AV ToolTop ET853C Scope Meter Review & Practical Demonstration

this article, we take a close look at the AV ToolTop ET853C Scope Meter, a compact all-in-one test instrument that combines a digital multimeter, oscilloscope, and waveform (function) generator into a single rechargeable handheld device.

This article is based on the accompanying YouTube video (embedded above). Where helpful, I refer to specific moments in the video so you can visually follow along.

Overview: What Is the AV ToolTop ET853C?

At the beginning of the video (00:00–00:20), the ET853C is introduced as a surprisingly compact scope meter with a built-in rechargeable battery. Despite its small size, it integrates:

Digital Multimeter (DMM)
Two-channel Oscilloscope
Waveform / Function Generator

This makes it an excellent tool for electronics hobbyists, students, and engineers who want portability without sacrificing essential measurement features.

What’s Included in the Box

Around 01:10–02:00 in the video, the box contents are shown. Inside, you get:

The ET853C scope meter unit
USB-C charging cable
Two oscilloscope probes
Color-coded probe rings
Probe adjustment screwdriver
User manual

Everything needed to start measuring right away is included.

Physical Layout and Connections

At 02:15–02:30, the device layout is explained:

USB-C port on top for charging
Two oscilloscope input connectors (Channel 1 and Channel 2)
Dedicated terminals for multimeter measurements
Center terminal for the function generator output

The charging indicator LED turns red while charging and green when fully charged (05:35–05:45).

Understanding the Multimeter Interface

From 02:30 onward, the multimeter interface is demonstrated. The screen uses soft-keys (F1, F2, etc.), where each on-screen label corresponds to the physical button directly below it.

Key multimeter features include:

AC and DC voltage
Microamp, milliamp, and ampere current
Resistance and continuity
Capacitance
Frequency and duty cycle
Diode and transistor testing

A very helpful feature shown around 04:00–04:40 is the visual terminal guide. The screen clearly shows which terminals you should connect your probes to, reducing the chance of mistakes.

Measuring Voltage and Resistance

At 07:20–08:30, DC voltage measurement is demonstrated. The meter automatically selects the range, but you can switch between auto and manual ranging if needed.

Resistance measurements are shown shortly after (08:30–08:50), including both low-ohm and kilo-ohm values, with stable and accurate readings.

Measuring Current Safely

Starting around 08:50, current measurement is explained in detail. The video emphasizes an important safety point:

Current must always be measured in series with the load. Connecting the meter directly across a power source in current mode will blow the internal fuse.

The ET853C supports:

Microamp measurements
Milliamp measurements
Up to 10A current (fused)

Ohm’s Law is applied in the video (11:15–12:30) to verify measured current against calculated values, demonstrating the accuracy of the device.

Data Hold and Internal Storage

One standout feature shown at 10:20–10:50 is the ability to save measurements internally. The ET853C can store up to around 2000 records, which can later be recalled from the data menu.

This is extremely useful when comparing measurements or documenting results.

AC Voltage, Frequency, and Duty Cycle

At 15:20–16:10, AC line measurements are demonstrated:

AC voltage (≈117V shown)
Line frequency (≈60Hz)
Duty cycle (~50%)

Switching between these modes is quick and intuitive using the function buttons.

Capacitance, Diode, and Transistor Testing

From 16:15–18:40, the ET853C is used to:

Measure electrolytic and small ceramic capacitors
Test diodes with forward voltage drop
Check transistor junctions (example: 2N2222)

The clear on-screen instructions make these tests easy even for beginners.

Built-In Function Generator

At 18:45–20:05, the built-in waveform generator is activated. It supports:

Square wave
Sine wave
Ramp (triangle) wave

You can adjust:

Frequency (up to several MHz)
Amplitude
Duty cycle

This makes the ET853C especially useful for testing circuits without needing an external signal generator.

Using the Oscilloscope Mode

From 20:05 onward, the oscilloscope mode is demonstrated using the internal function generator as a signal source.

Key oscilloscope features include:

Two channels
Auto-set function for quick waveform capture
Adjustable time base and voltage scale
Clear color display

The video shows how changing the time scale affects waveform visibility and how the auto function quickly stabilizes the signal on screen.

Final Verdict

In the conclusion (22:40–end), the ET853C is described as one of the best values available in its price range (around $80).

Key advantages include:

Rechargeable battery (no disposable batteries)
Color display with intuitive UI
Multimeter, oscilloscope, and function generator in one device
Data storage and waveform saving

Compared to much more expensive standalone instruments, the AV ToolTop ET853C delivers impressive performance and versatility in a very portable form factor.

Affiliate links to purchase the AV ToolTop ET853C are available below this article.

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