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UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func

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  • Recently, a few people from our forum ordered the UNI-T UT33 multimeter, which I learned from the thread Gadgetomania - gadgets Electrodes for points . As literally a few days earlier I got such a multimeter (version with the letter "B" at the end) from a friend, because he was in arrears, and he himself had no idea how to use such a contraption, I asked in the above-mentioned thread if you want me reviewed it to you. The response was positive so let's begin.

    At the beginning, a curiosity about the price. Well, brothers from China, you can buy such a multimeter for $ 14.99, which today translates into almost fifty-seven Polish zlotys :shocked!:
    UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func

    While on Allegro, you can buy it for less than 30 zlotys, including shipping.

    UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func

    However, if you need several pieces, you can buy five pieces for the same price on Aliexpress :crazyeyes: You should add shipping costs of $ 8.88, which is thirty-three zlotys with pennies, so it comes out for a total of less than twelve zlotys per item :) .

    UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func

    I received the meter, "bare", but as you can see in the screenshots, the set includes only test leads, which I do not miss.

    See how this multimeter looks like. I also did not fail to look inside.

    UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func

    UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func

    UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func

    This meter does not have many functions, nor does it have the "most important" one, but it has three redundant ones.
    But let's start from the beginning, that is with the technical data and specifications:
    Model: UT33B
    DC Voltage (V): 200mV, 2000mV, 20V, 200V +- (0.5% + 2) / 500V +- (0.8% + 2)
    AC Voltage (V): 200V / 500V +- (1.2% + 10)
    DC Current (A): 200uA +- (1% + 2) / 200mA +- (1.2 + 2) / 10A +- (2% + 5)
    Resistance (? ;) : 200? +- (0.8% + 5) / 2000?, 20K?, 200K? +- (0.8% + 2) / 20M? +- (1% + 5)
    Battery test: 1.5V, 9V, 12V


    I have no idea why the manufacturer wasted three "fields on the selector" and put these battery tests, not only that the results are the same as in the 20VDC range, but according to the table below, the accuracy is worse than in the 20VDC range.

    UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func

    But the table is the table, and the measurement results speak for themselves.
    I started my tests by measuring the current. The already known current source (5-20mA) was used as a reference. Well, we have a problem at the beginning. In the mile ampere range, it looked like this.

    UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func

    As you can see, failure all along. So let's see if it happened. suitable for something in the 10A range.

    UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func

    It's much better here. I do not exclude that my copy is damaged (in the range of 200mA), after all, I received it as used, from a person for whom it is a device straight from space.

    So let's check how it works in the measurement of DC voltage. The reference voltage you already know will be used for the test.

    UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func

    It is not bad here, for a measure of this class, the results are absolutely correct.
    Just for formalities, I will throw in a photo of the 230V mains voltage measurement
    UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func

    And it's time to move on to the resistance measurement tests. Here, I will use a recently purchased set of nine resistors with a tolerance of 0.1% (zero point one percent).

    UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func

    UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func

    UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func

    I have no objections here.
    Now let's go back to the useless functions in my opinion. I mean 1.5V battery test; 9V and 12V. It is no different from measuring with a multimeter in the 20V range. Due to these stupid "gadgets" we lose as many as three useful fields on the dial. Half the trouble, if it was on the principle "there are all the necessary functions, we will fill the circle". Unfortunately this is not the case. This multimeter does not have the most important function a multimeter can have. HE HAS NO "Beep" (beep, buzzer, buzzer). When I undressed it, I was hoping to find a place for this unfortunate piszczyk and to be able to add it on my own. Unfortunately, I did not find any place where I could connect :( .

    After all, you might think that this multimeter has more disadvantages than advantages, but ...
    This baby has two advantages. First of all, the most ordinary MECHANICAL backlight switch / switch, so it will not go out in the least expected moment.
    Secondly, it has a mechanical HOLD button and thus remembers the value of the last measurement (if, of course, it was turned on before).

    All in all, this is one of those multimeters that I wouldn't have had if someone gave it to me. To put it more bluntly, I wouldn't buy that crap :D . But since I have it, it will definitely come in handy ...

    Best regards.
    CMS

    EDIT: 02/06/2019, 19:30:

    I decided to add here the results of additional tests / measurements that I did on your requests.

    I have retested and return my honor. The milliammeter is working properly.

    UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func

    UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func


    And another test ...
    Well, you learn all your life. As I said, I had not dealt with a battery test in a multimeter before and for this the previous measurement, in which I used a fully charged 1.2V battery, was incorrect.
    It turns out that, as you thought, the meter introduces a load on the battery test range. I am enclosing new tests on used batteries.

    UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func
    12V battery

    UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func
    9V battery

    UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func
    1.5V battery

    tytka wrote:
    When measuring in the 1.5V range, it is about 21.5mA


    Well, how he shot the face :D .

    As you can see in the photos above, in the case of used batteries, the measurement result in the 20V range is different than in the range dedicated to a specific battery.
    However, I still feel that this feature is unnecessary.

    Cool? Ranking DIY
    About Author
    CMS
    Administrator of HydePark
    Offline 
    CMS wrote 7633 posts with rating 2101, helped 193 times. Live in city Warszawa. Been with us since 2004 year.
  • #2
    Pedros050
    Level 43  
    @CMS I also agree, I would never buy this multimeter, it is a waste of money for this crap.
  • #3
    gumis3477
    Level 13  
    Hello dear colleagues. I noticed in the photos that my dear CMS colleague was testing the ammeter with the 200mA range on, and the cable was connected to the 10A connector, this is a wrong connection. The cable must then be connected to the universal (middle) input. The 10A connector is only for the 10A range. This is the standard of cheap multimeters.
    As for the meter itself in a housing of this size, 4 models are available. Although they are suitable for basic measurements.
  • #4
    CMS
    Administrator of HydePark
    gumis3477 wrote:
    I noticed in the photos that my dear CMS colleague was testing the ammeter with the 200mA range on, and the cable was connected to the 10A connector,


    Congratulations on your perceptiveness. 500 points flies to you.
    I did make a mistake. This happens when you write three articles about three multimeters at once.

    I'll do a retest tomorrow.
  • #5
    E8600
    Level 40  
    gumis3477 wrote:
    I noticed in the photos that my dear CMS colleague was testing the ammeter with the 200mA range on, and the cable was connected to the 10A connector

    I was about to write about it. :)
    However, you should forgive your colleague this mistake because it is already the 2nd review within a few days.
    It does not change the fact that the multimeter is bad. In my humble opinion, a much worse choice than the Chinese DT9208 that most complain about.

    This review should motivate Kamil to finally show up in the shop pocket machine . My proposal is the ANENG AN8002 tested some time ago or cheaper but untested MUSTOOL MT108T. Personally, I would be leaning towards the latter. :)
    Link



  • #6
    puszak
    Level 28  
    It seems to me that the meter is dedicated to Sunday DIY enthusiasts since there is a battery test out there, it can serve as a bait for a potential layman buyer.
  • #7
    timo66
    Level 23  
    I dare to notice that the meter does not even have a fuse in the 10A range !!!
  • #8
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #9
    CMS
    Administrator of HydePark
    CMS wrote:
    gumis3477 wrote:
    I noticed in the photos that my dear CMS colleague was testing the ammeter with the 200mA range on, and the cable was connected to the 10A connector,


    Congratulations on your perceptiveness. 500 points flies to you.
    I did make a mistake. This happens when you write three articles about three multimeters at once.

    I'll do a retest tomorrow.


    I have retested and return my honor. The milliammeter is working properly.

    UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func

    UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func
  • #10
    E8600
    Level 40  
    So UNI-T defended itself. :)
    It does not change the fact that this meter, due to its limited functions, is intended for very beginner users, as evidenced by the battery measurement function.
  • #11
    tytka
    Level 21  
    CMS wrote:
    Now let's go back to the useless functions in my opinion. I mean 1.5V battery test; 9V and 12V. It is no different from measuring with a multimeter in the 20V range. Due to these stupid "gadgets" we lose as many as three useful fields on the dial. Half the trouble, if it was on the principle "there are all the necessary functions, we will fill the circle". Unfortunately this is not the case. This multimeter does not have the most important function a multimeter can have. HE HAS NO "Beep" (beep, buzzer, buzzer). When I undressed it, I was hoping to find a place for this unfortunate little piece and be able to add it on my own. Unfortunately, I did not find any place where I could connect.


    To be honest, I had a bit of fun reading these words. The UT-33 models are available in "A", "B", "C" and "D" versions. Of which only the "B" version does not have a "beeper", but it has a battery tester. You consciously buy version "B" and complain that there is no "beep", but there is a battery tester.
  • #12
    CMS
    Administrator of HydePark
    CMS wrote:
    As literally a few days earlier I got such a multimeter (version with the letter "B" at the end) from a friend, because he was in arrears, and he himself had no idea how to use such a contraption


    Then read comprehension next time.
  • #13
    Stanley_P
    Level 27  
    CMS wrote:
    This multimeter does not have the most important function a multimeter can have. HE HAS NO "Beep" (beep, buzzer, buzzer).

    There is a version with the letter "D" (UT33D) - and this one has a "pipczyk" function and a generator output (probably 50Hz, rarely useful in my opinion, but it is). It costs about PLN 35-40 in PL, so probably similar to "B". I agree that 1.5 / 9 / 12V cell measurement "ranges" are pointless. If I had to choose, it would be obvious which one.

    I have been using the UT33D for a few weeks, and I must say that in typical workshop applications, for quick checking of "transitions" (buzzers), voltages, semiconductor junctions or resistance "it works". I even notice that I use the Protek 506 or DT-9929 more willingly than. And this is due to its small dimensions, it simply takes up less space on the table ;-) Well, and in case I write this: erroneous rapid annihilation, the pain in the pocket is much smaller ;-)
    UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func
  • #14
    tytka
    Level 21  
    Sorry, my mistake.

    CMS wrote:
    Then read comprehension next time.

    I read it with understanding, only a little bit on my head and I missed it.

    But the mere fact of chiding this version for the lack of a "beep" is a bit of a misnomer. While this is only one of the versions, and others have it, and you can choose the version that is right for you.
  • #15
    Gouwomb
    Level 2  
    And could I ask you to check:
    does the "battery tester" function burden the battery with some resistance?

    Measuring the battery voltage with a voltmeter says nothing about discharge when this is open circuit.
    What else under load.
  • #16
    Janusz_kk
    Level 37  
    Stanley_P wrote:
    I agree that 1.5 / 9 / 12V cell measurement "ranges" are pointless.

    But maybe it's not just a measurement, but maybe there is some load there to take e.g. 10mA from the battery
    therefore 3 ranges, because for each resistor a different resistor, then this measurement makes sense.
  • #17
    tytka
    Level 21  
    Gouwomb wrote:
    And could I ask you to check:
    does the "battery tester" function burden the battery with some resistance?


    From what I remember (because I used to play with such a meter), with the battery tester function, it loaded the battery and the results were different than with the voltmeter function (unless the battery was new, not used before). Therefore, what is stated in the thread, that the readings are the same, is doubtful to me and I believe that it should be checked.
  • #18
    Stanley_P
    Level 27  
    tytka wrote:
    But the mere fact of chiding this version for the lack of a "beep" is a bit of a misnomer. While this is only one of the versions, and others have it, and you can choose the version that is right for you.

    I would treat it as a warning, attention rather than rebuke. To be honest, I did not even know that there are different versions of this measure (I got mine from my employer, I didn't even investigate).
    However, if in version "B" the battery measurement is combined with (some? What?) Load, it would make sense. Although I believe the "buzzer" function is used much more often in workshop practice, it is more useful. Well, unless someone is measuring piles of cells non-stop ;-)
    The best I think would be to present the entire series from A to D, but I understand that the electrode tests are privately sponsored ;-)
    Here on the quick I found this meter on Aliexpress:
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2018-Digital-Multimeter-UT33A-UT33B-UT33C-UT33D-Max-voltage-600V-Non-contact-temperature-tester-with-LCD/32950508687.html?spm= 2114.search0104.3.59.280b6c23ybmuSo & ws_ab_test = searchweb0_0, searchweb201602_2_10065_10068_319_317_10696_10084_453_10083_454_10618_10304_10307_10820_10821_10301_537_536_10902_10843_10059_10884_10887_321_322_10103, searchweb201603_57, ppcSwitch_0 & algo_expid = 4c44ab18-d4f1-479d-A177-fe91c2d83a20-8 & algo_pvid = 4c44ab18-d4f1-479d-A177-fe91c2d83a20 & transAbTest = ae803_3
    I can see on the quick:
    A (the most expensive) - has NCV measurement, also has a buzzer
    B - described in this article
    C - temperature measurement (probe included), buzzer
    D - presented in the photo
  • #19
    tytka
    Level 21  
    The "A" version (the most expensive), has automatic range swap and 4 full digits on the display (ranges seem to be up to 4000, not 1999).
  • #20
    jarux
    Level 12  
    In my opinion, it is perfect for throwing it into the car's glove compartment so that it lies in the event of a wu :D )
  • #21
    CMS
    Administrator of HydePark
    tytka wrote:
    Therefore, what is stated in the thread, that the readings are the same, is doubtful to me and I believe that it should be checked.


    I checked on a fully charged NiMh battery. Tomorrow I will do a comparative test on the 20V range and on battery tests. I will especially buy used batteries. I have not had such a function in any multimeter before and I do not exclude that you may be right.
  • #22
    Stanley_P
    Level 27  
    tytka wrote:
    The "A" version (the most expensive) has automatic range change and 4 full digits on the display

    You're right. However, in my defense - I just looked at the photos appearing at the top of the page when choosing the version ("color" / price), and here "A" in this store looks like this:
    UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func
    On the other hand, after scrolling a bit below, in the common photo there is the whole "UT33" series and there you can see that "A" actually has an automatic range change, more digits, even a capacitance measurement (ranges from 2nF to 2mF according to the table on the page). Normally full of grazing ;-)
    UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func
    In addition, I can now see that the link I have provided is for the "+" series. It probably differs from the previous one powered by two 1.5V AAA batteries:
    UNI-T UT33B - "Cheap / Dear" - multimeter with backlight and HOLD func

    jarux wrote:
    In my opinion, it is perfect for throwing it in the car's storage compartment so that it lies in the event of a wu

    I also drive, a few years ago I bought an even simpler one in a supermarket, for 15 or 20 PLN. Sometimes it's useful to check the voltage, fuse or light bulb.

    CMS wrote:
    tytka wrote:
    Therefore, what is stated in the thread, that the readings are the same, is doubtful to me and I believe that it should be checked.


    I checked on a fully charged NiMh battery. Tomorrow I will do a comparative test on the 20V range and on battery tests. I will especially buy used batteries. I have not had such a function in any multimeter before and I do not exclude that you may be right.

    @CMS - see with a milliammeter if there is any significant current consumption when measuring the battery. Essential - at a level greater than uA or nA ;-)
  • #23
    CMS
    Administrator of HydePark
    Tomorrow I will do additional tests and present the results. However, regardless of the results, I still find the "battery test" feature quite redundant.
  • #24
    E8600
    Level 40  
    CMS wrote:
    However, regardless of the results, I still find the "battery test" feature quite redundant.

    I also. When testing the battery, I look more closely to how much the short-circuit current drops and the possible voltage drop immediately after measuring the current. For example, a new 1.5 V AAA battery can have a short-circuit current of 3-5 A, while if the short-circuit current drops to 0.5 A and the voltage drops below 1 V, the battery is dead.
  • #25
    kiko80
    Level 27  
    This meter from MUSTOOL MT108T link above is dot to dot with my WinApex ET8102 :)
  • #26
    BANANvanDYK
    Level 41  
    Test at least 10 years late.
    I use UT33C, also from the Lechpol distribution. It perfectly fulfills its task with basic measurements. Sometimes it is not possible to measure AC current and AC voltages in the lower ranges. However, the main disadvantage of this type of meter is the 9V battery which is relatively expensive and not durable. Moreover, you should remember about measurement errors: with a weak battery, the voltage measurement results are overestimated, and when measuring DC voltage in the AC / AC voltage range with a constant component, the result is 0V or 2x DC voltage.
    That's why I bought a UT33A which costs almost PLN 60. It has auto range, indication up to 4000, measurements of low alternating voltage and alternating current. The main advantage is the power supply with two AAA cells. I have not noticed any measurement errors yet. However, the main disadvantage is the lack of the "range" button, which makes it almost impossible to find faults such as "something has no connection". There is no data on the "gluta" chip used, it is probably not possible to hack the meter by adding the "range" button.
    timo66 wrote:
    I dare to notice that the meter does not even have a fuse in the 10A range !!!

    It has a protection in the form of a path at the input terminal that just gets hot. I think it is the same in the presented UT33B. I know because someone burned him to me and I had to cheat.
    It is also worth noting that the factory test leads are of quite poor quality, the insulation is cracking or the conductor is broken. In short, they are not durable.
    The same can be said about the other products of this company. Most multimeters are functionally the same, comparable to the old large unit. Meters for measuring electrical installations - not very functional. Only certain models are worth considering.
  • #27
    gruby1
    Level 29  
    You gave the table in the first post to my friend from the UT210x model.
  • #28
    E8600
    Level 40  
    kiko80 wrote:
    This meter from MUSTOOL MT108T link above is dot to dot with my WinApex ET8102

    As the colleague leaned out himself, he nominates a colleague to write a review about the WinApex ET8102 multimeter. It does not have to be a review on the same level as in this topic because not everyone has patterns and specialized equipment. I am already explaining why I am doing this.
    This meter has an attractive price and measurement capabilities, so if the review gathered positive opinions, there is a good chance that it will be @gulson to order a test batch for shop . I have already asked another friend who bought this meter for reviews on the forum, but no response.
    Let your colleague not worry about the level of the review, because in case of any problems or doubts, we will give you advice.
  • #29
    wowa69
    Level 11  
    Hello

    I have a question, then what meter do you recommend at a similar price? could be a little more expensive. It is known, in the amount of about PLN 50, it is rather for hobbyists and not for a laboratory or workshop where we make accurate measurements. Please, can you recommend me something for about PLN 50 for accurate measurements with good protection (I would prefer the so-called "indestructible") various "goodies" are welcome and of course the meter should be for years so that I can age with it :) ). Thanks
  • #30
    kiko80
    Level 27  
    E8600 wrote:

    As the colleague leaned out himself, he nominates a colleague to write a review about the WinApex ET8102 multimeter.

    Thank you, my colleague for the nomination, I will be honored :) but I'm lousy at these pads on


    there is a video about his younger brother. Greetings