We’ve noticed lately that some inexpensive meters have gone to having huge vibrant screens. The screens aren’t dot matrix, however still have great deals of graphics that might be useful or might be distracting eye candy, depending. The truly inexpensive ones seem more like a gimmick, however [OM0ET] took a look at one that appeared like a fair midrange instrument with some useful screen features, the GVDA GD128.
A great deal of the screen shows the present function of the meter. No requirement for an costly multiposition switch or rows of interlocking pushbuttons. many of these new meters likewise have non-contact voltage sensors, which is handy. Otherwise, it appears like a quite traditional inexpensive meter.
Many of these meters now have an auto mode where they try to assumption what mode you requirement for a specific measurement. Essentially, it looks for voltage, resistance, or a short circuit. Of course, you can choose a specific mode, too. It likewise measures as well as screens temperature, if that’s of rate of interest to you.
What we liked is that the bottom of the screen has a bar graph so you get a few of the advantages of an analog meter. in spite of the prevalence of digital electronics, humans are still analog. That function alone may be worth the $40 or $50 for the meter, depending upon exactly how you utilize a meter.
Of course, inexpensive meters have a history of being — well — cheap. then again, a meter such as this doesn’t have that bad reliability switch to contend with. If you want the ultimate meter, snag an HP3458A. however it is bigger as well as much more expensive.