Path: ...!news.roellig-ltd.de!open-news-network.org!weretis.net!feeder8.news.weretis.net!eternal-september.org!feeder3.eternal-september.org!news.eternal-september.org!.POSTED!not-for-mail
From: Klaus Vestergaard Kragelund <klauskvik@hotmail.com>
Newsgroups: sci.electronics.design
Subject: Re: Extech EX410A DVM Don't Buy
Date: Sat, 5 Oct 2024 21:04:03 +0200
Organization: A noiseless patient Spider
Lines: 97
Message-ID: <vds2j2$s0pt$1@dont-email.me>
References: <814ufjd9lg7p2mago36u2fk6njs0gtafq8@4ax.com>
 <7so0gjtispsfqvv9klhq9vlsgfpqd1vs2m@4ax.com> <vdqna7$455$1@solani.org>
 <bdd2gj50jheq0r2uv7c9qfvidc12bg91g4@4ax.com>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Injection-Date: Sat, 05 Oct 2024 21:04:02 +0200 (CEST)
Injection-Info: dont-email.me; posting-host="cbac6ee74d4506fb53d9b75e07738f8f";
	logging-data="918333"; mail-complaints-to="abuse@eternal-september.org";	posting-account="U2FsdGVkX1/DOwWXjsK8Y4af7MGE1UH3hk02Wdksg9o="
User-Agent: Mozilla Thunderbird
Cancel-Lock: sha1:2HuuDuou2wK3Hp+tdULl/wD7+DY=
In-Reply-To: <bdd2gj50jheq0r2uv7c9qfvidc12bg91g4@4ax.com>
Content-Language: en-US
Bytes: 5605

On 05-10-2024 15:35, Jeff Liebermann wrote:
> On Sat, 05 Oct 2024 06:45:27 GMT, Jan Panteltje <alien@comet.invalid>
> wrote:
> 
>> On a sunny day (Fri, 04 Oct 2024 16:07:24 -0700) it happened Jeff Liebermann
>> <jeffl@cruzio.com> wrote in <7so0gjtispsfqvv9klhq9vlsgfpqd1vs2m@4ax.com>:
>>
>>> On Thu, 03 Oct 2024 14:46:46 -0700, john larkin <jl@glen--canyon.com>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Extech EX410A  DVM  Don't Buy
>>>>
>>>> The auto power off is incredibly stupid. I'm going to throw mine away
>>>> and get something usable.
>>>
>>> What don't you like about the auto power off feature in the EX410A?
>>>
>>> EX410:
>>> <https://www.flir.com/products/ex410a/>
>>>
>>> I have two Extech EX470 DMM's:
>>> <https://www.flir.com/products/ex470a>
>>> Presumably, the auto power off function is similar.
>>>
>>> I've had both DMM's for over 10 years and use them often.  I've had no
>>> difficulties except with various 9V batteries.  I got tired of
>>> replacing them.  Over the last 5 or so years, I've experimented with
>>> two types of rechargeable Li-Ion 9V batteries.
>>>
>>> The ones without an internal battery charger had self-discharge
>>> problems:
>>> <https://www.ebay.com/itm/304501384792>
>>> They work, but I wouldn't recommend them.
>>>
>>> The batteries I'm using now, which have a built in charger, are
>>> better:
>>> <https://www.ebay.com/itm/386563315011>
>>
>> Interesting, did not know that existed.
> 
> Eventually, there will be batteries and cells available in every
> combination of size and chemistry.  Whether all combinations are
> usable, practical or economical, is a different problem.  I didn't
> know Li-Ion AAA cells existed until after I searched for them.  One
> day, they magically appeared on eBay and Amazon.
> 
> Incidentally, you might find these web pages of interest:
> "Low current discharge of batteries"
> <https://lygte-info.dk/info/BatteriesLowCurrentDischarge%20UK.html#9V,_Panasonic_Pro_Power>
> <https://lygte-info.dk/info/BatteriesLowCurrentDischarge2%20UK.html>
> Most of the battery related forums emphasize high current
> applications, such as EV's, power tools, drones, flashlights, LED
> lighting, etc, while low current devices, such as multimeters,
> component testers, ESR meters, TDR's, etc seem to be neglected.
> 
> I think LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) is a better solution for test
> equipment and TV remote controls.  With a nominal 3.2V voltage, a
> single AA or AAA cell should substitute well for the usual two AA or
> AAA cells in series arrangement:
> <https://www.ebay.com/itm/387366292333>
> I'm trying to resist ordering some cells and creating yet another
> project that I can't finish.
> 
>> OTOH my multimeter lasts years on a 9V battery from the supermarket here..
>> meter switches off automatically, but I switch it of by hand almost always.
>> means it is never left on for more than 24 hours..
>> https://panteltje.nl/pub/chinese_multimeter_img_3159.jpg
> 
> My main goal is to eliminate non-rechargeable batteries from my life,
> especially alkaline cells, which tend to leak and corrode terminals,
> wires and PCB's:
> <https://www.learnbydestroying.com/jeffl/crud/Kirkland-AAA-leak.jpg>
> 
>> I use this too sometimes:
>> https://www.conrad.nl/nl/p/voltcraft-vc-320-stroomtang-digitaal-cat-ii-600-v-cat-iii-300-v-weergave-counts-2000-1307543.html
>>
>> Have a Voltcraft soldering station too, now for > 20 years, is OK.
>> https://panteltje.nl/pub/soldering_iron_LCD_display_IMG_5456.JPG
>> never a problem...
> 
> I have a box full of Weller WTCP series (TC202 base) very used
> soldering stations along with a collection of half burned out tips.
> <https://www.google.com/search?q=weller+wtcpt&udm=2>
> I repaired what I could and produced about 15 working soldering
> stations from the parts.  I sold most of these, but still have and use
> about 4 of them.  I've had them since early college, which makes them
> about 55 years old.
> 
> 
I still have my first soldering iron, a Weller WECP-20 (so it's 40 years 
old). Use it as much as the Thermaltronics professional station. Comes 
in handy when I need something with more heat capacity.

Also have a Weller WMRP. Heats up in 3 seconds:

https://www.conradelektronik.dk/da/p/weller-wmrp-set-loddekolber-40-w-inkl-opbevaring-588538.html