Extech MN26T Autoranging Multimeter with Capacitance, Frequency, and also Temperature Function including a Separate Temperature Probe

by Extech Instruments

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The MN26T is an autoranging compact multimeter that is ideal for the tool box or workbench. Rugged design is fuse and overload protected. Measures AC and DC voltage to 600V, AC and DC current to 10A and resistance to 40M. Also measures temperature from 0 to 1400F (0 to 760?C) and comes with Type K temperature probe ($13 value). Additional functions include Capacitance, Frequency, Duty Cycle, Continuity and Diode Test. Includes test leads, protective holster with stand, two AA batteries and temperature probe, Cat II 600V, CE and UL listed.

Product Description

Relative zero, Data Hold and Range Hold. 10A fuse protection. Overload protection and indication. Auto power off saves battery life.

Product Details

Product Manual [158kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 4.8 x 2.4 x 1.6 inches ; 8.8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B0000WU1AM
• Item model number: MN26T
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #93,479 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent value multimeter. Perfect for a hobbyist., July 2, 2011

By 

Dan - See all my reviews

This review is from: Extech MN26T Autoranging Multimeter with Capacitance, Frequency, and also Temperature Function including a Separate Temperature Probe (Tools & Home Improvement)

The first thing I'm going to say is if you want a good run down of a handful of multimeters in this price range, check out [...]. Although some people think his final verdict may be influenced a little too much by his personal preferences, he does give without a doubt the most thorough and entertaining reviews I've ever seen.

That being said, his review does not include this multimeter, but he declares a close relative the winner, the Extech EX330 Autoranging Mini Multimeter with Built In Thermometer with Type K Remote Probe. This multimeter has almost identical specs and performs similarly (accurate results and fast continuity testing). The big difference is in the price and the size. For $15 less, you actually get a much smaller and more compact meter! It's a no-brainer! And even better, the few hardware issues Dave had with the EX330 (the spongy switch, unstable stand, and slippery case) aren't present in this one. It feels great! (Well, the case is still a bit slippery, but I didn't even notice until after I watched the video and tried it out myself) It's what you expect from a name-brand like extech.

As far as features go, this multimeter is about as complete as it gets under $100, and it even has features many >$100 meters don't have. Less common features I've found useful are the continuity test, capacitance test, temperature, and uA. If you're a hobbyist, chances are you're dealing with very small currents and voltages and the added resolution this meter has over a real cheapy can be very helpful. Also, as a small anecdote, I've actually found the frequency and duty cycle to be quite useful. Just last month, I was playing with a microcontroller and I couldn't get it to work properly for the life of me. But a quick test with the frequency feature revealed that because of some bug in the tools or libraries, the clock speed of the micro was only getting set to half of what it was supposed to be. The duty cycle was also useful for getting PWM (pulse width modulation, a very common method of digital-to-analog conversion) up and running.

This meter does have some minor disadvantages though. First, it will never be as accurate as a >$100 Fluke or what-have-you, so just make sure you know what you're getting. The autoranging is on the slower side. It's never bothered me, but if it really bothers you, it does have a range key so you can manually step through the ranges if you're super impatient.

Finally, a note just for the hobbyists. This is the meter you want! I have / have worked with everything from my $5 Chinese meter, to ~$50 meters like this, to >$100 Flukes and the like, to expensive bench-top multimeters. The good specs, ruggedness, and portability make it an excellent choice, but what really sets it apart is the added features (with good specs too!) at such a low price. As a hobbyist, price is usually the main concern, but the features of this meter like autoranging, uA, and capacitance put it head and shoulder above all the ~$20-30 meters out there and the construction and price sets it apart from the $50 meters. I've now owned mine a few months and it's my favorite meter I own.

Also, when I last checked, Jameco had it a bit cheaper.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good product for the money, February 8, 2009

By 

T. Hutchison "HVAC Tech" (Ludington MI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Extech MN26T Autoranging Multimeter with Capacitance, Frequency, and also Temperature Function including a Separate Temperature Probe (Tools & Home Improvement)

I'm a HVAC tech and I use the meter several times a day for trouble shooting electronics. The big selling point for me was the included k-type thermocouple. The meter has performed well for the month I've been using it. I have had not trouble with it, even though I've used it in temps ranging from 4 degrees to 70 degrees. My only complaint is it is slow to react in the resistance mode.
I would recommend this for anyone who could use an inexpensive, easy to use meter

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Amazing meter for the price! (Wish it would work to spec.), August 11, 2008

By 

Evgeny Berzon "Jake" (Bennett, CO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Extech MN26T Autoranging Multimeter with Capacitance, Frequency, and also Temperature Function including a Separate Temperature Probe (Tools & Home Improvement)

This multimeter looks and feels very robust. It is very convenient and does most everything you would ever need.

The two problems that made it unusable for me are:
1. Despite being specified for measuring capacitance up to 200 uF, this meter was unable to measure a 100 uF capacitor. It worked fine with a 20uF capacitor.

2. Temperature measurements at room temperature w/ the included thermocouple were about 6 degrees high not +/-3% as specified online. To be fair, the specifications included with the meter say that the temperature spec is for the meter itself, without including the effects of the included thermocouple. (Perhaps, Amazon should mention that.)

The included thermocouple accuracy is not itself specified. BTW, this thermocouple has a lower measuring temperature range than the meter. (Amazon, should probably mention this as well. Although this did not bother me, as I do not anticipate a need, nor do I have a desire to measure anything that is over 400 degrees Fahrenheit.)