Mustool Graphical Multimeter MT8208 - Review

[@discord2000]

Great comparison, thank you. I don't have a lot of need for a scope but I bought the 8207 a while back to check PWM and PPM outputs are working on RC model flight controllers and it works great for that as well as basic meter functions.

[@OrbiterElectronics]

Hi. You're welcome. Thank you for your comments 👍

[@hoomanbustani8971]

Generally MUSTOOL likes to compare the 8208 to the 8206, so I suspect that is what they are referring to when they say the 8208 is a big improvement. One of the worst things about the 8208 is the scope's ranging: It goes 1-3 instead of 1-2-5 like every other scope[meter]. This often makes it impossible to fit the viewed waveform in the display window for a good view. It also makes it very difficult to read fractions of a division, as each subdivision is now 3/5 = 0.6 units.

[@MiettedeThonTomate]

Nice review. You're the only one on youtube to point out the differences between the previous model and this one and i'm very thankful to you for it. I however would appreciate a larger scale of capacitances testing. There are not a lot people doing that when testing DMM functionnalities. I 'll wont buy any of these DMM just for the fact of the SMD fuses. This is very brave of you to void the guarantee and opening it for teardown btw. SMD fuses what's the heck lol?

[@OrbiterElectronics]

Thank you for the kind comments my friend, they're much appreciated 👍 Yes.. I don't think the SMD fuse idea will catch on any time soon. Implemented here perhaps only as a last resort for design convenience, which is not good. Cheers John.

[@ianpaul6369]

I purchased the Hantek 2C72 last year. It was £90 and against this one, probably a better buy. I'm quite pleased with it for just a useful portable scope. Not really used the multimeter functions much.

[@OrbiterElectronics]

Hi Ian. Yes the Hantek meters are a good known brand. I would expect them to have more advanced & nicer operating tools than some of the lesser known brands. They already have a lot of successful products in the multimeter/scope field. Thanks for the comments buddy Cheers John

[@qzorn4440]

basic oscilloscope : an instrument in which the variations in a fluctuating electrical quantity appear temporarily as a visible wave form on a display screen... great video thanks...:)

[@TheDefpom]

I don’t like the digit display on the new meter, really hard to see it compared to the other meters, they should change from an outline to a solid font and then it would be very easy to read.

[@OrbiterElectronics]

Understood mate. I quite liked the new one though as it seemed to have better contrast than the 8207, although saying that I guess most of these displays could be at least improved upon. Cheers John

[@stephanepeters6097]

Thanks for the video! On my MT8208, the voltmeter part is very accurate, but the oscilloscope RMS and AVg values are off by 7%, and that deviation even varies with the "range". Too bad to measure a dimmer output, but at least it can show line waveforms in a secure way, something that my desk oscilloscope cannot do. Was some calibration possible ? Gladly you showed the inside, where no potentiometers can be found, and as you said, it is hard to think about any software upgrade. No need to open mine until a "tube" blows; strange name for an smd rectangular component.

[@OrbiterElectronics]

Hi Stephanie.. Thank you for your comments. I very much doubt that any user calibration is possible on these units, as they are likely one time calibrated at factory. Whether any user programming or calibration would be possible I wouldn't really know, but I doubt they could be made any more accurate or stable than they already are, especially considering their price point. Kind Regards John

[@renebea9]

what's the comparison of it in mds8207?

[@DogRox]

I bought one from banggood a few years ago and right off the Box still sealed brand new I had problems with it. Every time I pushed one of the buttons it would get jammed inside then I have to pry it back out. I contacted banggood about it and all they did was offer me a $5 credit towards something different. I never did order from them again for that reason. I still have the meter but I don't use it because of that issue with the buttons sticking.

[@DogRox]

I have to add that mine was the mt8206.

[@OrbiterElectronics]

@@DogRox Sorry to hear that buddy. Have you tried opening it up to see what the issue is? It may just be a faulty switch, and these are normally pretty easy to replace. Or could just be the flashing around the button hole itself that's causing the button to stick?

[@jorgeluna6688]

How can I purchase the 10amp smd fuse I haven't been able to find it online

[@OrbiterElectronics]

If you type ( 10A smd fuse ) .. You can find them on Ebay, Amazon, Farnell, RS components etc

[@jeffescortlx]

Did you check the millifarad range (mF)? If you did I missed it in your video. I cant for the life of me get it to register. I'm using the mAmF test lead jack. I think mine is defective. It's actually trying to charge the capacitor backwards and I don't think that's right.

[@OrbiterElectronics]

Hello Jeff.. No sorry I didn't test the mF range during the video. You're right though, mine doesn't seem to do anything either on that range, it's also outputting -1.5v too at the probe tips which is strange and is likely why yours is seemingly charging the caps. I know it's wrong to say this but to be honest I wouldn't have expected a meter that cost as much as these to even have a mF range, let alone a working one. However it does say in the 'manual' that you have to wait a while to get a reading in this range, although wait how long is anyone's guess. I may have another look at this I have time just to see if it does actually do something after a while. Cheers John

[@jeffescortlx]

@@OrbiterElectronics thank's for your feedback. Mine is also -1.5v. Banggood has a video on the unit and it's working on that range for them. I've let it sit until 15 minute shut down, but still no reading. I've sent a email to my Banggood rep that handles KZbin reviews to see what she says.

[@OrbiterElectronics]

@@jeffescortlx Ah ok 👍.. Perhaps you could let me know too what they suggest etc. It perhaps maybe something as simple as the working range being very narrow on that setting. I've not read the manual regarding those details so don't know off the top of my head. Cheers John

[@jeffescortlx]

@@OrbiterElectronics I got to the bottom of the MF range not working. Even the owners manual is wrong, but you don't the common negative. The V/ohm/cap jack is negative. Strange, but it works that way. I posted a video on it.

[@sdgelectronics]

I got sent the same one. It's a shame they went with that font though - the original font on the new display would have looked great.

[@OrbiterElectronics]

Hi Steve.. Between the two I actually prefer the new font to be honest, although I think nether are exceptionally nice & both could be improved on I guess. Cheers John

[@jeffescortlx]

SDG Does the mF range work on yours?

[@hoomanbustani8971]

Thank you for the great review. I couldn't help but notice your electric screwdriver. What brand is it, and where can I get one?

[@OrbiterElectronics]

Thanks buddy 👍. Here's a video I did on the screwdriver. You can find a link to the screwdriver in that video's description.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/maGuaKydpLSHiaM

[@rwdkai]

Hi, great video thanks for sharing! I'm a bit of a novice at electronics, but in the market for a scope to test a few inverters to check whether they are pure or modified sine wave and whatever other uses I discover in the future. From that review I am swaying towards the earlier mds8207, is that what you would recommend or is there a better meter on the market less than £100? Thanks in advance, Kai

[@OrbiterElectronics]

Hi. Yes from the models I've had a look at the MDS8207 seems the best one for basic signals. If your looking to see signals properly a dedicated scope is the best way to go. Whilst these handheld units can give you an idea, they are not really comparable to a dedicated scope which will show far more signal detail.

[@rwdkai]

@@OrbiterElectronics thank you for the hasty reply, the thought of a real scope is quite daunting. My faint memory of using a scope in school was a very complex piece of kit. Is there such a thing as a reasonable scope in that price bracket? I have no need for another multimeter and would be buying purely for the scope function.. Thanks again, Kai

[@OrbiterElectronics]

@@rwdkai Unfortunately you can't really get a proper scope for under £100. But if you're willing to spend more or save up for a little while.. perhaps take a look at the Rigol DS1052E, or DS1102E etc. There are even cheaper makes around too but I can't really recommend makes I don't know much about, however I'm sure they'd still be better than the MDS8207 handheld types.

[@rwdkai]

@@OrbiterElectronics Thanks again, I am torn.. I really don't think I can justify the £200-300 bracket for the very occasional use it will get. That said I wouldn't want to fork out near £100 on a handheld to find it wont do my job. Admittedly the handheld option with on-board power is appealing. Thanks for your help. You have a new subscriber

[@OrbiterElectronics]

@@rwdkai No problem.. Thanks for subscribing 👍️

[@hoomanbustani8971]

Though I am still glad I bought the 8208, here is another problem with it: The probes it comes with have tips that are narrower than standard probes. If used with another meter, these probes make poor / intermittent connections. Likewise, the probe sockets on the 8208 meter are extra-narrow, making it very difficult to insert and remove standard banana plugs.

[@OrbiterElectronics]

They are obviously shipping them with different probes then buddy. I've just tried some Keysight fine tip test probes & croc clips on the ends of the 8208 probes and they fit just fine. Also the keysight & Keithley meters banana plugs fit in the 8208 just fine too (perhaps a little tight.) Perhaps try some different lead brands if you have them. I actually have a Keysight 34465A that came with some dodgy leads from brand new, they fitted in their banana sockets really badly. Bad enough that I went and ordered some Fluke leads which fitted great Cheers John

[@juanete69]

I've seen these multimeters are sold with different brand names: mustool, Sunshine, Kkmoon....

[@SrokaDarek]

Which of these multimeters to choose for an amateur electronics?

[@OrbiterElectronics]

If you really need one with a scope either of these would be ok for very basic tests. If you just need a multimeter there are many to choose from these days. Just don't buy the cheapest. Spend about £25 plus if you can. If you can afford more than that, get an Extech EX330 which is a great little meter.

[@szekerespista3758]

Sorry, i didn’t understand clearly at the end your recomandation. Could you please advise which scope to buy instead of this unit?

[@OrbiterElectronics]

If you can afford a 'proper' scope to take a look at perhaps the Rigol 1000 / 1100 series, get one of them. If its only a handheld scope your after take a look at the Hantek 1000 or 1200 series scopes. If you just want a cheap and basic handheld scope look at the Mustool MT8207.

[@szekerespista3758]

@@OrbiterElectronics Thank you very much!

[@abrahampartidajimenez3181]

Hello, Wich one is better MT8207 or MT8208? Thank you very much

[@OrbiterElectronics]

Please see my responses below to TNTOES. Between the two meters in the video I would pick the MDS8207

[@TheDigitalAura]

The transistor tester on the 8207 makes my skin crawl.

[@OrbiterElectronics]

Yes they're not for me either. There are far better and less fiddly ways of testing transistors.

[@genkuwazawa317]

this was very helpful. thank you!

[@OrbiterElectronics]

Thank you 👍

[@MartenElectric]

Jack of all trades, but master of none. I would prefer the older model, however at least 8207 have banana jack's close to be able put banana to BNC adaptor to put a proper probes in. I can definitely see the appeal for these devices tho. Perfect if you want just monitor signal.

[@OrbiterElectronics]

Yes it's just one of those ok type meters. Well apart from the scope! Appreciate the comments buddy. Thank you Cheers John

[@tntoes3621]

Soooo, I should go for 8207($105) or 8208 ($80)? Because i Literally tried to measure Amps by my DT9208 ($5) In my 230v power outlet xD this blown up. still works but cant measure Amps :( only miliamps xD yea i know what i do bad... we cant measure Amps without taking the power. This tried to take power from PowerOutlet xD

[@OrbiterElectronics]

Sorry to hear that you blew-up your meter. Personally I would get the MDS8207 as the scope side functions better. If you just need a multimeter though and not so bothered about scope function, perhaps get the cheaper one.. Or a similar meter like the Extech EX330 which is good.

[@tntoes3621]

Hantek is good multimeters? I think i will take my $160 for good multimeter with osciloscope function. Because if i buy a $105 multimeter i wont buy new. If i take my $55, buy better multimeter i wouldn’t buy better multimeter for example In next year. Sorry for my bad english and Thanks for answer :)

[@OrbiterElectronics]

@@tntoes3621 I think Hantek are in a similar ball park to these Mustool meters really. Although an Extech like the EX330 is a step or two upwards quality wise.

[@tntoes3621]

I think i should go 2D72 for ohhh that hurts my wallet so it start crying- $185 ouch xD

[@OrbiterElectronics]

@@tntoes3621 Lol... That looks a nice meter. Perhaps see if there are any reviews on it out there to help you make a decision.

[@davidlegault9745]

Hello John, so definitely not a bench tool, more a throw it in the tool bag in case you need to check for a signal in the field. As you say, spend the extra 20 bucks and get a little more quality. Regards, Dave

[@OrbiterElectronics]

Hi Dave, certainly not my friend. And even in the tool bag I think you'd be rather hoping for something else as an alternative LOL. Although it was quite accurate I guess. Cheers John

[@davidlegault9745]

@@OrbiterElectronics I was trying to be kind to it......spare its feelings. LOL

[@OrbiterElectronics]

@@davidlegault9745 Haha... Yes I know Dave 👍️ Don't worry though It's not upset as I haven't mentioned anything :) Regards John

[@emersonyepez1326]

Hola cual recomienda entre 8207 y 8208?

[@OrbiterElectronics]

Personalmente, obtendría el MDS8207 ya que el lado del visor funciona mejor. Sin embargo, si solo necesita un multímetro y no le preocupa tanto la función del osciloscopio, tal vez consiga el más económico ... O un medidor similar como el Extech EX330, que es bueno.

[@emersonyepez1326]

@@OrbiterElectronics ok gracias por la información

[@zx8401ztv]

Quite accurate for the price but they are gimmic meters, just my opinion. The Oscilliscope is not much cop, shame really. The com and V+ sockets are in the wrong places, but that's what i got used to and i'm a picky sod lol. And the worst of all is it don't make tea ha ha :-D

[@OrbiterElectronics]

Hi Harv, It's not a bad meter for the price but yes.. I think you could do better too. Even if they say left the oscilloscope off altogether and put a little extra into the materials quality & fused areas it would be a bit better IMO. I think you can get an adaptor for the tea making facility LOL ;) Cheers mate John

[@zx8401ztv]

@@OrbiterElectronics Yep i agree john, leave the scope out of the design so the meter could have improved performance. I like basic stuff, i have an old maplin gold multimeter based around the famous icl7106, it has precision resistor arrays and it's good enough for my buggering around :-D

[@garrygemmell5676]

How do you know its not a SHE? >;O) Thanks you have backed up my decision not to buy one! This is £42 on Amazon the cheapest 07 is £120 wow!

[@OrbiterElectronics]

If you don't mind ordering from Banggood/China you can get the MDS8207 for £70 there 👍