Extech's new EX350 - a first look

[XFDDesign]

For some of the work I do, I occasionally have to look at the handheld DMM space. It isn't my core foray like it is for Dave, but it did have me pick up the new EX350 from Extech. I didn't see anyone mention the EX350 yet, and a forum search didn't show any results so... I figure I'll offer a quick look for you all.

This is a $63 DMM which now includes True RMS measurement but loses the (sloppy) thermocouple measurement you got with the EX330. In my mind this is the successor to the '330 due to its price point ($63 on amazon vs. $49).

You'll first notice, the box is a box and not a plastic clamshell:



Unboxing, I'm a little disappointed that the manual went to a sort of fold-out mess rather than the booklet you got with the 330. The tradeoff is that the CD is a normal full size now.

Comparing the 330 kit to the 350:


Removing the back cover, it looks like they improved the quality of fuses - though I don't know much about this particular kind - it isn't the massive HRC fuses of my fluke meters.

Cracking it open, it looks pretty clean and well laid out:

The front side is boring as can be.


Measurements:
Starting with my 10k "known" reference - 8846A (in cal) measures out 10.00023k
Fluke 179: 10.00k
EX350: 9.99k
EX330: 9.98k

Then my "known" 2.497V reference - 8846A (in cal) measures 2.49753V
Fluke 179: 2.497
EX350: 2.498
EX330: 2.482 (Yikes! Still within spec though )

DC Current Measurement - 10mA (mA range on all meters):
8846A: 9.98623mA (baseline)
Fluke 179: 9.99mA
EX350: 9.96mA
EX330: 9.94mA

Line Voltage (RMS):
Fluke 179: 121.9
EX350: 121.9
EX330: 122.1 *Not True RMS

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Impressions:

I like the feel of the '350 more than the 330. Though I like the size of the 330, its accuracy has left a lot to be desired. As well, the 350 deals with one of my biggest irritations of the EX330: you can now override the auto-off. One nice addition is the backlight. It's a nice and clear white. The display isn't quite as nice as the EX330's as the contrast doesn't appear to me to be as sharp. The dial switch is quite a bit nicer however. Rather than being sort of mushy like Dave found the '330, the 350's mode/range switch is chunky and feels very close to the Fluke 179's. I'm actually pretty impressed with what you can get for $63. I'm still not too sure about how well this unit can live up to its Cat-III 600V claims (and the Fluke still claims 1000V Cat-IV), but for general electronics use I'd say it's a good entry.

[retiredcaps]

Thanks for the teardown and review. 

Extech's website to the manual is broken.

http://www.extech.com/instruments/resources/manuals/EX35x_UM-en.pdf

So my question is does the EX350 default to DC or AC when using ACV, DCV, uA, mA and A after it has been powered on. 

In addition, what button do you hit to change from AC to DC and vice versa?  None of the soft key buttons looks like a select button?

[XFDDesign]

Thanks for the teardown and review. 

Extech's website to the manual is broken.

http://www.extech.com/instruments/resources/manuals/EX35x_UM-en.pdf

So my question is does the EX350 default to DC or AC when using ACV, DCV, uA, mA and A after it has been powered on. 

In addition, what button do you hit to change from AC to DC and vice versa?  None of the soft key buttons looks like a select button?

On either LPF AC or LoZ AC, it defaults to AC. DCV defaults to DC. uA mA and 10A all default to ACrms. Mode changing is done by pressing the "LPF" button which has the M next to it for "mode."

[Hydrawerk]

(and the Fluke still claims 1000V Cat-IV)

I think Fluke claims 1000V Cat-III and 600V Cat-IV. (Only?) Brymen has 1000V Cat-IV.

[retiredcaps]

Then my "known" 2.497V reference - 8846A (in cal) measures 2.49753V
EX330: 2.482 (Yikes! Still within spec though )

Are you going to give VR4 a tweak or just leave it be and watch to see if it drifts? 

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/calibration-of-extech-ex330/

[Hydrawerk]

Is EX350 made by Unitrend? It does not look like a CEM product. Anyway, I want would choose a 1000V DMM.

[Lightages]

It certainly looks like a Uni-T rebrand.

Hydrawerk:

There are many 1000V meters to be had. Do you want a Uni-T rebrand, a Fluke, a Brymen, Amprobe? What price?

[Hydrawerk]

I like that buzzer on the DPS. I do not like when it is connected with wires as in my old Metex M-3650D.

[XFDDesign]

Oh that reminds me, the continuity tester is shit. It seriously thinks about it, has a few presidential debates, deliberates, then does a college lecture tour before deciding on whether or not it's a short.

[WackyGerman]

For that price the multimeter is really well . It has proper Reomax fuses and some input protection on the board . The layout also looks decent so  . I have seen much worse products from Extech so they are going the right way . For household use the multimeter is more than good enough