Switch to Agilent U1272A? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: tony3d
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2014, 12:42:27 pm
content: Since I had to send back my new Fluke 287 due to defective memory, and considering the whole super cap issue (which seems to sound like it will need replacement every 2-4 years), should I just switch over to the Agilent U1272A? This would be a shame, as I really like the trending function, and since I have a Mac 12 core computer I can't interface the Agilent due to a lack of software.

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2014, 12:47:35 pm
content: What kind of hobbyist are you Tony, would you even use the trending function?

author: tony3d
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2014, 12:53:50 pm
content: I really have no immediate use for it, but I can see where it may come in handy. Trouble is TEqupment can't get the U1272, just the 1271, or 1273, and I don't want the OLED display. If I cancel the order all together, I think I'll have to pay a restocking fee. That still may be worth it.

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2014, 01:02:05 pm
content: There are a couple reasons I'm against the 28x series:- Battery life blows- Meter is physically big (for portable operation)If your gonna stick this on your desk and and use it as your "main" meter the battery life is going to irritate you. For bench use it is really hard to beat a plug in powered meter that you can leave on 8+ hours a day. You can get Fluke 8840s all day long on eBay, then a Fluke 117 for general portable "around the house" use.You have many good options.

author: Cdngreybeard
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2014, 02:52:42 pm
content: Software not running on a Mac is not an excuse. My home is totally Mac, including a Mac sever, but I also run Windows inside Fusion virtual machines. Everything coexists quit nicely. Windows only software should never be a part of any equipment purchasing decision.As for Fluke vs Agilent, get both; you can never gave too many DMMs :-)

author: PedroDaGr8
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2014, 03:18:00 pm
content: How many threads do you need to make Tony on your potential multimeter purchase. It's just a damn multimeter, not a house nor is it rocket surgery. Seriously, step back, breathe and relax. I know it's a lot of money but it's unfair to expect perfection. Minor mistakes in the production line and in programming happen. You are better off judging a company by how they respond to issues (which both agilent and fluke do reasonably well for big corporations) than freaking out about tiny bugs.Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2014, 05:47:40 pm
content: I'd recommend keeping the replacement at this point if there's no issues with it (wouldn't expect any FWIW).If you do decide to switch to Agilent however, I'd skip the U1272A (= industrial electrician's meter), and go for the U1252B, as it's better suited for electronics use. Battery life isn't as horrible as it's made out to be (battery will last you a day for sure, and it's easy enough to swap out with a spare should you need to).Personally, I like hand held meters as they save on bench space vs. a bench meter, but you can get some excellent deals on bench meters, and they usually offer 4 wire measurements, unlike a hand held. Really nice to have both (say 1, possibly 2x bench units). But starting out, I'd go with a hand held first.As per software, there are certainly solutions for Mac users. As mentioned, you can use virtualization software under OSX. Another option would be run Windows natively (via Boot Camp if it's to share the same drive with OSX; otherwise BC isn't necessary to have both OS's installed).As "The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy" states, Don't Panic!

author: tony3d
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2014, 06:28:03 pm
content: What makes the U1253B a better electronics meter other than the U1272A other than maybe the counts?

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2014, 07:24:34 pm
content: Quote from: tony3d on February 07, 2014, 06:28:03 pmU1252B is the unit I was talking about (U1253B uses an OLED display).Basic comparison between the U1272B & U1252B(actual comparison isn't showing up, so just check the boxes for each meter, and hit the COMPARE tab).The most obvious is you get higher counts (50k vs. 30k), and better basic DCV accuracy (.025% vs. .05%). But the U1253B also adds a few things such as a 20MHz counter, Duty Cycle function, and a Square Wave Gen. FWIW, it's their competing model with the Fluke 287.The U1272A is targeted at the 87V, and they're betting on the functions the 87V doesn't due to it's age (i.e. LPF, ZLOW, logging).To really get into it, you'd need to open or print the Data Sheets for each, and compare them side-by-side, or better yet, the manuals (all downloadable from Agilent's site).BTW, it's the LPF, ZLOW, Smart ? functions and IP54 rating on the U1272A that make it's primary market as industrial electrician use. Still useful for electronics, but you get more value out of the U125x series IMHO, as that's the intended market for this particular series for a very small price difference (a whopping $42 based on MSRP).

author: Sbampato12
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2014, 09:55:39 pm
content: I agree with nanofrog point of view.I have a U1273A (I prefer the 72, due the lcd vs oled, but you can't always get what you want), an on work a U1242.The U1252 is a way better than 42, but, for electronics, beyond the diferences mentioneds before, they are more easy to use, and user friendly, at least for me.But, aesthetic, the U1272/73 look very good!

author: tony3d
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2014, 02:51:11 am
content: Quote from: PedroDaGr8 on February 07, 2014, 03:18:00 pmWell, I guess I believe rather differently. I believe when you spend this kind of money on a companies flagship product, you should expect near perfection, because that's what your paying for! After speaking with Fluke I'm personally not impressed with the responses I have received on both the super cap issue, or the memory issue which also seems to be affecting a lot of other people, not to mention the finger smear on the opposite side of the screen lens, and these little green dots randomly spread over the yellow boot on my meter. Fluke told me they considered the super cap a non issue. Simply not the response I was expecting to hear from Fluke. I guess having a lifetime warranty they feel is sufficient so you can send it in every 2-4 years . Well I don't! Never once out of the several people I spoke with did they ever suggest they would look into a permanent solution. That's the answer I was looking for. Not to be inconvenienced by having to send it in every 2-4 years for a new cap replacement. Denying the problem exists is not the correct approach. They obviously don't use "the internets". LOL! I had four defects in my meter if you include the pencil point green dots. Three of those I was willing to live with, but the logging memory never returning to 100% was it. Remember the light in the in interface port shutting down the 287 while data logging. How long did that take to get resolved?? So if I were to judge the way Fluke responds to issues I would give them a pretty low score! I feel Fluke has become rather complaisant, and very content being on top. This happens all the time with large corporations. They become very arrogant, and feel they can do no wrong. Just call Fluke, and ask them about the super cap issue. I bet they never heard of it! I suggested they open one of their 4 year old ones up, and his answer was why it's working fine. Hence lies the problem with Fluke. I truly believe they make great products, they simply need some help with customer service. This is my opinion on the matter.