Cutting to the chase, I’m a bit disappointed with this multimeter. I bought it primarily based on low price, features and relatively good review in Dave Jone’s EEVblog #91.
The Ohm, DC volts and Diode check function work as expected. Some of the other features don’t work as well as I had hoped.
My sub $100 Tek 465 oscilloscope can be used for checking AC volts, though accuracy is approximate.
The Fluke counter I picked off of eBay and repaired for around $40 is vastly more accurate and usable for frequency readings.
At some point, I’m going to have to pick up a more capable capacitance tester, but in the past I have hacked one together out of spare parts on the few occasions when I really had to have one.
For the features that do work well, the ergonomics of the EX330 are quite nice, much better than the $29 unit that it’s replacing.
Bottom line – you get what you pay for, though I’m starting to believe that if it works or can be repaired, there can be some real bargains found in the vintage test gear marketplace. 🙂
I have an EX430 (similar to the 330 but has true RMS) and I’m happy with it overall. I think my expectations were lower that yours – I use it for voltage, current, and resistance measurements but consider capacitance and frequency more of a gimmick. I use an LC meter for inductance and capacitance measurements, a counter for frequency, and a ‘scope for low AC voltages.
I recommend this LC meter: http://www.aade.com/lcmeter.htm
Hi Jeff,
I guess I’m just saying it doesn’t appear to meet it’s specs, or at least it’s specs can be met only under certain constraints, something a purchaser should be aware of. I will continue to use it, as it’s basic functions, resistance and DC voltage, do work very well. I usually measure amperage through use of a bench supply or a low value, high wattage dropping resistor.
regards,
Mike Willegal