Neotek TS20D 3-in-1 Pen-Type Multimeter
ZDNET Highlights
- The Neotec Pen Multimeter is available now for $24.
- It handles all the functions you’d find in a full-sized multimeter, with a large LCD and a simple button-operated interface.
- It cannot handle amperage readings.
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If you make a living from your tools, you’ll need them for everyday use. The problem is that pro-grade, high-end tools are expensive and may be out of reach for the hobbyist DIYer. As far as multimeters go, I like this one pokit pro meter. It’s a compact pen-type multimeter that connects to a smartphone and does everything I need from a multimeter.
But, it’s $250. That’s a lot of cash for a device that may be used a few times a year.
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That’s why I was looking for a cheap but good multimeter. Full-featured and perfect for a DIYer, and something that won’t stop working or break down. It’s not as easy as it sounds, because I’ve tested a few of them, and most of them never made the grade.
But one did: the Neotek TS20D 3-in-1 Pen-Type Multimeter.
It’s a compact multimeter that handles all the basics – AC/DC voltage, resistance, diode testing, non-contact voltage testing and capacitance – as well as some advanced features like ambient temperature, AC frequency and live and phase sequence detection.
The unit is 6,000-count, so it provides a higher level of resolution than cheaper 3,000- or 4,000-count units, allowing it to show values to three decimal places at 6V, as opposed to two.
Neotek TS20D next to the Pocket Pro.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
The accuracy of the unit is listed as ±1% for AC voltage and ±0.8% for DC voltage, which is more than accurate enough for most people’s needs. I rarely need more accuracy than this, and if I do, I’ll switch to my oscilloscope.
The only thing it doesn’t do is handle amperage readings, and for this task, I prefer a clamp-type meter Than a probe because it eliminates the possibility of the meter blowing.
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The unit is marked as 600V rated CAT II, so it can handle the mains voltage found in a domestic environment. UK mains voltage is 230V on average (which means a peak voltage in the region of 325V), and there were no problems handling this.
Prong covers help eliminate exposure to high voltage.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
The TS20D’s prongs have a variety of insulators that you can use to limit the possibility of unintentional exposure to live voltage.
There are three controls on the side of the TS20D for switching between settings, and relevant information is displayed on a high-contrast LCD panel. The numbers on this panel are large and clear, but some of the tests are on the small side, so if your eyes are a little older, it may skew you a bit.
Rated at 600V, so it is safe for mains voltage.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
On the front, there’s a built-in LED to illuminate the way and help you avoid checking the wrong thing or accidentally probing something live with your finger.
The TS20D comes with a few accessories, including clips and fine probes, and a carrying pouch to keep everything together. The unit is powered by two AAA batteries (supplied), but you’ll need a small crosspoint screwdriver to open the battery compartment (and be careful not to lose that small screw, as it’s not captive and could fall out).
ZDNET’s shopping advice
For about $25, Neotek TS20D A fully featured, well-built and decently accurate instrument that will handle most multimeter-related tasks. It’s small enough to slip into a pocket or toolbox, durable enough to handle household tasks, and the battery will last a good year.
I love my Pokit Pro, especially how it connects to my smartphone, but the TS20D does everything I need a multimeter to do, all at a price that’s a fraction of the Pokit. Putting the two together, I would buy Neotek more often than the price difference would make.
