EEVblog 1692 - $130 Fluke 17B MAX Multimeter REVIEW - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 25, 2025, 09:46:29 pm
content: Is a US$130 Fluke multimeter any good? A review of the Fluke 17B MAX Multimeter00:00 - US$130 Fluke 17B MAX Multimeter02:32 - Construction04:52 - What's in the (China Only) box?06:14 - New TL31 probes for electronics use07:03 - Teardown11:32 - Input Alert Jacks13:22 - Bottom of PCB14:54 - Really glossy solder mask16:35 - Data port?17:13 - Pro Tip: Replacing self tapping screws18:10 - Power On and that BIG display!19:11 - Backlight. Dim but nice.19:43 - Continuity tester20:59 - The Range Switch has changed21:32 - No TouchHold22:46 - The capacitance range accuracy FAILED23:37 - Accuracy tests24:48 - High Voltage Overload testing26:18 - 240V Mains up the clacker26:52 - Ohms accuracy testing27:33 - Drop Testing27:58 - Current accuracy testing29:09- LED testing kinda sucks, and more capacitor testing29:39 - Capacitor testing SUCKS31:44- Battery Life measurements33:40 - Conclusion

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2025, 04:38:54 am
content: It seems to be a few steps forward, and a few steps back.Deal breaker is the capacitance (mal)function and diode-test couldn't dish out much, and the backlight is too dim, and it's slowwwwww update rate. I want my 6,000 count current readings, that's a bizarre ripoff. Why are the buttons REL and yellow shift, LED backlit? I guess it's not splash resistant.It matters that the functions work, and work well - this (was) Fluke products.

author: Kleinstein
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2025, 09:22:13 am
content: The slow capacitance readings with initially wrong values are really an issue. Even the bryman meter looks like for a short time has a false value still hard to detect a change in DUT.The high voltage warning looks like it is done in software from the reading. So it can't tell the difference between overload and an actual high voltage.As a nasty point also visible in the video it did not light up the high voltage warning with mains in the mV DC range. Chances are it would not detect AC voltage when in DC ranges. So the LED is basicly useless.Having only 4000 counts in amps and ohms is also a bit disappointing. I could somewhat understand it with amps as for many meters that could mean 600 mV burden which would be on the high side and may cause heat problems with some ranges. Good chip sets could still use an extr again step for amps, not a mV range.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 26, 2025, 11:04:37 am
content: Someone pointed out that Uni-T have a UT-17B MAX that is a direct competior, and it advertises fast capacitance, fast continuity, and 6000 count on all ranges!I think a review is in order...

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2025, 02:46:20 pm
content: Are these available in the US through "legit" channels? N8FDY reviewed this meter a while back and came to similar conclusions--the capacitance measurement is poor to terrible and overall performance is not great, but basic performance seems OK.I'm sure they were able to get the BOM down pretty low on this one. I wonder who makes the COB chipset for it?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2025, 10:53:17 pm
content: Quote from: bdunham7 on June 26, 2025, 02:46:20 pmThe 17B+ is for sale on the US site:https://www.fluke.com/en-us/product/electrical-testing/digital-multimeters/fluke-17b-plusThe 17B max is only on asian sites and oneAUS siteso far:https://www.fluke.com/en-my/product/electrical-testing/digital-multimeters/fluke-17b-maxQuote from: Kleinstein on June 26, 2025, 09:22:13 amExactly, its just toggled from the MCU.A proper HV warning light would be toggled off of some dedicated window comparator or whatever.

author: SteveLTN
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2025, 08:20:01 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on June 26, 2025, 11:04:37 amI read that Uni-T 17B MAX has its range switch running over some traces on the top side of the PCB. Would love to see a review to confirm. If true, it can't be long lasting ...BTW, is a BM2257 review still planned?

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2025, 06:12:44 pm
content: So is it a trend that any product redesigned and sold adding "MAX" to its brand name is a flawed product?

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2025, 06:55:58 pm
content: Fluke and Boeing located next door in the Everette research park, they must talk.Doing a rehash of an existing product, when you're impotent and incapable of developing a new product - just add "MAX" to the model numberJohn Fluke had no problem with going for custom silicon, resistor arrays etc.Fortive using off the shelf silicon, using an OEM - it's never going to be as low cost or have unique features that work really good.They stick their head in the sand over the capacitance function being crappy, as it was for the17B review"1000uF takes about 11 seconds to measure; capacitance range shows often wrong value when checking high value capacitors."There's been plenty of time to address this...

author: Kleinstein
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2025, 08:28:04 pm
content: The capacitance function to a large part is likely fixed in the DMM chip under the blob. So no much Fluke could do about it - maybe skip the 1000 µF range altogether. The DMM chips may allow some customization (e.g. part of the program for the internal µC, to set something like limits and display details, like extra LEDs), but some parts will also be fixed and limitations of the hardware.With quite some choices on of the shelf DMM chips there is no longer the need for custom chips. The custom part today is more like the standard hardware with a custom software part and number. If one can get away with the offset shelf parts there is little benefit from custom resistors. It needs quite some volume before they can get cheaper even of the standard part leave out parts unused (e.g. use only 2 or 4 resistors). In the 1980s there was a much smaller choice of of the shelf parts.

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2025, 08:52:04 pm
content: It's nice to see our beloved leader describe how to properly start a plastic (or sheet metal) screw at about 17.35. A lot of hackers don't seem to know that, and if you aren't paying attention, you will cross/strip threads and have to use a larger size. That said, I prefer an on/off switch, not something on the rotary switch.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2025, 09:24:27 pm
content: Quote from: Kleinstein on June 27, 2025, 08:28:04 pmMeasuring capacitance with these DMM IC's is like a 555 timer. Window comparator, two thresholds firmware can choose like 1/4, 3/4 VDD or 1/3, 2/3 VDD, and measure time between. Some firmware is single-slope, others dual-slope for the ramp time measurement. That difference shows as leakage current giving silly false high reading with single-slope firmware, when testing low ESR water-based electrolyte electrolytics, which always have high leakage current. For low value caps 1uF or less, frequency is measured instead of ramp time.One problem I see is the test charging current is just too small, so bigger caps take forever and leakage currents can prevent the ramp from ever making it to the top threshold. Probably what we are seeing here.For the Fluke 17B+ it's an 8-bit clunker MCU and 4KB is quite limited OTP memory for the whole multimeter, likely no code space to fix the capacitance algorithm. The 17B+ MAX might have more room.But for a simple use, electrician testing a motor run/start cap and he can't do it? Hobbyist can't test a 1,000uF cap? This is a deal breakerIf you were manager of the Fluke multimeter division - what would you do?Join the rat race to the bottom, use a vanilla single-chip DMM IC and outsource the development... and this is what we get. Sorta works but not really.Or be a leader and design it in-house, get the custom silicon, or be an innovator and implement killer features? Fortive is about profit and none of this - which made the brand they bought.I'm not being nice to any mega-conglomerates buying and then slowly killing legendary brand names in the pursuit of MAX profit lol.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2025, 10:22:30 pm
content: Quote from: Kleinstein on June 27, 2025, 08:28:04 pmIndeed it probably is. Fluke has been using the off the shelf MSP430 family of 16-bit microcontrollers since the early 2000s.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2025, 03:54:39 am
content: Quote from: rsjsouza on June 27, 2025, 10:22:30 pmYes, but with a nice custom-front end part that they use quite widely along with custom resistor networks in many cases. Those are the basic building blocks for making quite a variety of meters. The half-assed COB blob for everything is a significant step down from that system and I suppose if they have contempt for their customers then it is "good enough for who it's for". Oh well, my current Flukes will likely last as long as I need them...

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 28, 2025, 09:10:17 am
content: Quote from: rsjsouza on June 27, 2025, 10:22:30 pmFluke still use their custom ASIC multimeter front end though. Except on these cheap ones where they use Fortune Semi one.

author: CosteC
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2025, 06:32:01 pm
content: Can somebody guide me how battery door can be opened without TOOL?Seems Dave showed (https://youtu.be/UER8fiI9WrY?t=234) that FLUKE 17B MAX does not conform to EN 61010-1 6.1.2...I guess defence line would be that Dave's nail is particularly tool-like

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2025, 06:56:20 pm
content: I am used to the "a tool is required" to open, but there is no clause saying cannot be opened by a fingernail, kid, squirrel etc.The regulatory requirement is "positive intent" to open the cover- not it falling loose or sliding open by accident.In other words, that your brain is doing instructing and if you get electrocuted and die, well it's your fault.It's mainly for electrical panels, opening an energized panel requires a tool and this positive intent, no boneheads opening a panel for fun.

author: CosteC
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2025, 07:44:03 pm
content: Quote from: floobydust on June 28, 2025, 06:56:20 pmBattery door requirement is provided, it is "protective barrier" same as electrical panel. "Positive intent" is not mentioned in 61010-1 either. Intention of authors of standard was, in my opinion, to enforce impossibility of quick and easy removal of protective barrier, something which Dave proven to be not fulfilled: he opened it as easy as if it would be just a latchTool is defined as "external device" (3.1.5). This pretty well excludes fingernailBut not kid or squirrel.They managed to make device not operational without battery door - this is good safety measure as multimeter does not work without protection.I am surprised FLUKE used this solution. There is not obvious risk yet why so little force was needed, especially on brand new unit, will it not loosen itself over time?

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2025, 10:24:11 pm
content: The laser trimmed resistor network is indeed quite accurate and probably beats the large amount of discrete solutions around, but the front end ASIC must be relatively expensive (as it is old and single-sourced) and it might be there simply due to the conservative aspect of making changes to established products (the whole military contracts, 87V unchanged for several generations, etc.). The Fluke 87V service manual hints that it is not a particularly sophisticated part (although nicely integrated, but that is done with countless meters in the marketplace today). The newer design of the Fluke 3000FC does not seem to have this part.Quote from: EEVblog on June 28, 2025, 09:10:17 amQuote from: bdunham7 on June 28, 2025, 03:54:39 am

author: Kleinstein
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2025, 09:55:08 am
content: With modern DMMs laser trimmed resistors are no longer really needed. The calibration is via numerics and thus can compensate for gain or divider stages that are a few percent off. The very accurate resistor ratios where a thing in the old times when the display steps directly corresponded ADC steps and thus usually tim pots used for the adjustment. Very accurate ratios could save adjustment steps and pots.It can still help to have custom resistor arrays / dividers for a long time stable gain - these are however also often available off the shelf or as special order from a series part (e.g. like Susumu RM series).For the custom DMM chip now it is not clear if these are true custom designs or just a normal chip with the custom firmware. Many of the DMM chips have some µC inside that is programmable with flash or mask ROM.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2025, 05:29:58 pm
content: All they've done lately is integrate an MCU with the analog front end. So it is one chip for the lowest cost.But this gives you 1980's computing power as an 8-bit CPU with very little memory and the code must be written in assembly language I think.Main limitation in the analog section has always been the true-RMS conversion. The Hycon and Dreamtech parts have a DSP section to calculate true-RMS but only to 1.6kHz and no DC component is possible. In the ANENG, Zotek etc. On-chip ref IC has never worked that great either, so they add an external IC ref.You are limited by what the IC provides unless you add a ton of extra external hardware, like in Agilent's approach those handhelds are stuffed with parts and expensive.Not sure what Bymen ended up doing, BM786 there is provision for anAD8436but not populated.This Fluke took the easy road using Fortune Semi, they ended up just ACV average reading.I don't know how much money is really saved going COB one chip, verses a two IC (analog DMM and MCU) solution.The Fluke 87V Max I think that ASIC's days are numbered with the loss of Linear Tech and the ADI fab change. It has lower compliance voltage on diode-test than the prior 87's and a power supply change so I think they are running a lower voltage IC now. Would Fortive do anything with the cow other than milk it? You have to feed it, do a next gen ASIC I think if you want to stay competitive.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 29, 2025, 11:10:09 pm
content: Quote from: floobydust on June 29, 2025, 05:29:58 pmThe BM787 has the extra bandwidth AC RMS converter fitted.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2025, 12:39:13 am
content: Quote from: floobydust on June 29, 2025, 05:29:58 pmProbably a lot on a relative BOM basis, but that's probably peanuts compared to the retail cost of the meter. But those nickels add up! In bulk it's probably like <$1 for the COB and <$10 for the MSP430 + ASIC or something like that.QuoteThe 87V MAX is also an old design, it is just a recycled 28II. If they can keep getting the ASIC I see no need to update, but if not they'll need a respin. Seems to be a recurring theme with Fluke, needing to respin and update just to keep making the same old product that people still want. I'm pretty sure their bench meters went away precisely for this reason although I don't know how hard a respin would have been with those since I think it was either the original Cyclone FPGA or the VFD that was the issue.

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2025, 10:04:32 pm
content: Autoranging and time to a stable display in general also seems to be quite slow, and for me this is something that gets quite annoying after a while.In the comparison with the BM2257 you forgot to mention the data output, which is a quite important feature for me. That fluke meter seems to have spec's that got stuck somewhere in the '80ies. I'd choose the Brymen over the fluke anytime, and you can donate the price difference to some good cause.And finally, If you have a jellow jacketed DMM, you always run the risk it's going to get confiscated by the customs police.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2025, 10:32:02 pm
content: I need speed. When you are probing around equipment I don't have time to wait for sluggish autoranging.So I use manual ranging and DMM's from the 80's that aren't Fluke and have no MCU lol when I am working at the speed of thought.Fluke will be at the liberty of the Fortune Semi's and their 8-bit clunker MCU.17B+ sample rate "4,000 count 3Hz". The IC is "14-bit/5Hz" so it seems to be able to do a little better than the end result.17B MAX sample rate "6,000 count 3Hz" but that's volts - every other function is 4,000 count for some reason.A good part of fast auto-ranging is clever firmware which is uncommon.

author: SuperFlyEDSguy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2025, 12:20:42 am
content: I had most of the very same problems when I originally bought my 17B+ back in September of 2023!The capacitance values on the 17B+ were bad, but many people buy the 17B+ instead of let’s say a 117 because it has mA and µA settings, yet those were way off the mark too! Sure, the amperage tolerance problems were confined to certain specific ranges over others, but the net result was clearly negative for electronics use! That’s completely unsatisfactory for a $130-ish (in Yankee dollars, BTW) device, especially when Fluke of all companies puts their logo on it!Then there’s that subset of folks that will just tell you to just drop $500-or-so on an 87V and you’ll be“beyond happy.”I personally feel that’s an overkill, especially when you could invest in the much nicer Siglent SDM3045X to keep on your bench, while saving over $100 and gaining some fantastic monitoring tools! You could also get some decent comparable UNI-T multimeters while saving even more!I initially refused to believe that a“Fluke product”could be that horrible, so I exchanged that 17B+ for another as I honestly thought that I was sent a defective unit. The replacement multimeter, also being“brand new,”had the very same problems, so I concluded that it was not only a simple calibration issue. Thefunniestpart, if any of this is actually humorous, was that I also owned a Fluke 107 (same series as the one in the video, but with a few additional features) since June of 2021. Well, as you could probably guess, those limited features worked very well, and I am very happy with that little meter overall! The 107 really does put the 17B+ to shame!The“good news”is that this ordeal had turned me on to Brymen, and my very next purchase, mainly due to the price being in the same ballpark was the EEVblog BM786 that I got less than a month later in October of 2023.Your video comparing the Brymen internals to a comparable Fluke was what sealed the deal, and I was very impressed! For handheld meters, I am probably going to remain a Brymen fan for life, not to mention that BM786 has become the meter that I readily grab because I know it will work! I have a box of decent meters to choose from, but in the past two years, I very rarely use anything other than the BM786 or the Fluke 107 if I need more portability.Lastly, I ended up enjoying the leads (BL21S2-T4SC) packaged with the BM786 so much that I repurchased those alone to keep with a few of my other multimeters. I was blown away by the quality of that simple pair of leads, and that says A LOT about a product. I will probably look into the BM2257 that was used in the video, but will need to do some research to compare it to my current BM786. I’m curious exactly how much of an upgrade it would be. I know the price is certainly right, that’s for sure!Dave, if you do read this, please bring those leads back to Amazon as I actually wanted to get another set or two, maybe even more. Also, I’m a longtime fan, but hadn’t participated in the community, well, until today. I’m hoping to get more involved as I find capable, being that I have a rare genetic connective tissue disease that sometimes makes simple things virtually impossible for me to do, so I am not always able to do things at my bench or even feel up to just getting online at times. Fortunately, it fluctuates, and I don’talwaysfeel like crap, which is good because I can do those things that I enjoy on my good days. After having to retire, getting back into the EE world has been quite soothing, almost therapeutic.All said, I wanted to give a huge thanks to you and to everyone else who participates in this awesome community! I’ve got a lot out of it over the couple of years that I was simply“lurking in the shadows!”I aim to be more active and to hopefully even“give back”something myself.Thanks again for another great video and for this awesome community!

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 25, 2025, 12:32:14 am
content: Quote from: SuperFlyEDSguy on August 25, 2025, 12:20:42 amThe BM786 is definitely the better meter, but the 2257 is smaller and has the LowZ mode.QuoteWill do.

author: SuperFlyEDSguy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2025, 04:03:38 am
content: Thanks Dave! I see you posted them and I did order a couple!I also looked through your web stores and will likely grab some product on there too. I really like that clamp meter that’s currently on there as it blows away my Fluke 302+! I don’t use portable gear as much as my stationary bench gear, but could certainly use something like that for specific projects. I will probably be exclusively going the Brymen route as it’s better and far more economical than comparable Fluke gear! I appreciate you sharing that info because other than what I now know is white label, you really don’t see Brymen here in the states!I’ll check the FAQs, shipping pages, or whatever you got; but just let me know if there’s any issues with me ordering to the states via any of your sales channels.BTW, fun fact, Florida is our subtropical climate area in the states, and interestingly enough we have both alligatorsandcrocodiles, although the crocs are usually found a bit south of here. It’s not uncommon to see gators out and about though, even in your yard or while going down the street, provided you’re near water, which is just about everywhere!Be well.