As with other Gossen products, the Gossen MetraHit World is a well put together multimeter. It boasts solid build quality, good accuracy and functions and a high level of safety built in.
A True RMS device with nice backlit display and isolating jack inputs, it measures most attributes, including temperature and capacitance. Although one of their less advanced devices, it is good for most electrical engineering fields and is about on par with Fluke’s 170 Series.
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Main Features
- True RMS AC accuracy
- Auto/manual range selection
- Clear, backlit display with bar graph
- Measures DC/AC voltage, 600mV to 1000V
- Measures current to 10A
- Frequency (to 1MHz) & duty cycle measurements
- Measures capacitance down to 40nF
- Temperature input (°F, °C)
- Min/Max/Hold
- Input jack safety system
- Infrared interface for computer connectivity
- Generous warrantee
- Size: 7.7″ (195mm) x 3.3″ (84mm) x 1.38″ (35mm)
- Weight: 12.3oz (350g)
Included
- Rubber holster
- AA batteries (x2)
- Probe test leads
- Gossen DAkkS calibration certificate
- Basic operating instructions (Metrawatt M206A manual)
In-depth Review of the MetraHit World
Gossen meters typically receive rave reviews around the world. They are generally expensive, but you certainly get what you pay for, with the Metrahit multimeters being especially well built.
The Gossen MetraHit World is about mid-level when compared with others in their series’, such as the E Series Extra. It nevertheless has good functionality and specifications. It is an auto-ranging, True RMS meter with all the standard test ranges and also has Min/Max recording.
Voltage can be measured to 1000V, AC and DC, with amperage to 10A and resolution down to 10µA. Resistance is also good, at up to 40MΩ, though frequency and capacitance could do with more of a range. The MetraHit World does come with a temperature input, able to span from -58°F to 1472°F and also display in °C.
Continuity emits a beep and is okay speed wise, although is not as quick as similarly priced Flukes. The auto ranging speed is fast, with a quick sample rate and nominal screen update time. In keeping with the quality of this company, and in a bid to minimize measurement error, the Metrawatt M206A also exhibits a low burden voltage.
Modes: The Hold button also doubles as Min/Max; the latter allowing you to save low/high readings in a signal. You can also have this meter manual range, for often speedier and more accurate measurements.
Unfortunately, you don’t get the extras that many meter manufacturers include, such as a temperature probe and an optical infrared interface cable.
Other general purpose Metrahits:
2+
METRAmax 12
METRALINE DMM15
METRALINE DMM16
Other Metrahit multimeter series’:
A Series – rugged universal multimeters, to 12,000 counts
E Series – advanced and hi-res, to 60,000 counts
S Series – specialized, such as telecommunications and medical
Analog meters – for more basic tasks
SPECS
| Range | accuracy | resolution | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC voltage | 600mV / 1000V | ±(0.5%+5) | 100µV-1V |
| AC voltage | 600mV / 1000V | ±(1.0%+5) | 100µV-1V |
| DC current | 60mA / 10A | ±(1.0%+5) | 10µA-10mA |
| AC current | 60mA / 10A | ±(1.5%+5) | 10µA-10mA |
| Resistance | 600Ω / 40MΩ | ±(0.7%+3) @ 6kΩ-6MΩ | 100mΩ-10kΩ |
| Frequency | 100Hz / 1000kHz | ±(0.1%+2) | 0.1Hz-1kHz |
| Capacitance | 40nF / 400µF | ±(1.0%+6) @ 400nF-4µF | 10pF-100nF |
| Diode test | 2V | ±(1.0%+5) | 1mV |
| Cont test | 600Ω | ±(1.0%+5) | 0.1Ω |
| Temperature °F | -58 / 1472 | ±(1.0%+9°F) @ -58-752 | 0.1-1°F |
| Temperature °C | -50 / 800 | ±(1.0%+5°K) @ -50-400 | 0.1°C |
Build Quality
A tough case is enclosed in a thick rubber holster, which protects from drops and knocks. It stays solid on the bench, too, though is quite bulky to carry around. The IP rating of the Gossen Metrawatt M206A is 40, signifying protection from dust participles down to 1mm and from water spray.
The dial selector switches on these are among the best in the business, with a definite click. The circuit board is well put together, featuring good quality components and input protection, along with high voltage isolation slots for added internal safety.
Display / Labels
The display is excellent, with clear LCD digits that can be read at an angle. The resolution is to 6,000 counts (3 5/6 digit). Sampling rate of the main display is three times per second, with the rapid, analog-style bar graph updating at 30 times per second. It has 61 segments and can be zeroed, with negative (-) values displayed below zero.
The labeling is clear, with stark color coding combined with sharp, easy to read values. A function button allows for the selection of extra features on the dial switch that are neatly represented inside the main dial icons.
Performance
The MetraHit World is powered by two AA batteries, which can last around 200 hours depending on backlight usage. A low battery indicator shows when the voltage drops below 2.1V. In addition is a power saving shut-off, which kicks in after around 15 minutes of non-use. This can be deactivated.
Safety and Ratings
Category ratings are CAT-IV @ 600V and CAT-III @ 1000V. These designations will let you work on supply meters, power boards and everything behind. The overload protection at these stated ground voltages is to 8kV. Current inputs are protected by high quality, high rupture capacity (HRC) fuses – 1.6A and 10A. Along with an overload (OL) indicator on screen are blown fuse indicators.
Jack socket safety: An innovative feature of the Gossen multimeters is the incorporation of an auto-lead safety system. This system physically blocks the amperage or voltage inputs depending on the dial position, preventing the user from plugging into the incorrect input for a given test.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- High quality brand
- Great build quality (German made)
- Tough and reliable
- Fast auto ranging
- High category ratings
- Nice backlit display
- Input protection system
- Calibration certified out of the factory
CONS
- Continuity could be a little quicker
- Have to pay for extras
- No micro-amps
- Pricey
Roundup
If you’re after a tough alternative to a Fluke and yet require great reputation, going with the Gossen MetraHit World is a good idea. This is a general multimeter, however, and is without the features of many others at this price range. Having said that, it is one of Gossen’s cheaper models and not as advanced as many of the higher rated Metrahits. A good all-rounder, nonetheless, with few alternatives, apart from perhaps the more compact Fluke 179.