What a better budget Multi Meter Ideal 361 vs Uni-Trend UT61e

[capcom]

I'm a complete beginner when it comes to deciphering between multi meters. These two are in my budget and was wondering which would be the better deal. For now I need it to test capacitance to try and fix my TV set. Thanks in advance.

$31 Free shipping via Ebay http://www.tequipment.net/Ideal61-361.asp

$60 via Amazon http://www.uni-trend.com/ut61e.html

Another option would be picking up a used Fluke 115 off of ebay for around $60-$70

[mariushm]

Re: What a better budget Multi Meter Ideal 361 vs Uni-Trend UT61e

I have the UT61E multimeter and I'm very happy with it.

22000 count, data logging, fast continuity, quality construction, a bit lacking in high voltage protection so I wouldn't use it for more than simple mains measurements.
The capacitance function works well on it.

However, the ability to measure capacitance is almost pointless when it comes to fixing tv sets.
A lot of capacitors will still show capacitance within permitted tolerance even when they're bad.
Also, a multimeter measures capacitance at low frequencies while switching power supplies run at high frequencies so you need a different kind of tool to test capacitors.

You'll need an ESR meter or a LCR meter with ESR measurement function.

[capcom]

Re: What a better budget Multi Meter Ideal 361 vs Uni-Trend UT61e

Ok so if I'm going to need an esr meter as well can you recommend a budget one?

[mariushm]

Re: What a better budget Multi Meter Ideal 361 vs Uni-Trend UT61e

I use esrMicro from radiodevices.ru : http://translate.google.com/translat...r4.htm&act=url

The guy making it is a forum member here, the user name is RusMike:

https://www.badcaps.net/forum/member.php?u=12802

Give him a PM and see what he can do for you. It should be under $100.

other esr meters that I could recommend would be Atlas ESR 70 : http://www.peakelec.co.uk/acatalog/jz_esr70.html

But it's a bit expensive.. for that price, you're getting close to a proper lcr meter with esr measurement function.

Read my post here for recommendations for lcd meters with esr:

https://www.badcaps.net/forum/showpo...9&postcount=12

Also keep in mind that a LCR meter will test inductors, resistors and capacitors (including capacitance and esr) so you would be getting a good tool for your money.

[Kiriakos GR]

Re: What a better budget Multi Meter Ideal 361 vs Uni-Trend UT61e

How about getting a HIOKI budget DMM made in Japan with three years warranty.

http://www.hioki.com/newproduct/DT42...T421112_e.html

I bet that in few weeks it will be availability even in USA.

[tom66]

Re: What a better budget Multi Meter Ideal 361 vs Uni-Trend UT61e

How sure are you that's made in Japan? What's the going price for one of those?

[Kiriakos GR]

Re: What a better budget Multi Meter Ideal 361 vs Uni-Trend UT61e

How sure are you that's made in Japan? What's the going price for one of those?

http://www.ittsb.eu/DT4282%20review.html

Regarding pricing I am waiting for this info to arrive.

But for HIOKI products in USA its better to contact http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/


.

[mariushm]

Re: What a better budget Multi Meter Ideal 361 vs Uni-Trend UT61e

HIOKI made here some choices regarding features performance and build quality, the idea behind the DT4282 is a high quality but also affordable meter.

I am monitoring the marker of multimeter for several years and the full featured made in Japan meters are hovering in the price range of 700 to 900 Euros.

These facts made them look as unwanted choices for the most international markets.

DT4281: $395 - http://www.globaltestsupply.com/c/18...ultimeter.html
DT4282 : $495 - http://www.globaltestsupply.com/c/18...ultimeter.html

DT4282: 495 EURO http://ro.rsdelivers.com/product/hio...r/7839603.aspx

Of course.. and as usual... you have to come here and suggest multimeters that will be in the hundreds of euro range when the title of the thread is

What a better budget Multi Meter Ideal 361 vs Uni-Trend UT61e


And would it have killed you to take some pictures of the internals of the multimeter so that people could see the hardware used?

As an example of what HIOKI did here could be that HIOKI managed to make a fighting air-plane which finally reached the maximum speed which the pilot and the human body can tolerate.

This is a remarkable achievement no matter from which point of view you are seeing it.

The multimeter externally is extremely well designed, personally I always had feelings of respect and admiration regarding the made in Japan products.

The Japanese industry in the past it was always a big school of how one idea it can reach the highest grade of perfection in areas of materials quality, aesthetics, easy to use, and extended product life cycle.

Sucking their dick much, kissing their ass much? I guess $500 worth of free sample is enough to make you lose all your credibility and post again stupid posts on this forum.

[Kiriakos GR]

Re: What a better budget Multi Meter Ideal 361 vs Uni-Trend UT61e

You better not interfere in other people direct conversations.

I did pass the link to Tom so to have look of the pictures.
The conversation is still about budget HIOKI series.

Regarding the other crap that you wrote, honestly I do not give a shit.

.

[mariushm]

Re: What a better budget Multi Meter Ideal 361 vs Uni-Trend UT61e

You "interfered" in a public conversation about budget multimeters.

You knowingly decided to promote your website and post absolutely useless comments (in the context) in a forum thread about budget multimeters (where the budget is obvious from the first post that it's under $100).

If you can't post something useful to the people here (this is a forum meant to HELP people, not a forum where you can advertise yourself and your expensive tools) do everyone a favor and stop commenting.

[retiredcaps]

Re: What a better budget Multi Meter Ideal 361 vs Uni-Trend UT61e

For now I need it to test capacitance to try and fix my TV set. Thanks in advance.

Before spending any money, why don't you post a clear detailed description and pictures of your problem in the following format?

https://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?p=114994

If the regulars here suspect the capacitors, they can direct you to some testing. BTW, if you are a one time DIY, you can buy a lot of quality capacitors from reputable distributors for a lot less than one single ESR meter.

In addition, if this is a modern TV, the chances of the problem being solely capacitor related is 10% or less given feedback from professionals/regular members.

[capcom]

Re: What a better budget Multi Meter Ideal 361 vs Uni-Trend UT61e

i haven't been back on for awhile since I thought the problem was fixed after I messed with what I thought were cold-solder joints. All the same problems have now come back after 3 weeks of the TV acting normal. Heres the link to the original thread. https://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=33618

retiredcaps, I may take your advice and just start replacing caps, I guess it can't hurt anything...