Triplett 3526-B Digi-Probe

Examination:

Unlike most digital multimeters that are more or less large rectangles, the Triplett 3526-B takes a different approach. The Digi-Probe takes a more pen-style approach by offering a long rectangular multimeter, which makes it more suitable for sitting in your hand. Towards the rear of the multimeter is a fairly large LCD display. Unlike most cheaper LCD displays, the 3526-B allows a 32-segment bar graph to be generated in real-time to judge the stability of a digital reading. On the opposite side of the digital multimeter is a series of buttons and a slide switch. The available buttons include data hold, range hold, and DC/AC Diode/Cont. Unlike most other professional multimeters, which allow for adjusting of the testing range, the Triplett multimeter is auto-ranging to automatically set the appropriate range. However, the manual range is still available by using the range hold button. The data hold button simply preserves the present display once the button is pushed. At the tip of the digital multimeter is the positive pole. The metal tip can be removed for cleaning and maintenance by unscrewing the red-colored collar. On both multimeter poles are threads for the attachable alligator clip.

Performance:

Now that the rough layout of the digital multimeter is over, it’s time for some testing. For our performance, we tested the AC and DC voltage along with the current, resistance, and logic testing. Unfortunately, the 3526-B doesn’t support frequency or capacitance testing. For the AC voltage testing, we compared the voltages of a standard United States 120V wall outlet. DC voltage was tested by comparing the 5.00V and 12.00V rails on a standard computer power supply unit. The resistance was gathered by measuring the resistance across a couple of resistors we had lying around the office. For the AC current testing, we measured the amps across a standard light socket with a light bulb installed. A WinMax WIN-9689 digital multimeter was used to compare our results against those attained by the Triplett 3526-B Digi-Probe along with the theoretical results.

Conclusion:

After the testing had wrapped up, we were quite pleased with our results. We found the results to be identical to what we had seen with the WinMax digital multimeter, both of which were relatively close to their theoretical values. In addition, the logic testing on the Digi-Probe served to be quite useful. With a selling price of $55.00 USD from Cable Organizer, it is more expensive than some multimeters, but the Triplett Digi-Probe does have an advantage when it comes to accuracy, features, and overall use. We would define the Triplett 3526-B Digi-Probe with logic as a reliable entry-level or hobbyist digital multimeter, but unfortunately aren’t able to compare it to any of our Fluke products.

Pros:

· Relatively Inexpensive (~ $55.00 USD)
· Logic Testing
· Accurate results
· AC/DC resistance, voltage, current
· Bar graph capabilities
· Data Hold
· Easy to handle

Cons:

· No frequency or capacitance testing
· Bar graph rather small
· No Transistor check