Southwire Tools 15190T MaintenancePRO Color Screen Multimeter with MApp Mobile App

I'm a proficient DIYer and an experienced electronics enthusiast.I've got an older Fluke (can't remember the model, but it's a very basic one) that still works like a champ, but has a slight scratch on the screen where the decimal usually appears, which can be a problem in certain situations! Plus, that old Fluke doesn't have a magnetic strap nor even a backlight, so it was often troublesome to use.So, I decided it was time I acquired a new multimeter. I came across this one, and because I'm a happy owner of several other Southwire tools, I figured their high-dollar flagship measurement tool was worth a look. It was down to this Southwire 15190T versus the Fluke 3000 FC and the Fluke 287. I'm very partial to Fluke, and everyone else who is, too, knows why -- their products are THE standard in accuracy and reliability.I was torn... I really liked the feature set of this tool, but I'm very partial to Fluke, but this one costs less, but I know what I'd be getting with a Fluke, but... The tipping point came from another review by a fellow Amazon shopper who said something about how the backlit color LCD was so impressively easy to see, even in broad daylight. Boom. Sold.I'm extremely happy with my decision -- I mean, I'd still like to have that Fluke 287, but this Southwire 15190T sure is a nice instrument. It's solid, well-built, highly functional, and I have a feeling it'll serve me well for many years. The magnetic strap was a blessing, and just as the other Amazon reviewer said, the color screen is perfectly visible in all lighting conditions. No squinting or angling in the sunlight, but no distracting glare when using in the dark, either. Nice job, Southwire!One of the other features that had my attention was the Bluetooth connectivity and the ability to use an app on my iPhone alongside the meter. I played with it for a bit, and it seems like it could be handy, but I haven't yet had an occasion where I really need to use the meter that way. I will say that the data displayed in the app is VERY responsive -- hardly any discernible latency. The app doesn't offer a whole ton of features, mostly just logging and the ability to monitor measurements from a safe distance while leaving the tool itself in a precarious location. The Bluetooth connectivity and the app are nice add-ons, but you can totally get your money's worth even if you never use this feature.I've had it a few months now, and in that time I've used it while working on an HVAC system, a hot tub, and a guitar amplifier -- in all situations, this instrument performed perfectly. I was able to take my measurements and get the job done with safety and confidence.

Ok…. So I needed to capture discharge voltage or current over time to document runtime of a item. I was looking around at various inexpensive options and settled on a more expensive solution because I know the brand and they are sponsoring a FormulaE race in my community. It’s important to me to give back to those that invest in my community. So I proudly purchased this meter.When I got the meter I noticed it was built very well, comes with a nice, the display is cool the menus are intuitive.I inserted the battery and charged it. This is where I start to get disappointed. It must be off to charge. Run time is about 8 hours before it gets to 3 bars and starts to conserve power by turning off Bluetooth. Not sure what other features may be impacted by power save but the Bluetooth for sure. I estimate 10-12 hours or so I have yet to run it dead. A good solid work shift in todays environment can be longer than this meter will run.Ok let’s start with onboard storage to capture my dc voltage over time. I am looking to capture a run time of atleast 24 hours…. The meter storage will only let you go to 9 hours and 59 min max.The same stupid limit is on the mobile app that you can install and connect via Bluetooth. I suppose it’s a limit because the meter cannot survive that long…To the folks at Southwire, love the physically meter and how it’s packaged. Not a fan of how it charges. Could we get a version that we could charge via usb c while running the meter? The runtime of the battery is way to short. This could be addressed with an external battery pack and usb c charging. Secondly, If you do offer external charging that allows the meter to run could you also extend the app capture time? Or… even better allow for a insertable memory card so we can add storage capacity.I love the form factor, And so much other stuff about the meter. It’s just not a very practical storage meter.

I really can't find anything that I don't like about this multimeter. One person said it didn't have a glass or plastic cover over the display, well that is wrong. Unless they received a defective unit. Mine has a thick plastic cover over the LCD. It almost seems like it is glass, but probably lexan or something similar. The only thing I don't care for are the probes. They seem a bit cheap. I have seen much worse, but the meter isn't very fast under the continuity setting and that can be related to the probes. It would have been real nice if they had come with screw on alligator clips as well. Not a big issue as one can buy a set of high quality leads. The display is bright and easy to see. I love the color LCD. This is the only meter I have ever owned or used that could light up an LED and display the forward voltage of the LED. Really cool. It seems to be well made and the rechargeable battery is a nice thing to have. The fuse is easy to access under the battery cover as well. No need to take apart the meter to replace a fuse. I have four DVOM's ranging price from $30 to $120. None of them are very good, but some have good features. This one covers them all and then soundly beats them all in every way. Makes sense as this is a $320 meter, so I expect it to be much better. This will be my go to DVOM from now on. I have yet to try the Blue Tooth feature. When I do I will update this review. If you are looking for a quality meter with a color display, then this is really the only game in town, as I have never seen a color display on any portable DVOM. I would recommend it to a friend.

I travel a lot for work and the way TSA handles bags it shift in the case and not power on. Having to remove the cover and place the battery in firmly.