UNI-T PRO UT195E Multimeter Review Teardown!

[@yambo59]

I took another look at your teardown and at first glance the board does seem neatly and nicely done, theyve thrown the good parts in for protection on the fuse side - yet no arc over walls standing between critical input areas nor is the board routered out in critical areas where arc over could occur and the power protection resistor looks a bit small for this price class. Something else we didnt get a look at is on the other side of the board where the range switch contacts are. Many times theyre too close and they often arc over. I dont know how much of Joes testing youve watched but it can be very revealing even on some of the most expensive rigs. He pulls no punches for sure, even hammering the expensive ($800.00+) Gossan Metrawatt for a serious lack of shielding. It was seriously affected by surrounding interference for which there was no excuse - which he corrects by building his own custom shielding that solved the issue. I just saw the UT195E on Amazon goes for $158.00 and thats not a bad price if it loses its teething pains-- but the idea of that other dual display model sure sounds good as well--lol

[@GustavoGarcia-pu5st]

Hello, sorry but I think the tilt stand is not loose when you tighten the screws on the battery cover. Try that. Thanks.

[@dimitriosskouros1502]

Why it shows voltage when cables on the air? it shows 0.1 to 0.4 volts?

[@yambo59]

This meter is an even better value now as the price has come down, it can be had for as little as $125.00 and free shipping on ebay - hard to beat this degree of build quality for that price.

[@nunika1975]

Just got this in Australia for $62 AUD. Best meter for the money.

[@KeepOnTesting]

Wow! Great price! Solid build and great value! Congrats 😀👍

[@oo0Spyder0oo]

supercheap currently has it for $51 AUD, just rebadged as 'calibre' brand but its exactly the same unit.

[@KeepOnTesting]

@@oo0Spyder0oo Yipes...that's incredibly cheap!! What a deal !! 😀👍💥💥💥

[@oo0Spyder0oo]

@@KeepOnTesting It is, a great day on sale at the moment and its full price was $99 which wasnt bad to begin with. I grabbed it today, very pleased with it.

[@ianrosal1235]

i like UNI-T. 😊.ive been UNI-T multi tester for more than 10years😊

[@KeepOnTesting]

Me too Ian, btw there's a huge UNI-T Week coming up on the channel soon. Giveaways galore ! Stat tubed 😊

[@manjaburillo13]

Thank you for your time...

[@KeepOnTesting]

Thanks for watching!

[@kangtukang4948]

hello Mr. darren please help me choose the uni-t multimeter type for a good diode mode and continuity with a loud buzzer. with the measurement results close to the fluke

[@KeepOnTesting]

Hello Virga, UT89XD is a solid 👌 multimeter in the UNI-T lineup. Well built, one of the best LED/Diode modes..and a great price! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnLSp5ZrnZZlsMk

[@yambo59]

Please forgive, my comment turned into a bit of a rant-lol Its good to see Uni-t finally showing a more pro-active direction far as input protection and build quality. I really like the design of this meter but apparently still some quirks to be ironed out as in any new product. But I fear it might be business as usual with them in that they take it to 80% and never put the finishing touches on it. A small thing to nag about for sure, but case in point on my 61E, the highest level 22,000 count meter in the entire series and no friggin' backlight, even though the lower ones in the series have one and the chip supports it. There are $15 meters with decent backlights so no excuse. Along the same lines the backlight glitch on this model should never have made it to daylight, its a bad opening for a new product - hopefully its not permanent and easily fixed in the software. Also that was a very slow and seemingly inaccurate cap test for a "pro" meter. I have a Mustool MT108N handheld that gives near instant cap test readings and it only cost $17.00. Thing is, I always really want to like Uni-T, I have a 61E and a 139C. I like the feel and look of my 61E as well as the 22,000 count display - but again if you go as far as providing a 22,000 count display witha bar graph, why no friggin' backlight-? In the end id have to see this one pass mr. Smiths testing before I paid almost 2 bills for it, a Fluke 17B+ costs less and a Fluke 117 costs about the same and no question of quality there. Uni-t's have a history of failing light transient tests early and before most any other meter - hopefully this ones input protection puts that behind them as I really would like to see Uni-T become a stronger player. Ive seen meters that had all the requisite input protection parts still fail early due to bad board layout/design or other oversights, it shouldnt happen but it does sometimes. It takes more than the parts to make a meter robust enough to resist transient events and high voltage failure, good PCB design and layout are also part of the equation as well as the PTC's, MOV's and large resistors etc. One of the strongest meters in this regard surprisingly is the tiny little Fluke 101, very cheap and entry level but handles amazing transient and high voltage punishment well above its ratings without ill effects and its under $50, though it has minimal functionality of course. Its one thing to make a meter look professional and label it as such, but quite another to make it perform in that league. Come on Uni-T youre heading in the right direction, now lets see a come from behind and run with the pack approach-! End of rant. lol

[@KeepOnTesting]

I agree 100%! UNI-T has a great product line and offers good price points but they always seem to mess up the easy stuff. I didn't see any isolation slots (arc over??) on the PCB nor did I see any o-ring or seal on the inside of the chassis..(dust/water protection??) so it seems like they are still a work-in-progress as far as fail-safe meters go. Let's face it, whenever I see the word "Professional or Pro" on a DMM it's usually not a good thing! Yes, the Cap range was slow to come to a reading which is also not very good and rather odd seeing as it's the same IC used on many low-end DMM's that handle large capacitance without any problems. I was definitely expecting more. The auto Back-light was a huge disappointment, as you said there's no way this should have made it to production...and the tilt stand once again drives me bonkers. It is well made, quality components and very clean PCB fabrication. The unit feels solid (I'm sure it can withstand more than just a 2M drop). Generally a very nice package. However, UNI-T needs to finalize the package before they put the "PRO" label on the outside, it just feels "unfinished".

[@KeepOnTesting]

@@yambo59 Well said! Let's hope they ARE listening. BTW, UNI-T claims the meter can handle/sustain 8K volts...that's quite a claim!

[@yambo59]

- 8K volts is what the little Fluke 101 took before breakdown in joltin' joes testing, way higher than its design spec. - no reason a meter like this pro rig from Uni-T costing over three times as much shouldnt do at least half as good or better, but I suspect the board design far as arc over isnt as well thought out, I cant wait for Joe to test the Unit, hes spent a lot of time trying to modify the 61E for better performance and it still left him wanting. No one tests the limits like he does exposing every conceivable weakness. My Fluke 17B+ although made in china came out as one of the most robust in his testing, its what helped make my final decision to purchase and ive been very pleased with it- good functionality for the money, a back light that can be locked on and Fluke quality on a budget - whats not to like. Cant speak for longevity but theres nothing to suggest it wont do anything I ask of it. - Im a bit perturbed the guy in NY hasnt shipped my old school Fluke 27 yet, been a week and no UPS tracking yet - ARR-! - To be fair it did give a long delivery time on the ebay page - but why, its here in the US--again ARR-! My OCD is very impatient in my old age-lol

[@Brian-uq6jm]

Thanks for the review! Does the REL mode put you out of auto-ranging? In diode mode, does it beep when you short the leads? Also got a couple of suggestions here: - Would be nice to see how fast the meter auto-ranges in modes like DCV, ACV and Ohms, I know you showed shorting the leads in ohms mode, that's much appreciated. - Would be nice to see the AC frequency response actually measured. Thanks.

[@KeepOnTesting]

Hi Brian, Those are great suggestions...I'll do my best to implement them! Depending on the meter, sometimes I'll do a more feature packed review..other times, less is more. Appreciate the feedback. Thanks for watching

[@yambo59]

On my 191T with same backlight setup I sometimes put a small bit of electrical tape over the sensor and just use the backlight button for an on off switch--lol I know its hokey, but as you said I want control dammit-! lol For what this one costs it really should have something like flukes touch hold, and it certainly should have an LED indicator on the continuity range, were talking pennies for an led. UniT if you want to call it a professional meter step up and include the professional features. I really like my 191T, and overall this line of meters is still a big step up for UniT. My 191T does not have the loosey goosey kick stand, its got a nice tight fitting stand leg that shuts tight and positive.

[@derektodd4126]

Cheers Darren, had my eye on one of these for quite a while.

[@KeepOnTesting]

Too bad it has some quirks! The standing bale drives me batty, why UNI-T can't get this resolved is beyond me. Also, the back-light saga is ludicrous...Why mustI I turn off my meter so I can turn the backlight on? Gads... The input protection and overall build quality is very very nice though. No worries about Transients or voltage suppression here. I failed to see any seal/o-ring on the chassis internals, so I'm concerned about the waterproof/dustproof claims, it did meet IP65 so it must work. I might in future do a followup but for now I'll let it rest on it's laurels as far as that is concerned. Cheers Mate!

[@thingblaze5754]

Have been watching the Uni-T UT171C. Looks like a nice DMM. Have you tried that one? Can't find any good review on it on KZbin.🙁

[@KeepOnTesting]

It's close price wise to the UT181A so that's probably not helping. I haven't tried one yet but I'll put it on my meter TO-DO list ;)

[@derektodd4126]

I went for the 181A and really like it.

[@superciliousdude]

Can you do a side-by-side comparison between the 195E and the 139E or 139S ? They seem to have nearly identical specs aside from temperature measurement, and I'm wondering where the actual differences lie.

[@KeepOnTesting]

That's an in interesting idea..ok I'll work on it...would be nice to have all 3 for the comparison.

[@superciliousdude]

@@KeepOnTesting I have the 139S (I bought it partly thanks to your video) and I can confirm that it has (at least) decent input protection. I put 2.5KV across the terminals with an insulation tester and I have experienced some some inductive back-emf measuring some motors that would have killed crappier meters with it. 139S had no problem with it. I think it would be interesting to see if they have made some improvements since then.

[@KeepOnTesting]

@@superciliousdude 2.5kv is alot ! Glad to see the 139s held its own. I agree the comparison would be interesting, stay tuned.

[@jhon6646]

Best regards: I request your help, I have the same multimeter as in the video but when I put it in continuity my multimeter sounds even without the test leads attached... I have noticed that when off and in resistance/ohm there are capacitors that short I don't know if it's something normal in multimeters, it's the first time I've reviewed one... there will be something that needs to be changed. I have done everything I have seen on the internet, I changed the 11A fuse that was blown, I put the battery upside down for a moment, tapping it a few times :) but nothing has given me any results. What can I do in this case :(

[@KeepOnTesting]

Remove the case and clean the Selector tracks with cotton swab and IPS 90% or better. Then grease lightly with a dielectric grease. It might be as simple as that. Let me know

[@jhon6646]

@@KeepOnTesting the selector is immaculate, in any case I cleaned and lubricated it... the problem persists, I already consider it to be a problem with the components of the board... as I mentioned, it does not measure resistance, it gets stuck at 28.3 ohms and in continuity It only beeps even without the test leads...I don't know what to do.

[@KeepOnTesting]

Change the mA FUSE as well. You might have to painstakingly verify each component with another multimeter . Follow the tracks when continuity is selected on the selector switch and start with the components directly in series. Unfortunately I do not have a schematic for this dmm.

[@jhon6646]

@@KeepOnTesting greetings: the fuses are good. As I told you, I temporarily changed the 11A fuse for a 40A one (I'm not going to measure current for now). I checked components and found values ​​that I consider altered in the 4 PTC thermistors (PTC1,PTC2,PTC3,PTC4) that are attached to the red test cable, have a value of between 1kohm and 1.5kohm which, being PTC, seems to me It is not correct, I don't know if you could tell me what value your multimeter shows you when measuring these PTCs. Outside of all that, I took a clamp and shorted one of the 3003 resistors that are in the middle of the PTC thermistors and also the same PTC thermistors and the multimeter returned to zero on the resistance meter and stopped beeping for a second, I don't know if it was luck or what I think is on the right track but I would appreciate your help. thank you so much

[@yambo59]

Thats still the best looking input section ive seen on a Uni-T yet -- but its not a cheap meter so it should be sporting some fancy firepower against angry invading pixies-lol They definitely could have tossed in some shielding in a $200 meter, even if its the spray in variety like I used to see in a factory I once worked in.

[@KeepOnTesting]

Definitely...! Not for the faint of heart (or pocketbook). It's certainly exudes quality when you're actually using the meter I'm torn between all the great things about it and all the things they could have done to make it better..

[@jakeyh27]

Have you looked at any of the UNI-T clamp meters? Got my eyes on the UT216C but not sure I trust the CAT ratings, some nice features for $80 AUD though!

[@KeepOnTesting]

I will be reviewing some clamp meters shortly, including the UT216C. Stay tuned!

[@jakeyh27]

@@KeepOnTesting Awesome can't wait!

[@DyJohnnY2010]

Hi, What would you choose between UT61E+ and the UT195M?

[@KeepOnTesting]

Electronics hobbyist, engineer..UT61E+ Electrician or tradesman , UT195M

[@sanjoe1246]

Whats the difference between the UT195E and UT 195M? which one is better?

[@KeepOnTesting]

They are almost identical dmms, the UT195M also includes Temperature. If you don't require Temp you can save a few dollars.. Otherwise they are the same. They both have the identical build quality which is excellent.

[@sanjoe1246]

@@KeepOnTesting thanks man.

[@KeepOnTesting]

@@sanjoe1246 My pleasure, thanks for watching!

[@yambo59]

The main difference in the 195M is it has a special "M" range addition intended for testing electric motors, even large ones possibly not sure im only going off the spec chart for the three different models. General consensus from my point of view is unless you need the special Motor function of the 195M no reason to spend the extra money, the 195E is essentially the same meter otherwise. I dont have the 195 myself, but I do have the next one down the 191T and I am extremely pleased with its build quality and performance. Ive looked at buying the 195E many times, but my uses arent extreme enough to warrant it and the 191T will do anything Ill ever need. Ive been very pleased with the newer UniT meters, as Darren said in the review UniT has really stepped up their game with these newer models and they are more ruggedly built, accurate and a great value given the functionality and high build quality. I also like the idea these meters are IP65 rated for dust and moisture resistance and the case structure is extremely solid and well designed, easily on a par with the likes of Fluke.

[@saarike]

Nice review. Thanks!

[@KeepOnTesting]

Thx for watching!

[@marcinszelest]

My version UT195 Pro output diode have 12,3V (version for china)

[@roseelectronics4582]

Can you do their 196 solar meter, Darrel?

[@KeepOnTesting]

Will do ! 👍

[@THESKYMASTER]

Very interesting review, but annoying background music. You do not need any background music.

[@KeepOnTesting]

Thx for the feedback...and Thanks for watching!

[@shanomacdaddy]

Which one is better UT195E or UT139C?

[@KeepOnTesting]

UT195E is the better instrument but its also much more expensive. You are paying for the extra build quality , IP65 waterproofing, and excellent input protection.

[@shanomacdaddy]

@@KeepOnTesting Thanks for the reply Darren. Just picked up one of the last in Australia it looks like at clearance price for $64 AUD. :)

[@KeepOnTesting]

@@shanomacdaddy Wow, thats a great price !! Let us know how you like it!! Keep on Testing!

[@shanomacdaddy]

@@KeepOnTesting It's great so far, am really happy with it. Cant beat that price. :) The flap stand on mine seems good not flippy flappy but the light bug is still around.

[@KeepOnTesting]

@@shanomacdaddy Great stuff! You sure got a great deaL..congrats!

[@derektodd4126]

My new years resolution is not to buy any DMM'S. I think I can handle alcohol and nicotine much more easily.

[@KeepOnTesting]

Well I tried that once, worked for 4 days until I accidentally found myself on Ebay.. ;)

[@thebeststooge]

@Derek Todd He means the real eBay HQ on their stoop laid out not the web site.

[@fips2199]

Biggest problem on this meter: it does not save any settings! For example if you often use DC voltage you always have to select DC mode after turning it on. That's pretty annoying.

[@KeepOnTesting]

Agreed..it's not a common feature even on very expensive dmms, unfortunately, but one that should be at this price range.

[@fips2199]

@@KeepOnTesting I know that Benning dmms save the settings.

[@muhammedcamlca4177]

unit ut 195 ds video give me

[@danuber558]

Hi Derek How many multimeters do you own till today ? another funny review (music included) lol

[@KeepOnTesting]

Pssst..it's Darren 😅 Close to 500 last count..from CHEAP-O to Expensive...New to Vintage! Check out www.keepontesting.com if you'd like to see some of them..

[@lukasbalsevicius7784]

hello, i bought this mutli meeter but i cant figure out why is it peebing then i try switching to any other mode expect ac v LoZ. please help

[@KeepOnTesting]

Its beeping constantly? Even without any test leads attached? It could be moisture in the input jacks. Try dabbing a cotton swab in the inputs, let dry overnight Let us know

[@lukasbalsevicius7784]

@@KeepOnTesting yea i left it over night and it started working agian. Thank you

[@KeepOnTesting]

@@lukasbalsevicius7784 Excellent!

[@thaninsainamthip8597]

1. 170 US Multimeter 2. Very Slow on Capacitance Mode 3. No Shielding 4. Use Low End IC and EEP ROM Conbination. For $170 .... No Can you Review UT-195DS ?

[@KeepOnTesting]

Roger that, on the list !

[@jackpinecreed6587]

Couldn't one build their own shielding device?

[@KeepOnTesting]

Definitely doable, I just dont understand why dmm manufacturers can't incorporate it into basic design augmentation.

[@cfrsadqov5132]

Ut17b pro ut195e?

[@KeepOnTesting]

UT17B PRO

[@cfrsadqov5132]

@@KeepOnTesting ut171a brymen869s?

[@jamesdavies686]

Big fail with no polarity guard. 1 second of the battery in backwards and bye bye $130. Also, it's a shame they din't use the DM1106EN chipset which is used in the $35 UT210E

[@r4plez]

wow, but there is a battery protection, and its D15 in motherboard, don't know why u are spreading false news :/

[@tanishqbhaiji103]

For the price, I would want another 0 so, 60,000 counts

[@KeepOnTesting]

Another 0...I like that 👍

[@SuperMurrayb]

Good review but I do not understand why they would need to clamp the shunt on the current range with a M.O.V. That seems unnecessary to me.

[@KeepOnTesting]

MOVs shunt the current related to a HV Transient..it would act like a shunt regulator ..

[@SuperMurrayb]

Thanks for responding to my message, Darren but there does not seem to be any technical reason to put a shunt across the shunt. If the power source has enough energy to drive the voltage across the sub-ohm shunt to hazardous levels the operator will probably be "toast" anyway. Clamping the shunt seems to be some sort of fad that will not improve safety in any meaningful way. I would rather have a meter with a resettable breaker instead of a fuse and M.O.V.

[@KeepOnTesting]

@@SuperMurrayb I don't know the reasoning behind UNI-T engineers to utilise this type of Input Protection but I agree the implementation on the surface at least appears to be redundant. Thanks for watching!

[@yambo59]

Again, clean those stock probes and they work much better

[@progmatica1608]

Oh God! So far I haven't seen any five stars!

[@superpooper_2030]

The starting music is way too loud

[@arthurrae7904]

I think that your reviews are excellent. Having said that, I find the background (music) dreadfully irritating & wish that you would cease and desist, as they say in America LOL.

[@KeepOnTesting]

Thanks Arthur 👍 I've toned it down quite a bit this past year/6 months ... Making the background music much less there ..let me know if you still find it annoying 🙄

[@DanielDiPaula]

I have the M version and it sucks, battery screws holders went all broken, as you said, cheap IC, now the continuity funcition is always beeping even with the leads disconnected.... i won't be buying UNI-T ever again

[@KeepOnTesting]

Yikes, sorry to hear that Daniel...these multimeters should last last forever 😕

[@abdelmoneimalbasha]

😯😯😯👍

[@garyboyh]

UniT board quality is way better on Extech though both are made in China

[@thebeststooge]

I tried an Extech and returned it as it was bad with slow response and values all over the place.

[@ijs106]

slow, my uni-t 61e is better and cheaper and much faster beautiful, well built, but slow and expensive

[@KeepOnTesting]

UT61 is a classic!