The BSIDE ZT-X is a compact, Chinese-made, auto-ranging multimeter with neat features. Boasting a nice EBTN display and intuitive interface, this easy on the eye DMM appeals mostly to amateurs and those dabbling in lower voltage works. It measures most test criteria to a fair degree of accuracy, though ships with a disappointing set of leads and is without batteries.
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Key Features
- Large EBTN screen, wide view angle
- Push button control
- One-handed operation
- Auto current select
- Analog bar graph
- Temperature measurements (°F, °C)
- Measures current – mA to 10A
- Auto and manual ranging
- True RMS
- Data hold, duty cycle
- Non-contact voltage checks
- Auto off
- Size: 5.8″ x 2.6″ x 1.26″
- Weight: 4oz
What’s Included?
- Test probe leads
- Alligator clips
- Temp probe (thermocouple)
- User manual
- No batteries (requires x2 AA)
In-depth Review of the Bside ZT-X
The Bside ZT-X is part of the ZT range of compact multimeters by Bside. This little budget multimeter is different to most in that it has push buttons in place of a standard rotary dial selector. With this and its diminutive dimensions, it can be easier to operate with one hand. This is especially useful for awkward testing positions.
For a compact meter, the Bside ZT-X has a large screen with three tiers of display info – such as temperatures (in both scales) and an analog bar graph. It boasts EBTN technology, offering up a high contrast, negative image display. This makes it great to read in both low and high light conditions.
Measurement test ranges include AC and DC voltage and current, resistance and continuity, and capacitance and frequency. There is also a duty cycle test and a non-contact voltage checker for AC, along with display hold and relative tests.
The Bside ZT-X multimeter has a beeper for continuity, which also sounds on powering up and down, mode selection, voltage detection, and diode tests. It comes with a protective case to help against drops and measures Fahrenheit and Celsius simultaneously.
Other Bsides in the range:
ZT-M1
ZT102A
ZT109
ZT301
ZT302
SPECS
| Range | accuracy | |
|---|---|---|
| DC voltage | 9.999Mv / 999.9V | ±(0.5%+3) |
| AC voltage | 9.999mV / 750.0V | ±(1.0%+3) |
| DC current | 999.9mA / 9.999A | ±(1.0%+3) |
| AC current | 999.9mA / 9.999A | ±(1.2%+3) |
| Resistance | 99.99Ω / 99.99MΩ | ±(1.0%+3) @100Ω |
| Capacitance | 9.999nF / 9.999mF | ±(2.0%+20) @99.99nF to 999.9μF |
| Frequency | 99.99Hz / 2.0MHz | ±(0.1%+2) |
| Temperature °F | -4°F to 1832°F | ±(2.5%+5) |
| Temperature °C | -20°C to 1000°C | ±(2.5%+5) |
| Duty cycle | 1% to 99% | ±(0.1%+2) |
Build Quality
For the price, the Bside ZT-X is quite well built, with a tough thermoplastic case. The battery cover is quite flimsy, however, which tends to be par for the course with cheaper range multimeters. A letdown is the compromise on the test leads. They are quite short and not of the best quality.
Display: This is the best feature of the Bside ZT-X for sure. A large, backlit EBTN screen, it comes with three lines of real estate and a long light time of two minutes which is crucial when working in the dark. The technology also lends it a very good viewing angle. In addition is a bar graph, which is better for ‘seeing’ changing signals.
Function and Performance
The most notable thing about the user experience with the Bside ZT-X is its easy to use interface. Rather than have to select a range by dial selector, the user simply presses a corresponding button. This is better for beginners. In addition, when the current jack is plugged, it will automatically switch to current-measuring scales.
The meter will shut down after five minutes of non-usage to save battery life. You can disable this but would need to do so each time it is switched on. The battery level indicator is best heeded, since spurious multimeter readings are often attributed to low battery levels. Two AA batteries are required – often preferable to a more expensive 9V battery.
Protection
The fuses (and batteries) are accessed via screws on the rear. A 10A fuse protects the high amperage scale and a 200mA fuse protects the milliamp scale. Input protection is touted at CAT-III at 600V.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Push button operation
- Great EBTN display
- Decent backlight time
- Compact
- Dual temp display
- Bar graph
- Auto/manual ranger
- AA batteries
CONS
- Short leads
- Reported short battery life
- Chinese made
Conclusion
The Bside ZT-X is an easy to use, compact, budget range multimeter with some nice features for the price. Chief among these are its simple push buttons as scale selectors and a vivid EBTN display. It is intuitive and has all the ranges, including dual temp display. Test meters with this kind of display are typically much more expensive.
Alternatively, for better reliability perhaps look to the compact Fluke 100 Series.