EE student which two DMM should I keep 87v 83v 174 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Jupiter
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 11, 2018, 05:12:11 am
content: Ok so I have finished my first two years of EE which basically means I am just about to get into the fun stuff. I also have been teaching myself a bit about electronics repair because I ultimately would like to get into musical amplifier and guitar/instrument effects design. I have bought an 83v 87v and a 174 by fluke (got good deals on all of them.) I will be keeping the 87v obviously but should I keep the 83v or the 174? Is there any benifit to having a non true rms as in the 83v? Any input is welcome. Thanks in advance.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 11, 2018, 05:30:11 am
content: Unless you are desperately in need of the money from selling one - keep them all. You'll probably buy more as time goes by anyway.Even a non True-RMS meter is good for quite a few things. Don't let that feature gap weigh in too heavily.

author: nidlaX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2018, 08:48:37 pm
content: I would at least sell the 83V. The 174 might be handy to keep around if it has a good display and doesn't take up too much space.You could put the money towards a 121GW or similar meter with datalogging / wireless connectivity.

author: Jupiter
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 11, 2018, 09:24:05 pm
content: The 174 is about as big as the 83 and 87. I just want to know out of the 3 which two would allow me to handle electronics work and be benificial in my EE program. I cant find alot of info on the 174 other than it was a limited run and sold for 99 dollars. I am curious about its reliability but I guess its to soon to know that.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2018, 09:27:57 pm
content: Why do you want to sell? Unless you desperately need the money, having good tools is always worthwhile.

author: Jupiter
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 11, 2018, 09:40:46 pm
content: Well money is a small issue. I was lucky enough to get all three for about 200 dollars and was hoping to get some money back to put towards an oscilloscope.

author: nidlaX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2018, 09:45:16 pm
content: Quote from: Jupiter on May 11, 2018, 09:24:05 pmThe 174 looks like a capable and durable meter with IP54 protection. I saw the deal for $99, seems like a great bargain. You don't need to worry too much about the reliability of these meters, they're all fairly robust. Unless you're deliberately running them into the ground like joeqsmith, they should last you a while. Even if you end up damaging them, they're well designed, safe, and repairable.I recommend selling the 83V because I think you can put the money to use buying other instruments that will help you as a student or hobbyist. If you're unfamiliar, take a look at the spec sheet for the 174. As far as I can tell, the174 meets or exceeds the 83V in all categories.EDIT: Actually, I forgot the 174 doesn't have a 10 Amp range and a bar graph. I guess there are some trade-offs, but if anything I would still sell the 83V and get a BM235 or BM257s in its place.

author: Jupiter
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 11, 2018, 09:59:35 pm
content: Ok thanks for the excellent reply.

author: gnavigator1007
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 11, 2018, 10:24:12 pm
content: If money is enough of an issue, I would maybe consider selling all 3 in favor of a brand new one of the Brymens mentioned along with a 2nd cheapo meter and sink the rest into an oscilloscope. This is only if you really need the scope soon and are that strapped for cash.

author: markce
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2018, 10:51:26 pm
content: Sell both 83v and 174 and buy a (used) bench dmm (Agilent, Fluke , Keithley).

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2018, 10:59:16 pm
content: Quote from: markce on May 11, 2018, 10:51:26 pmWhy would that be beneficial? If anything, amplifiers and tube based stuff is better served with typically more robust hand multimeters. Bench meters are typically more accurate, but less robust.

author: Jupiter
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 11, 2018, 11:19:08 pm
content: Yall dont confuse me now lol.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2018, 11:23:34 pm
content: Quote from: Jupiter on May 11, 2018, 11:19:08 pmWelcome to the internet, where everyone has an opinion he considers superior.

author: Jupiter
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 11, 2018, 11:51:09 pm
content: I love opinions. For now my options are going to just be keeping two of the three I have. Which two is the question. Thanks for all the input.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2018, 09:59:48 am
content: You can never have enough multimeters.But the on least significant on your list is the 83VSell it and get an Agilent 34401A bench top DMM instead.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2018, 10:14:35 am
content: Quote from: HighVoltage on May 12, 2018, 09:59:48 amThe 83V does have a bar graph.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2018, 10:43:40 am
content: Quote from: Jupiter on May 11, 2018, 09:40:46 pmThis means that your replacement cost would bemassivelyhigher than what you paid.That said, if you can sell the 83V for enough to buy a 34401A, I would. I’ve been surprised at how much I prefer using bench meters compared to handheld.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2018, 12:15:24 pm
content: Quote from: Jupiter on May 11, 2018, 09:40:46 pmQuote from: Jupiter on May 11, 2018, 09:40:46 pmThat's easy then: Sell the 83V. It's the most valuable - you'll get more money to put towards your 'scope. You'll still have more than enough multimeter for your work.Quote from: HighVoltage on May 12, 2018, 09:59:48 amTrue, but they don'tallhave to be industrial Flukes. Those $20 Chinese metersmeasurevery well (better than these Flukes in many cases). Just don't go poking them into substations...(Me? If I could sell the two for enough money to get a Rigol DS1054Z then I'd do that then get a Chinese meter to pair with the 87V. A 'scope on the bench beats a feel-good multimeter any day of the week)Quote from: Mr. Scram on May 11, 2018, 11:23:34 pmeg. When did replacing them with a bench multimeter come into this thread...?

author: gnavigator1007
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 12, 2018, 01:25:37 pm
content: I guess we should probably ask the OP if these are the only meters they currently own. By looking at all models recently sold for prices on eBay, they could expect to sell all 3 for $350. EBay/PayPal would take almost $50 in fees. Not enough left to buy a new 1054z outright and they'd still need multimeters.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2018, 04:51:05 pm
content: Quote from: gnavigator1007 on May 12, 2018, 01:25:37 pmI think you must be looking at a different eBay than me. I'd be lucky to get them for $500(unless they wererealbeaters).

author: markce
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2018, 05:11:14 pm
content: Why a bench DMM? Well, I use 4-wire resistor measurement quite a lot. The very small signal capability of a good DMM is also usefull. Arithmetic like dB conversion is another nice to have. There is a lot more than what the 83V and 174 offer over the 85V that you already have. Downside is, you will need some extra cash for the swap.

author: gnavigator1007
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 12, 2018, 07:38:45 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on May 12, 2018, 04:51:05 pmI was kinda low balling with that amount. Could definitely get more, but would require some patience on buy it now listings. 87V usually can fetch $150-300 depending on accessories. Supposedly one sold on the 8th for $54.99 + shipping. That's a real freakish price if it actually ends up in a buyer's hands. The 83V doesn't sell so well and has sold for as much as $170 and as little as $66 + shipping. The 174 has gone high at $86+ shipping and low at $52+ shipping.Hopefully Jupiter is able to get some student discounts when it's time to buy the oscilloscope. Unfortunate to even have to consider selling any of these meters. I'm not sure that there is any such thing as too many multimeters, but I know if there is, 3 is nowhere near too many.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2018, 07:51:10 pm
content: Quote from: gnavigator1007 on May 12, 2018, 07:38:45 pmSounds very low to me. An 87V in the $200 price range usually looks like this:(and they want $215 forthat)

author: gnavigator1007
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 12, 2018, 07:58:40 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on May 12, 2018, 07:51:10 pmRough. Sorry Fungus. Can usually find used in good condition for around $200 here, especially on auction listings. Everybody always tries to get one for less, but there's usually somebody willing to go just over $200 so you'll see a ridiculous number of 87Vs that have sold for something like $202.50

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2018, 08:16:18 pm
content: It all depends on how desperate you are for cash and in how much of a hurry you are to buy an oscilloscope, but I wouldn't be in a hurry to sell good quality DMMs for chump change. If you can get a fair amount for the 83V or 174 to help you reach your goal then sure, but it has to pay. If you can save an equal amount in not too much time, I wouldn't bother.I think keeping the 87V is sensible. It's valuable, but also reliable and simply a pleasant meter to use. You could do much worse as a budding professional and proper tools are always worthwhile. I've never found myself wishing I would've bought a less capable tool, while I certainly have regularly thought the opposite.

author: Jupiter
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 12, 2018, 09:14:59 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on May 12, 2018, 07:51:10 pmI got the 87v for 120 but that was with a 15% discount and some ebay bucks I had. So technically with the ebay bucks you could say I paid around 150. The 83v I got for 50 just had a blown 400mA fuse and sold as not working. The 174 is basically brand new but was sold as not working because the display was messed up, which ended up just being a loose ribbon cable to the lcd. I think I paid 40 for that. They are all in very good to excellent condition.

author: markce
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2018, 11:59:05 pm
content: Look, it's just 3 multimeters. Unless you want to start a shop, the deal is not that important. Get rid of 1 or 2 of them and buy something that adds to your electronics capabilities (a scope or a bench DMM).

author: Jupiter
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 13, 2018, 01:58:34 am
content: I agree ots not about price paid. I think I will probably get rid of the 174 and 83v as the 87v seems to be able to handle most jobs fairly well. I was thinking that keeping two would benificial it I needed to take multiple measurements at the same time but one would probably suffice for now and as I run into a situation where more is needed I will address oit then. Thank you to everyone for your input.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2018, 10:24:43 am
content: Quote from: Jupiter on May 13, 2018, 01:58:34 amGood idea, IMHO.Quote from: Jupiter on May 13, 2018, 01:58:34 amYou definitely need more than one multimeter but a $20 Chinese one will do the job of "secondary meter" just as well as either of those Flukes.Me? I'd get something like a $20 ANENG 860B+ anyway - just to contrast* with the Flukes and learn more about multimeters. If you've only ever had Flukes then your opinion could be biased.(*) Not that they're bad meters, they're really quite good.