a wine cooler from Checkers? an Ice cream display freezer would be ideal for that. It will be nice to see what is there as overload protection.

[@hamidf8599]

Hi friend Can it record and save data without connecting the computer and use of them later when connect it to the computer? It means that has it internal memory to save data to recall them by the computer later? And can it work by android? And dose it save all data like ohm , volt, amper , discharging capacitor, etc? Regard

[@dhonzlimlingan0118]

🤔 Which multimeter should I buy UNI-T? UT60S or UT89XD?

[@DanFrederiksen]

if measurement accuracy of the leads is a real issue, then why isn't it tested

[@Georggg]

Very informative review!

[@Monkeh616]

Yes, the much better UT61D with the slow continuity, capacitance measurement times in tens of seconds, etc. The chipset in the UT61E is far superior. Using the relative function does not change the resolution of the meter, and the UT61D simply does not have the same resolution.

[@tubical71]

Hi Martin, thanx for this review, as i need another DMM, so this is a good help. As in first place i thought this one is one to go for, but...no...no way. A usable DMM should be able to at least manage beeing switched between its positions while conneted, as i do this usually on/with all my meters. So this one is out here. As i go with your video, it seems to me that they put this one out in a rush or some like, as for me its software seems not finished, but that´s probably common nowadays, as this it truly a huge cost factor.

[@alexandru-ionelmunteanu3777]

Hello, Can you give my tablet specifications? you use in the video!

[@nathanruben3372]

Owon released ow18e which has 20000 count resolution, bluetooth, internal offline storage for recording, pc, android, mac software for recording, temperature, nfs, hfe, freequency, 20A current input, 1000v cat III meaning better input protection with more solid construction. Owon seems more reputable brand.

[@exscape]

... oh, and I probably used the measurement shown in the video less than 2 minutes later (at 21:45 or so). Doh! :)

[@kokakoka4]

so good !

[@qzorn4440]

gee-whiz if you could take two of these meters and make a dual trace display software o-scope this would be a nice high voltage opto-isolated o-scope that would be a hobby budget version of the expensive fluke scopemeter. yes it would be low BW but have great channel isolation for 480vac 3phase 60hz SCR motor drives... $120 compared to $2,000 stuff...Mmmm...:/ thanks

[@kimpeter1211]

Hi Martin. I am from Korea. I am considering selling Uni-t products. May I use your video as commercial in my business? If not I am sorry for bothering you.

[@mjlorton]

+Kim Peter Yes you may. Thanks for asking.

[@DanFrederiksen]

btw, what type of contact you get from sliding the leads against eachother is spectacularly irrelevant. so buying different leads is not a good investment at all. they work perfectly fine, you wont get more accurate measurements at all.

[@stevecoatesdotnet]

I think a torture test would be good :).

[@mariushmedias]

@10.41 ... man, you're probably just unlucky and got a meter not as finely calibrated as others. Not sure if all are as far from the center of spec. Can't test mine unfortunately, don't have anything to compare to Yes if it doesn't take a lot of time, please do the heat test, but mention in the video the temperature ranges the meter is rated for. It would be bad imho to flaw the meter from (possibly) going out of spec at high heat when the manual and specs say it can't handle that high heat

[@mjlorton]

A Wine cooler....do you want me to be in good spirits doing my videos :P

[@nguyenvantuan2780]

Hi Tôi cần hỗ trợ kỹ thuật UNI-T đồng hồ UT61 Hiện nay tôi không thể đo lường xung HZ với điện áp DC. Xin hãy ủng hộ tôi và cho tôi biết nếu các biện pháp mét HZ xung tại một chiều điện áp?

[@mariushmedias]

The UT61D is inferior. 61E is 22000 count, TRUE RMS, fast continuity, fast capacity, data logging, as low as 0.1% accuracy compared to 0.3% or something like that for 61D and the others in the series. It doesn't even matter that it's close to the accuracy limits, other meters at this price range have less accurate %'es. Simply put the two models are totally different and even with the minor flaws (issue with dc voltage when on ac reading, dirty probes), it's a meter with great value for money.

[@DanFrederiksen]

Interesting and disappointing that it is within spec but that other meters seem to be far better than their spec. It's a curious convention.

[@drpsht]

I wouldn't call +300% or +50% "a little overshoot"

[@DLTX1007]

Not exactly a fan of your heat tests the meter is only rated from 18~28C @ 75% RelHMD

[@mikeadler434]

👍👍

[@Monkeh616]

The UT61E is not among them.

[@kaybhee6]

many yellow hz.... untouched unknown untested

[@danijel124]

I bet he got this multimeter for free :)

[@taffylloyd7992]

What the heck does that matter? Most reviewers DO! ….. But his reviews still seem impartial as far as I can see, .. pointing out both Pro's and Con's of each brand.

[@MickDownUnder]

Uni-Junk