Multimeter officiandos might recognize the Etekcity MSR-U1000 as Uni-T’s UT60. This rebranded model for Etekcity suits beginners looking for a general purpose tester. It has loads of functionality, measuring most ranges, and comes with auto ranging and voltage detection. On closer inspection during the Etekcity MSR-U1000 review, it does struggle on input protection.
>>>See Here For Current Pricing
Key Features
- Measures AC/DC volts and amps
- Measures resistance, capacitance and frequency
- AC voltage detection (100V to 1000V)
- Performs continuity, diode and transistor tests
- Auto-ranging, with manual option
- Max/Min and relative modes
- Screen hold
- Large, clear backlit display
- Size: 7″ (178mm) x 3.4″ (86mm) x 1.8″ (46mm)
- Weight: 13oz (369g)
Included
- Meter and battery (9V)
- Test leads
- Capacitor/transistor test adapter
- User manual
In-depth Review of the Etekcity MSR-U1000
With the MSR-U1000, you can measure all amperage and voltage ranges – including micro-amps – together with resistance, capacitance and frequency (good for mains and electronics testing). In addition is an included adapter for quickly checking capacitors, resistors, and transistor gain.
This is a fairly rugged meter with a tough rubber boot, a nice large screen and a high touted category rating. Testing in industry with high capacity machinery should be avoided, however, due to the low level of input protection in this meter, but it is okay for tasks around the home.
Voltage detection: A nice touch for the price is the EF function on the Etekcity MSR-U1000, which has its own dial position. With this, you can detect live wires in walls and power at socket outlets, for example. The range is 100V to 1000V AC.
Modes: It also has several modes, including Max/Min, which is very useful for picking up the highest and lowest readings on a value that is changing rapidly. There is also a relative (REL) button that allows the comparison of values and to zero the resistance in the leads.
A Range button facilitates the selection of manual ranging. This would appeal more to those who are familiar with multimeters as it allows for more accurate readings and quicker response time. Duty cycle also has a separate button.
In addition is a data hold button, to freeze a reading on the display. This feature doesn’t appear on all cheaper multimeters but is essential should you be working in a tight space and cannot see the screen while taking a measurement. There is also a sleep, or power-off, feature which kicks in after around 15 minutes.
SPECS
| RANGE | ACCURACY | |
|---|---|---|
| DC voltage | 4V / 1000V | ±(0.5%+1) @ 4-400V |
| DC millivolts | 40mV / 400mV | ±(0.8%+3) |
| AC voltage | 4V / 750V | ±(1.0%+3) @ 4-400V |
| AC millivolts | 40mV / 400mV | ±(1.0%+3) |
| DC current | 40mA / 10A | ±(1.2%+3) @ 40-400mA |
| DC micro-amps | 400μA / 4000μA | ±(1.0%+2) |
| AC current | 40mA / 10A | ±(2.0%+5) @ 4-10A |
| AC micro-amps | 400 / 4000μA | ±(1.2%+5) |
| Resistance | 400Ω / 40MΩ | ±(1.0%+2) @ 4-400kΩ |
| Capacitance | 40nF / 4000µF | ±(3.0%+5) @ 400nF-40µF |
| Frequency | 10Hz to 10MHz | ±(0.1%+4) |
Build and Design
The Etekcity MSR-U1000 looks solidly built and is protected by a rubber holster. It is a full size multimeter with a sturdy, center-mounted dial selector switch and a fold-away kickstand (tilting bail) at the rear. This is a part of the battery cover and comes away easily after the removal of a single screw to reveal the 9V battery.
A sliding tab protects the EF sensor at the top. The buttons are rubberized and responsive and include a backlight button that is twinned with data hold. A blue select button switches between measurement ranges for those positions that have more than one function.
Leads: The probe leads are okay for this level of meter, with stress-relievers built into flex points, and sharp probe ends.
Interface
Etekcity have picked meters that come with crisp, easy to read screens and the display is one of MSR-U1000’s best features. A 4,000-count unit, it is a bit slow to refresh, but it does come with a responsive analog-style bar graph and an array of icons to cover all functions. Despite being a fairly cheap meter, there is a good backlight, which makes it easily discernible at night and at angles.
Dial function: The dial selector is well labeled and color coded to make it easier for beginners and in poor light. Selectable ranges are coded blue and picked via the blue button, while voltage and current duty cycle values are easily attained in combination with the duty cycle button. The OFF and EF positions are conveniently located at either end of the dial’s selector range.
Jack inputs: Located at the bottom portion of the interface, there are four of them, including a separate, fused milliamp/micro-amp input. The amperage input only allows for temporary testing at the full 10A. The included transistor adapter plugs across the milliamp and main terminal (voltage) input.
Safety and Surges
The category rating looks impressive – CAT-III 1000V, CAT-IV 600V – which would suggest it can be used for heavy duty work in industry. This is not advised, however, due to the lack of electronic components typically seen in more expensive meters which would protect from voltage surges.
The split banana-style jack sockets are also under-engineered and the circuit board build is typical of lower priced devices. It is, nevertheless, okay for checking lower voltage/current circuits, but just bear this in mind.
Limitations/fuses: Note that on the amperage inputs, they are only rated to 250V when testing their full spec’d current. The 10A circuit can also only measure for short periods (10s) at maximum rated amperage. Fuses are the cheaper, glass type.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Nice, backlit scree
- Separate milliamps, micro-amps ranges
- Max/Min, relative modes
- Voltage detection
- Okay accuracy
- Cheap(ish)
CONS
- Lacking surge protection
- 9V battery (more expensive, less output than AAs)
Roundup
The Etekcity MSR-U1000 review details this capable Chinese-made multimeter originally from Uni Trend. Okay for beginner electricians, DIYers or as a beater-meter, it comes with a decent complement of measuring ranges and also has a nice screen. Surge and overload protection are lacking, however, making it unfit for heavy industry.
Get the MSR-U1000 at AMAZON
Alternatives: The Amprobe AM510 has similar specs and functions, and also has better protection. Although it is a bit more expensive, Amprobe is a well respected American brand.