Fluke 87 iii  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: R_G_B_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2014, 10:44:10 am
content: I have been offered a fluke 87 with green back light. Are there any issues with this early series 3 model? its going for £100 Should I take

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2014, 09:48:39 pm
content: The earliest 87 III have the green backlight. Later versions have the white backlight.According to seller, a-fluke, in this ebay listinghttp://www.ebay.com/itm/371107528509"The original 'Green Back Light Module' (see photo #2) is incandescent (filament/Bulb) and has 7 times the current draw as this LED Module....hence increased battery life with the LED installation!"In addition, a-fluke, sells elastomers for the original 87 I, 87 III and 87V. However, I have only seen first hand, posts and other "faded digits" problems associated with the original 87 I (not the III or V).As for other potential issues with an used Fluke series III, you could have the usual blown input protection (MOVs, PTC, fusible resistor), broken input jacks, dirty pcb, missing shrouds and/or blown fuses. Most can by DIY fixed as documented in modemhead's blog athttp://mrmodemhead.com/I have noticed some modified Fluke meters by sellers mixing and matching cases, lcd displays, etc. The 87 III should have "upright" lcd digits. The original I have "slanted" lcd digits. You can search for pictures to see a comparison.100 pounds is about 165 USD. That is around ebay's current market value +/- 20% for a 87 III (assuming the fuses are good and it comes with a holster and TL75 leads). I realize that outside the USA, Fluke meters, even used, can command a premium due to taxes, rarity, status, etc.PS. If the seller lets you, I suggest opening up the 87 III and doing a careful inspection and testing of the input protection components.edit: fixed up typos and grammar

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2014, 09:57:07 pm
content: I just remembered that modemhead has a picture of the 87 family athttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/show-your-multimeterNote the 87 on the left is with the upgraded lcd and white backlight (bigger digits and "upright"). The second one on the left is the original 87 lcd with the slanted and smaller digits.The 87 III has the green backlight. The 87V has larger digits than the III and I.

author: R_G_B_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2014, 11:16:08 pm
content: Thanks for you help guys.From the information you have given it appears to be a fluke 87 iii early model. Green LED. The white LED version is more energy efficient? And if required can be change for the to white LCD. The reason I wanted this meter was because of its fast peak function. And Its a good robust meter.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2014, 11:22:55 pm
content: The only time I need a backlight is when I'm working underneath the car hood in the garage. So to me, the difference between green and white backlight isn't a deal breaker.I have used the peak function to help troubleshoot an overvoltage protection problem in ATX PSU.