The Extech EX420 is a professional auto-ranging general purpose multimeter that prevents the need to carry around multiple meters. It has 11 functions ranging from basic functions to the  more advanced functions.

Functions include: AC and DC voltage and current, resistance, frequency, temperature (temperature probe included), capacitance, diode and continuity check.

The Extech EX420 has a 0.3 percent basic accuracy which is suitable for most troubleshooting applications.

The EX420 is very similiar to the Extech multimeter EX430 accept the EX420 is a averaging multimeter as opposed to the EX430 which is a True RMS multimeter. The EX420 is also a little cheaper to buy than the 430. It is a great multimeter for someone who is getting starting in electrical troubleshooting but it also a great multimeter for the professional that does not want to spend a ton of money for one of the higher priced multimeters.

The display on the EX420 is a large digit lcd backlit display making the readout very easy to see. Other than the digits, the display also shows  icons to show things such as the battery life and other information related to the type of measurement that is selected to be made.

The EX420 provides input fuse protection and also has a feature where it will warn the user if the positive test lead is inserted into a current jack and a non-current function is selected. Warnings are made via the audible buzzer and also a icon will appear in the display.

Other features of the EX420

• Data hold feature allows the display to “hold” the data values on the display even after the measurement has been made.
• The relative mode feature allows the measurement to be made relative to a stored value such as a reference voltage or current. The displayed reading will be the difference between the reference value and the measured value.
• The unit also has an auto power off feature to save battery life when it has not been used within 15 minutes of time.
• CAT III to 600 V, CE and UL listed.

The Extech EX420  comes complete with test leads, the type k temperature probe, a 9 volt battery, the protective holster, a adjustable tilt stand, and a velcro hanging strap. 

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Fluke 289 is a high quality, high precision, True RMS data logging multimeter. It is built to solve complex problems in plant automation, power distribution, electronics, and electro- mechanical equipment. The Fluke 289 has been well received by others who have purchased this multimeter and has received top star rating customer reviews from Amazon.com.

The Fluke 289′s data logging feature and graphing abilities can be used directly on the multimeter and allows a trend to be detected without actually having to download the readings data to a computer.

 (If you are interest in the Fluke 289 and want the Flukeview forms and accessories, for a little more money you can purchase the Fluke 289 with the combo kit.)  

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Data-logging

The Fluke 289 can store up to 15,000 recorded events. The measurements made while out in the field can be named, saved, and then recalled later. A built in real time clock allows the 289 to automatically place a accurate time stamp on all of the saved readings which allows data to be viewed and analyzed based on the time of measurement. Trends can be detected directly on the meter which is very helpful while isolating problems while out in the field.

Usability

The display is a large 50,000 count 1/4 vga featuring a white back-light. Multiple sets measurement data can be displayed on the screen at the same time. Not sure how a function works and you are without the user guide? no problem. The 289 features built in help screens that can be accessed from it’s information (i) button. Function selection and navigation are a breeze with it’s soft keys and built in scroll button. The Fluke 289 allows the user to create custom displays and has a multi-lingual interface allowing it to be tailored to the individual needs of the user.

Smoothing mode. 

The Fluke 289 has a smoothing mode feature used when the input signal is rapidly changing or when the input signal has a lot of noise in it. Smoothing mode is a user select-able AC filter the helps the 289 display a more stable and accurate measurement reading. 

Other things you may want to know

• Low impedance voltage prevents false readings due to ghost voltages
• data can be exported to a csv file
• Designed to meet csa, ul, tuv, ce agency approvals. Its also cat iii 1000 v cat iv 600v safety rated
• Batteries: runs on 6 AA alkaline batteries or neda IEC Ir6. runs for approximately100 hours and 200 hours in logging mode.
• Includes: manual, 6 aa batteries, set of tl71 silicone test leads, a probe holder, two ac72 alligator clips. Has an optional accessory 80bk-a integrated dmm temp probe w/ measurement range up to 260-degrees celsius.

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The Fluke 289 is another great multimeter built by Fluke and is highly recommended to anyone in need of a high quality data logging multimeter.

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The Amprobe PM55A is an excellent little shirt pocket sized multimeter that has nine different measurement functions (some of which are typically only seen on larger multimeters). This little multimeter weighs in just under 3 ounces and has a thickness of under 3/8 inches thick.

The PM55A falls in around the medium price ranges typically found to be between $40 and $60 US Dollars. The Amprobe PM55A measures: AC DC voltage and current, resistance, capacitance, frequency, continuity with beeper, diode checker, and is a fully auto-ranging multimeter. The PM55A has a oversized digital display with very large digits. the display also shows the units icons.  It is safety rated to CAT II 600 V,CAT III 300 V,Pollution Degree 2, Class 2. 

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The PM55A is a smart multimeter in the sense that it uses a  AutoTect feature that knows what it is measuring. If you are measuring ac, dc volts or resistance, the PM55A automatically recognizes what it is measuring and adjusts itself to the proper settings without any type of user interface.

For example, if you want to measure 12 volts dc. Simply connect the test leads to the test points and the multimeter automatically selects the correct function/range to measure the 12 volts dc. The AutoTect feature has a low input impedance allowing all the “ghost voltages” to be zeroed out.  Now that is pretty cool.

Another cool feature on this pocket sized multimeter is it’s ability to detect voltage without making contact to the live circuit. You do not need to use the test leads to make non contact voltage measurements. Simply place the meter near the live conductors and the voltage detector is able to determine if voltage is or is not present. This can be a time saver when you really are not concerned so much with the amount of voltage present but rather, whether or not voltage is present. If the voltage is not present, simply continue along the circuit – holding the meter close to the circuit until you find the spot where the voltage is lost.

If you are looking for a shirt pocket sized multimeter to be used on the go, then that Amprobe PM55A may be the multimeter for you.

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The Greenlee DM-300 is a unique looking multimeter with rounded edges and a simple looking face. Don’t let the look of this multimeter fool ya – this is no toy. The Dm-300 is a very well built True RMS multimeter backed by a limited lifetime warranty from Greenlee. The DM-300 offers many exciting features including: non-contact voltage detector, a 6000-count high resolution display, data hold, Min/Mac function, and a auto-off feature to prevent wasteful discharging of the battery. The DM-300 measures AC and DC voltage, frequency, resistance, check diodes, and will verify continuity.

Non-Contact Voltage Detector. Verify the presence of voltage without even touching the circuit. the Dm-300 features a non-contact voltage detector that allows you to verify that a circuit is live without actually having to contact the test leads to the circuit.

Save battery power. The Greenlee DM-300 features a auto-off feature that will automatically shut the unit off when it has not been used for approximately 30 minutes. The auto-off feature can be disabled by pressing the select button when the unit is turned on. It also has a low battery indicator to warn you when it’s getting time to change out the 9 volt battery.

True RMS Measurements. Motors and other nonlinear loads can cause inaccurate measurements with a standard averaging multimeter. The DM-300 is a True RMS multimeter which will give a more accurate readings when making non-linear load measurements.

Data hold feature. The DM-300 has a data hold feature. This feature, when set, will allow you to focus your attention on getting the test leads on the proper test points and not having to worry about checking the reading on the lcd screen. The meter will take the reading and the measurement reading will remain on screen even after you remove the test leads from the connection points.

Min/Max feature. Much like the data hold feature, the min/max feature will allow you to take a measurement and it will hold the min and max values of the measurement on the lcd screen.

Accuracy

The Greenlee DM-300 multimeter is a good multimeter for measuring voltage, resistance, diode check, and continuity. Please be aware that this multimeter does not measure current.

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The Velleman DVM345DI does it again by introducing many advanced multimeter features while keeping the price on a lower scale. The DVM345DI is a great meter for those needing to analyze their multimeter readings via a pc, or just wanting to experiment with this type of technology but not wanting to shell out a load of cash to purchase a high end meter that does the same thing. I think this is a good priced multimeter for someone that is not looking for super tight accuracy and would be an excellent meter for students in electronics or engineering and also for the hobbyist.

The Velleman DVM345DI connects to a pc via a RS232C standard interface for PC connection. Simply connect the multimeter to a pc via the supplied interface cable and then run the supplied software on your pc to begin logging data. To the right I have included a little bigger picture of what the data logging software looks like when it is running on your pc. Notice in this instance, the temperature is the function selected to be monitored but any other multimeter function can be monitored via a pc just as well.

About the display. The display on the DVM345DI is a 3 3/4 display that also has an indication for automatic polarity. The display contains a back light and also contains a 38-segment bar graph. The back lit is turned on or off via a push button.

Range Selection. This Velleman multimeter lets the user select either auto-ranging mode or manual ranging mode. These two different ranging modes can be selected via the R-H button. The meter defaults to auto-ranging mode. From auto-ranging mode, press the R-H button once to enter manual ranging mode, and the next 4 presses of the R-H button will cycle through the available ranges. For example, the voltage ranges are 4V -> 40V -> 400V -> 1000V. To return back to auto-ranging mode, simply hold the R-H button for more than a second. See the figure below of the layout of the front panel.

Other features. The Velleman DVM345DI can also measure capacitance (up to 400 nF), has a diode checker, a hfe tester (1 to 1000), measures temperature (32 ° F to 1382 ° F), and a audible continuity function, a low battery indicator, plus the basic multimeter functions. See the table at the bottom of the page for a list of the technical specs.

If you are looking to purchase a Velleman DVM345DI, the Velleman multimeter comes with the meter, user manual, test leads, holster, RS-232C cable, software, and K type thermo couple.

Overall the Velleman DMV345DI is a pretty decent multimeter that is capable of outputting to a pc via a RS-232 cable connection and want break your wallet compared to some of the other multimeters with RS-232 output capabilty.

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The Fluke 8808A digital multimeter is designed for portability just as well that is designed for bench top and system applications. The 8808A is a true RMS digital multimeter and it has the ability to switch between auto-ranging and manual ranging modes. It can display two different sets of characteristics of the same signal at the same time, has 6 preset buttons that you can store and use 6 test configurations with the press of a button, closed case calibration via a recessed button, and has a bail that can be used to carry, store, or as a stand for bench top applications.

The 8808A can also be controlled either from the front panel, or by sending commands through its RS232 communication interface. Lets take a look at just some of the features of the 8808A a little more closely.

View two different characteristics of the same input single at the same time.
The Fluke 8808A features a dual vacuum fluorescent display that will allow you to analyze two characteristics of an input signal at one time. Say you have the multimeter set to measure AC voltage but you also wish to know what the frequency of that AC signal as well. With some multimeters, you would have to take the voltage measurement, change functions, and then take the frequency measurement. With the 8808A, you are able to view both of the characteristics at the same time and on the same screen without having to change functions or anything else for that matter.

6 preset buttons allow switching between your most common measurement settings a snap
The Fluke 8808A features 6 buttons located just above the function buttons that allows the user to store up to 6 measurement configuration, and then at the touch of the preset button, you can have the multimeter change its measurement settings and you are ready to go.

This is a very convenient feature for measurements that you make a lot of times. The buttons are compared to the preset buttons of a car stereo. You set them to the desired configuration and then with a press of a button those specific configurations are recalled and made active. To set each button, simply set the multimeter to the desired configuration and hold the shift key while you press the preset button that you wish to add this new configuration. The image to the right shows the location of the 6 preset buttons.

Measure Leakage Current
Most multimeters uses the shunt method when measuring current. This method increases the error when low current measurements are being made. According to Fluke, the Fluke 8808A is the only multimeter in it’s class to implement current to voltage inversion and low impedance operational amp to measure the sensitive low leakage currents and by doing so, the 8808a can measure leakage current with a 100 nA resolution.

Store, Analyze, And Convert Measurements To Documents
With FlukeView Forms you can actually store and analyze measurement readings and then when you are done, those readings can be converted into Documents. You can then transfer your data points to a pc and display your readings in a table or in graphical form

The Fluke 8808A is definitely packed with many features, and a great tool for the professional.

Quick Specs For The Fluke 8808A

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The Mastech multimeter is a product produced by Mastech – a leading manufacturer of meters and other electronic devices. I was a little confused in the beginning of researching Mastech multimeters because some of the meters I thought were Sinometer were instead made by Mastech. Actually, Mastech is a division of Sinometer. According to www.sinometer.com, Sinometer originated multiple companies according to the different categories of product and Mastech is one of those companies.

Mastech was founded in 1987 and Sinometer in 1989. According to www.sinometer.com, Sinometer was the first company to introduce Made-in-China digital multimeters to the world market and Mastech claims to be the worlds largest instrument manufacturer. The Mastech multimeter has become a popular meter on the market.

The Mastech meter in general, is well priced for what you get in return. The average meter cost is under $100 US dollars with a lot of their meters priced at under $50. Even with such a reasonably priced meter, it is evident that these meters are well built and they are not just a “cheap” multimeter. Many of the Mastech multimeters offer features than you just don’t see on lower cost multimeters. Features such as relative measurement, data hold, and sleep mode are often times only found on higher dollar multimeters.

Now, I personally do not own 100 Mastech multimeters, but what I do know about these meters is that almost all the reviews made by people who have bought them have been around 4 out of 5 star on average. That is not a shabby rating for a meter that you don’t have to pay $400 bucks for.

So if you are in the market for buying a good multimeter and you don’t want or need to pay for a expensive multimeter, you may wish to check out a Mastech Multimeter at Amazon.com or check out our own Mastech Multimeter Review

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The professional Extech EX430 eliminates the need to carry multiple meters by providing 11 functions in one single multimeter. Basic functions include AC and DC voltage and current, resistance, diode tester, continuity, frequency, and temperature. The EX430 is an auto ranging multimeter as well as a True RMS multimeter with a basic accuracy tolerance of +/- 0.3 percent basic accuracy.

Distortion: Some types of electrical measurements can be hard to make accurately in a industrial setting with a averaging multimeter. Things such as: lights, motors, and other electrical equipment can distort the AC waveform making it almost impossible to make a accurate reading. The Extech EX430 has the ability to take a True RMS reading to ensure accurate measurements and eliminating distortion when measuring AC voltage and currents.

Easy to read off data: The data is easily read off the display of the EX430 as it features a large 2,000 count screen that offers high resolution over wide ranges. The numerical digits are 1-inch high against the backlit lcd display making the characters very easy to read off the screen at quick glance.

Multimeter Protection: The Extech EX430 protects the inputs with fuse protection. It also features a mis-connection warning system via audible alert and visible on-screen icon to ensure the user has the test leads connected into the right jacks in relation to which function is selected.

A data hold old feature: Sometimes it can be very difficult to to keep your eyes on the connection points you are measuring from and the multimeter at the same time. With the hold function, simply press the hold button and then make your measurement. The Extech EX430 will read the data and then freeze the data on screen even after you have removed the test leads from the connection points.

Manual Range Select: Range select allows you to turn off the auto-ranging feature and also to step through the available ranges until the desired range is displayed.

Make relative measurements: Relative mode allows measurements to be made relative to a stored reference value. A reference voltage or current can be stored and measurements will be made relative to this value. The value displayed will be the difference between the reference value and the measured value.

Quick Specs For The Extech EX430

What Comes with the EX430

CAT III test leads, stand, hanging strap, protective holster with built in test lead storage, type k beads wire temperature probe, battery (9V), and owners manual and of course the Extech Ex430.

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The Extech EX330 is a mini digital auto ranging multimeter that is packed with many features considering that it weights in at only 8.96 ounces, has a length of 5.70 inches, width 1.60 inches and height 2.90 inches.

Don’t let the price of this multimeter fool you. Extech is a well known company and they produce quality stuff as opposed to some of the other manufactures of cheaper multimeters.

The EX330 measures AC/DC voltage and current, resistance, frequency, duty cycle, capacitance, diodes, continuity, and temperature. It also comes with a type K temperature probe.

The coolest feature about the Extech EX330 is it’s built in non contact voltage detector. This feature allows the EX330 to detect the presence of voltage just be placing the unit near the voltage source, allowing the user to detect the presence of voltage without ever actually contacting the voltage.

This comes in very handy when you just want to know whether a voltage is present or not as opposed to actually needing to know how much voltage as present. You simply hold the meter near at different locations within the circuit until you locate the problem area.

For a mini multimeter, the Extech EX330 has an extra large, 4000 count display that makes taking readings a snap.

This meter is especially useful for hobbyist and electronic testing applications where accuracy is not that important as with most inexpensive multimeters. The accuracy rating on this multimeter is 0.05 percent which serves well for a lot of electrical/electronic testing applications.

The Extech EX330 runs on 2 AAA batteries and has a built in low battery indicator to alert the user to change out the batteries.

The case of this multimeter is made out of soft plastic that makes it easy to grip without slipping and also protects the multimeter if it is dropped. The back of the case also has a tip out stand that makes it suitable to use on a work bench.

Quick Specs For The Extech EX330

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The Mastech MS8268 may not be in the same class as the Fluke brand multimeters but this is a really cool multimeter for the price. The MS8268 is a reasonably accurate and durable meter that offers some pretty amazing features.

Lets face it, Sometimes we get in a hurry when we are troubleshooting. We go from one type of measurement to another and sometimes forget that we need to connect the test leads to the other banana jack. The MS8268 addresses that issue by having an audible alert and red blinking led terminals that show you the correct banana jacks that should be used depending on what function you have the meter set on.

This unit also features a big blue back lit LCD display that is very helpful when making measurements in low light conditions. The back light seems to be evenly distributed across the display which is pretty cool for a lower cost multimeter

The back light is activated by the press of a button and automatically turns back off at about 5 seconds. I would personally prefer that the back light stay on longer but that’s the way a lot of meters are made and it’s a minor nuisance.

Sometimes an auto ranging meter is all you need and at other times, it is helpful to have a manual ranging meter. With the Mastech MS8268, you can select between auto-ranging mode or manual ranging mode.

The dial has a well built feel to and it doesn’t seem flimsy at all as some of the less expensive meters do.

The meter runs on three AAA batteries. Together with the fuse, are located in a separate compartment so you do not have to disassemble the meter to change out fuse or battery. The meter conserves battery life with an auto power off after 5 minutes feature.

In case of a goof, the built in fuse for this unit is re settable (non-re settable fuse for 10A range) so you can go on about your troubleshooting.

Overall, we have to give the Mastech MS8268 a thumbs up and all of it’s features and at a reasonable price.

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