Extech EX330 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: MrOmigoodness
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2012, 12:38:13 am
content: Hi all!I'm new to the forum but have been watching Dave's videos for quite some time now. So I'm looking at purchasing my first multimeter (yay!) and I saw his $50 shootout in which the Extech took the winning spot. It honestly looks like a good multimeter to me and that will probably be the one I'm going to get. I don't have much money to burn right now so I probably want to stay around the $50 mark.I was just hoping I could get some advice from people who either have or have used the multimeter. Is it worth the money? Are there better ones for that price? Pretty much, just should I get it. And if not, then which DMM should I get?Any help to this noob in need will be greatly appreciated :p ! Thanks in advance~MrOmi~

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2012, 12:42:25 am
content: Update your profile so we know what country you are in.Do you mind buying used? If not, you can find some good deals on ebay. I purchased all my multimeters used and got signficant discounts compared to a new one.

author: MrOmigoodness
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2012, 12:47:30 am
content: Profile updated. I'll see what I can find on ebay, never thought of that.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 27, 2012, 01:15:11 am
content: The EX330 is a decent meter for the money.As for ebay, a used Fluke 25 or 27 would be good buy if you can find one around that price.Dave.

author: MrOmigoodness
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2012, 01:53:30 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 27, 2012, 01:15:11 amThanks for the recommendation. Found a few cheap Flukes on ebay. Loving the blog, keep it up!~MrOmi~

author: kodai
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2012, 08:43:57 am
content: I'd stay well clear of used/ebay multimeters in your current situation. We know you are on a budget as you've said you would like to keep the price to about $50.00. We know you are fairly new to electronics as you said this will be your first DMM. The odds on getting any used fluke (27 on up that is), on ebay for under $50 that is sold by a known and reputable meter dealer are very slim. I mention known/reputable because used flukes are big business on ebay and there are a number of big dealers that piece working units together out of parts then turn around without a calibration and sell them. Major recipe for disaster.Now I'm an ebay junky for scrap and test gear, but I'm ready for that. For instance, I just recieved a brand new Amprobe 38xr today that I got off ebay for $31.00, still in its unopened, retail blister pack with all the goodies. Great deal, but it was still a risk. I have many good known meters that I trust to run it against to make sure its working to spec. You dont have that, and with a limited budget it sounds like you would be more than a little annoyed if you got a used one and it wasn't up to snuff. Even if you snag a new one, you wont be able to get a warranty with it as virtually all DMM makers will only warranty a retail purchased meter.I would advise you consider something like the Extech 330 new and register it. Then if you stick with electronics, and build up a bit of confidence with the meter. Build up a small parts/tools collection over time that you can use as home reference testing points. Once you decide to continue down your electronics path, then start looking at ebay deals. You will have the knowledge/skills, and equipment to make good use of used gear at that point. Then you could make the 330 something like a second/backup meter. From the limited info you have provided, I've assumed quite a bit here. But thats just my two cents. Good luck with what ever you decide.

author: Christopher
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2012, 10:09:20 pm
content: Argh! Looked on eBay last week and they had about 5 listings for the ex330. Today when i want to buy it: none.Damn,EDIT: Bought now, £42 not bad. Now to get some good test leads...