Benchtop multimeters

I reviewed the Keithley Model 2110 quite a while ago and posted a follow-up:

• Review of Keithley 2110-120 Digital Multimeter
• One Year after the RoadTest: Keithley 2110 Digital Multimeter

Other RoadTesters have also reviewed the 2110:

• Review of Keithley 2110-120 Digital Multimeter
• Review of Keithley 2110-120 Digital Multimeter

Note that the final three digits is just the voltage the Keithley comes pre-configured for. You can change that by rotating the fuse block. In all, it has been a reliable meter and I'm still using it now, even though it seems to be manufactured for Keithley by Picotest by the looks of it and stock of the 2110 seem to be fairly rare now.

I took a quick look at the Fluke specifications and it seems like an older type of meter. The accuracy specifications are generally similar or slightly lower for the Fluke, and it seems that it doesn't have as many types of supported measurements (e.g. thermocouples, capacitor) and the remote control interface is more old fashioned using RS-232RS-232 whereas the Keithley has USB. On the other side, Fluke does have an innovative 4-wire measurement system assuming you also buy their lead-set, and they have a brand reputation that might be a bit more recognisable than a Keithley OEMed by Picotest. For those that need a display with a great viewing angle, the Fluke has a real VFD where the Keithley 2110 uses an inverse-LCD. That being said, I'm not sure if the 8808A is a "real" Fluke at heart either, having never used one myself.

Really, it depends on what you value most and what your requirements are. What sort of measurements will you be doing? Is automation a big deal? Is accuracy most important? What about warranty/support where you are? etc.

- Gough

Thanks Gough

I mainly repair PCB for  drives and general repairs of electronics boards.

I want fast continuity function and diode testing with buzzer indication "good/fail", fast readings as well.

Accuracy to 4 decimals not required.

I wouldn't buy either of those meters - both rather old designs of 5.5 digit DMM.

If you don't need high accuracy and USB/network connectivity - think about getting a Fluke handheld meter - the only problem I've had with them is that they last forever so you don't have the excuse to buy a new one !

They have lots, so I can't recommend one - you'll need to look to select the one that fits what you want best.

MK

Strongly agree with michaelkellett on this one - it sounds like you're probably better served by a handheld meter of some type. The Fluke stuff are bulletproof, but I personally go for Keysight DMMs myself because they tend to have the edge on accuracy at a given price point and I'm quite fond of the connectivity options. That being said, each has their own preferences.

In fact, the main draw of higher-resolution bench meters is to do fine measurements, automate measurements via remote control interfaces, do data logging, etc. In fact, often higher-resolution measurements often mean slower conversion times as well. If you don't even need 5-digits, many premium handheld meters can offer 4 and 4.5-digits easily, at a lower price and with the convenience of being able to take anywhere and troubleshoot on site. As an advantage, they'll also work on a power outage .

- Gough