Extech EX330 Autoranging Mini Multimeter with NCV and Type K Temperature

Really nice multimeter in a robust rubber case. Great for use in the field and compliments my electronics workbench along side my bench multimeter.

+Inexpensive. +NCV detector a bonus. +Good overall feature set. +Compared readings with a Fluke 87-5, Fluke 23, ScopeMeter 95 and an AVO and can confirm this is indeed and accurate meter. +Consistent readings on top of accuracy. +Solid Build Quality. +Good Internal construction & design (Ignoring a few through-hole components). +Included Probes are adequate enough for light use. +Nice Thermocouple adapter is included to convert the probe sockets to a standard K-type. +High contrast display and good viewing angle. +Manual Range button. -Seemed to stop beeping after being unused for a few weeks, opened it up and gave it a solder reflow and that fixed it. Shouldn't have needed to be done in the first place though. -Fuses arn't HRC, just some cheap glass ones. (*That shatter into hundreds of shards under a 'high-energy mishap') -Fuses difficult to replace as there is not much space to get at them (assuming you ever need to replace them) -Stand is pretty poor (just chuck it on the bench or prop it up with something else) -(FIXED) Occasionally crashes when measuring current, not sure if this is just my unit or is a design fault. -Initially overshoots when taking measurements -SLOW AUTORANGING, It really is the only thing that lets this otherwise brilliant meter down Additional: ~Couldn't find much information regarding the Frequency measurements, but worked well enough on my signal generator and I can confirm that it will accept mains voltage without problem. I have not tested the Duty Cycle feature so cannot comment on its performance. ~Tested it with 12v on the Ohm Range, it didn't like it and displayed the low battery icon. When I reversed the polarity, it just tried to auto-range. Not the best result by far, but at least it survived the ordeal. I would be very hesitant to put any more pressure on it, so definitely get the right mode and double check before doing anything higher For the price, Just a bit over £40 I can safely say that this is a decent meter; but just think weather you really want an autorange this slow, I mean 3~4 seconds for a quick resistance test? It's painful. I believe that there is a manual range only version for quite some money off too, and I would beg you to at least consider it before making your purchase. **********************UPDATE 27/05/14******************************** Wow, I suppose it is easy to make mistakes... In short, It was late and I wasn't thinking straight. I just went to check on the mains voltage as I was having problems with a linear transformer and kablooey. Mains right down the 10A current socket. To my surprise, the meter was still alive after the ordeal, and all that it needed was a quick cleanup and a new fuse! The MOV didn't explode and everything is still working in tip-top condition. While cleaning up the meter, I thought I would take it fully apart and have a look-see if there was any damage anywhere. While in there, I cleaned the contacts on the rotary switch with some alcohol and tightened everything back up. Upon testing all the modes I found that it no longer locked up, turned off or did any other 'weird stuff' that it did before while switching through the current and resistance positions, so it must have just been a dodgy unit to start off with. Update & conclusion: At first I was skeptical of the long-term build quality and protection offered by this meter, but the truth is this is a top quality test instrument that you should be proud to own. It will, for as long as it lives, be my first choice- the one you grab when you need to take a quick measurement. It may not be faultless; but it is safe, reliable and trustworthy. What else would you look for in a basic multimeter?

I have used this for only few days and its my first ever DMM , but from my few day experience I would like to highlight some negative aspects . 1. For the price you would expect carrying case . 2. Center dial could be better . 3. Would like to see included alligator clips. 4. Stand is there but not as stable as you would want . I could not change mode without MM sliding all over the table while in stand mode. And without stand it also tends to slide all around place. Could be because stand made from plastic but rest of the holster is rubber. I think these are minor cons considering the price . On positive side . 1.It feel well built, solid. 2.Has nice display. 3.Has compact size 4.Fells good in the hands 5. Relatively accurate . All around very nice DMM with good functionality from respectable brand .

I had a number of failures while looking for a good multimeter in a low-mid price range. This device is worth every penny. Pros: Very good build quality. Compact size (compared to similar devices). Good display readability. Fast autoranging. I rarely use manual mode. No useless additional modes. Cons: No backlight makes it's use a bit limited.

Great little meter for the money. Accidentally shorted out mains through the current function but it handled it well and still works just fine. Temperature probe is nice to have and the Non contact voltage detector has "just right" sensitivity to make it useful for checking for live cables in walls and just before opening the cover! Supplied probes are nice and sharp and work OK.

Ergonomically this is quite good, in that it is robust, easy to use one-handed and has a quick clear display. However I find that sometimes it doesn't recognise the position of the switch, requiring you to wiggle it to take effect. Accuracy in my unit is at best barely within specifications, and sometimes outside it - and in a non linear fashion, especially for the temperature and capacitance ranges. As a cheap and cheerful meter it's a handy one to have thrown in the toolbox or boot of the car, and better value for money than the real cheapo multimeters, but not the greatest if accuracy is important to you.

I am experienced at DIY and hobby electronics, have owned this meter for 4 years and am very pleased with it. It has a good range of features and is extremely practical. I have recently purchased the Neoteck 8-Piece Multimeter Test Lead Kit since the Extech set didn't get such great reviews. The new leads are also excellent and increase the usability of the meter. Highly recommended! UPDATE: After 5 years the rotary switch has become unreliable and the selection changes at random, which I suppose could prove dangerous...

I bought this following the review by Dave Jones on the EEVBlog (check youtube for his videos). Works perfectly well for my basic electronic needs and I've found the NCV (non contact voltage) detector to be extremely useful. It's far more sensitive than those basic 'pen' style voltage detectors, so much so that you can trace the power wiring in the wall. Recommended..