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From: Klaus Vestergaard Kragelund <klauskvik@hotmail.com>
Newsgroups: sci.electronics.design
Subject: Re: Extech EX410A DVM Don't Buy
Date: Sun, 6 Oct 2024 01:43:44 +0200
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On 06-10-2024 00:15, Jeff Liebermann wrote:
> On Sat, 05 Oct 2024 07:52:25 -0700, john larkin <JL@gct.com> wrote:
> 
>> On Fri, 04 Oct 2024 16:07:24 -0700, Jeff Liebermann <jeffl@cruzio.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> 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?
> 
>> It shuts off in the middle of a measurement, and you have to rotate
>> the very klunky range knob all the way back to OFF and then all the
>> way back to where it was.
>>
>> It's OK for one-time measurements I guess, but terrible for bench
>> experiments.
> 
> I agree.  That's a serious problem.
> 
> Some of the Extech meters have a way to disable auto power off.  It's
> usually disarmed by holding down one of the buttons while turning on
> the meter.  I couldn't find anything like that for the EX410A.  I'll
> look again when I'm more awake.
> 
> However, my Uni-T UT-210E does have a way to disable auto power off.
>  From the user docs at:
> <https://meters.uni-trend.com/download/ut210e-user-manual/?wpdmdl=7228>
> 
> - Automatic power-off: when measuring, if the rotary button has not
> pulled out in 15 minutes, the instrument will automatically power off
> to save energy. In automatic power-off mode, turn rotary button to OFF
> and restart the machine, or click any key to wake the instrument.
> 
> - Turn off automatic power-off function: press and hold SELECT key,
> then power-on start, you will heard 5 buzzing which means automatic
> power-off function is cancelled. Turn off and restart the machine,
> automatic power-off function will be recovered.
> 
> - The buzzer will send out 5 warnings 1 minute before automatic power
> off. A long buzz will be heard before power off When automatic power
> off function is canceled, you will hear 5 continuous warnings in every
> 15 minutes.
> 
> I just tested it and found that it works as described.  Maybe a meter
> made by Uni-T might be less stupid.  The manual doesn't mention that
> every time you turn the meter off, auto power off is re-enabled.  You
> need to remember to hold down the SELECT button every time you turn it
> on.  For bench use, I don't see this as much of a problem.  For my
> use, which involves turning it on/off many times, it's still a
> problem.
> 
> I mentioned that the UT-210E is hackable.  See:
> <https://github.com/bdlow/UT210E?tab=readme-ov-file#modify-the-auto-off-and-backlight-times>
> The programming looks easy, but providing the adapter needed to
> program the DM24C02A EEPROM seems rather messy.  For an 8 pin SOIC
> package, I would desolder the device and do the editing in an external
> programmer.  Whether this is worthy of the time and effort involved is
> your decision.
> 
>> Extech was planning to introduce some thermal imagers, so FLIR bought
>> them to stop it. That's all FLIR really cares about.
> 
> I didn't know that.  FLIR bought Extech in Oct, 2007.  After 17 years
> and once FLIR owns the IP (intellectual property), I would have
> expected FLIR to sell off Extech in parts and pieces:
> <https://www.flir.com/about/about-flir/about-extech/>
> "In 2007, Extech was acquired by Teledyne FLIR, a global leader in
> innovative infrared thermal imaging solutions."
> Well maybe.  FLIR did sell off Extech Data System, which made portable
> printers in 2009.  Looks to me that FLIR had too much cash on hand and
> needed to buy something quickly:
> "FLIR Systems Reports Record Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2007
> Financial Results"
> <https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2008/02/07/1049954/0/en/FLIR-Systems-Reports-Record-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-2007-Financial-Results.html>
> "Cash provided by operations during the quarter was a record $55
> million. Cash used during the quarter included $40 million for the
> acquisition of Extech Instruments..."
> $50 million cash for Extech seems to me to have been a bargain
> purchase.
> 
For IR measurements for handheld, I use Seek Thermal:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GX8XTG5/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

And for table top:

https://www.dyt-ir.com/dytspectrumowl-ca-60-rd-grade-thermal-analyzer-with-macro-lens-product/