1. Introduction
The OWON CMS101 is a versatile 3-in-1 multifunction clamp meter designed for comprehensive electrical testing. It integrates the capabilities of an AC/DC clamp meter, a data recorder, and an oscilloscope into a single, portable device. Featuring True RMS measurement, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity, and Non-Contact Voltage (NCV) detection, the CMS101 provides accurate and safe measurements for a wide range of applications. Its robust design and intuitive interface make it suitable for both professional and DIY electrical work.
2. Key Features
- 3-in-1 Functionality: Combines AC/DC clamp meter, data recorder, and oscilloscope functions.
- True RMS Measurement: Provides accurate readings for both AC and DC currents with 20,000 counts auto-ranging.
- Oscilloscope Capabilities: Capable of measuring current and voltage waveforms for detailed analysis.
- Recorder Function: Allows viewing, comparing, analyzing, and storing measurement data via the i-meter mobile application.
- Inrush Current Measurement: Ensures stable and accurate test results amidst complex current fluctuations.
- Bluetooth LE Connectivity: Supports data transfer and remote monitoring for Android and iOS dual systems.
- User-Friendly Interface: Full touch-key operation for quick, one-handed switching between functions.
- 2.8-inch IPS LCD Display: Offers a wide viewing angle for clear display of values and waveforms, with dual theme options for different lighting conditions.
- Ergonomic Design: Features a 38mm narrow-edge elongated opening for suitability in confined spaces and large wire diameters, along with an ABS rubber coating for comfortable grip, anti-slip properties, and drop resistance.
- NCV Function: Built-in Non-Contact AC Voltage sensing for safe identification of live wires.
- Long-lasting Power: Powered by an 18650 lithium battery for extended operation.
3. Setup
3.1. Powering the Device
The CMS101 is powered by an 18650 lithium battery. Ensure the battery is charged before use. The device features a USB-C charging port.

Image: OWON CMS101 Clamp Meter with USB-C charging cable connected, illustrating the charging port.

Image: Detailed view of the OWON CMS101 highlighting the 18650 lithium battery power for long-term use and the ABS rubber coating design for comfort, anti-slip, and drop resistance.
3.2. Initial Power On and Mode Selection
To turn on the device, short press the POWER button. To turn off, long press the POWER button. After turning on, you can switch between Multimeter (DMM) and Oscilloscope (OSC) modes by short pressing the DMM/OSC button.

Image: Diagram illustrating the product structure and key buttons, including NCV sensor, reading hold button, run/stop button, auto setup button, function page switch button, and power button.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1. General Operation
The CMS101 features a full touch-key operation for ease of use. The main control buttons include:
- POWER button: Short press to turn on, long press to turn off.
- DMM/OSC button: Short press to switch between Multimeter and Oscilloscope modes.
- F1-F4 buttons: Function page switch buttons, their specific functions depend on the current mode.
- Tab button: Accesses the trigger menu in oscilloscope mode.
- Arrow keys (Up/Down): Used to switch current/voltage range.
- Arrow keys (Left/Right): Used to switch time base ranges.
- 'A' key: Sets parameters automatically in oscilloscope mode.
- HOLD button: Holds the current reading in multimeter mode.

Image: Overview of the CMS101's button layout, showing various measurement functions like Hz, NCV, HOLD, AUTO, APO, Voltage, Current, Resistance, Diode, Continuity, MAX MIN, True RMS, Percentage, and Backlight.
4.2. Oscilloscope Mode
The oscilloscope function allows for detailed waveform analysis of current and voltage.
Video: OWON CMS101 Oscilloscope Function Overview, demonstrating switching between multimeter and oscilloscope modes, adjusting trigger levels, and changing ranges.
- Switching Measurement Mode: In oscilloscope mode, press 'F1' to switch between current and voltage measurement modes.
- Accessing Trigger Menu: Press the 'Tab' button to access the trigger menu. From here, you can select rising edge or falling edge triggers.
- Adjusting Trigger Level: Use the 'F2' and 'F3' buttons to adjust the trigger level position on the waveform.
- Switching Current/Voltage Range: Use the up and down arrow keys to change the current or voltage measurement range.
- Switching Time Base Ranges: Use the left and right arrow keys to adjust the time base ranges for the waveform display.
- Automatic Setup: Press the 'A' key to automatically set the oscilloscope parameters for optimal display.

Image: Detailed view of the oscilloscope display, showing Voltage Range, Trigger status, Time Base Range, Waveform Frequency and RMS Value, along with maximum, minimum, peak-to-peak, and average values.
4.3. Recorder Function
The recorder function allows for data logging and analysis. Connect the CMS101 to your smartphone via Bluetooth using the i-meter app. The app enables you to view, compare, analyze, and store measurement data in CSV format for further analysis on a computer.

Image: Screenshots of the i-meter app interface, demonstrating the data chart view for visualizing trends and the file management screen for accessing and sharing recorded data.
4.4. Surge Current Measurement
The inrush current measurement function helps in obtaining stable and accurate test results even amidst complex current fluctuations, which is crucial for analyzing motor startup currents or other transient loads.

Image: The OWON CMS101 performing a surge current measurement on a coiled wire, demonstrating its capability to handle complex current fluctuations.
4.5. NCV (Non-Contact Voltage) Function
The built-in NCV detection feature allows you to identify live wires without direct contact, enhancing safety during electrical tests. Simply bring the top part of the clamp meter near the conductor to detect AC voltage.
4.6. Bluetooth Communication
The CMS101 supports Bluetooth LE for seamless communication with Android and iOS devices. This enables remote control, data transfer, and comparative analysis of multiple instruments through the dedicated mobile application.

Image: The OWON CMS101 being remotely controlled via a smartphone app, showcasing its ability for comparative analysis of multiple instruments.
4.7. Automatic Shutdown
The meter is equipped with an automatic shutdown feature to conserve battery life. If all functions are not used, the meter will automatically shut down after 10 minutes. This default setting can be adjusted or disabled via the device settings or the mobile app.
5. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the device. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Battery Care: For optimal battery life, charge the 18650 lithium battery regularly and avoid fully discharging it for extended periods. If storing the device for a long time, ensure the battery is partially charged.
- Storage: Store the device in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Inspection: Periodically inspect the clamp jaw and input terminals for any signs of damage or wear.
6. Troubleshooting
- Device does not power on: Ensure the 18650 lithium battery is sufficiently charged. Connect the device to a power source using the USB-C cable.
- Inaccurate readings: Check that the test leads are properly connected and that the correct measurement range is selected. Ensure the clamp jaw is fully closed around the conductor for current measurements.
- Bluetooth connectivity issues: Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both the CMS101 and your mobile device. Ensure the i-meter app is installed and updated. Try restarting both devices and re-pairing them.
- Display not clear: The 2.8-inch IPS LCD has dual theme display options. Adjust the theme to adapt to different light environments for better visibility.
7. Specifications

Image: The 2.8-inch IPS LCD display of the OWON CMS101, showing its wide viewing angle and dual theme display capability for clearer readings in various lighting conditions.
| Specification | Range | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| DC Voltage | 200.00mV / 2.0000V / 20.000V / 200.00V / 1000.0V | ± (0.1% + 5dig) / ± (0.1% + 5dig) / ± (0.1% + 5dig) / ± (0.1% + 5dig) / ± (0.1% + 5dig) |
| AC Voltage (V) | 200.00mV / 2.0000V / 20.000V / 200.00V / 1000.0V | ± (0.6% + 10dig) / ± (0.6% + 10dig) / ± (0.6% + 10dig) / ± (0.6% + 10dig) / ± (0.8% + 10dig) |
| DC Current (A) | 20.00A / 200.0A / 1000A | ± (3.0% + 10dig) / ± (3.0% + 10dig) / ± (3.0% + 10dig) |
| AC Current (A) | 20.00A / 200.0A / 1000A | ± (3.0% + 10dig) / ± (3.0% + 10dig) / ± (2.5% + 5dig) |
| Inrush Current (A) | 20.00A / 200.0A / 1000A | ± (10.0% + 10dig) / ± (10.0% + 10dig) / ± (8.0% + 10dig) |
| Resistance | 200.00Ω / 2.0000kΩ / 20.000kΩ / 200.00kΩ / 2.0000MΩ / 20.000MΩ / 100.0MΩ | ± (0.3% + 5dig) / ± (0.3% + 5dig) / ± (0.3% + 5dig) / ± (0.3% + 5dig) / ± (0.5% + 5dig) / ± (0.5% + 5dig) / ± (3.0% + 10dig) |
| Capacitance (F) | 2.000nF / 20.00nF / 200.0nF / 2.000μF / 20.00μF / 200.0μF / 2.000mF / 20.00mF | ± (3.0% + 10dig) / ± (3.0% + 10dig) / ± (3.0% + 10dig) / ± (3.0% + 10dig) / ± (3.0% + 10dig) / ± (3.0% + 10dig) / ± (3.0% + 10dig) / ± (3.0% + 10dig) |
| Frequency (Hz) | 200.00Hz / 2.0000kHz / 20.000kHz / 200.00kHz / 2.0000MHz / 20.000MHz | ± (0.1% + 3dig) / ± (0.1% + 3dig) / ± (0.1% + 3dig) / ± (0.1% + 3dig) / ± (0.1% + 3dig) / ± (0.1% + 3dig) |
| Duty Cycle | 0.1%-99.9% (≥ 1 Typical: Vrms=1 V, f=100Hz) / 0.1%-99.9% (≥ 1 Typical: Vrms=1 V, f=100Hz) | ± (1.2% + 3dig) / ± (2.5% + 10dig) |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Analog bandwidth | 1kHz |
| Sample mode | Real-time sample |
| Real-time sampling rate | 5.0MSa/s |
| Channel | 1 |
| Input impedance | 10MΩ |
| Maximum input voltage | 1000V |
| Maximum sample current | 1000A |
| Scan speed | 2.5us/div~10s/div |
| Time base accuracy | ±(0.01% + 0.1div) |
| Sensitivity | 30mV/div~500V/div |
| Displacement range | ±3 grid |
| Measurement value | Max, Min, Pk-Pk, Avg, Freq, Period, RMS |
| Trigger mode | Auto |
| Trigger type | Rise, Fall |
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth communication | A smartphone can be used to view the measurement data of the multimeter on the mobile phone side, perform remote control, display data charts, and store the measurement data in CSV format. |
| Automatic shutdown | When all functions are not used, the meter will automatically shut down in about 10 minutes (the default is 10 minutes of automatic shutdown when starting, which can be canceled). |
| Display mode | DMM or OSC |
| True RMS | ✓ |
| Input protection | ✓ |
| Backlight function | ✓ |
| Low Battery Indication | ✓ |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Battery | Single section 18650 3.7V |
| LCD size | 2.8 inch LCD |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 248mm x 94.5mm x 37.8mm |
| Weight | 870g |
| Operating Temperature | as the description |
| Measuring Inductance Range | 200Hz to 20MHz |
| Measuring Capacitance Range | 20mF |
| Measuring Resistance Range | 100Mohm |
| Measuring Voltage Range | 20mV to 1000V |
| Measuring Current Range | 20A-1000A |
| Display Type | Digital Only |
| DIY Supplies | Electrical |
| Origin | Mainland China |
| Certification | CE, RoHS |
Specifications subject to change without prior notice.
8. User Tips
- Maximize Data Logging: Utilize the Bluetooth app for continuous data logging and remote monitoring, especially for long-term measurements or when working in hazardous environments. The CSV export feature is great for detailed post-analysis.
- Quick Oscilloscope Setup: Familiarize yourself with the 'A' (Auto) key in oscilloscope mode. It can quickly set up the waveform display, saving time during initial measurements.
- Leverage Jaw Design: The 38mm narrow-edge elongated opening is designed for convenience. Ensure the conductor is centered within the jaw for the most accurate current readings, especially with larger wires.
- Safety First with NCV: Always use the NCV function to quickly check for live voltage before making direct contact with conductors, even if you believe the circuit is de-energized.
9. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the official OWON website or contact your authorized dealer. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.