EEVblog BM786 Multimeter

I have been using an Extech EX330 DMM for about 5 years. The EX330 is an entry-level electronics-oriented DMM. It works well and is sensibly priced. But this BM786 multimeter is a step up in every respect. It is also physically about twice the size. This special-label version of the Brymen BM786 model is exclusively available through Dave Jones' EEVBlog. Brymen also has a couple other models in the series -- the BM785 and BM789. This BM786 adds higher quality electrical probes, a temperature probe and a conductance (nS) feature beyond what comes with the BM785. The BM789 adds AutoV LoZ, dBm, a second temperature probe, and 100MHz bandwidth. (These other Brymen DMMs are not readily available from US retailers, but you can maybe find them internationally.) Compared to my previous entry-level DMM, the implementation of every function on the BM786 is just more thought out and transforms the DMM into a collection of more useful features -- ranging, auto hold, true-RMS, min-max-avg record, "crest" (peak-peak), delta etc. The BM786 seems very tough. This EEVBlog version comes in a royal blue armored silicone case. (Normally Bryman DMMS are red). There are slots in the case to hold the included probes for one-handed operation. The device uses 3x AAA batteries (included) and has a backlight feature and large, high-contrast LCD screen. The backlight will turn off after 16 minutes. The device also has an auto-power-off 30 minute timer that can be overridden by holding the "Select" button when switched on. (Auto-power-off is also disabled when recording.) Make sure you read the downloadable PDF manual from front to back to learn all the important details that will make your use of this meter much easier. Most importantly, I'm supporting EEVBlog in a small way with the purchase of this product. Thank you Dave!

Wanted a high quality multimeter for a affordable price and it was just a fluke one day when I watched a video online learning about this amazing multimeter option. All the features for 1/3 the cost. Very accurate and has specs better than I expected. Super great flexible Thick Multimeter Leads/Probes. Very happy with this purchase. VERY HAPPY!!! ... and Yes you can use 1.2V 1100mAh NIMH AAA rechargeable batteries in this multimeter according to the video, and I tested them and 1.2V 1100mAh NIMH purchased on Amazon work great, and with NIMH no worries of corrosion that you could suffer with Alkaline AAA 1.5V batteries.

I purchased this beast of a handheld multimeter to assist me at work, where some of my duties include PCB/Circuit design. I can say without a doubt, this is better than the Fluke 115. We have a 115 at work as well, but I have never really cared for that model and it lacks a lot of the features which the BM786 has. If the 115 wasn't a Fluke branded meter, that thing would be $50 or less (instead it is $170). Literally everything about this meter is better than the Fluke 115, from the 60k count RMS accuracy, to the ability to read micro amps, it's just an amazing multimeter for $175. I was shocked when I learned that this meter has a higher RMS count than my benchtop $270 Tenma 72-1020! If you wanted the features of this BM786 in a Fluke branded meter, you'd be dropping $500-$1000. The accuracy and stability of readings are top notch, the screen is very easy to read, the indication piezo is sufficiently loud (maybe too loud), it feels good in the hand and should survive a lot of abuse, it has the ability to store readings, it will alert you if you connect to the wrong terminals for the mode of the meter, it has a smartly designed battery tray and I could go on and on. After using it for a few months I absolutely love it! Thanks for designing such a fantastic multimeter EEV Blog!

Very well built and a great size for mobility and to throw in bag. Not big hunk like the Brymen 869s, and not as small as the 235. Works well on the bench and on the go. Very useful feature set for electronics as well as around the house (appliances, home wiring). It has some features like their beep-lit feature that I appreciate for diode and continuity. I especially appreciate the long time out for the back light, thank you! A minor thing I miss that I wish it had was a loZ mode like its big brother the 789 (realistically I would rarely need the feature...but it is good to have). The meter is well laid out and I found it very intuitive with minimal use of the manual. If you need the manual, you are in luck as it is succinct and well written. Leads are very good quality as well. Good value for the money. Unlike a lot of cheaper multimeters this one also has nice safety features (properly fused and jack alert...i.e. you plug into an amps jack while in a voltage range). Highly recommend.

The Brymen BM786 looks and feels as though it has potential to be a good meter but how is an average consumer who isn't a professional electrician to know, or to know how to use it's various functions when it comes with no instructions and no manual, not even a word about where and how to install the batteries? There's nothing marked on the unit to indicate where to install the batteries so I'll be returning it instead of risking loss of warranty, if it has one, if I remove the back looking for it's hidden battery compartment. I'll try to find out if it should have a manual and if I'm able to receive one I'll keep it and I'll return here to change my review. To me it makes no sense to sell a metering device at a $200 price point without at least including a two-cent instruction sheet. If a company cuts costs by excluding instructions, I have concerns about the quality of the product if a company is that concerned with cutting cost. Far greater costs may have been cut in product manufacturing and assembly.