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Important: before
reading this review, please read this important safety information.
Overview
The BSIDE ADM02 is virtually identical to the BSIDE ADM01 reviewed previously, and so this will be much briefer review which is simply intended to highlight the small differences between the two models. As such, this review should be read in conjunction with the ADM01 review.
Like the ADM01, this multimeter is derived from a model made by Mastech - the MS8233E this time.
This meter is identical to the ADM01 in all respects except for one: the frequency function is replaced with temperature.
Had the frequency measurements of the ADM01 been any good, then it might be trickier to decide between them. However, given the inaccurate and limited results from the ADM01, then it's simple: don't buy the ADM01, get the ADM02 instead!
The ADM02 can be found for the same price as the ADM01, within a pound or so. It's interesting that it's slightly more expensive, given that it actually has fewer components inside (and I can't believe the supplied thermocouple adds much to the cost). Marketing, I guess...
What's the difference?
Let's jump straight to the insides to see the difference:
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So gone are the op-amp and 555 timer, leaving a more relaxed look to that part of the PCB. Meanwhile, everything else is pretty much the same, including the poor clearance between the left hand ends of the two 5MΩ resistors.
The backlight on the ADM02 is considerably brighter than the ADM01, which did make the photography a bit more tricky! I'm sure that's not by design, rather, it's just a question of the variation in LEDs bought for these.
Conclusions
Again, you need to read the ADM01 review first of all, but if you are interested in either of these two meters, the ADM02 is the one to pick. However, although these are great little meters for just £10, be aware that there are other options at this price point that offer significantly more functionality and better performance.