UNI-T UT181A Data Logging 60,000 Count Multimeter Review & Teardown!

[@superciliousdude]

Regarding the charger: While it doesn't solve your issue completely, you can get a spare battery and keep it in the pouch to go with you. It takes under a minute to swap it out so if you're in the field with a dead meter you won't be waiting for it to charge back up. Also the charger is just a DC supply so you can replace it with a local one. All the charging and lithium BMS circuitry is inside the meter.

[@KeepOnTesting]

Good point, a spare battery makes alot of sense in this case. I see it outputs 10V I'll probably just change the charger as you mentioned. Not sure why they couldn't cater to both sides of the pond. 🤣

[@Carl-Camera]

Great review! What does the LIGHT button do on the front, given the display seems to be constantly backlit?

[@KeepOnTesting]

Honestly not much..it's slightly more vibrant when enabled but really the difference is negligible. Many thanks 😊

[@StoneTL]

What multimeter would be 5 stars then? :)

[@StoneTL]

I was struggling between buying UT61E+ or UT17B PRO but I've liked UT181A now! The only problem is the price. But it's totally different, bew and awesome.

[@KeepOnTesting]

The 181A is a damn sweet multimeter ...the display never gets old.. If you purchase one you'll be hard pressed to find another that does everything its capable of doing.I'd say go for it 👍

[@la7yka]

I like the UT61E (not +). It's spot on with my 10.004V reference.

[@recursoseninternet]

I am thinking of buying a UNI-T UT181A as my main multimeter, do you recommend this model or maybe another one?

[@KeepOnTesting]

I believe UNI-T will be updating this model soon.I would hold off until then. It's a good dmm but it has its buggy moments and I wouldn't recommend unless you can find one at a stellar price ! ✨️

[@recursoseninternet]

@@KeepOnTesting Thanks a lot. The current price in my country is €285, but I'm not in such a hurry and maybe I'll wait for a new update of this model to come out because it's true that it's already a model that has been on the market for several years and has some problems. Thanks for your help!

[@Jeft21102]

I'm planning to buy multimeter soon! that's why i try to research here in KZbin so i watch your Video can you give me advice which one i can buy which one is better UNI-T UT181A or UNI-T UT171B? thanks'

[@KeepOnTesting]

UT181A would be my choice. It has better all around performance, great display and tons of options.. 👍

[@Jeft21102]

@@KeepOnTesting thanks "

[@johnp21]

I like what UNI-T are trying do do, but they were obviously 'inspired' by the Fluke 287/289. I do wish company's could design their own things and come up with their own ideas. Still a nice meter. One thing that would bug me though is the update rate of the digits. Looks to be about 2 to 3 times a second. The bargraph looks nice and responsive though.

[@KeepOnTesting]

Its definitely inspired by the 289 but I give credit to UNI-T for putting it in a nice package that's also fairly affordable. UNI-T to their credit does alot of R&D and they do come out with alot of unique multimeter designs and features that are definitely unique. Thanks for watching! 😀👍

[@engr.salaheldin]

Is this multimeter audible diode mode?

[@KeepOnTesting]

No audible diode mode.

[@pault6533]

The bar graph works very good! Usually disallowing charging is for electrical safety and noise-related measurement error. The newer UNI-T meters have a gorgeous pointer, this plain black wheel is looking very dated. What is the consensus about why there is a (!) beside select? Seems like that button should have been plain white with larger font for readability and silkscreen anything additional beside the button. Another great review Darren!

[@KeepOnTesting]

Long press on select! Brings up the Help Menu..not sure why UNI-T used an exclamation! It's still a very good meter, especially for the enthusiast. I agree Paul, that selector needs an update 😅👍

[@viktorsamoilov4794]

Are you planning to make an overview of the multimeters Uni-T UT171A, Uni-T UT171B?

[@KeepOnTesting]

Hi Viktor, it's a possibility 😊

[@superciliousdude]

The hacked firmware also remembers the last mode you were in for each selector like the fluke 289, for example my meter always starts in the AC+DC mV mode and continuity mode etc rather than the default. It does not remember the communications settings though, you have to enable that manually each time still.

[@KeepOnTesting]

Roger that SD, thanks for the heads up. Its a real pain having to enable the communication mode each time. That memory saving is a definate plus maybe I'll look at that hacked firmware after all.

[@TheElectriciansToolChannel]

Hello Darren, nice video, I own the same Graphical Multimeter but it’s rebranded by TRIPLETT Model 9065. I was wondering if that bluetooth adapter module can be used on the TRIPLETT 9065 Graphical Multimeter. Darren what do you think 🤔 sir ? Do you think it’ll work ? Thanks

[@KeepOnTesting]

Hello my friend, I dare say it should, as the units look identical. Other than slapping on a different name I believe the BT should be fully functional. I would definitely try. Let us know how you make out. 😃👍

[@TheElectriciansToolChannel]

Darren Walker Thanks Darren, I appreciate the feedback I’ll make the purchase and see what happens. By the way I still love to viewing your channel, great content keep up the great work.

[@KeepOnTesting]

@@TheElectriciansToolChannel Thanks so much..Keep on Testing!

[@asupsp700]

Is it possible to find out what the latest firmware number is? And what were their changes?

[@KeepOnTesting]

I would email UNI-T support and ask them directly, they should be able to help.👍

[@asupsp700]

@@KeepOnTesting Here they wrote about an alternative firmware ... Do you have any information on it?

[@KeepOnTesting]

@@asupsp700 That's a hacked firmware which is not officially supported by UNI-T. I personally haven't tried it so I can't comment on its reliability.

[@asupsp700]

@@KeepOnTesting Thanks for the answer!

[@KeepOnTesting]

@@asupsp700 You're most welcome! 👍

[@rufo4004]

Nice review!!!. I have a question: how long time can the multimeter be on after charging the battery completely?. Since it charges throughout its own banana terminals it cannot be used while charging, right?. I guess this fact totally limit the maximum time it can be logging data.

[@KeepOnTesting]

Good question! Yes the 181A cannot be used while it's being charged (too bad!!)...I would hasten a guess and say the Li-Ion rechargeable battery should last approx 50 hrs if used continuously...so approx 2 days of data logging .

[@djberg3483]

I have the ut171, and I've finally had to put it to work at work, since the plugs on my 189 fluke gave up the ghost. So I've needed my 171, and so far the battery has not shown any loss via the little icon, so yeah, I e probably got 10hrs of use on it since.

[@mahuubao]

Excellent ... Well done ...

[@derektodd4126]

Interesting about the fuse/ charging issue. When I first got mine it worked but would not charge out of the box. So sent it back to Ali e. Got the same meter back with a second seal attached to the case. All good since.

[@KeepOnTesting]

Roger that Derek, as soon as I replaced the dead mA fuse I could charge the meter again...appears to be on the same circuit strangely enough..

[@marcinszelest]

What company are the "gold" probes ?

[@KeepOnTesting]

Probemasters

[@romeojr.fiecas4952]

A firmware update should be nice for the communication issue and also for the date format...

[@KeepOnTesting]

Agreed! Unfortunately no such user firmware upgrade option exists for the end user..really a shame.

[@djberg3483]

So 0.00 on the millivolt resolution? That's what I have on my 171, that's the one detail the fluke 189/289 has 0.000 resolution.

[@JanioRibeiroSilva]

No it has a resolution of 0.000 mV ac or dc, I have it too.

[@carlosmartin1543]

I just got the UT-D07A Bluetooth adaptor and iDMM app but my Samsung Note 9 refuses to run the app correctly. It keeps crashing... wondering what version of Android you're using? Update... I got it working downloading direct from Uni-T web site!

[@KeepOnTesting]

The Tablet I tested it on for the review is running Android 7.0

[@KeepOnTesting]

Excellent news! Its a great meter ..keep us updated.

[@carlosmartin1543]

Has anybody been able to connect the meter to the PC program using the Bluetooth interface?

[@KeepOnTesting]

Which PC software are you referring to Carlos?

[@carlosmartin1543]

It's the PC software that came the meter, which I use to do data logging with my laptop. It only seems to work using the USB interface.

[@thingblaze5754]

I like the charger.... maby it's because I live in Norway 🤪

[@KeepOnTesting]

Hehe...Yes I don't blame you 🤓👍 Just wish they had a North American version as well...

[@mikefreedom5612]

Datalogger?

[@KeepOnTesting]

Yessir!

[@mikefreedom5612]

Excellent, can I datalog measurements of AC voltage? If yes how many counts?

[@mgobluevictor]

Are these only available direct from China on eBay? I tried your link and it takes you to a chinese listing. Is there any risk of getting counterfeits through this route? I see one listing on eBay right now for just $288 (with just 3 feedback). The one that your link took me to was $392

[@KeepOnTesting]

My link is for one of the most trusted sellers on Ebay. You will not receive a counterfeit using this vendor. I've entrusted him with many thousands of dollars in merchandise and he's never let me or any subscriber down. Btw, he also ships quickly and safely. He deals directly with UNI-T and you will always get the most recent revision. Let us know how you like the multimeter..I just love mine and use it all the time, it's a great instrument!! 😃👍

[@mgobluevictor]

@@KeepOnTesting Thanks for the quick response. Just researching for now and debating between the Fluke 287/289 and saw this one mentioned. Seems like a much nicer screen than the Flukes. Also considering Keysight U1272A, which lacks the graphing. I feel odd spending more on a meter than I did for my scope!

[@KeepOnTesting]

@@mgobluevictor I have the Keysight U1282A, its a great multimeter but a completely different beast than the UT181A. If graphing is important its a no brainer for the UNI-T. That being said the Fluke is also great but about 200$ more than the UT181A. Ultimately the choice is yours. I do think they are all excellent instruments. I believe the UNI-T offers the perfect combination of price/capability and overall functionality. Boils down to Red/Orange or Yellow !! 😄

[@mgobluevictor]

@@KeepOnTesting How long does their shipping usually take from China to the US?

[@KeepOnTesting]

@@mgobluevictor Normally 7-10 business days,he's quite fast and ships everything very well protected

[@sergioinostroza3529]

Dear Darren, I would like to ask you if you can help me with a question about the input protection of the UNI-T UT181A multimeter ... Is there any possibility that UNI-TREND company make a version with input protection improvements ?. I've seen not very encouraging evidence on the joe smith channel ... ​ @joe smith

[@KeepOnTesting]

Hello Sergio, I'll ask my UNI-T REP what the latest version is...and report back. Thx

[@qzorn4440]

Hi... I just love great test equipment in the hobbyist range. A great meter like this is tempting to buy. However, are the new meter/scope/Bluetooth ones worth waiting for? 😎 Thanks a lot. Glory to Ukraine... 🌻🥪

[@KeepOnTesting]

I would wait for an update for this multimeter. The BT is buggy as heck. Slava Ukraini 👍 I would not suggest getting a multimeter/ scope ...get a decent multimeter and buy the scope separately.

[@noside8469]

I'm in love.... ❤❤❤ Way off my budget 😂

[@bornfe5127]

at 16;08 ooohhh bboy oooohhh boy thats what I was waiting for now i can like the video

[@KeepOnTesting]

Yes we do love our continuity !!! Thanks for watching

[@michaelroberts1120]

I suppose the 1 1/2 points were deducted simply because it is not manufactured by Fluke.

[@KeepOnTesting]

If you watched the video you would know exactly why it recieved the rating . ..Buggy software, no user upgradable firmware, no North American plug included, to name a few. Please don't throw the Fluke innuendos my way as you couldn't be further from the truth.

[@bhushan9066]

We could pull it up to measure Water Temperature of course, before bathing, as it has the temperature measurement functionality!

[@Chen-zd6rx]

The cost is very low

[@KeepOnTesting]

Yes, I agree.. for a full featured data logging multimeter with lots of features.. it's a great price.

[@manueldegouveia9602]

CCTV tester

[@MickDownUnder]

The UT181A is the only bit of kit UNI-T make that is passable. 99% of Uni-T's gear is total junk.

[@KeepOnTesting]

UNI-T makes some great multimeters as of late... They really have upped their game. Check out the UT191T...hard to find a better built and more feature packed dmm at that price. Also the UT89XD is a superb and feature rich manual ranging multimeter. Thanks for watching

[@LabiaLicker]

Nah forget about it not having NA plug. It needs to have a usb charging cable.

[@KeepOnTesting]

That would definitely be the better option !

[@LabiaLicker]

@@KeepOnTesting a usb c port on the adapter would be great.