The review of the OWON B35T+ details a mobile data logging device with True RMS capability. Connected by Bluetooth to your phone, it will record data on the fly to Android and iOS devices and can offline log. This useful meter also functions as a standard multimeter, with voltage, amperage and even temperature ranges. It has a backlit screen with bar graph, a CAT-III rating and is powered by AA batteries.
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Key Features
- Data logging capability with offline recordingBluetooth connectivity
- Works with Android and iOS
- Measures AC, DC voltage
- AC, DC amperage
- Resistance and continuity
- Capacitance and frequency
- Temperature input
- Smart voice reading
- 3 5/6-digit backlit display
- True RMS
- Auto power off
- Weight (meter only): 11.3oz (320g)
- Size: 7.3” (185mm) x 3.3” (85mm) x 1.2” (30mm)
What’s Included?
- Carry case
- Test probes
- Alligator clips
- x2 AA batteries
- Multi-function test socket (transistors etc)
- K-type thermocouple (for temperature)
- Basic manual – online pdf here
Complete Review of the OWON B35T+
First off, this is an economically made multimeter, such that you shouldn’t expect high end Fluke-like reliability. It is made in China – but then most things are nowadays, even some Flukes – although it does have Bluetooth connectivity, a nice screen, and the multimeter side of it runs well.
With that, it is not highly accurate and should not be used for heavy duty engineering or auto works, but it can be an okay beater meter for the odd job and for remote data logging.
The OWON B35T+ measures: voltage to 1000V (DC), amperage to 20A (in bursts) and down to micro-amps, resistance from 600Ω to 60MΩ, capacitance to 4000µF, along with frequency and extras like temperature, duty cycle and a transistor checker. It also features a continuity beeper and an auto power-down function.
Auto-range is by-default and it will also manual-range for quicker, more stable results. The included thermocouple allows users to check temperature (in both Fahrenheit and Celsius), though is not particularly stable.
It comes with okay leads and the included alligator clips screw tightly for a good connection.
Data logging function
This function lets you record a given test criteria (like voltage) over time, such as battery power drain or the temperature of a refrigerator. Many multimeters offer this function, though the beauty of the Owon B35T+ is that it lets you pair your phone and graph results.
It does this through Bluetooth and a (free) app, which is available for both iOS and Android. You can launch the logger from your phone or tablet without having to go through a laptop. It also has an offline memory function.
Bluetooth connectivity is good and comparable with higher end data logging multimeters, plus you can download the data at a later time. Data is generated in .csv format and can then be shared. Graphs are zoomable on devices.
The default sample, or poll, rate is once per second, which is configurable in offline mode. Sample count is up to 10,000. It is voice warning supported and smart voice reading accessible.
A few negatives:
- You’ll need your device (phone or tablet) to initiate data logging
- The .csv file can be messy
- Instructions could be better
- May need to re-enable multimeter Bluetooth for device to connect
Meter SPECS
| Range | accuracy | highest res | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC volts | 60mV / 750V | ±(0.8%+2) | 0.01mV-0.1V |
| DC volts | 60mV / 1000V | ±(0.5%+2) | 0.01mV-0.1V |
| AC amps | 600µA / 20A | ±(2.0%+3) @ 20A | 0.1µA |
| DC amps | 600µA / 20A | ±(0.8%+2) @ 600µA-6A | 0.1µA |
| Resistance | 600Ω / 60MΩ | ±(0.8%+2) | 0.1Ω |
| Capacitance | 40nF / 4000µF | ±(2.5%+3) @40nF-40µF | 0.01nF |
| Frequency | 10Hz / 10MHz | ±(0.8%+2) | 1MHz |
| Duty cycle | 0.1% / 99.9% | ±(1.2%+3) | 0.1% |
| Temperature °F | -58 to 752°F | ±(4.5%+5) | 1°F |
| Temperature °C | -50 to 400°C | ±(2.5%+3) | 1°C |
Build Quality
This is a pretty durable, CAT-III device, though the case doesn’t have the best tight tolerance of fitting. Probes are good with sharp ends and the selector dial clicks nicely when selecting ranges.
The display is large and comes with an analog-style bar graph at the bottom. It samples at around 30 times per second. There is also a backlight (in blue) that stays on for a respectable 60 seconds.
Function and Performance
The auto ranging is not very fast, but then you’ll never get speed at this price. In addition is a Max/Min mode, which will pick up the highs and lows across a measurement. You also have relative mode (denoted by the delta icon) and this will store and compare two readings – available in manual range mode only.
The batteries are AA type and are said to last for up to 170 hours. This would typically be ideal, lab-setting usage without backlight. To save battery life, smart power-off prevents users from leaving the thing switched on when not in use. It will automatically turn off after 15 minutes of non-use.
Protection
This is a CAT-III device, which implies a transient protection level of 6kV at 600V. You can test mains voltage – distribution panels, motors, etc – at this level, but should minimize use when using the higher amperage scale as the OWON B35T+ does not have the circuit protection to deal with constant, high energy.
Fuses are 20A and 1A for the high and low amp inputs respectively.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Bluetooth mobile data logging
- Zoomable (on phone) graphs
- Offline logging
- Free app
- Good look
- Big screen (with bar graph)
- Backlit display with long timeout
- Takes AA batteries
CONS
- Sluggish auto ranging
- Build quality could be better
- Not for heavy work
- Pouch a bit tight (nitpicking)
Conclusion
The OWON B35T+ is an affordable multimeter with mobile data logging. You get most features that other meters have, including temperature, and a decent backlit display to boot.
While accuracy on certain scales may appear close to the big brands, bearing in mind reliability, speed and input protection won’t be up to scratch and so this is aimed more at the non pro. If all you need is a basic meter with data logging this is a good option nevertheless.
Alternatives: On a budget, the UNI-T UT61E or the cheaper Tekpower TP4000ZC, both of which are Chinese built. The Fluke 289 or Agilent U1253B are high end and big on reliability, though cost 10x as much.