Multimeter Extech ex530 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: lastdeath
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2012, 09:08:02 am
content: Hi, i dont know if i am in the right place, but i wanna ask if the multimeter extech ex530 is a good multmeter. I want to buy a multimeter, and i have $200 to spend. So i want to know if have a better multimeter than the ex530... the functions that i will need are, AC/DC voltage and amps, resistance, capacitance and need to be true rms frequency and temp are dispensable. I need a good range for all the functions because i will use on eletronic and eletric works.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2012, 09:43:23 am
content: Martin did a review of a MT1887 which is basically a EX530. It isn't very robust.More details in the main reviewHe gave the MT1887 away in a contest.http://mjlorton.com/forum/index.php?topic=62.0

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2012, 09:46:55 am
content: In you are in the USA and are not opposed to buying an used multimeter off ebay, you can get a Fluke 87V quite easily in the $200 USD range.

author: vtl
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2012, 11:50:32 am
content: Quote from: retiredcaps on December 30, 2012, 09:46:55 amHell, here in OZ you can still get an 87V for 200$ even when you factor in shipping. I bought an 87 III including probes and case for ~$140. Excellent condition too.In the past, used 87Vs have even sold for $125 on eBay. (not stuffed, good condition working ones!)If you set up an eBay daily email, within a month you will probably comes across a bargain

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 30, 2012, 04:58:33 pm
content: If you want to go just a little higher in price, $240, have a look at the Amprobe AM-160. Definitely a much better meter for a little more. Its little brother the AM-140 was reviewed here.Or if you want to do what is usually recommended, buy two meters at least. The Amprobe AM-270 is around $80 and it is built correctly.http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/amprobe/multimeters/am-270.htmand you still have money left over to get the PC interface.

author: lastdeath
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2012, 09:05:40 pm
content: The problem is, im not in usa, so buy a used one isnt a option to me, but i have someone that is in usa and will buy one multimeter for me... well this amprobe is better than exetech? because i dont wanna spend more than $200, but if it is better, i can think i spend a little more, but if has a good multimeter for $180-$200 i will prefer =D

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 30, 2012, 10:06:35 pm
content: Really, the Amprobe AM-270 is a very good multimeter by specs and build. It has all the things you want. It is built for safety. For around $80, plus $50 for the USB interface. It is really hard to go wrong with this one.

author: lastdeath
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2013, 08:59:41 am
content: let's see if i understood, it's better buy a am-270 than a extech ex530?

author: lastdeath
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2013, 09:23:59 am
content: I need to buy a multimeter, and i have $200, what is the best multimeter that i can buy with this value?

author: Kibi
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 03, 2013, 03:12:31 pm
content: Yes, the AM-270 will be better than the Extech EX530.Then, even better will be to buy a used Fluke, like the 87V, for around $200.

author: lastdeath
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2013, 03:51:21 pm
content: I found the Amprobe am-140 a little better than the amprobe am-270, am i right? should i buy this meter?

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2013, 04:39:47 pm
content: Yes, the AM-140A is vastly superior. True RMS AC+DC. 50,000 count.Rather buy that one, if you can afford it.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 06, 2013, 04:47:27 pm
content: Hmmm, yes the 140 is better than the 270, except if you want temperature measurement, and want to have the USB interface and software for under $150. Sorry to confuse things.....

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2013, 05:04:17 pm
content: If you need temperature measurement feature and USB logging, buy the AM-160A, but that will push up the price to USD250.00.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Amprobe-AM-160-A-TRMS-Digital-Multimeter-w-PC-Connect-/200871249659?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ec4dc06fb

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 06, 2013, 05:59:37 pm
content: That does not include the USB interface unfortunately. It is another $50 or so.

author: lastdeath
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2013, 02:04:42 am
content: thanks, how i said earlier i have $200 to spend on a multimeter, i was looking the ex530, then you recommended the am-270, and seeing the amprobe products i found the am-140 for $170. Was what i looking for. I dont really need of temperature measure. But i want to know what is the LSD in datasheet. tha AM-140 is accurate?

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 07, 2013, 03:57:22 am
content: The specs go back and forth a bit in accuracy on different functions between the 530 and the 140. The 140 is a much better buy IMHO.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2013, 04:01:02 am
content: https://www.youtube.com/user/jwrelectrodid a 4 part review of the Amprobe AM-140-A.

author: Mosaic
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2013, 11:07:14 pm
content: Hello All:I too have been looking for a DMM that holds it's calibrations and can be used as a bit of a reference. I have enough cheapie DMM's.I am planning to get a Rigol DM3058E 5.5 Digit Bench Multimeter as well as I am interested in milliohm measurements.After looking around I figure the Fluke 87V is built well enough to be reliable even though it's a bit costly. The 289 is a bit bulky as a handheld and browsing thru menus for settings can be human error prone or annoying.The Extech build seems questionable although I like the features.

author: nbritton
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2015, 11:14:48 pm
content: I can pickup an EX530 on clearance for $149, for that price is this meter worth it? I already have an EX210T and Radio Shack 22-172.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 11, 2015, 11:41:37 pm
content: The Extech EX series have very poor quality control apparently from the problems many people have seen. They also don't seem to be very robust from the tests performed by joeqsmith. I would recommend against risking your time and money on anything from that series.

author: Fat
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2015, 02:18:51 pm
content: I bought an EX series meter from Extech. The first one I got I returned out of the box. The second one worked. The performance was disappointing out of the box. The cheap meter I bought at Lowe's hardware was faster and had a higher count. It now sets on the shelf and doesn't get used unless I need a couple of meters at the same time. I picked up a Brymen from Frankie here on the forum and a rebadged Bryman from Greenlee that have been my go to meters. There are much better meters out there, more features, better performance at a lower price. I'd seriously look at the Amprobes everyone is recommending.Fat