Sometimes it would be really nice to know how loud something is, or how hot that regulator really is running without having to touch it and risk finding out the hard way.

Well Rapid Electronics have introduced a very cool little multi-tester.

The 5 in 1 multi-tester is a compact and light, general purpose test and measuring device that will find hundreds of uses in the home, office and on the workbench. It has eleven built-in functions making it much more versatile than just a standard multi-meter.


Figure 1. Multi-tester inserted in it's protective boot, and both probe sets supplied.

As you would expect from a basic multi-meter, it has common measurement functions:
Resistance ranges:
   • 200 ohm (also has an audible alarm that sounds if the resistance being measured is less than around 100 ohms.)
   • 2000 ohm (also used for testing diodes)
   • 200K
   • 2000K
Voltage ranges:
   • DC 200mv
   • DC 20v
   • DC 600v
   • AC 200v
   • AC 600v
Current ranges:
   • DC 200uA
   • DC 200mA
   • DC 10A
Built in NPN / PNP transistor tester

In addition to basic multi-meter functions, it also boasts:
2 x Light Sensor ranges (built -in sensor):
   • X1 Lux
   • X10 Lux
1 x Audio Sensor range: (built-in sensor)
   • 35db to 100db with 0.1db resolution
1 x Humidity range: (built-in sensor)
   • 25%RH to 95%RH with 0.1%RH resolution
2 x Temperature ranges: (external sensor probe)
   • -20 Deg C to + 200 Deg C
   • -20 Deg C to + 1300 Deg C

The unit measures 121.5(H) x 60.6 (W) x 40 (D) mm and is powered from an internal 9v battery. To access the battery a single Philips screw needs to be removed in the base. Once the base is removed you can also access the user replaceable protection fuse.

It is supplied with a battery, set of very high quality fully insulated test probes I’m pleased to say, and a plug in thermocouple probe for temperature measurement.

You get all this in a package weighing around 280g including its protective boot holster that will save the unit from drops and bangs. The holster also has a pull-out foot so you can stand the meter up on the bench for better display readability.

I tested the devices accuracy on the standard multi-meter ranges with my calibrated bench meter and they were all within specification.

The only bad points I can find to say about this little monster are that it doesn’t have a built-in temperature sensor; you have to use the external probe, and it gives strange readings in this mode if the sensor isn't connected. It also has a very sensitive light sensor, but  unfortunately because the LCD display isn’t backlit and there’s no display “hold” feature, in really low light levels you’ve no way of reading the value on the display. Another nice to have would have been AC current measurement.

Whilst it is more expensive than a basic multi-meter, I feel that the additional features this unit offers are worth it.

The item can be purchased from Rapid Electronics in the UK, part number 85-0718 and costs £30.48