Extech EX530, Uni-T UT81 review - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Simeon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 31, 2013, 12:21:45 pm
content: Hi Dave.Can you do a review of these meters ?The Extech seems a good meter, and the Uni-T is sa scopemeter, as you probably know.They are both high accuracy. The Extech can fight with the Fluke 87V. They are similar, but the 87V is much more expensive.You could even do a 200$ multimeter shootoutIt would be nice.Sorry for my english, I'm not very good at it.I wish you all the best in the new year !

author: mariush
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2013, 12:30:14 pm
content: UT81 was reviewed by Martin (mjlorton) here:Extech EX530 was discussed here.Martin reviewed Major Tech MT1887 which is a rebadged Extech EX530 (or made by same OEM)

author: Simeon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 31, 2013, 12:40:05 pm
content: Oh, thanks.

author: Robomeds
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2013, 03:32:09 pm
content: The 530 is a CEM designed meter. I've recently pulled two very similar looking CEM meters apart and was surprised just how different they were on the inside. Also, neither of mine looked like the Extech from Dave's $100 shootout. For the price I like the solid feel of the CEM meters. The switches are a bit mushy feeling but they feel nice in the hands. The digits aren't the easiest to read and I think the curved lens makes it harder to read as well (catches reflections rather badly). However, the biggest thing I don't like about most of them is the pretty low accuracy (perhaps I'm spoiled by better meters) and the lower display refresh rate (again perhaps spoiled).

author: Simeon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 31, 2013, 04:07:40 pm
content: Well, i saw the Brymen BM867/869.I can say one thing- go f*ck yourself, Uni-T and ExtechIt is soooo good. It has better characteristics even than the Fluke 87V !Awesome meter !... but, i think the 87V is much more safer and is better protected.... and more robust.So, for a cheapass, high accuracy meter- The Brymen !Thank you, everybody !

author: PedroDaGr8
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2013, 04:32:13 pm
content: Quote from: Simeon on December 31, 2013, 04:07:40 pmWhile you may be right on robustness; the Brymen is actually safer and better protected then the fluke. The Brymen has a Cat IV 1000V rating, while all of flukes meters, including the 87V, are at best Cat IV 600V/Cat III 1000V rated.Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk

author: Simeon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 31, 2013, 05:04:25 pm
content: Well, then, AWESOME !Looks like, Brymen is screwing the fluke totally !Perfect !

author: Robomeds
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2013, 05:23:01 pm
content: Quote from: PedroDaGr8 on December 31, 2013, 04:32:13 pmProbably better to say the Brymen has a higher CAT rating. I wouldn't claim it was safer or better protected without more information. Fluke appears to be very conservative in their design and ratings. I haven't seen anything bad about Brymen but I'm not sure if they are as cautious as Fluke. Basically I would expect more margin of safety in a Fluke designed meter.

author: Simeon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 02, 2014, 05:04:51 pm
content: Yup.The brymen is a badass multimeter !I think it deserves each penny you paid for it.

author: electronics man
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2014, 10:13:49 pm
content: Is this meter like the ex330 and do you know how much this thing costs

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 03, 2014, 03:21:17 am
content: Is what meter like the EX330? And why are you using the bullshit meter smiley?If you are asking if the Brymen BM867 or BM869 are like the EX330 then no, not even close. The BM86X series is the top of the line from Brymen and costs around $250 plus shipping.

author: electronics man
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2014, 05:04:06 pm
content: i meant the ex530

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 03, 2014, 09:28:24 pm
content: The EX530 is similar in construction and design to the rest of the EX series. Dave also did a review of the EX510 in the $100 review and it did not fair well in terms of quality control.

author: Simeon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 04, 2014, 12:59:27 pm
content: Well, Brymen keeps amazing me- look what they say on their page:We Serve The Toughest Safety For The Bright People Like YOU !In Year 1994 ELECTRONICA, we introduced our first CAT III 1000V compliance multimeter series, the BM830 series. The meters survive high energy 8000V (lightning surge) transient protection.Yet, setting a new milestone in multimeter safety!In Year 2003 TAITRONICS, we introduced our first CAT IV 1000V compliance multimeter series, the BM680 series. The meters survive high energy 12000V (lightning surge) transient protection.Yet, setting another new milestone in multimeter safety!Most of our product series are UL listed to UL safety standards and also UL investigated on international safety standard IEC61010 compliance. Check out our UL listed products in the UL database.Our UL File number is E204990.I did a little research and found all the rebadget versions of the BM869:Brymen BM869 =Metrel DM9060Elma BM869Greenlee DM860Minipa ET2940

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2014, 02:38:53 pm
content: Pity about the 12 year old webmaster who designed their internet presence.Their flagship might be an excellent meter, but the company has no traction in industry, where Fluke dominates. The whole package has to be looked at, not just price versus quality. Support, warranties, ease of calibration and established industrial standards are more important. Litigation plays a part too. Company lawyers would rather deal with injuries related to equipment built by a widely recognized brand, rather than by some unknown entity.Of course, little of this applies to the individual user, mostly looking for a bargain deal.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2014, 02:56:14 pm
content: Also remember that a CAT III 1000V rating, automatically equals to a CAT IV 600V rating (test at 8,000 volts). If CAT IV 1000V is not required by industry, there is no point testing to 12,000 volts, even if the meter can pass the test.