OWON XDM1041 MINI BenchMeter Review & Teardown!

Рет қаралды 3,767

Күн бұрын

Пікірлер: 57

@MrXenon1977 9 ай бұрын

Some coments from a XDM1241 owner: + The continuity test is significantly faster if you switch to the diode test. You can set a custom voltage limit, so it´s absolutely equivalent for "beeping" through e.g. connectors, but it has much less delay + My unit was delivered with two ceramic 6*30 fuses. I didn't blow one yet, so I can't tell anything about sand filling. + You can re-calibrate the unit by a hidden service menu. + The display and refresh rate are really gourgeous if you switch to med or fast + The size format is incredibly convenient on the bench - It always starts in "slow" mode - It has no graphical plot of the measurements - While autoranging it shows "0" for some time. For rapid measurements it´s better to switch to manual range selection. But regarding the value/price ratio, I can only confirm Darrens resume, it´s a great meter. Thanks Owon and thanks Darren!

@KeepOnTesting 9 ай бұрын

Thx for the great update 👍 Glad to see the meter is serving you well. Interesting about the ceramic fuses, excellent! 😀

@numerical_error 10 ай бұрын

Hope Owon will listen to your points. Not that it's a bad meter. But it seems like it requires some steps from you to make it useable: like cleaning/replacing test leads, fixing it to the table with adhesive tape or printing a mount on a 3D printer or something. And having proper 10x38 fuses is never a bad thing. 👍

@KeepOnTesting 10 ай бұрын

I was actually going to 3D print a mount for this but changed my mind at the last moment. Hopefully OWON can revisit the 1041 and fix some of those nagging issues.

@kyleneuhaus2446 10 ай бұрын

Well thanks for bringing us this really cool meter Darren. So much to like but a few negatives that keep it from delivering on its full potential. This was a very fair and informative review, I hope Owon will see it and consider finishing the development of this meter.

@KeepOnTesting 10 ай бұрын

Absolutely and I'm sure OWON is listening, Hopefully they can bring it to the next level.

@pault6533 10 ай бұрын

I'd love to win a Owon multimeter, just not this one Looks nice, but better look twice! Maybe if they add some mounting options and fix the resistance & software issues I would take another look. Definitely want to see the USB-C version🍿

@KeepOnTesting 10 ай бұрын

The USB-C just makes ao much sense! It definitely seems weird plugging in a standard mains cord into such a tiny unit. Plus it defeats the entire small and portable mindset.

@dwmorris 10 ай бұрын

As with the Zotek "bench" meter, these are more like a handheld DMM in a bigger box. Otherwise Owon makes some reasonable gear in their price range. I especially like their HDS series of portable scope meters. I'd take Owon over Hantek and FNIRSI in most cases.

@KeepOnTesting 10 ай бұрын

Good analogy. They make some great gear for sure..I'll be reviewing one of their portable scopes next month.

@diogoalves9329 10 ай бұрын

Little tip, for the multimeter probes use metal polish to clean the tips that will fix the continuity test

@KeepOnTesting 10 ай бұрын

Yes indeed, I always test the stock leads without sanding or cleaning beforehand just to ensure the integrity of the review. 👍

@pault6533 10 ай бұрын

In a pinch a pencil eraser followed by isopropyl alcohol will also help clean off organic contamination without reducing the thickness of the plating. It won’t remove the nickel oxide layer though, so it depends how dirty the surface is.

@probang2866 10 ай бұрын

Pretty nice and honest review. I´m not sure, what this DMM is supposed to be: A mobile DMM? Nope, it has a big, sturdy mains cable. The empty space had easily allowed to throw batteries in it as power source or even to made it rechargable. At least the model with the USB-C connection could be driven by a powerbank for mobile phones. A bench meter? Nope, there is no possibility to fix mount it anywhere. It has a form that prevents it reliable from being stacked up with other devices and a low weight, that makes sure the ongoing funny sliding everywhere on the desk. To be surprised with the small fuses is simply disappointing, but not very important. Let´s be honest: Even with big HRC- fuses - the input protection of this device would not be comparable in the slightest with a Fluke 87 V or a Brymen 869S. But, that´s usual. Benchmeters are usually lower CAT rated. Granted: They very seldom showing up at construction sides or in the wild... Or should it be the competitioner for the Zotek multi-purpose-device? Sorry, a single-purpose-device can never rival with a multi-purpose-device, which is build since long time. My conclusion would be: OWON, straighten your portfolio. Rethink what you are producing for whom. A nice successor for the 2041 would look like / would have: - The case of the 2041. - An USB connection. - Still the 4W measurement. And maybe, to make some progress: - More memory. - Higher resolution display. Anyways mandatory is the hiring of some programmers: - To fix the PC- connection software. - Maybe add some more functionalty to the firmware (statistics / grafical displays) Regarding the 1041: Simply, let it go. It doesn´t even play music...

@KeepOnTesting 10 ай бұрын

Go get em tiger 😅 Excellent job summarizing the glaring deficiencies of this benchmeter. It does seem lost on the bench, poor thing. 😅

@Pro100Gadman 10 ай бұрын

Hi Darren. In general, Owon assembles quite good devices (they often miss the mark with calibration). I like this multimeter better than the XDM2041 model. But it is not clear to me, based on its cost, where it can be used. After all, their price is the same as the unit pro series or Brymen 8ххS. Although, I probably want a lot from the manufacturer..... =) I completely agree with the assessment. Darren, I keep wanting to tell you and forget. Try sometime, while checking the continuity speed of the multimeter, before you take the ProbeMaster, to lightly clean the factory/complete probes with Scotch-Brite or very fine sandpaper (1000-2000+ grit). The Chinese (manufacturers of multimeter probes) cover them with a thin layer of varnish, it’s not even a layer, but a fine spray of varnish or some kind of lubricant. This is what you should always remove when buying a new multimeter. Because cheap probes are made from an alloy of metal with something else. And to protect them, the manufacturer covers them with a thin layer of corrosion protection. This is why the supplied probes often show poor results in your tests. But the ProbeMaster (probes for rich nobles;)) is covered with a layer of gold plating. Therefore, they do not have any oxidation and always show good contact. Behind the scenes, test my theory. Because I often encountered that after several movements to remove this layer of fat from cheap probes, the continuity test worked much better. The main thing is not to try too hard and not to overdo it))) Thank you so much )

@KeepOnTesting 10 ай бұрын

Its definitely an odd meter in the OWON lineup. The USB-C version makea alot more sense to me in terms of over-all functionality. Yes, good point on the tips but I've never sanded/cleaned a test probe beforehand when I'm doing a review. I'll definitely try though and let you know how it goes.😊

@shaunmorrissey7313 10 ай бұрын

Not bad at all BUT here the XDM2041 is only £20 extra and offers more features making it (in my opinion) better value, the four lead resistance measurement mode alone is worth the upgrade, shame they don't seem to be bothered about improving the software Thanks for another great review👍

@KeepOnTesting 10 ай бұрын

Spot on ! Without the USB-C portability factor , I find this benchmeter lacks a sense of purpose.

@three-phase562 10 ай бұрын

Starting to see this form factor size in a few instruments now. Guess if you were equipping a bench and could get all the meters in this style, it would be a great space saver, if you can get the functionality and accuracy you want. Agree on the hidden internal fuses, not sure about upgrading to 10mm diameter in case you over step the creep distances. You can get 32x6.3 which may be a better option. They have rated it as CAT ii input protection anyway.

@KeepOnTesting 10 ай бұрын

Interesting form factor indeed 🤔 The AC mains completely negates any credible space saving setup though , as you'll be relegated to use the same bulky power cords as a full size test instrument. Good point about Fuse creepage but as my dear grandfather used to say, "go big or go home!" 😅

@seangannon193 10 ай бұрын

Hi Darren would love to add a Owon to my bench, never had a bench supply before, thought the Zotek one you reviewed a while ago was exceptional and Owon make good test equipment

@KeepOnTesting 10 ай бұрын

Hi Sesn, 👍 Always nice to have an OWON on the bench! Good luck in the draw.

@ssalient 10 ай бұрын

Although the 1041 is of course more portable and has USB instead of the old fashioned RS323 as the 2041 does, I think for the (small) price difference the 2041 is just a more substantial meter. The 2041 does have 4-wire resistance measurement and it doesn't have the weird V/mV separate ranges/setting as this one, I don't understand why they did that on this one.

@KeepOnTesting 10 ай бұрын

I think the 4W Sensing is worth upgrading to alone. This incarnation, with the massive AC mains plug defeats the portability factor, at least for me. Shame as the build quality is generally above grade.

@RensePosthumus 10 ай бұрын

The USB-C connection version has the denomination XDM1241.

@KeepOnTesting 10 ай бұрын

Really wish I had one for the review, ideally that looks like the perfect upgrade.

@RensePosthumus 10 ай бұрын

@@KeepOnTesting I´m thinking of buying, but I already have the XDM2041.

@KeepOnTesting 10 ай бұрын

@@RensePosthumusThe 1241 has a cool vibe with the added USB-C portability. I would be tempted too.. 😃👍

@tshackelton 10 ай бұрын

Nice meter.... not many bench meters around anymore.

@KeepOnTesting 10 ай бұрын

So true. At least in this price segment. Shame really, I have another benchmeter on my soldering station that's been getting a workout the last few years. Full review coming soon. Hint, it's "red"..! 😅👍

@barrybogart5436 10 ай бұрын

Interesting. $200cdn on Ali, but you can get the Owon HDS272 scope/meter/function generator for the same price, and its DMM is 20k count and it is USB-C. I also have a an Aneng ZS20 which is 25K count. How much resolution do you need? Anyway I would want four-wire input and AC mains PLUS USB-C chargeable batteries in a small 'bench' meter. And very low-value measurements.

@KeepOnTesting 10 ай бұрын

Valid on all 👉 points Barry..it's not quite apparent exactly where it fits in the bench scheme of things is it.

@beotheguitarist 10 ай бұрын

Very nice looking bench meter, but needs more improvement.

@KeepOnTesting 10 ай бұрын

Yes I agree 👍 Owon needs to address the software compatibility issues and improve their support downloads, as it stands it's got that unfinished feeling.

@25hztolife14 10 ай бұрын

The test leads disappointed me a little. The protection built-in is very good. Further future revisions need to take into account the issues. Its a good desktop meter though overall.

@KeepOnTesting 10 ай бұрын

True enough, overall it's well designed and good attention to detail. There's some glaring issues (software,AC mains plug) that need to be resolved to elevate this test instrument to the next level.

@ruikazane5123 10 ай бұрын

The smaller bench meter, really closing in on that Fluke!? But still the same slow response...why oh why? The fuse says "Dissman" as if it is ready for you to diss it! The leads are worse than the earlier one. The free space inside might allow for a battery be slapped inside it too...OWON be taking notes?

@KeepOnTesting 10 ай бұрын

Dissed it I did! I'll never see the point to build such a well engineered POE (piece of equipment) only to be let down by a 10 cent fuse.😢

@ruikazane5123 10 ай бұрын

@@KeepOnTesting Maybe they have a high current version? Stay alert for a higher power meter? But still...being a bench meter it shouldn't be hard to put the good fuses in, for safety...

@cookcrazy 9 ай бұрын

Got to say - certainly do like what Owon is doing - for the home electronics enthusiast - good job.

@dalescottdotnet 4 ай бұрын

After using mine for 6 months I'm still pleased with the performance and quality for the price. However, mine came with a DB9 RS232 serial interface requiring a serial-to-USB adapter to use the Windows interface. However connecting from the software hasn't been an issue (it did hang once but I was logging to an NTFS drive and watching a KZbin video at the same time). Btw, did you install the NI-VISA driver before the software? Thanks for the tip to use the diode range for quick continuity testing. Also fwiw I see Newark is selling the XDM1041 branded "Multicomp Pro MP730880 US" (or at least the display, the buttons, the back panel, etc. appear identical!). Good review. Cheers.

@KeepOnTesting 4 ай бұрын

Yes I did install the VISA driver first..BTW glad to hear it's holding up well after 6 months of use!