Multimeter, TACKLIFE DM05 Digital Multi Meter True RMS 6000 Counts Auto/Manual Ranging Non Contact AC/DC Voltage and Current, Frequency, Resistance, Capacitance, Diode, Triode, Duty Cycle Tester

The first thing I noticed is that it is a larger device than most multimeters. It is quite light which makes me think the size is more likely to be due to laziness, rather than some design advantage, or maybe they thought a bigger device was nicer to hold. The build quality is reasonably good. It doesn't feel expensive but is quite solid. I really like the firm fit the leads make when plugged into the device.The range of features is excellent. In addition to the usual current, voltage and resistance, DC & AC, it gives diode, triode, continuity and contactless voltage. Some devices require you to select the range by a hard setting of the switch. This one has automatic range detection which makes the other type seem primitive.The booklet gives good detail on the operating parameters but the instructions themselves are weak. For the most part it is obvious but they don't tell you, for example, that to measure resistance you need to apply the pins before rotating the switch - otherwise it just gives an out of range reading and won't measure. I couldn't figure out how to get an NCV (non-contact voltage) reading. If the supplier reads this, perhaps they could respond in a comment. I was, however, impressed with the measurement of AC voltage. Sticking the pins into a mains socket (something one should normally be reluctant to do), it safely and automatically finds the range and immediately gives a stable reading. The frequency reading isn't as stable (as you would expect) and you have to take care not to get a spurious result. It works with both leads or just the live and stabilises after a few seconds giving what looks like an accurate measurement.The current measurement instructions are good, giving clear guidance on how to avoid damaging the device through overload. I haven't tested this. The last time I used a new (expensive) multimeter to measure the current I suspected was leaking from my car battery, the device immediately failed so I am reluctant to repeat that experiment. In any case the limit is 10A so you definitely don't want to run it in series while you start the car.This last paragraph isn't important but I have a couple of little niggles which apply not specifically to this device but to most similar products. I don't know why they don't give you crocodile clips as an alternative to pins. And I invariably find the nearest screwdriver is in some distant location when I simply want to install the battery. Anyone who uses one of these devices is surely capable of handling batteries without needing them locked behind a screw-cover. I guess somebody has decided that a little child will open the cover and eat the battery or find a way to electrocute itself. It hardly seems likely.One final comment - don't ever buy a multimeter from Maplin. They are rubbish.

I bought this to replace a very old multimeter which would no longer give accurate capacitance readings. For the price paid, I am very happy with this multimeter. This has a plugin module to obtain hfe values from transistors.When measuring resistance I got real time updates from the unit. I found the autoranging a bit strange, but no doubt will get used to it. The leads are a bit stiff, so will be getting some silicone leads.

Please note that many reviews mention the temperature sensor, which did not come with the model I received. To be fair it is the one in the photos, but is obviously not what many of the reviewers purchased.It still seems good value, though is somewhat chunkier than I expected. I hope to update this review when I have had time to make use of the instrument.

Lots of good things on this item - recipient very happy with this item. It is much better than I could have known. Well worth the investment - and thank you to all those who provided feedback.

Good value for money. Covers most function you will ever need. Cheap and cheerful only downside is the test leads provided split on the wire and become very dangerous.

Really good tool. i was reluctant at the beginning but after an intensive use when fixing a transceiver and taking hundred of mesurements on capacitors, diodes and DC/AC voltages I can assure that I'm greatly surprised.

I have only used the basic function like continuity testing and to check that a potentiometer was working. It is easy to use and seems good quality. It does everything I need.

all good and works well. i love it actually! :)My only gripes are:.the supllied leads are a little too stiff. no big deal, but makes use of them a little annoying. they dont seem to soften much with use either.MAJOR GRIPE: the add-on adapter for testing triodes etc, its legs are far too wide and not correctly aligned. they don't fit in the multimeter inputs. :(