In Search of the Wireless Multimeter? It’s Finally Here

If you watched the two-season ABC show “American Inventor” or its more successful BBC counterpart “Dragon’s Den,” it was heartwarming to see men and women from all walks of life come forward and introduce ideas that came from tinkering, or long-nurtured pet projects, or moments of inspiration-- insanity, in some cases. Some were ready for prime time -- television and otherwise -- and others were half-baked, if not absurd or overthought.

We’ve all heard the perennial saying, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Google is ever ready to validate this notion, serving up earnestly-documented instructions on how to build any number of tools and contraptions that someone decided we really needed or just thought it would be cool to actually make. Ma ny of these, for better or for worse, never make it past the hacker phase.

Take the notion of a wireless digital multimeter (DMM) for example. What a great idea, you exclaim. Imagine a handheld multimeter that could test and measure like a standard DMM but also send its readings to a remote PC for realtime monitoring, datalogging, plotting and analysis. Why haven’t they made one of these? So, you google the term “wireless multimeter” to see what’s out there.

The first page of results leads off with instructions on how to build a DMM with a wireless remote display using a $5 no-name multimeter, Nokia cell phone display, transmitter/receiver circuits, and a dose of schematics.

Another impressive project was a veritable hacker/maker’s dream: visualize an Arduino- and XBee-based wireless meter project that can actually stream data to a PC. (These hackers also mention an elusive, unrealized “multimeter glove” idea which I’ll deem as this category’s official hacking holy grail, surrounded by a shroud of solder smoke.) 

In all, the available kits and one-off projects represent some inspiringly creative “out-of-the-box” thinking and fodder for what are clearly very satisfying projects to undertake. Until the resulting meters are actually “battle tested” in the field however, the jury is out on whether the jury-rigs are robust enough for real-world testing and measuring applications, in terms of accuracy, reliability, safety, and durability.

Prospects for a wireless DMM were looking dim. Then, there appeared to be a glimmer of light at the end of the jury-rigged, search-results tunnel. This fall, a major DMM maker introduced a meter that has a detachable display for remote, wireless viewing of readings. What you could previously read only on the fixed display of a DMM, you could now take with you and read from a distance.

Overall, it’s a clever step in the right direction but its usefulness comes up short of our quest: true remote streaming of data back to a computer for display or datalogging.

With slumped shoulders, I clicked the “back” button and returned to Google, our virtual Sherpa. My skeptical eyes brightened with the discovery of another company’s recent wireless DMM introduction. What’s more, it was actually called a “Wireless Multimeter and Datalogger.” It turns out that Extech Instruments, a 38-year-old company located in Waltham, Massachusetts, on the fabled “America’s Technology Highway,” has recently rolled out a DMM that offers wireless data streaming back to a PC for datalogging and realtime monitoring.

The Extech EX540 is a new addition to Extech’s popular 500 series of eight industrial multimeters, considered the “toughbook” of multimeters. Extech’s proven, rugged, waterproof design can withstand a 6-foot drop, making it the ideal starting point for a go-anywhere DMM.

The innovative new meter offers wireless connectivity to your laptop or PC using a USB receiver dongle cable with a range comparable to Bluetooth (10m/33 ft). The EX540 transmits real-time data for trending and analysis (using the included software) on one of two available frequencies (433 and 914 MHz).

Built to industrial-duty specs, the EX540 is far from a wireless one-trick pony. This true RMS DMM can datalog up to ten thousand readings internally and also reads voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, frequency (with dual-range sensitivity for electrical and electronic work), duty cycle (dwell), continuity, diode testing (2.8V), and even temperature (using its Type K bead probe).

Accuracy is a tough-to-beat 0.06% and the meter is backed by a Category IV overvoltage safety rating, protecting users even on outdoor wiring. The easy-to-read, 5-digit triple display provides multiple simultaneous readings and also features a useful bargraph to simulate analog, “needle-swing” readings. The test instrument’s maker offers peace of mind with a three-year warranty and available NIST calibration certification.

The wait is officially over. The Google quest is finally complete. And it’s about time. For the invaluable versatility and added safety of remote monitoring and datalogging, the wireless datalogging multimeter has finally descended from the realm of smoky hackerspace dreams to reality.  Now, about that multimeter glove…

Abbreviated version featured on ECN magazine
Related product info on GlobalSpec

Extech RT30 / RT32 Wireless AC Circuit Identifier Wins Innovation and Technology Award

Waltham, MA October 20, 2009 – Extech Instruments (www.extech.com), a
subsidiary of FLIR Systems, Inc., (NASDAQ: FLIR) was awarded an
Industrial Electronics Innovation and Technology bronze award for its
new RT30/RT32 Wireless AC Circuit Identifier at Asia's biggest electronics
event, the 29th annual Hong Kong Electronics Fair and electronicAsia.
The competition and event were organized by the Hong Kong Electronic
Industries Association (HKEIA). The HKEIA competition aims to recognize
and reward makers of outstanding new products that demonstrate
excellence in design, technology, and feature sets. Nearly 100 products
were entered in the competition and award-winners in three
categories—consumer electronics, portable electronics, and industrial
electronics—were selected from a narrowed field of 14 finalists.

Arpineh Mullaney, Extech vice president of sales and marketing, responded to the award honors, "Extech Instruments has a long history with the Hong Kong Electronics Fair and we recognize the importance of this event in competitive global electronics markets. We are honored to receive the bronze award for the RT30 and RT32 wireless AC circuit identifier. By offering a tool that can save time by performing residential electrical work without the need of an electrician's helper, our RT30/RT32 appealed to the judges' need to reconcile innovation with value in the current economic climate."

About the Winning Product
The RT30/RT32 is an ingenious tool that permits a single user to remotely identify circuit breakers, wiring, switched lines, AC outlets and, light fixtures without cutting into any wires and without a helper. The RT30/RT32 uses a pager-sized, non-contact voltage detector and transmitter that clamps directly onto wiring needing identification and transmits a "voltage present" signal to a pocket-sized receiver carried by the user, up to 100m away. While the user opens splices or circuit breakers at a remote location, the receiver's visual and optional audible alarms remain on until voltage is interrupted at the wire, effectively identifying the correct circuit breaker or splice.

Accessories are included to expand the versatility of the RT30/RT32. An
external clamp probe accesses hard-to-reach or bundled wires. An AC
outlet adaptor identifies circuits by outlets. For lighting circuit
identification, a built-in sensor detects lighting changes in a room
when a user remotely deenergizes a circuit.

This tool is a must-have for electricians, do-it-yourselfers, contractors, kitchen, bath and lighting installers, handymen, and anyone who needs a virtual electrician's helper.

About the Awards
The 11th annual HKEIA Innovation and Technology award-winners were
selected by a panel of judges comprised of distinguished representatives
from academia, industry organizations, and CEOs from leading electronics
companies led by P.K. Alex Wai, associate vice president, dean of
faculty of engineering, chair professor of optical communications, at
the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Chief judge Prof. Wai remarked on
the remarkable degree of innovation and market value demonstrated in the winning products.

The award presentation ceremony was held October 13, 2009. HKEIA awards are divided into 3 categories of products: consumer electronics, portable electronics and industrial electronics. Extech received bronze
honors for the RT30/RT32 Wireless AC Circuit Identifier in the industrial electronics category. To learn more about the RT30/RT32, please click here.

Related Links
HKEIA awards announcement:
http://www.hkeia.org/hkeia_activities/2009/20091013_award_e.html

EX570: The Only Industrial CAT IV Multimeter with IR inside

Extech’s EX570 industrial multimeter offers double-duty versatility: the advanced, 12-function True RMS multimeter includes a patented infrared thermometer with laser pointer for safe, non-contact readings of electrical and mechanical hotspots. The ruggedized EX570 is CAT-IV rated and made for rough handling while delivering 0.06% accuracy. A large, backlit 5-digit dual-display features an analog-style bargraph. Includes magnetic hanging strap, leads, temperature probe, case, battery, 3-year warranty and available NIST certification.
Visit Extech site.

Affordable New EX840 AC/DC Clamp Meter is CATIV Rated

Extech Instruments introduces the new EX840 clamp meter. This new heavy-duty meter offers utility professionals an Extech-exclusive combination of features: CAT-IV rating, built-in infrared thermometer, True RMS accuracy, and a 1,000A AC/DC rating.

The EX840's Category IV-600V / Category III-1,000V rating offers the highest level of protection available against sudden transient overvoltage and arcing flash-over. Plus, the patented, built-in infrared thermometer with laser pointer quickly identifies overheating electrical components from a safe distance.

In addition to robust 1,000V and 1,000A AC and DC ratings, the high-accuracy True RMS clamp meter's advanced functionality includes frequency, capacitance, resistance, IR and Type-K probe temperature, Peak Hold, Data Hold, Min/Max, and selectable Auto-Off. The EX840 is built to survive rough handling with a durable and ergonomic, double-molded housing and a 1.7" jaw size suitable for 750MCM cable.

Extech i5 Infrared Camera First to Shatter $2,000 Price Barrier

(Waltham, MA, USA) August 3, 2009 -- Extech Instruments (www.extech.com/i5news), a subsidiary of FLIR Systems (NASDAQ: FLIR), announced today that it is reducing the price of its popular EXTECH i5 infrared thermal imaging camera by $1,000 to a new price of $1,995 (USD). Now more than ever, the EXTECH i5 shatters price/performance barriers as the most cost-effective thermal imaging camera on the market making it easier than ever for professionals to upgrade from a single-spot IR thermometer to the big picture of a full-featured infrared camera.

 

Arpineh Mullaney, VP of sales and marketing at Extech talked about the monumental move, “When the powerful and feature-packed EXTECH i5 was introduced in early 2008, it trail-blazed the entry-level infrared thermal imaging camera market by being the first professional-grade product to retail for less than $3,000. As this segment continues to grow, the EXTECH i5 maintains its market leadership as the industry’s game-changer with an affordable new price of $1,995.”

Mullaney adds, “‘Infrared Everywhere’ is a mantra at our parent company, FLIR Systems, and this price rollback reflects our commitment and strategy to driving down the cost of thermal imaging. Our goal is to enhance the ability of professionals to compete in a wide range of sectors including electrical contractors, plant MRO, predictive maintenance, HVACR professionals, disaster restoration technicians, and green building/energy auditors. For millions of professionals who have settled for an infrared thermometer’s single-spot temperature reading, stepping up to an infrared camera with thousands of pixels of temperature data has never been easier or more affordable.”

The EXTECH i5 IR camera can be used confidently to quickly diagnose problems, improve efficiency, and ensure worker safety. At $1,995, budget is no longer an excuse to upgrade from single-spot IR thermometers to the complete picture provided by an EXTECH i5: every workplace should have at least one.

About the EXTECH i5
Designed with legendary FLIR Systems technology, the $1,995 EXTECH i5 compact infrared camera is an easy-to-use and affordable troubleshooting tool for quality thermal imaging. With 2% accuracy and focus-free viewing, the EXTECH i5 helps electrical contractors find overheating in electrical panels and transformers. Plant MRO teams use one or several EXTECH i5 imagers to monitor motors, cooling systems, and steam traps as a key part of predictive maintenance. Water damage and disaster restoration professionals use the EXTECH i5 with crisp infrared images to quickly identify water damage and to accurately document drying efforts.

6,400 pixel IR resolution, 2% thermal accuracy, and a large 2.8” color display help users pinpoint problems fast. The ergonomic, pocket-sized 12 oz. design is double-molded and splashproof, making it as rugged as it is lightweight. With 1,000 image storage in the easy-to-share, patented radiometric JPEG format, the EXTECH i5 helps users report compelling findings before they become hazardous or expensive. ($1,995 USD pricing applies to U.S. sales only.)

For more information, visit our website at www.extech.com/i5news.

About Extech Instruments, a FLIR Company

Headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, USA, Extech Instruments is one of the largest suppliers of test and measurement equipment worldwide. Founded in 1971, Extech is known for its depth and breadth of products and its innovation in providing instruments with unique combinations of features that make them highly useful and very convenient. All Extech meters are distributed worldwide through leading representatives, distributors and OEMs. The company is ISO 9001 2000 certified and is a wholly owned subsidiary of FLIR Systems, Inc. Visit www.extech.com to learn more.