The high performing BM869 is a full size DMM with high resolution, dual screen and all sorts of useful features. With its 5 4/5-digit display and very high safety rating, you can test all sorts of systems with confidence, from power distribution to electronics. Brymen is noted for its solid designs and attention to detail and the affordability of the BM869 makes it a great Fluke alternative.
Key Features
- Size: 8.2″ (208mm) x 4″ (103mm) x 2.5″ (64mm)
- Weight: 1.4lbs (635g)
- AC/DC voltage 500mV to 1000V
- AC/DC current 500µA to 10A
- Good capacitance, resistance and conductance ranges
- Frequency & duty cycle
- Dual 5 4/5-digit, backlit display
- True RMS AC+DC
- Min/Max & crest modes
- VFD voltage filtering
- 4-20mA loop current tests
- Dual Temperature -58°F to 1832°F
- USB interface
- Test lead warning
- 0.02% DC accuracy
- CAT-IV safety rating to 1000V
Comes With
- Test leads
- 9V battery
- Type-K thermocouple
- Rubber boot
- Instructions (BM869 manual pdf)
Optional: USB interface kit, PC software
In-depth Review of the BM869
The Brymen BM869 is a large multimeter, wider than most others on account of its super-large resolution. It is an auto-ranging, True RMS meter with voltage filtering, making it ideal for accurately troubleshooting variable speed drives and non-sinusoidal waveforms.
In addition to this, it has a fast continuity mode with a clear, latching beep. Fluke is really the only other manufacturer that has a handle on super-fast continuity checks, but you’re paying for the pleasure.
Along with Max/Min and average mode – seeing high, low and their average in a signal – there is also crest, hold and relative modes. The record feature allows you to data log to an extent and then send the data over to a PC with the extra USB cable. The software is intuitive and quite user friendly.
SPECS
| Range | accuracy | |
|---|---|---|
| DC voltage | 500mV / 1000V | ±(0.02%+2) @ 500mV-5V |
| AC voltage | 500mV / 1000V | ±(0.5%+40) @ 500V-1000V / @ 45-300Hz |
| AC+DC voltage | 500mV / 1000V | ±(0.8%+40) @ 5V-500V / @ 300Hz-5kHz |
| DC current | 500µA / 10A | ±(0.15%+20) @ 500µA-500mA |
| AC current | 500µA / 10A | ±(0.5%+50) @ 50-60Hz |
| Resistance | 500Ω / 50MΩ | ±(0.1%+2) @ 50-500kΩ |
| Capacitance | 50nF / 25mF | ±(0.8%+3) @ 50-500nF |
| Diode | 2V | ±(1.0%+1) |
| Loop current | 4-20mA | ±(25 digits) |
| Temperature °F | -58 to 1832 | ±(0.3%+3°) |
| Temperature °C | -50 to 1000 | ±(0.3%+1.5°) |
Build Quality
Brymen generally produces quality meters and the BM869 is right up there for its build. Though perhaps not as sturdy as your typical Fluke, it nevertheless has a solid case and an integrated holster. The tilting bail is wide and makes for sturdy bench work, plus it can double as a hanger.
The 9V battery can be changed via a rear panel, with the fuses accessed by removal of the case. The test probes are good quality, with nice grip and silicone leads. The tips have protective shrouds. Buttons are also similarly grippy and responsive, though the range selector switch is a bit small.
Display
The main feature of the Brymen BM869 is definitely its display. It can measure to 500,000 counts in DC mode, or 50,000 counts in normal mode. The backlight is especially impressive, albeit it turns itself off after a few seconds to preserve the battery.
The sampling/refresh rate is up to five times a second – or 1.25 times a second in 500,000-count mode – with the super-responsive bar graph up to 60 times per second. This makes it great for picking up even minute fluctuations in a signal, much like a good analog meter would.
Labels: It is perhaps not as clear as other Brymens, such as the BM257, with quite a small dial and a lot going on.
Function and Performance
The Brymen BM869 performs very well and is loaded with all kinds of functions, including a 4-20mA loop current monitor. Both the continuity and auto ranging are quick, plus you have the option to switch over to manual ranging.
It has an auto shut-off to help save the battery. This kicks in after around 15 minutes of non-use. Also of use is the Beep-Jack™ warning system, which beeps and puts ‘InEr’ on the display if you have the leas plugged into the wrong inputs with a given range switch setting.
Protection and Rating
This is a CAT-IV-rated meter to 1000V, which is an excellent rating and gives it an overload/surge protection of 12kV. This is thus an industrial strength meter, able to measure systems at source and everything behind it, including switch gear.
The fuses are both HRC type, with the milliamp/micro-amp input protected by a 400mA fuse and the high current input by an 11A fuse. Both are quick blow and rated to 1000V.
BM869 Pros and Cons
PROS
- Good brand
- Excellent functionality
- Industrial rated
- AC+DC
- Dual, hi-res screen – up to 500,000 counts
- Fast continuity
- Good leads
- Affordable
CONS
- 9V battery – life not grea
- Could be more durable
Roundup
The Brymen BM869 review has an industrial grade meter from a top brand noted for their attention to detail on build, performance, speed and safety. The BM869 is one of their top products, having all the functionality and reliability of an equivalent Fluke, together with a very high resolution display. It also comes at an attractive price of around $200 and is good both in the field and on the bench. Could be a bit tougher, but you can’t have everything for this price.
Alternatives: The more pricey Fluke 28II and cheaper Uni-T UT71E have similar functionality, though the Uni-T struggles with its Cat rating.