MastechMS8229 Auto-Range 5-in-1 Multi-Functional Digital Multimeter

The unit arrived today and I put it to work tracing out a 60's vintage Hallicrafters. Normally I use my Fluke but I left it at my sons (1800 miles away) This unit is amazing it has 1) db sound level built-in 2) temp without and/or with a probe (supplied) 3) continuity with sound so you do not have to keep looking at the meter 4) Lux measurement 5) relative humidity all of which are accurate against my bench units and of course everything you would expect from a multimeter. The batteries are 3 AAA under the stand in the back, remove 2 screws, close the stand so the screws do not fall out, change batteries, close stand cover and raise stand and screw in primary cover. This unit is well thought out well laid out and inexpensive to boot. I called my son told him he can keep my Fluke. O' one last thing, when you turn the selector switch the surround around the probe inputs lights up to help from making a mistake, the manual is actually readable and to the point. I will update as time goes on but the Hallicrafters was working like new with the help of this meter. The designer did as good a job as I have seen of "stupid proofing" a Digital Meter.

This thing does basically anything a newcomer could need for basic tinkering and electronics, as well as normal household troubleshooting. Handles wall voltage fine, was able to check if outlets were hot or not. Used this on a few boards to check if I had solid connections, and used this basically anytime I order a new part to check the accuracy (resistance, capacitance, output power supply, whatever).The continuity setting is really nice, but a little hidden (you have to select "Resistance/Capacitance" mode and then hit "Select" until you see the three lines that look like a WiFi symbol). I do wish this came with plunger mini-hook probes, but oh well.For $50 it's an awesome DMM and will take care of you until you need to upgrade to the big boy brands.

This meter seems to be pretty good. I don't know how accurate it is, but I don't really require great accuracy these days, mainly consistency and ease of use. I used to be an electronics repair tech long ago, where accuracy was important, but no more. Anyway, it does seem to be consistent and the results seem to be in the ballpark. I probably should have gotten something cheaper, but the specs for this sounded good.However, I think it's a little too big, although that's just personal preference. At least the display is easy to read. It seems pretty durable, but not as durable as it looks in pictures - the padding is not particularly soft, and doesn't provide as much protection as it might seem by looking at it.It's nice that it has a place for the probes on the back, and I also like the way it lights up the jacks depending on the function so you know that you have (or don't have) the correct ones connected. Just be sure to press in the plugs firmly, as once I realized that one was not all the way in, and the readings were weird.The layout is a bit complicated and not very well thought out. All buttons are the same size. It seems to me that some less-used buttons should be set aside or smaller. I never switch the degrees C/F (in fact, I haven't even used that function) and rarely need the Relative button, so it would be nice if the Range and Select buttons were bigger, and separated.I also think that the Volts and Ohms would be better placed on either side of the Off position, since they are the ones used the most, but maybe others would use other functions more, so that's a tossup.The flip-out stand is a bit flimsy and not very stable. The battery compartment requires removing screws.

Frankly, I'm not familiar with "Sinometer". I considered going with a name I already knew, like Fluke.It turns out I had nothing to worry about.This is one of those pieces of equipment that you forget you have but because it never gives you a problem. While I mostly use mine for electronics, I have also used it for other Amazon reviews, like this one (http://www.amazon.com/review/R313GN9MC1W7Z9) where I used it to measure the air temperature and humidity coming out of a dehumidifier unit, and also to settle an argument on just how loud or quiet it is.The function selector doesn't float between setting (a pet peeve). When you switch functions, the appropriate sockets light up to show you where to plug in the the probes. The light goes off when the probe is correctly seated. If you have a probe plugged into a wrong socket, an alarm goes off. How much money (and/or fuses) is that going to save you? I also like the ruggedized kickstand and backlight.I have a scope... but I usually reach for my multimeter first.