Multimeter Review / buyers guide: Part 1 - UNI-T UT61E

[@vladsnape6408]

I never thought I would enjoy watching a video on a multimeter review so much. It was very useful and informative. The fact you care (and know) about the issues involved really comes through. Much appreciated. Keep up the good work.

[@mjlorton]

My pleasure, thanks for the feedback.

[@burnsnu]

I have had this meter for 1 year and I love it, its good for its price for hobby users. Have used V mA Hz peak functions mostly. Thx alot for showing the auto hold function!

[@redcatimaging]

Thank you very much for your review(s). I thought about buying a new multimeter for half a year after "el cheapo" died. You made my decision easy, the UT61 matches my need and arrived today ;-). keep up the good work

[@yambo59]

Youre right about cleaning the stock probes, ive greatly improved continuity and resistance by cleaning them with either alcohol or deoxit and fine steel wool, it can often make stock leads perform much better - there seems to be some kind of invisible oxidation or coating that hinders performance. On the other hand I just got my first set of Probemaster leads awhile back and wow are they ever high quality stuff - welll worth the money in performance and build quality.

[@schwarzdrossel2454]

thanks for info

[@mjlorton]

Thanks for the feedback. Amazon US should ships goods to the UK...they may have restrictions on some items. For $50-$60 the UT61E is a winner...bearing in mind my conclusions in the final review. You can purchase it from Franky...his details are under the video...contact him directly through my forum for a discount. Cheers, Martin.

[@warywolfen]

We all acquire specks of dust in our meters, but if a new one has them, one wonders what the conditions were like at the factory where it was built.

[@mariushmedias]

@ ~22 min: the adapter also works with resistors and diodes if I remember correctly. The CyrusTek ES51922 datasheet (chip inside) reveals lots of technical details not specified in the manual. For ex diode test works with 2.2v so it's natural blue or white leds may not light up. Update speed is 2/s, matches serial out speed. Maybe a bit too nitpicking about accuracy-it was about in the middle of the 0.1-0.5%% + x count on all measurements,not really near outside the spec Thanks for the video

[@iamthearmul]

I bought mine from Ebay 38€ shipped to home. Tested at work against our calibrated Fluke 8808A and it was almost spot on. Certainly not as off as your unit. Have owned it for 3 years and no issues. I might get Fluke tips for it though. Not a fan of hard plastic leads they ship with the meter.

[@bijufrancis4284]

Thanks for the in depth review of this multimeter. This multimeter suits best for beginners and comes in handy with the price range. I would like to see a review on the uni t ut139c which is similar to this multimeter but it is 6000 counts. According to the information on internet this meter packs a better input protection, it also comes with a 60A current clamp option, but nowhere it is specified how to use this option. so it will be worth a review. thank you.

[@Penfold8]

I have a silicon leads coming in for my UT61E. I saw a video here were it was a $50 multimeter shoot out not done by Dave Jones in the EEVblog. It was interesting to say the least how much the multimeter improved with silicon leads. I got mine from Master Probe.

[@quaxk]

FYI, I just received a ut61e from franky and just want to say the bar graph is really fast, maybe they improved it, I don't know, but that shouldn't be a concern if you buy it from him now

[@warywolfen]

I checked, and these are are going for around $50 -- $60 on Ebay. I think that for the money, this seems to be a great meter.

[@EdWatts]

Nicely done, but, when testing basic accuracy, you should switch the leads and measure in the opposite direction with the "minus" sign showing in the display. This is one of the things which makes a digital meter preferable to an analog device in some instances, and many of these meters, especially the less-expensive ones, are not as accurate when the input polarity is reversed. It might also be interesting to use a potentiometer to see at what resistance the continuity tester stops beeping. Thanks for your time and effort.

[@Shazzkid]

I wish i knew how to use that adapter earlier, i literally just spent 2 of the last 6 hours manually sorting through about a hundred capacitors and resistors using the needle probes, was an absolute nightmare

[@Monkeh616]

Yeah, the update rate is a little slow, but the bar graph is a lot faster. It's fairly visible in your videos, and the datasheet confirms it. I'm not sure what the actual update rate of the LCD is, but the datasheet indicates the ADC operates 20 times per second for the bar graph.

[@klystron44]

Takes a long time to get to the point if you do not have all day. But I will add the presentation is pretty good, and many thanks for covering a neglected area.

[@discord2000]

Sooooooo much better than eevblog's reviews!!

[@DanFrederiksen]

interesting so far. a couple of points: I don't think the coating type on the probes is a real issue. the bar update speed looks like around 7Hz to me, not 2. I think the 'autohold' is just a delayed hold. and when you do measurements I think it would be interesting to see it compared to a couple of your expensive meters and a cheaper one. maybe also measure a battery to show that it's true resolution when the last digit counts down. a freshly charged battery drops.

[@notzippy]

During your review of Peak and min the meter did show you the live value on the analog range indicator under the number.

[@MrCaliforniaD]

Excellent video. I have a question. Do you think that the tolerance tests would have get better results with the Fluke leads?

[@mariushmedias]

Kiriakos, if you need to finely adjust a pot you watch the graph at the bottom, which refreshes about 10-20 times/s.Jumping around is not meter flaw, it's probably just hand shaking on the 10 turn pot, due to how he has to bend over the tripod to adjust For a 50-60$ meter, 2 times a second refreshes of digits is fine. I'd rather have 2/s compared to that Agilent that gives epilepsy with so much refreshes Uni-T may care about customers but 2 update/s is chip limitation. See datasheet

[@mjlorton]

I think it might have blown the main IC...you could post the question on my forum to get better help.

[@camurgo]

Omg, this slowness in updates per second is terrible! Now that I'm seeing the UT61E sold in some places for 20 dollars (don't know if it's gonna last) I got interested in buying it... but man, this slowness is killing it for me.

[@mariushmedias]

He stated in a previous video and throughout this video that it's a 3 part review. Part 2 and 3 are gonna do ac measurements, review of insides, how it handles cold and heat among other things

[@jaguarxj1]

It shows a live reading on analogue bar when u in "peak" mode......

[@accountdeactivated5486]

I received my one today, The probes kind of suck but it is really nice for the money.

[@Monkeh616]

Read the datasheet, do the numbers. The ADC operates once every 50ms for the bar graph. That's 20 times per second.

[@Tom-ou6ei]

I found an issue with the meter - the AC reading is very badly wrong when the battery is low. For example, when the battery symbol half full is shown, the UK AC voltage was measured at 140V in the UK (220-240 standard). When fitted with a new batter it correctly shows the AC UK voltage, this is a significant issue.

[@buddhikapulasthi2998]

Hi. I got this Uni-T UT58A multimeter. I mistakenly connect to a high voltage mosquito racket and it did indicate the voltage that time. but, suddenly two terminal got short circuit. Now my multimeter isn't working properly. I change the battery and as well as the fuse. But The buzzer is keep buzz ring to all of selecting position and nothing indicates. What should I do to make it work normally again. please help me. thank you.

[@Monkeh616]

Does look like yours, while in spec, is ever so slightly out of cal on DCV and ohms. Not enough to worry about at this point, and can be adjusted. The hold function is a timed hold. 6 seconds before it freezes. Better than not having it, but not as good as a Fluke touchhold. Look up the ES51922 datasheet, it's quite revealing.

[@nicksonyap]

Interesting that on the mV range, and when your hand goes close to the meter, the readings change proportionally. Somehow measures "wireless capacitance" :P

[@mjlorton]

Excellent...I really look forward to that Todd.

[@jenniferw8963]

I want to get those loaded pcb's for checking reference . No idea where to get them

[@DetrimentalScience]

To exapand on that thought, as an example, the temperature controllers I use for my reactions only have a single decimal place. There are temperature controllers out there that have additional decimal places but I went with a single. Why? The additional accuracy was NOT needed and the increased accuracy resulted in increased cost. Similarly, not everyone needs 0.0025% accuracy (or even 0.05%). Some want better accuracy than the normal budget meter but don't need more than this meter provides.

[@vinchator88]

Good review thanks Do you have a link to buy your voltage current and resistor reference ?

[@yellowcrescent]

Wow! The capacitive measurement function is pretty impressive on this meter--- very surprised! You should try measuring something in the pF range, which some meters have trouble with. As always, thanks for your thorough reviews, Martin! Oh, and maybe try getting ahold of the UNI-T UT612 LCR Meter for review-- would be very interested! Seems like if they can do good measurements on a DMM, their LCR meter would be better--- and at a decent price.

[@DLTX1007]

of course the "multipurpose socket" for the transistors only apply to the UT61A and you can test diodes + LEDs on it too!

[@MrBacknack]

can you make avideo on the differences between all the u61 series plz !

[@userPrehistoricman]

You said the continuity wasn't latched but it sounds pretty latched to me

[@mjlorton]

Thanks for the input and feedback!

[@ekoyulianto379]

i like the review... so clearly... your opinion is neutral, 100% buyers guide ... thanks for great video... i subscribe it...

[@darkman19693]

I would like to see a review of the UT-71D Multimeter.

[@sepertude]

Please short probes in Diode mode and see how fast it starts beeping for future reviews :)

[@AlexAlex-xz6fi]

the best multimeter for your money

[@GayaneH7553]

if they don't send you second-hand unit - as they did with me

[@metalmaniac375]

Is 10 MegOhm Impedance necessary for safe testing of automotive circuits and if so how do you tell a particular DVOM has that rating?

[@DanFrederiksen]

and a general point about meters, at 55$ this can't really be said to be a lot overpriced but for more serious money above 100$ they should really have a lot more function (compared to 70$ tablet). As I've pointed out before they should really have entry oscilloscope function, say 10-20Ms/s. And for instance the diode tester shouldn't give an arbitrary value, it should plot the voltage vs current function of it. costs nothing to do. And full LCR

[@DetrimentalScience]

Dang, 500 char limit. Anyways about this meter. It looks like a good solid ENTRY level meter. I already know the internal safety drawbacks, these are easily rectified. The fact of the matter is 1) This meter meets the specs it says which by itself is impressive at this price point. 2) It's build quality is exceptional for the price point. 3)It's not competing with $200 meters just as a Honda doesn't compete with a Ferrari.

[@qzorn4440]

very nice meter, i was looking for a cheap-o hi-res meter like this one, however at 22000 counts it drops one digit then i am back to my low res-meter display?..:/ thanks...:) nice

[@mevk1]

Have this model and wondering if it would be okay to replace the 9V battery with the two new spare 18650s that I have, in series of course? I know voltage would be a little shy but meter seems to work just fine all the way down to six point something volts. Other than voltage is there any reason why 2 lithium batteries in series would not work?

[@DetrimentalScience]

And in that assumption you would be ENTIRELY incorrect. As a nanomaterials scientist I am VERY aware of the necessity of good measurements. In my lab I use instruments that vary in price from about $30 to $500,000. I'm also aware of when and where to spend my labs money properly. I get the instrument has the specs that fit the bill, I don't just go buy the top tier instrument because it has the best specs or the name. Quite simply, this meter meets its listed specs. That's a fact you can't deny.

[@Vilberts]

Cold it be that (this) crisp display has a slow update speed just because of that e.g. you can't have speed and crispness at the same time? Fluke/Agilent apparently has some reasons why they don't 'upgrade' their LCDs.

[@skipwadoo]

Can you test vehicle fuses just by touching the top of the fuse without taking the fuse out ? Also do you have a vid explaining the symbols on the testers.

[@Ove_Bjerknes]

I just love my Brymen 869S with Probemaster goldplated leads. Makes other meters look dull :)

[@mjlorton]

Yup, good idea. Thanks.

[@harishahmad]

can you recommend me a budget multimeter with wrong probe insert alarm or wrong selector switch position. it would be helpful for me

[@stylesoftware]

Hi mjlorton, thanks for reviewing some of the uni-t's I am probably after, I notice the UT136 is slow as snot taking resistance measurements, and am looking for an affordable auto-ranging that might be a lot quicker, but your video of the UT61 cuts the video at the ohms test, is it just as slow? twice as fast? or nice and fast?

[@ingenierocristian]

It also survives the 220 Volts test?

[@Tome4kkkk]

Is the peak feature (UT61E) more useful than a min/max feature (UT61D) for e.g. simple PWM projects? Or, does even a true RMS meter have any advantages for PWM projects?

[@mnm972]

It will be grate, if you could show how to calibrate the with DMM, Also When i try to measure ac I get strange readings, when one lead is attached and other in the air, i goes higher than the two are attached. When you review the inside off this DMM, you should notice that different batch, has reported diff builds. Could you test its current ranges? Thanks!

[@simonspeaker]

can you do a tutorial about his peak function? it seems not normal

[@bjornsahlin]

Great video, thanks! Would a Fluke TL175 Lead Kit fit this unit?

[@Tome4kkkk]

For voltage measurement you connect the meter in parallel (across), for current - in series, right? Well, the UT61 series manual says that in written procedures but in the Measurement section, B, figure 3 shows the meter probes connected in parallel! Can anyone comment on that?

[@darkcruzan]

Where can I buy the GS version ut61E? The one with the 600v fuses.

[@mjlorton]

Ok...let me note that... thanks for the post.

[@DLTX1007]

Sorry about that then. UNI-T should have used the ADC-only chips interfaced by that MSP430 on the UT71 and then we could have high-res (at 5rdgs) and a high-speed mode at 20rdgs But that would easily eat into the UT71 territory which is ... i wouldn't have a extra reading speed at the cost of safety

[@mateuszodrobinski5896]

Is it possible to measure voltage drop peak lasting 1 ms using PEAK option?

[@giubin]

i cannot turn off data sending... the S on display? on manual there's the tips how to turn off, but doesn't work.

[@TheCybercrash]

Thanks for this great review. One question, would you still recommend me (as a hobby electronics guy) to go for this multimeter or is there a new version a even better version out there at the same small price?

[@SeanBZA]

Next time use another meter to show the burden voltage. Ir will be a good show for how much it is.

[@brightonduder]

really loving all your vids! What multimeter would you recommend someone in UK to buy (beginner hobbyist - budget appx $50-60)? Does your amazon store ship to UK?

[@1001-Ways-To-Waste-Time]

G'day Martin - It looks like you swap from the DC Volts to the AC Volts just by pressing that blue button - and the blue button is used to swap DC to AC on a number of the dial settings. Is it any major drama if you are measuring something DC and accidentally bump the blue button and set it to AC accidentally?

[@p22rst]

Hi Martin! What meter do you recommend:Agilent U1232A or UT61E? I want to buy one of them.

[@lmorrison17]

I can't find replacement fuses in the US.

[@extendedp1]

Thanks for the review. I have a ms8218 that I got open box a while ago for $110. I think at that price it was a good deal for electronic bench work. Any chance you might do a quick comparison of the ut61e and the ms8218 before you raffle the ms8218 away? I know there not really in the same price catagory, but they are both reasonable accurate Chinese cheapies:-)

[@seandempsey9396]

Uni-t are a good brand They have made a big inprestion in the UK and Europe, all my test instruments are uni-t Exsept for my MFT with ia a ROBIN KTS 1620, I have a uni-t clamp meter a uni-t voltage indicator and a uni-t multy meter I have been using this brend for seven years and I have never had any problems with them, why pay hundreds of pounds /dollars for the likes of fluke mega kewtech and many others when you can get just as good for a fraction of the price from UNI-T

[@oscamazya6950]

The supplied probes are very poor quality, so you need to factor a new set into the cost. Quality probes can cost as much as the meter. Also if you want the pc capability you need to purchase an adaptor, the supplied adaptor is outdated. I've heard the rapid deterioration of performance makes this another deceptively cheap throw away product? I want to purchase one but it seems to good to be true. Thank you for the review.

[@GhettoRanger01]

Why are the probes poor quality, because you say so? No, the probes aren't fancy but they aren't going to get you killed or injured either. When I hear people like you talk it makes me laugh. I've held live, high voltage wires in my bare hands more times than I could begin to count and I'm still here.Go get your fancy leads baby boy then leave the dangerous stuff to the men.

[@charlessale409]

lovin' these hardcore EE youtube comments!!

[@DanFrederiksen]

what would that demonstrate? it starts beeping instantly after pressing the blue bottom

[@Ziplock9000]

Is this still "The" best solid budget DMM to get in the UK?

[@afroninjadeluxe]

47 usd on Ali

[@jvianneyjr]

Hi. I bought the same DDM. Could you say me, How can I test the fuses without open the DDM. In page 65 of user manual they explain, but isn't works, show me 0L.

[@muhammadshakil4937]

how's your experience with it? i want to buy this one

[@mjlorton]

Thanks for the post.

[@maciejgawell7673]

Dear mjlorton, which 100$ range multimeter do you recommend for Audio DIY enthusiast be the best?

[@maciejgawell7673]

Maciej Maciej OK, finally purchased Brymen BM252 :)

[@mikedemoore6670]

Great Demo, Thank you!👍

[@405line]

Really have enjoyed watching your reviews...much envy for the 8-1/2 digit meter you have. What mostly attracted me to this meter was its accuracy spec, when charging batteries an 0.1V error can be all the difference, thinking about an £80 10 volt ref to calibrate with it as I like the idea of absolute accuracy, .it would be nice if someone could just make a dedicated reference grade DC only voltmeter and maybe with an ammeter without all the extras. p.s no professional in their right mind would try to save money by buying a unit-t to use while probing faulty equipment...would they?

[@ahmedbilal3103]

Hi my dear sir place you told me ut61E multimeter big cupster 400uf dc .tiesting . if I bauy new .

[@ericohman]

Where to get those hook leads that you use in the beginning? Was that fluke stuff?

[@ericohman]

+Johnny Tramain Thanks! I got a pair and a lot of other leads from f-t-2000 on ebay for my brymen multimeter. Couldn't be happier.

[@DLTX1007]

40 readings/sec is 20 times faster than the display .... my UT61E updates like a monster

[@kktech04]

Excellent video!

[@engr.salaheldin]

What is the max uf capacitor test

[@shagarcool]

Great information. Thanks for this video. Like it

[@mjlorton]

Thanks, good points.

[@dexteryap9484]

need a review on uni t ut620a .... 😁😁😁

[@hughhemington9559]

Right out of the box, this unit would not measure current, or pass anything through -- it's just a dead open circuit in amps measurement. Fuse is fine -- it just doesn't work for current measurement. If you want to measure voltage, this works fine and the PC interface is handy.

[@AbuserTube]

Did you move the positive (red) cable to the 10A or mA socket for current measurements?

[@hughhemington9559]

Yes, current is measured with the Red in one of the left sockets and ground in the COM socket. It's probably just bad Q.C. I totally agree with the review in terms of the probes! I wish I had a part# for better ones. There are so many different diameters of probe shaft and connection I could buy a hundred and still never find one that fits! This reviewer mentioned some other (better) software in one of these reviews, but didn't link it. I'd love software that would call out the values! I would have happily paid a little more for Bluetooth rather than USB as well.

[@AbuserTube]

Hugh Hemington That's too bad if you got a bad unit (or should I say Uni-T). I have to replace my old multi-meter (bad display) and am considering this one due to it's features Also considering a Fluke, but the one that I want is triple the price. As for probes, you could contact someone who sells more than one brand (maybe on ebay) and ask which other probes (fluke agilent etc.) are compatible. I too want a better set to replace the ones that come with it, if I buy the Uni-T.

[@hughhemington9559]

I'd also like a set of lead-hook probes as pictured in this review. I have the long-handled pin probes and they are not very convenient.

[@AbuserTube]

Hugh Hemington Decided on the UT61E, so bought one on ebay. Hopefully it will come with no problems. Got a good price with free shipping. Will probably buy some probes as well, after making sure of what is compatible. Wouldn't mind one probe that can clip on for ground. Used to that for my scope, which has hook type probes and alligator clips for ground.

[@batkotivalio]

hi, I'm wondering how to read multimeter's accuracy. For example what do they mean +-(1%+3), can you give us some examples. Thank you!

[@rubenuspv]

It's about the reading, if you're reading 10v and you meter can display 3 decimal places (10.000) that mean the 3 counts will be 0.003, so 1% of 10v it's 0.1+0.003 counts that give you 0.103v error margin, so if you are reading a precise 10.000v voltage reference with 1%+3counts you meter should read something between 9.897v to 10.103v, if you meter can read that means that is within specs.

[@batkotivalio]

So if the accuracy is +-(1%+30), that mean +-0,130?

[@rubenuspv]

Exactly, if at 10v your meter only displays 2 decimal places (10.00) the error margin for 1%+30 will be +-0.40v, the % is based on your reading and the counts on the decimal places that your meter displays.

[@batkotivalio]

Thank you!!!

[@jamesdavies686]

I absolutely cannot make up my mind between this meter and the Amprobe AM-530

[@roelofkingma]

I've enjoyed this review and I have made an offer on one of these that I found for a very good price on Ebay.

[@varunaja]

Thank you and great video

[@sakitakungtyan]

Where can I get the Euro version of the UT61E?

[@danijel124]

+Elinin What do you mean?

[@mark006868]

Europe might be a good start...duh?

[@mark006868]

There are two versions of the same meter...and the European version is of a higher quality...

[@GayaneH7553]

The UNI-T shop sent us a second-hand unit with incomplete set and lacking input protection. The meter fried after a couple weeks. They sent me a refurbished unit. So don't buy from anywhere other than their website.

[@kaybhee6]

pls test v ac and mv ac

[@JamiLiang]

This stuff really great! I mean it's Value to Money!

[@jacobhendrickson8935]

why no backlight?? I see 5 dollar meters with a backlight..its the only thing stopping me from making this to be my final decision..

[@jacobhendrickson8935]

now I read it does have a backlight so not sure..gonna have to watch until I find out..

[@viaitoionline86]

+Jacob Hendrickson : i 've used ut61e model, it hasn't "auto power off" function - a damn function => then imagine: when you turn on backlight and forget turn off your multimeter ...

[@plusplusplusfuly]

agreed! i literally just gonna pay to buy it, but then i want to make sure i order the right model, when i realize it does not have backlight. i dont understand why uni-t decide to left this model to not having backlight. in the ut61 series, only this (the highest and most expensive) that not have backlight. i think its really is a stupid decision.

[@mark006868]

Fendy S .. cares what you may think...just saying