EEVblog #973 - Hioki Multimeter Review & Clamp Meter Teardown

Dave looks at the Japanese Hioki DT4256 Multimeter and 3280 clamp meter

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[VinceValenti]

Dave, at 10:07, the buttons are crooked because they are representative of the actual buttons on the front of the meter.

[abruni]

I have one Hioki DT4256 myself. It is a great quality Japanese product, in the same league of (the best of) Fluke. I have also seen another video around of a barbaric torture test of it and HIOKI did a great job sustaining abuse. People used to Fluke will not get disappointed with this beast.

[Bancroft]

Bought a Hioki DT4282 recently and I love it!

[DoRC]

The labels on the back are angled to match the angle of the buttons on the front. Probably just copied and pasted from the cad.

[edcooper]

I've owned the DT4282 meter for a few years and it's top quality, the only issue is 4 AA's only last about 100 hours, but performance costs!

[ObsidianShadowHawk]

Yes! Very helpful product review! Please more product reviews like this, esp aimed at the hobbyist market (sub-$200 kit). It is also very awesome to get an honest look at a brand many don't know about. It is very helpful to introduce other brands available like this, besides just Fluke. I'm sure many viewers pass up great deals on meters and other decent equipment because they've never heard of the brand before.

[DeejayManii]

as a sparky in AUS (Sydney) I bought that clamp meter (the older model) 4 years ago at the start of my electrical apprenticeship.. and I'll vouch for how tough it is.. I said to myself when I kill it I'll buy a fluke.. still can't kill it. even dropped it off a 2 story house testing AC units... love it. and now after seeing this video I just purchased the multimeter you just tore down!

thanks for the videos mate, love them.

[aicisha]

16:20 the manual says the open probes voltage is up to 5V, but the max it will display is 1.5V, so it will light up any led.

[ThisDoesNotCompute]

I was hoping you'd do a Hioki review! I've been using a DT4252 for a few years and I've been very happy with it. These meters deserve more recognition.

[Diamonddrake]

Doesn't a little flex in the case mean it's less likely to break when it bounces? Need to drop this one off the bridge like you do the others.

[nu_types]

Just picked up the DT4282, it addresses every single one of the flaws you pointed out in this video. Granted, its about $200 more! Such a great meter.

[AlanLiefting]

There is a very good design reason as to why the clamp meter input terminals were not pcb mounting (as mentioned at 24:58). If the socket was soldered directly to the pcb the flexing caused by plugging in the probes will eventually cause cracking on the solder joints. Having the wire links provides mechanical isolation.

[billybbob]

Hioki made great meters back in the day.
I found a 1985 Hioki 3200-50 at Goodwill for 5 bucks. Fixed a couple of micro-switches and it was good as new. With case and original leads. Probably the only handheld multi meter to have a 20 micro-amp range (10nA resolution) and a 10A range (through the leads). Resistance, continuity, vac, vdc and current is all it does but it does those jobs very well. Keep your eyes open at those dollar store for those rare deals.

[zippy]

I like that they actually supply the Rogowski coil as standard, instead of making you buy it separately. That's a win in my book

[martinda]

Gotta say, or repeat, this is the world best for electronic equipment review. Seriously. What makes YouTube special. Thanks Dave.

[Cleofizoid]

Hioki just introduced an all new handheld DMM model DT 4261-90. Good stuff!

[DrakkarCalethiel]

Never heard of Hioki before. They look decent build quality. If they are not to expensive I might get one.

[Sixta]

25:30 Yes, there is a very good reason for that crystal - as your integrating A/D converter needs precise timing for precise integration.

[km]

maybe using a more flexible case actually helps it absorb impact better tho

[richardgoebel]

Product reviews done well and comprehensively are welcome. Nice to see and hear a no B.S. review of equipment before I make purchases. I wish it were so with all electronic gear.