EX330 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Tim4444
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2013, 08:02:36 pm
content: Hello,I am thinking of buying the EX330 (http://www.extech.com/instruments/product.asp?catid=48&prodid=277) after watching an EEVblog. I am a beginner electronics hobbyist and was just wondering if anyone had any opinions on this multimeter? I am only messing around with small breadboards and 9v battery circuits - Is this a good multimeter for this purpose at this price range?Would be grateful for any advice.ThanksTim

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2013, 08:12:27 pm
content: It looks like a good choice.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 28, 2013, 09:43:38 pm
content: As always, it is helpful to know at least what country you are from. This helps in making recommendations for things that may or may not be available at a good price where you live.Dave got a good one in his review, but many people have had problems with Extech EX series meters. Dave got a bad one in his review for the $100 shootout. I personally would stay away from them.You might want to consider this one:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Digitek-DT-2843R-AC-DC-True-RMS-Multimeter-Backlight-and-Temperature-/171080136251?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27d52bb63bIt is being sold by a member on these forums, iloveelectronics and that is his ebay store. I have one of these that he sent me for a review on youtube:and I decided to buy another when the final version was released. The final version has a better back light and better markings on the face.This should also be a very good buy if you are willing to go a bit higher. I have no direct experience with it but it was discussed here and it appears to be a well built and useful meter:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/amprobe-am-530-a-peek-under-the-hood/

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 28, 2013, 10:27:10 pm
content: For the price, yes, just get it and be happy, it's a solid little meter and will serve you well.

author: geo_leeman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 03:02:22 am
content: I got one for a knock-around that is in my daily carry for quick and rough work (is this instrument getting power?). For a first meter it's fantastic and will serve you very well. Eventually you may decide to go for a higher count meter, but then you'll be on your way to a collection of meters! (A very good thing.)

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 03:05:41 am
content: Extech is owned by Flir, I guess I didn't notice that before.

author: george graves
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 03:23:25 am
content: You might also look at ut61e.

author: ddrl46
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 07:36:22 am
content: It's quite a decent meter apart from the range switch which isWAYtoo easy to get between the ranges and the non-contact voltage thingy seems to be quite picky about how hard you press the button.Also,

author: hedgewallace
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 08:06:28 am
content: Not sure if anyone has noticed, but on the EX330 webpage, it says "This product is the winner of EEVBlog Multimeter Shootout"http://www.extech.com/instruments/product.asp?catid=48&prodid=277If you click on the link in the text, it leads you here:http://www.extech.com/instruments/press.asp?pressid=06072010

author: BillyD
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 02:09:48 pm
content: For hobby electronics work I think the UT61E might be a better choice. I think it's about the same price and has more features.Main drawback to watch out for is that it doesn't have auto power off.

author: psycho0815
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 02:59:52 pm
content: Quote from: hedgewallace on October 29, 2013, 08:06:28 amI like how they quote almost everything positive he said and totally omit the negatives. Off course that's what they would do, but it still seems a bit unsincere.Also, who would've thought that a company like that would even pay attention to videobloggers?

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 03:24:58 pm
content: For what you are doing, almost every DMM will serve you just fine, one one of these low cost DMMhttp://amzn.com/B005KGCI0Y

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 03:37:10 pm
content: Don't be a troll. That POS has a 11% failure rate from new and is just a pile of shit waiting to fail you when you least expect it.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 04:47:44 pm
content: Troll? No need to go personal.I used such low cost DDM for years and it served me very well.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 05:52:37 pm
content: I have a few of those clone 830 meters around. not for high voltage or mains use, but perfect for general use in testing low voltage and batteries. Fine enough in the car as well. I have popped a few though doing stupid things though.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 05:54:41 pm
content: Quote from: zapta on October 29, 2013, 04:47:44 pmIf it was not a troll, then I apologize. There has been much discussion about the "quality" and value of these meters and so I thought it was a troll. I did state a fact however, 11% failure rate from new from the link you provided.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 06:03:25 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on October 29, 2013, 05:54:41 pmNo problem.My view is that the main thing is not what tools one has but what one does with them.Same goes for biking equipment and accessories ;-)

author: Dave
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 06:13:51 pm
content: If you are going to keep it around battery voltages, it's all good, but it's not the right tool for doing any work on mains. It has very little input protection and it won't hesitate to explode in your hands, if you probe something incorrectly.Do yourself a favor, throw in 50 more bucks, and get a proper meter.

author: Tim4444
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 11:09:08 pm
content: Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I am going to go for it. It seems like a good choice for a first meter.Tim