As a former Fluke regional engineer we were taught that higher count typically leads to higher accuracy. I applaud your extensive review and purchased a DM6000AR. I'm 70 now but still play Mr. Fixit ;)
Yeah, I hear ya. I've been electrical engineer for geez, over 45 years (just turned 67), and I just love it. Unfortunately, after 6 years of doing all these videos, I've learned that most people are only interested in cat videos and prank videos, so I guess you and I are a very rare breed. :)
Klein bought UEI made in Korea. Very good and robust meters. I have been using UEI for 50 years as a major appliance repairman and a commercial HVAC technician.
Nice meter! Thanks for the review! Yep, holding the Select button whilst turning on is a known workaround for disabling the APO on many meters.....wonderful!
Great video, thank you! I was thinking of returning it, but then I saw you suggestion for disabling the APO... thank you very much! If only I could disable that annoying beep I would be super happy! Overall it's a good meter, but having a loud beep every time I touch something is so annoying!
I have this meter as well and yes the APO defeat routine does work - it wont harm the meter this same defeat routine is built into many multimeters chip software. Sounds like Astro doesnt know their own products functions very well. Im a meter junkie with over 35 meters and all but the cheapest ones have the APO defeat function, yours is just beeping to remind you the APO has been defeated so ya dont walk away and leave it on killing the battery
Great overview. Was needing a basic MM and this was great compare between two manufactures that I was looking at. Ordered the DM6000 from Amazon @ just under $30 this morning. Figured worst case, I'll return and move to the Klien MM400 or 600.
Also just passing it on, Klein has been more of a quality name in hand tools for decades, but after seeing reviews and take apart evaluations they are considered by some to be overpriced for what you get.
Heavens NO. This bloke is verbose. Repeats himelf a lot. Spends disproportionate time on barely marginal matters (magnetic screwdrivers, APO, Batteries and mains power supplies ... Keeps saying he doesn't care or it might not matter ... No demonstration of several of the meter functions. Maybe he needs another couple of videos to finish the job. There's a German guy out there reviewing Kaiweets and he's crisp and to the point. My review of a review 😉
It can be a different button used for defeating the APO on different model and brand meters, some say the range button is the one, either way you wont hurt the meter if you use the wrong button.
Great Videos!!Thank you. DO you know how many AMPs the AstroAI DM6000AR can handle in DC? I want to test used solar panels (650W 37.68 PMAX and 17.26A IMP ) Once I test for accuracy, I would like to test in series and in parallel, but I dont know if I can or how many panels I can connect with out harming my meter.
I have this meter, as well. I use it to measure track voltage, among other uses) on my model RR layout. When measuring ACV in the 10-14 ACV range with AUTO engaged, it only indicates 2.2(ish) ACV. This reading has caused me to send my track voltage control device to the mfg for repair who indicated there was no problem with it and sent it back to me. That said, I used another of my 3 VOMs (Klein, AstroAI and an off-brand non auto) and both the Klein and Astro measured 2.1 ACV (again) while the off-brand measured 14 ACV correctly! Please help!!
@@EETechStuff You are correct! Just learned 1 way to check that ACV is to check ACV on one track at a time: 1 lead connected to GRND and the other to track. Read voltage - should be 1/2 total amount expected. Then repeat for other track. Add the two individual voltages together for total ACV to tracks. Thanks for the challenge!!!
For your information: I bought the astro ai 6000 and i found this review on amazon. he says something similar to you... To deactivate Auto Power Off (APO): with the function selector in the OFF, push and maintain the SELECT button while turning the function selector to power ON the meter. After a few beeps the meter will be ready and APO will not appear on the display. Note that if it does not work using the SELECT button try the RELATIVE button or another one. You have to do this workaround only if you wish to disable the Auto Power Off especially if you intend to trouble shoot or take several measurements. Remember to manually turn it off or the battery will drain Otherwise very happy with my purchase and technical support was prompt to help.
Do not turn the range dial while measuring AC, if anything will damage a meter this will. remove the probes from the AC source first just to be safe, then change ranges and replace the probes - ask me how I know--lol Some of the more expensive meters are made to handle this, many cheap ones are not.
I have looked at this Astro AI meter and I am considering getting one as a second meter and back up to my Ideal 60-347 and to use in the field. I'm a wildlife biologist and would use it to check cables and solar panels that power trail cameras, batteries, other DC and low voltage stuff... but would need it also to check outlets, extension cords, gas generators lines and fr household electricity (120v). I'm no electrical whizz or electrician, and not an expert on electrical gear and these meters, so don't know any better. And I have guys telling me that these meters while fine for low voltage and check batteries, are dangerous to use for AC power, even household power. I'm looking at this very Astro meter as well as the Astro AI M4KOR (because of it battery test feature that test them under a load)... is it true that this meters are not safe? I would appreciate your help or anyone else on this matter, George
Is Klein rebadging these meters? I heard they were made by UNI-T or Bryman. Dissabling the APO is built in to the chip... almost all offshore meters have this ability.
I just used some cheap narrow alligator clips. I crimped the round (feed) end with some needle nose pliers, then inserted the probe into the newly adapted part of the clip. If you are worried about the clips not being protected, just loosely wrap a bit of electrical tape around the pinch part of the clip. Kind of Bush-league / hillbilly solution, but for about $2 - good and done! (Until I can find some properly protected clips).
So the more expensive Klein is only a 4,000 count meter and the Astro that costs half as much is a 6,000 count - interesting----Actually the "OL" is more accurately termed to be "over limit" or over its displays count limit, not overload - overload would be akin to a voltage overload. Sorry im such a nitpicker--lol
AstroAI, outsource these meters from China with their on them. AstroAI is not a mfg, just a private label rebranding distributor. They actually don't make anything.
As a former Fluke regional engineer we were taught that higher count typically leads to higher accuracy. I applaud your extensive review and purchased a DM6000AR. I'm 70 now but still play Mr. Fixit ;)
Yeah, I hear ya. I've been electrical engineer for geez, over 45 years (just turned 67), and I just love it. Unfortunately, after 6 years of doing all these videos, I've learned that most people are only interested in cat videos and prank videos, so I guess you and I are a very rare breed. :)
Naaa... There's three of us. @@EETechStuff
Klein bought UEI made in Korea. Very good and robust meters. I have been using UEI for 50 years as a major appliance repairman and a commercial HVAC technician.
Nice meter! Thanks for the review! Yep, holding the Select button whilst turning on is a known workaround for disabling the APO on many meters.....wonderful!
Great video, thank you! I was thinking of returning it, but then I saw you suggestion for disabling the APO... thank you very much! If only I could disable that annoying beep I would be super happy! Overall it's a good meter, but having a loud beep every time I touch something is so annoying!
take it apart and put a piece of tape over the beeper
great display of how counts work on a meter
I have this meter as well and yes the APO defeat routine does work - it wont harm the meter this same defeat routine is built into many multimeters chip software. Sounds like Astro doesnt know their own products functions very well. Im a meter junkie with over 35 meters and all but the cheapest ones have the APO defeat function, yours is just beeping to remind you the APO has been defeated so ya dont walk away and leave it on killing the battery
Hi, i want to buy a multimeter under 40$, which one would you recommend? Im about to buy this AstroAi, do you have any other option?
Great overview. Was needing a basic MM and this was great compare between two manufactures that I was looking at.
Ordered the DM6000 from Amazon @ just under $30 this morning. Figured worst case, I'll return and move to the Klien MM400 or 600.
Nice trick to disable APO, can you do something similar with the backlight auto off after 10 seconds?
Also just passing it on, Klein has been more of a quality name in hand tools for decades, but after seeing reviews and take apart evaluations they are considered by some to be overpriced for what you get.
Just a name if you ask me
Great video. Very easy to follow explanation. You should consider writing short instruction manuals for overseas products.
Heavens NO. This bloke is verbose. Repeats himelf a lot. Spends disproportionate time on barely marginal matters (magnetic screwdrivers, APO, Batteries and mains power supplies ... Keeps saying he doesn't care or it might not matter ... No demonstration of several of the meter functions. Maybe he needs another couple of videos to finish the job. There's a German guy out there reviewing Kaiweets and he's crisp and to the point. My review of a review 😉
Hi, I just bought one. The probes that came with it don't have as long of a tip as the probes your using. Did you remove the tops off the probes?
yes, you can remove those, using pliers
It can be a different button used for defeating the APO on different model and brand meters, some say the range button is the one, either way you wont hurt the meter if you use the wrong button.
Great Videos!!Thank you. DO you know how many AMPs the AstroAI DM6000AR can handle in DC? I want to test used solar panels (650W 37.68 PMAX and 17.26A IMP ) Once I test for accuracy, I would like to test in series and in parallel, but I dont know if I can or how many panels I can connect with out harming my meter.
What is the max A that I can test without blowing it. I want to test my solar panels ?
Great review and very good knowledge.
*HOW CAN I TURN OFF THE BLEEPS 😦*
legit good meter, use it everyday
Holding down the Range button, then powering on will reactivate the APO function.
How to remove the probe covers on AstroAI?
Now they have a troubleshooting video explaining how to turn off APO, and how to turn it back on. So, now they know!!!
I have this meter, as well. I use it to measure track voltage, among other uses) on my model RR layout. When measuring ACV in the 10-14 ACV range with AUTO engaged, it only indicates 2.2(ish) ACV. This reading has caused me to send my track voltage control device to the mfg for repair who indicated there was no problem with it and sent it back to me. That said, I used another of my 3 VOMs (Klein, AstroAI and an off-brand non auto) and both the Klein and Astro measured 2.1 ACV (again) while the off-brand measured 14 ACV correctly! Please help!!
You sure it's AC? I thought much older model railroads use DC, and the newer ones use DCC (pulse width modulation).
@@EETechStuff You are correct! Just learned 1 way to check that ACV is to check ACV on one track at a time: 1 lead connected to GRND and the other to track. Read voltage - should be 1/2 total amount expected. Then repeat for other track. Add the two individual voltages together for total ACV to tracks. Thanks for the challenge!!!
For your information:
I bought the astro ai 6000 and i found this review on amazon. he says something similar to you...
To deactivate Auto Power Off (APO): with the function selector in the OFF, push and maintain the SELECT button while turning the function selector to power ON the meter. After a few beeps the meter will be ready and APO will not appear on the display. Note that if it does not work using the SELECT button try the RELATIVE button or another one.
You have to do this workaround only if you wish to disable the Auto Power Off especially if you intend to trouble shoot or take several measurements. Remember to manually turn it off or the battery will drain Otherwise very happy with my purchase and technical support was prompt to help.
Do not turn the range dial while measuring AC, if anything will damage a meter this will. remove the probes from the AC source first just to be safe, then change ranges and replace the probes - ask me how I know--lol Some of the more expensive meters are made to handle this, many cheap ones are not.
I have looked at this Astro AI meter and I am considering getting one as a second meter and back up to my Ideal 60-347 and to use in the field. I'm a wildlife biologist and would use it to check cables and solar panels that power trail cameras, batteries, other DC and low voltage stuff... but would need it also to check outlets, extension cords, gas generators lines and fr household electricity (120v). I'm no electrical whizz or electrician, and not an expert on electrical gear and these meters, so don't know any better. And I have guys telling me that these meters while fine for low voltage and check batteries, are dangerous to use for AC power, even household power. I'm looking at this very Astro meter as well as the Astro AI M4KOR (because of it battery test feature that test them under a load)... is it true that this meters are not safe?
I would appreciate your help or anyone else on this matter,
George
How come you didn't show the Astroai measuring current? Current's important, you know.
I agree. I was waiting to see current. Less chat about auto shut off and more about actually using it
Thank you
Very helpful - thank you
Great review
I believe you can change to frequency while measuring voltage by holding the Hz / Duty cycle button.
Is Klein rebadging these meters?
I heard they were made by UNI-T or Bryman.
Dissabling the APO is built in to the chip... almost all offshore meters have this ability.
AWESOME
Can anyone recommend some after market crocodile clips for this? Preferable via amazon UK.
I just used some cheap narrow alligator clips. I crimped the round (feed) end with some needle nose pliers, then inserted the probe into the newly adapted part of the clip. If you are worried about the clips not being protected, just loosely wrap a bit of electrical tape around the pinch part of the clip. Kind of Bush-league / hillbilly solution, but for about $2 - good and done! (Until I can find some properly protected clips).
So the more expensive Klein is only a 4,000 count meter and the Astro that costs half as much is a 6,000 count - interesting----Actually the "OL" is more accurately termed to be "over limit" or over its displays count limit, not overload - overload would be akin to a voltage overload. Sorry im such a nitpicker--lol
It beeps too much. Auto Off is a pain. Otherwise, it's a great bargain.
AstroAI, outsource these meters from China with their on them. AstroAI is not a mfg, just a private label rebranding distributor. They actually don't make anything.