Fluke 27 FM, again..... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 19, 2013, 05:50:49 am
content: I am a little late to get on the band wagon for the Fluke 27 FM, but I have to comment. I recently decided it was time for a super rugged and water and dust proof meter. My Brymens look like they should be from the construction but Brymen makes no claims as to their environmental seals. Well actually I was looking for a high voltage probe and I talked myself into buying the whole kit as it wasn't really any more expensive than the probe by itself from most vendors.I picked up a complete NOS latest model of the 27 FM with yellow case and charcoal face. It came with a full case, probes, clip on alligator clips, 80-6K 6kV high voltage probe, AND an 85RF high frequency RF probe. All for $100!Now I have used many Flukes, seen and handled many, but I was surprised by the construction and feel of this beast. When I opened the battery compartment to look inside, it actually "burped". I live at 2,500 meters altitude, (8,000 ft) and it let out the lower altitude pressure. Nice seal! The plastics are really thick and this thing is heavy. I have no doubt it will survive even the worst I throw at it. It is easy to see why it was purchased by the military. This one does not do TRMS.The interesting extra to me is the 85RF probe. It has a claimed range of 100kHz to 100 MHz at ±0.5dB, 100MHz to 200MHz at ±02.0 dB, and 200MHz to 500Mhz at ±3.0 dB. Anyone have experience with this probe?All in all I would have to say if you need a rugged package and a deal close to mine, go for it!

author: Robomeds
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2013, 10:02:39 pm
content: Got to love these things. I picked up a "broken" 27/FM for $28 off ebay. Not as good as the $17 8025B but not bad

author: true
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2013, 03:51:37 am
content: Yeah, I have three. A little slow but great simple rugged meters.Have one 85RF but haven't had a use for it yet... also curious about others experiences.Surplus has pretty much dried up on these so prices are going up...$100 isn't too bad but I got my first two kits with all parts you list included (except one no 85RF, but for that one was in recent cal) for $50 each. Also got a 27 II with month old cal for $100 shipped

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 20, 2013, 04:23:00 am
content: I picked one up off of eBay for $75 shipped and it came with hard case, a set of probes and the high voltage probe. On top of that, it just went out of calibration in May of this year. I love the meter and for the price I may pick up a 2nd.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 20, 2013, 04:30:03 am
content: Just to be clear, mine was new, never used. If you got the same for $50 that is a steal! I am just glad I was able to find a new complete kit for $100. My calibration expired in May 2009. It is still within spec.

author: true
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2013, 03:44:00 am
content: Quote from: Lightages on December 20, 2013, 04:30:03 amOne of them was a used grey true RMS type...I was hoping it would come with the US Army manual but it didn't. The unit is a bit dusty and screen a bit scratched but the plastics are all good; a bit of plastic scratch remover and it would look near new.The other one (yellow/grey) was near new (calibrated then surplused), and the last without a case but with everything else (another yellow/grey) was NOS.