Mastech 5-in-1 Multimeter Review - The Unit
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Now onto the unit itself. The back of the unit features a fold out stand or prop, allowing you to set the 5-in-1 on your desktop or another flat surface and read it while you sit in your chair, rather than forcing you to hover over it.
On the top you can see the multisensor input panel. This features the microphone for decibel readings, the light sensor for lux readings, and the %RH sensor for humidity readings. At the the bottom of the picture you can see the stand I previously mentioned, protruding from the back.
The entire case, with the exception of the front face, is covered in a light blue rubber coating to keep it safe from accidental drops or spills. Speaking of the front face, all functions, buttons, and knobs are located on the front of the MS8209.
Starting at the top, you have the digital LCD readout, which displays all the results of your measurements. Unlike most other multimeters, the MS8209 has a built in light. By simply pressing the yellow button closest to the screen, a bright back light comes on and remains on for roughly ten seconds before slowing fading out.
This is something that seems like a no-brainer, since there are tons of different applications where you would be using one or more of the several features on the 5-in-1 where there would be a low amount of light with which to work. For example, you might use it under your desk, in the basement, or out in the garage.
Next you have the blue "Hold" button. Regardless of what you're measuring this button allows you to stop the measurement exactly where it's at when you press it. This can be useful if you're trying to grab a quick peak reading with something like a loud noise or bright flash of light.
The four buttons below that, from left to right, include:
- Function switches specific functions such as switching from AC to DC when measuring voltage.
- Range switches the default auto-ranging off so that you can choose your preferred measuring unit. For example, it might choose megawatts automatically, but you want to see the reading in kilowatts.
- Hz% changes voltage or amperage readings to hertz or a percentage for your convenience (I guess).
- Relative is basically a "zero" button, used for example when you have an ambient temperature and you're looking for the increase or decrease in degrees after an event. Just hit the Relative button before the event and it will drop to zero and then only show you the change from the beginning or ambient temperature.
Next: Selector Knob, Input Ports, and Battery >>
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