Extech MultiMeter?

[adamthole]

I need a new multimeter and I was looking at the Extech line, specifically the 430. Does anyone have any experience with these and would recommend or not recommend them? I want to get one that is going to last me for a while. One of the reasons I picked the Extech is that is is relatively inexpensive, and it can measure current down to 0.1uA.

 

[AllVol]

I have an ExTech EX330. I am satisfied with its operation and would recommend it.

The major difference between mine and the 430 is that the 430 is about one and one/haf inches longer and about 30 dollars more.

Spec-wise there isn't that much difference, according to the Jameco catalog.

 

[adamthole]

I think the main difference it true RMS. I don't really need that right now...but I don't want to upgrade later if I do end up needing it. Thanks for the input though, I will now consider both.

 

[philba]

I've got several extech meters (don't recall the numbers, they stayed home today) but I *think* one is a 330. I basically like it at the price but:
- Poor battery life
- display is hard to read (I'd like a backlight but that would kill batteries even worse).

overall, for what it is, it's pretty good.

 

[AllVol]

- Poor battery life
- display is hard to read (I'd like a backlight but that would kill batteries even worse).

overall, for what it is, it's pretty good.

Mine was a self-administered Christmas present, and I'm still on the original batteries although I use it frequently. It does have auto-shutoff in case I forget.

I agree with the display, although it is okay in normal lighting.

I still have, and use occasionally, the smallest Radio Shack DVM. Talk about a battery-eater!!

And I have an analog, for those times when I need to see an event.

 

[philba]

Mine was a self-administered Christmas present, and I'm still on the original batteries although I use it frequently. It does have auto-shutoff in case I forget.

I agree with the display, although it is okay in normal lighting.

I still have, and use occasionally, the smallest Radio Shack DVM. Talk about a battery-eater!!

And I have an analog, for those times when I need to see an event.

the auto shutoff sort of works on mine but I think it still drains the battery. If I let to go for more than a week in "auto shutoff mode" I have to replace the battery soon.

 

[adamthole]

How hard would you say the display is to read? That is fairly important to me.

 

[philba]

I have trouble with the contrast of non-backlit LCDs. especially cheap ones like extech. especially if it's at an angle and there are reflections.

Phil