Digital multimeters are one of the most widely used and trusty electronic test instruments. With a wide variety of market retailers and an extensive range of advanced products to choose from, buying a digital multimeter can be a daunting shopping experience. So, to help your buying process consider the following eleven factors which can help you select the best multimeter for your application.
1.Digital Multimeters Vs. Analogue Multimeters
Although a multimeter can be digital or analogue, the digital multimeter is the most modern and extensively used model.
Digital multimeters are more accurate than analogues, but in the past, they were not ideal for measurements that change rapidly. This is because digital multimeters must first take in analogue data and then convert to digital data, resulting in a tiny delay in readings.
Despite this drawback, and especially with improved update rates, overall digital multimeters are a much superior product in the modern world. They offer better accuracy, much easier interpretation of readings and added functionalities over an Analogue. Modern DMM update rates now vastly improved and functions such as analogue bar graph mode to emulate an analogue meter on even fast-changing signals.
Due to the high demand for testing equipment and digital multimeters, there are dozens of digital multimeters brands in the market, making selecting the finest digital multimeter for your needs difficult. Even if you don’t need all the latest advanced features, it’s a good idea to invest in a high-powered digital multimeter from a reputable manufacture to ensure your digital multimeter will last for many years to come.
2. Auto Range Vs. Manual Range
When comparing the auto and manual range multimeters, the auto range multimeter is far more user-friendly. But if you’re a newbie or on a tight budget, a manual range metre is the way to go.
Auto-range will connect to the device automatically and pick the required parameter to measure, then switch it on to display the reading/value on the screen, choosing the range on its own, without requiring manual adjustment.
For a manual metre, one must turn the knob every time, which is inconvenient when working with several components and quantities for a project. Using this manual metre while working with several components and values for a project is unproductive. As a result, the auto range is the ideal option for a majority of activities.
3. Accuracy and Handheld vs Benchtop
When taking multimeter readings, accuracy is defined as the maximum allowable error. Although most multimeters, particularly digital multimeters, will offer accurate reading values, it is necessary to examine them thoroughly before utilising the device in a project.
For example, a 0.5% DC volt accuracy with 4000–6000 counts are acceptable for many applications, but anything less than this indicates the digital multimeter is unreliable for professional readings.
If high accuracy is required and field or battery use is not essential, then a bench DMM may be considered. As in general, the main benefit of a bench DMM vs handheld is better accuracy, higher resolution, better stability, and features such as connection to a PC and 4 wire resistance measuring capability for measuring low resistances not possible on a handheld 2 wire measuring DMM.This is especially valid now where good quality bench DMM offerings from companies such as Rigol and GW Instek etc., are relatively low cost for the performance they offer.
4.True RMS
A True RMS DMM is an essential feature for accurately measuring AC voltages and currents in the “real world” with non-sinusoidal waveforms. The real world is full of AC powered devices that generate non-sinusoidal waveforms such as variable-speed motor drives, electronic ballasts, computers, HVAC, solid-state environments etc. An average reading DMM won’t work for these now typical applications. A rule of thumb – if the DMM spec doesn’t clearly state TRMS, it won’t be – it will be an average reading DMM.
5. Range Limits
We have no idea what specifications you’ll need for your projects, but before acquiring a digital multimeter, you should be aware of the device’s range limits. For example, if the metre can’t measure current in milliamps, the device can’t detect particular sensor current levels. When shopping, you should make sure you get a digital multimeter with ranges that will meet the needs of both current and future projects.
The following are some suggested digital multimeter ranges:
Range for Resistance – Low Ohm to 20 MOhm
Current Range – 10 uA to 10 A
Voltage Range – millivolt to 600
6. Resolution or Display Counts
The digital multimeter’s resolution, also known as display counts, refers to the total number of digits displayed, from lowest to highest. The best digital multimeter has a larger number of digits.
Reading resolution on a spec sheet can be confusing, so what exactly does 3 or 4 ½ digits, 5 digit, 5 ½ digit mean?Basically, a 3 ½ digit DMM can read 1999 on the display. The ½ digit is 1 maximum, so 4 ½ digit is 19999, 5 ½ digit 199999.
Resolution may also be displayed as “counts”, such as a 4000 count or 40000 count DMM. This just means first digit maximum is a 4, and all others can go to 9, so a 4000 count DMM can measure up to 4999.
In general, a high count is preferred but is more expensive and may not be needed depending on the application.
7. Features of Safety
Anyone working with electronic gear should always prioritise their safety. When searching for a professional digital multimeter to measure greater DC or AC voltages, safety features, particularly CAT safety precautions, should be required.
The rule of thumb here is the higher the CAT rating, the better the insulation of the unit and leads, and safer the unit is measuring higher voltages or currents where there is more power – e.g. overhead mains line work typically requires CAT IV. Working on electronic circuits may only need CAT I or CAT II. Also, with a specified CAT rating, there will be a Voltage quoted next to it, e.g. CATIII 600V or CAT III 300V. Selecting a meter based on a CAT rating really depends on what is being measured and where the measurements are taking place.
8. Input Resistance
A digital multimeter’s input resistance is the resistance it provides to a connected device across the probes. When measuring Voltages, a digital multimeter will perform better if it has a greater input resistance as this allows it to measure signals with minimal loading to the circuit under test. In general, 1MOhm or above is specified on all DMM’s for an optimal value for a digital multimeter input resistance.
9. Battery Time
When using the digital multimeter daily, a battery life of around 1000 hours would be preferable for the greatest results.
10.Versatility
When choosing a Multimeter, you will also want to select a unit with additional measuring capabilities for your own measuring application.
Measurement capability of things like battery test, diode test, temperature measurement, transistor test, and continuity test and functions such as analogue bar graph, auto-range, true RMS, PC interface with logging software may make it far more useful than a multimeter without these.
11.Price
Digital multimeters are available in a wide price range, ranging from $10 to $3500, depending on the bands and features offered. In addition, a higher-priced digital multimeter will have more durable and accurate findings than a lower-priced digital multimeter. While also, a workstation multimeter will be more costly than a portable multimeter.
Check how often you’ll be using a digital multimeter to see what features you will require. If you’re just going to use the digital multimeter once in a while, go for a lower-cost option. If you expect to use the digital multimeter more frequently, go for a more costly, more durable design.
Source Your Next Digital Multimeter at Emona Instruments
No matter if you need a digital multimeter for hobbyist requirements or professional applications, Emona Instruments stocks an extensive inventory of high-powered digital multimeters from industry-leading suppliers to suit any customer requirements. The digital multimeters Emona Instruments stocks includes:
Rigol’s DM3000 Series benchtop digital multimeters – DM3068, DM3058and DM3058E – are designed for efficient and accurate bench testing with added features great for production line applications.
GW Instek provides high precision benchtop digital multimeters with industry-leading response times. Models include the GDM-8261A, GDM-8245 and GDM-8255A.
Metrel offers a wide range of digital multimeter models, all suitable for virtually any general-purpose or hobby work. Including a pocket digital multimeter MD-1150, a range of handheld digital multimeters MD-9020, MD-9030, MD-9040, MD-9050 and MD-9060. Plus, an insulation and continuity digital multimeter MD-9070.
Time Electronics offers the benchtop digital multimeter 5075, designed for precision, performance, and functionality, making them ideal for automatic testing and fault diagnosis.
LT Lutron offers a Watt Meter digital multimeter DW-6163 for direct readings of AC WATT (true power) value.
Whether you are looking for high-quality electronic test and measure instruments, test and tag instruments, state of the art 3D printers, 3D printer accessories or engineering teaching & research equipment, Emona supplies only globally trusted manufacturers.
Emona Instruments caters for a range of budgets, functions and technologies, suitable for R&D professionals, production lines or the classroom. Each of our products, from digital multimeters, Markforged metal printers through to Formlabs SLA resin printers, the Emona team is ready to help you choose the best product for your application with expert advice.
Contact the friendly Emona staff for more information about our digital multimeter inventory or for any other technical support on (02) 9519 3933 or email testinst@emona.com.au
Emona TIMS was recognised by National Instruments with the successful launch of NI ELVIS III at ECEDHA 2019 Annual Conference in Tuscon Arizona.
Emona TIMS was presented with a plaque by National Instruments (NI) at the recent “Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Heads Association” (ECEDHA) 2019 Annual Conference in Tuscon Arizona USA.
As an NI Ecosystem Partner, Emona TIMS was recognised for our role in ensuring the successful launch of NI ELVIS III, NI’s solution for project-based learning.
Pictured above receiving the plaque from National Instruments are (L to R) Carlo Manfredini, Emona TIMS R & D Director, Alfred Breznik, Emona TIMS Sales Director, Andy Bell, National Instruments Director Academic Programs and Gabriel Mok, National Instruments Product Manager Global Education Partners.
Emona TIMS was approached by NI in 2006 to create a telecoms teaching top board for NI ELVIS, resulting in Emona DATEx. Since 2007, Emona TIMS has supplied NI with over 5,000 top boards for NI ELVIS.
Kinova Robotic, global leaders in innovation robotics, appoints Emona as Australia and New Zealand distributor.
Kinova is a global leader in innovation robotics. Founded in 2006 in Montreal, Canada, Kinova’s mission was initially to empower individuals with upper-body limitations through assistive robotics. Over a decade later, the company has evolved its solutions to service new markets — helping researchers, medical professionals, governments, businesses, and educational institutions achieve their innovation goals. The KINOVA® Gen3 Ultra lightweight robot is designed to help researchers get maximum value across multiple projects, applications and environments.
Everything about this robot is next-generation:
Designed to be inherently safe
Embedded 2D and 3D sensors – ideal for vision-based robotic control
Truly open hardware and software architecture means its capabilities will evolve with your needs
From June 26-28 Emona TIMS is exhibiting at the ASEE (American Society for Engineering Education) Exposition and presenting at the Global Online Laboratory Consortium (GOLC) Workshop on “Remote Laboratories – Learning from Successful Initiatives” in New Orleans, USA.
In our 19th year at ASEE, Emona TIMS is displaying our range of Australian designed and manufactured teaching equipment for university telecoms courses.
The ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition is the only conference dedicated to all disciplines of engineering education. The conference features more than 400 technical sessions, with peer-reviewed papers spanning all disciplines of engineering education.
We are also presenting Emona’s internet controlled lab equipment, net*TIMS, at the conference’s “Remote Laboratories – Learning from Successful Initiatives” Workshop. The sponsor of the Workshop is the GOLC (Global Online Laboratory Consortium) of which Emona is a corporate member. With the growth of Internet of Things (IoT) there is a tremendous interest toward Internet accessible remote laboratories. Emona’s net*TIMS offers real TIMS hardware experiments delivered simultaneously to multiple students across LAN & Internet in real-time.
Emona announces our appointment as the Australia and New Zealand Representative of the Optomec range of LENS metal and aerosol jet 3D printers in Australia and New Zealand.
Optomec’s breakthrough Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing technologies are spearheading next generation products in Aerospace, Defense, Electronics and Biomedical applications. These products are highly differentiated for several reasons, primarily: the breadth of materials supported – from structural metals to printed electronics and bio-materials; and, the features these products can produce – from microns to meters.
With their Headquarters in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, Optomec introduced their first commercial system in 1998, and have since installed more than 200 systems worldwide. Optomec’s marquee user base includes leading manufacturing companies such as GE, Corning, Boeing, Lockheed, Saturn, TE Connectivity, Panasonic, Samsung, Bosch and Xerox with additional installations at CSIRO, NASA, the US Army, US Air Force and more than 30 leading universities around the world, and Australian reference sites University of New South Wales, University of Queensland, Swinburne University of Technology and Deakin University.
Optomec’s commercial LENS™ and Aerosol Jet® systems are proprietary additive manufacturing technologies utilized for cost-effective development, production, and repair for a wide range of end-products. The Optomec Professional Services team works closely with our customers and partners through application development projects and system support services to ensure end-user success.
Optomec’s LENS MR-7: installed at the CSIRO LAB 22 Centre for Additive Innovation
Optomec LENS Systems: LENS systems utilize high power laser processing to fabricate and repair high value metal components in materials such as titanium, steel and Inconel®. The LENS process is used in a range of Aerospace, Defense and Medical applications, including: the Repair of gas turbine engine components; Cladding; and, Production of titanium hardware.
Optomec AEROSOL JET Systems: Aerosol Jet is used for printable electronics and biologics applications. This technology is capable of precise deposition of a wide variety of electronic and polymeric materials at the micrometer size scale. In the process, a liquid ink is aerosolized and the droplets are aerodynamically focused to a micron-scale point on the target substrate. The ink options include a wide range of commercially available nanoparticle conductors, polymeric and inorganic semiconductors, ceramics, graphene and other functional materials. Application areas include the repair and manufacture of: Display Electronics; Antenna and Sensors; Flex Circuits; and, Bio-depositions for Drug Discovery.
For detailed information including application videos, white papers and webinars, visit: http://www.optomec.com
Deakin University has installed a specially customised DC test set from Terco, capable of reaching voltages up to 500kV.
The TERCO High Voltage Laboratory is based on a system of high precision components and can be used to build systems both for teaching and research, as well as for industrial routine and type tests. The system gives values with high accuracy and can even be used for calibration purposes.
The system will be used for undergraduate education, applied research, and industrial testing. Examples of tests include: Measuring of breakdown voltage of materials, Testing the effect of pollution & contaminants on resistors (dust, dirt, salt), and Examining the design of insulators used in high voltage areas.
Located in the purpose built ‘CADET’ Facility at Deakin University, the HV lab was recently installed by Terco and Emona Instruments engineers.
The Terco PST-2200 Power System Simulator was recently installed and commissioned by Terco and Emona engineers at Deakin University.
The System covers the complete chain of power distribution from Generation, Transformation, Transmission, Sub-Stations and Distribution to consumers. All brought together in a high level SCADA environment.
The Terco Power System Simulator has been developed in close co-operation with ABB of Sweden – One of the world leading suppliers of power facilities. The system utilises various ABB protective relays which are compliant to the World Wide Power Industry Standard IEC 6185.
With the simulator you can train people to make correct decisions under various operating conditions. Moreover, you can demonstrate effects which earlier have been covered in theory only. The PST 2200 offers a variety of training schemes for:
• Teaching of students • Research in Universities • Power management staff • Operators of power plants and substations • Maintenance personnel
Located in the purpose built ‘CADET’ Facility at Deakin University, the PST-2200 will be used extensively for Undergraduate Teaching, and Research purposes.
From June 13-15 Emona TIMS is exhibiting at the ASEE (American Society for Engineering Education) Conference and Exposition in Seattle Washington USA.
In our 18th year at ASEE, Emona TIMS is displaying our range of Australian designed and manufactured teaching equipment for university telecoms courses. We also presented Emona’s internet controlled lab equipment, net*TIMS, at the conference’s “Internet Accessible Remote Experimentation: Laboratories of Next Generation” Workshop. The sponsor of the Workshop was the GOLC (Global Online Laboratory Consortium) of which Emona is a corporate member.
The Emona TIMS team recently visited 3 of China’s largest cities to conduct seminars promoting the Emona TIMS telecommunications training system. Our seminar program demonstrated Emona TIMS hardware and software systems to professors and students at Shanghai Institute of Technology, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications and Beijing Institute of Technology.
Emona TIMS is a hardware, ‘hands-on’ experimental system, used by students to carry out laboratory experiments in the university/college lab or from home.
TIMS fulfils the needs of the practical component of courses in COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS THEORY, SIGNALS & SYSTEMS, SOFTWARE DEFINED RADIO, DSP, FIBER OPTICS and STUDENT PROJECTS. Topics covered range from the basic introduction to telecommunications theory through to the latest telecommunications technology.
TIMS allows students to discover and learn about CONCEPTS, IDEAS, THEORIES and MATHEMATICAL EQUATIONS in telecommunications, with actual hands-on work, by manipulating real signals. This practical approach for carrying out theoretical experiments is unique.
Emona is proud to announce the successful installation and commissioning of an Armfield S6MkII Glass Sided Tilting Flume at South Cross University. At 10 meters in length, this is a major piece of research and teaching equipment for the Hydraulics Laboratory and will firmly establish SCU as a major facility of its type in Australia.
Armfield has been designing and supplying open channel facilities (sometimes referred to as flumes) to hydraulic laboratories throughout the world for over 50 years. The S6MkII is a self-contained glass sided tilting flume for fluid mechanics laboratory experiments, project work and research activities. The flume supplied to SCU has has a 10m working channel length. The flume cross-section is 300mm wide by 450mm deep.
A fabricated high precision stainless steel bed provides excellent strength and rigidity, eliminating the need for a separate under frame. No adjustments other than the jacking stations are necessary in order to set up and maintain the equipment, achieving typical bed deformations better than 1mm.
Each flume incorporates a discharge tank fitted with an adjustable overshot weir and draught tube to avoid splashing and noise. An electro-magnetic flow meter is incorporated as standard.
