EEVblog 121GW multimeter drains batteries too fast

I like this multimeter a lot but it has an annoying problem of running its batteries down fast.
Mail: PO box 362, Vandalia, OH 45377
Thank You!

[TechGorilla]

Maybe it ran out of Aussie smug? Send it back to Dave for a teardown and hour long ramble.

[ahmedejaz]

It's actually 121GW(giga watt) so not surprising it drains battery so quickly.

[EEVblog]

Latest stock unit I'm measuring 600uA on ohms range. 380uA on LowZ without SD card.
What's the serial number?
Have you tried the latest 2.04 firmware?
Dodgy micro SD card perhaps?

[EngineeringEssentials]

You should consider contacting EEVblog for a fix for sure.

[darikdatta]

I have one of the original Kickstarters and it's only on it's second set of batteries ever. After a year of being my main meter, the first set was only down to 1.4V when I changed them just to be safe. But I always shut it off with the switch. Maybe left it on standby overnight a couple times.

EDIT: I just checked mine, I hooked it up to my bench supply and let it power off. It drew about 5-6 mA while on, about 16 mA with the backlight on, and went to 0-1 when it went to sleep. This was with an SD card in and the dial switch set to Volts.

So there probably is actually something going on with yours.

I'm running firmware version 2.04.

[gartmorn]

Surprised at this as Dave is usually a stickler for power conservation!

[Tommyinoz]

I've got the EEVBlog BM235 meter and I just tested the shutdown current after watching this video. It's less than 1mA! So not bad at all. It uses between 4-6mA when turned on depending on which fuction you are using.

[CoolDudeClem]

The real reason is it takes 1.21 Gigawatts to power it!

[cassvirgillo]

Hello John, Glad your doing well, I hope your Brother is too, not like I need to tell you but spend all the time you can together, YT will still be there. It is 9 months today, the 23rd, since my Identical Twin Brother passed, and I still can't believe it. Good to see 'Ol Snickers, an integral part of JAT, a favorite channel. Happy Summer & all the best, C.

[RomanKuechler]

@JohnAudioTech
Hi, my _EEVBlog 121 GW_ (Firmware 2.04, with SD-Card installed) sucks about:
DC Voltage mode: *4.66 mA* in operational state, *0.57 mA* in Auto-PowerOff state
Resistance mode: *4.37 mA* in operational state, *0.59 mA* in Auto-PowerOff state
2500 mAh batteries would be completely empty in about 180 days Auto-PowerOff state.

[HillsWorkbench]

I'd like to see that test on a few other meters as well, especially the red one, with and without probes shorted and in Ohm or diode mode. The red one and others of that ilk have an odd habit of dropping impedance when they go to sleep, which could be an issue if left monitoring bias or some other sensitive adjustment. Wonder if the EEV meter would do that too.

[HzuZazu]

Hadn't Dave a Video, where he talked about a Software issue of one Revision?

[Duds]

It is said that sometimes Snickers will move slightly.
I have cats in the family as well.
:D

[chrisg]

For anyone interested in detailed testing of this meter (and many others) look at joe smith youtube channel. The testing he does is phenomenal, though I must admit, I can't ever remember him testing standby current!

[TD.SteveArcs]

Deffo sleep not active best guess could have a probe around??

Sunbeam? These batteries are 4 /$1 in the Dollar store.Known for their long life and dependability.
But at least they don't leak and ruin your meter like Duracells do.

[pcfred]

The meter is a restless sleeper. I don't think it is too hard to switch it off when you are done using it.

[jstro-hobbytech]

I still wish I could afford one. I wouldn't mind the battery part haha

[Cwbyhnk]

I think you forgot to use batteriser, 800% more power! I think Dave would agree;-) But seriously did you check the firmware version that's installed and whats available?

[luan]

Interesting, I have a Brymen 867s which makes me feel like I'm constantly replacing the 9v battery (and those arent exactly cheap here in Sweden) wondering if it's the same issue since I rarely actually turn the dial to off...Don't have a secont meter to measure with unfourtunately.