Mutimeter EX330, UT61D, or EX210? Pros and cons. Opinions - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Twistx77
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2014, 11:59:04 am
content: Hi,I'm looking for a new multimeter since I'm always travelling and I have an Fluke 87V which I leave at home. I've seen Dave's reviews but I haven't been able to choose.I'm between the Extech EX330 and UNIT UT61D. For now I've discarded the BK 2709B since is almos double the price and I hate the anoying beep when changing measurement.The Extech is ok but it has three things I hate, the continuity test is not as good as the BK and it can't measure LEDs, the Non contact voltage detection can be handyThe UT61D, the continuity is not good, it can light up the LEDs at least which is very handy for me to know if the diodes are soldered correctly, the continuity test is also bad but is 6000 counts and the RS232 feature can be very handy.Also we have the EX210 which is about the same price but it has a very handy IR thermometer but I don't know how good the continuity test is and if it can light up LEDs which I think it does since the test voltage is 3V and it uses 9V batteries.I would really appreciate everyone's opinions specially the good things and bad things anyone with any of those meters has.Thank you!

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2014, 12:14:25 pm
content: I guess your budget is around 50$. Another meter to consider for that price is the UNI-T 139C. (Good continuity, true RMS, 3.2V diode test, 100mF, temp)Extech doesn't have a good reputation when it comes to build quality.The 61D has a problem with big caps, but it has the PC connection you may need.Resident HKG seller Franky has the 139C for sale:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Uni-T-UT139C-True-RMS-Digital-Multimeter-with-Temperature-NCV-Backlight-/171213085325?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27dd185a8d

author: Rascal
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2014, 12:21:18 pm
content: Purchased the EX330 a few months back as a standby meter.Not impressed at all - auto ranging is very slow, accuracy on DC volts is right at the specification limit - I have bought meters at a 10th of the price that have better accuracy.Cant comment on the other meters

author: Twistx77
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2014, 12:25:44 pm
content: Thanks to both, I will check the ut139c seems good but my budget is 80 to 90 euros. I will pay up to 90 for something that can really be good in all I want or almost.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2014, 12:28:59 pm
content: 90 euros expands your choice quite a bit. The Brymen 257 is a favorite in that price range.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brymen-BM257-Digital-Multimeter-6000-count-Brand-New-Fluke-alternative-/200922627340?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ec7ebfd0cThe Fluke 17B+ is also a contender if you don't care about true RMS:http://www.ebay.de/itm/Fluke-17B-Kapazitat-Digital-Multimeter-Meter-sofort-von-Deutschland-nach-/331330232778?pt=Mess_Pr%C3%BCftechnik&hash=item4d24d221ca

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 23, 2014, 04:03:35 pm
content: Listen to Wytnucls. He knows what he is talking about.

author: Twistx77
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2014, 07:28:05 pm
content: I'm really liking the BM257 thanks Wytnucls but I can't find it in Europe for that price and if I buy it in the US I will pay way over 90€ withs customes... Also, I need it soon.

author: Twistx77
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2014, 07:51:07 pm
content: I have found this:http://www.tme.eu/en/details/bm257/portable-digital-multimeters/brymen/bm257s/have anyone bought at TME before?Also, what would you think would be a better choice the BM257 or the BK 2709B ? the BK is a bit cheaper.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2014, 08:12:06 pm
content: TME is fine from what I hear.The 257 is more accurate than the BK, comes with a bar graph and has a higher AC bandwidth, but can't light up LEDs.

author: Twistx77
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2014, 08:15:20 pm
content: Thank you. I might get the BM257 then, is like 15€ more expensive but the RS232 function and the size are good. I will have to make a simple led tester probe.

author: Yago
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2014, 08:26:20 pm
content: I have bought from TME a few times, no problems (other than the website is a bit of a puzzle).Bought a Brymen meter from there tooTME are not the cheapest, but they are quick.Frankie on EEVblog (ILoveElectronics) sells Brymen meters and ships to UK and is more competitively priced.Many have bought from him and are happy (including me).

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 23, 2014, 11:09:04 pm
content: Quote from: Twistx77 on October 23, 2014, 08:15:20 pmThe BM257s does not come with a PC cable as standard. It is an extra cost option. I don't think you will be disappointed with it, it is a great meter and very handy.

author: Twistx77
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2014, 06:48:12 am
content: Thank you Yago, I will talk to him first then.Thanks Lightages, I already knew that but the cable is 23€ with the RS232 to USB converter which is not bad.