Chinese Market Flukes - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 23, 2011, 01:29:00 am
content: Apologies if I've missed it but I don't believe Dave has reviewed any of the Chinese Flukes.While these meters were intended for the Chinese market, (Particularly relevant to any Chinese national readers we may have.) they are now flooding E-bay at a price break very attractive to the newbie or the budget conscious.I've read quite a bit on these, mostly positive with a few brickbats, but would be interested to see them judged to the same level as other popular meters have been on EEVblog.Not about to swap my 87-III for one, but from the look of them I'd like to be able to recommend them as an entry point suggestion. Any opinions welcome.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2011, 02:08:35 am
content: Are you trying to steal the food from the Russian reviewers ?Yes the Russians had become an true fan-club of those , and they had set them on the microscope all ready.Officially they will never enter in EU or USA , as you know all ready.But the last word about the review its up to Dave.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 23, 2011, 02:23:14 am
content: Quote from: Kiriakos-GR on January 23, 2011, 02:08:35 amNow that depends. Beer is still considered a food item in Russia. Sure makes one wonder about Russian Beer.Quote from: Kiriakos-GROfficially is often quite different from the reality. They are certainly finding their way to sales outside of mainland China.Yes it's Dave's cal, it's his dog & pony show after all. I'd simply like to gauge the interest in such a review. If there is interest I'm sure we could get one into the EEvblog lab.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 23, 2011, 02:29:47 am
content: Links?Dave.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 23, 2011, 02:50:24 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on January 23, 2011, 02:29:47 amhttp://cgi.ebay.com.au/FLUKE-17B-Digital-Multimeter-Temp-Probe-AC-TRANSDUCER-/110566028068?pt=AU_B_I_Electrical_Test_Equipment&hash=item19be3fb324This is the first one I came to c/w aftermarket current tong, lots of Asian sellers and quite a few selling from AU. EBay prices generally around $105.00 for 17B and around $85 for the 15B.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2011, 03:10:42 am
content: Not those links , he likes to see the Russian pages.Well I do not have them , I had just fall on them because they was had some hacking,by activating some functions , like activating buttons that originally was not active.Sorry Dave.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 23, 2011, 05:49:58 am
content: Don't think that Dave ever did a full review, but he certainly commented on them on a few occasions (sorry, don't remember in which blogs), and they were discussed on this forum. I didn't really pay attention, but I believe the comments were fairly positive (not on the same level as high-end Flukes, but certainly value for money).

author: sadman
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2011, 06:39:23 am
content: Quote from: Kiriakos-GR on January 23, 2011, 03:10:42 amhttp://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&u=http://techno-mind.ru/instrument/prevrashhenie-fluke-15b-v-fluke-17b-i-obzor-onogo.htmlit seems that converting 15b to 17b needs just a bit of plastic "hacking"15b is like $75 on ebay

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2011, 02:19:50 pm
content: Are they made in China? I'd be interested to see if there as good as the proper Flukes.Lol, got to love Google translate.Quote

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2011, 02:22:51 pm
content: Quote from: Hero999 on January 23, 2011, 02:19:50 pmI can't count how often these Flukes have already been discussed and dissected here. Just use the search function.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 23, 2011, 02:37:19 pm
content: Quote from: Hero999 on January 23, 2011, 02:19:50 pmThe latest global entry level meters, the Fluke 113-117 series, are also made in China I think, though probably higher quality than the 15b/17b. Not sure if the 113-117 are any worse than the previous 110-112 series which was made in the US, can't remember any complaints.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2011, 04:47:36 pm
content: Hey my 28II has also one " yellow condom ",so to store the leads on it ..

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 23, 2011, 07:55:56 pm
content: Quote from: Kiriakos-GR on January 23, 2011, 04:47:36 pmI think it is a prudent time to again issue the warning that "multimeter protective holsters" should never be substituted for birth control devices, even if such substitution could be a sure fire way of ensuring other will no longer wish to loan your meter.

author: eurokid
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 06, 2011, 01:04:49 am
content: I'd like to see a review on all three of the "B" series 15B, 17B, and 18B chinese Flukes. The 18B has a function specifically for testing LED's which is interesting. It's got a little socket thing on the front of the case that appears to accept a LED for testing purposes. I just purchased a Craftsman 81437 which is a Fluke 15B and I can 't wait till I get it in the mail because the first thing I'm going to do is take it apaaaaaart. I'll post pictures. So Dave, what do you think about doing a quick review on just the 18B? I think you'll find the LED test function interesting at least.F18B with the LED test "port" just below the lower RH corner of the LCD.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2011, 05:28:03 am
content: Quote from: eurokid on March 06, 2011, 01:04:49 amWell he had disliked all ready, the 28II because of that( voltage output less than 3V)I do not think that he will love the 18B as an complete solution.

author: eurokid
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 06, 2011, 06:22:55 am
content: I still think it would be cool to check out the LED test function of the 18B because of the fact that it's MADE for testing LED's. It has a dedicated function for it. I just thought it was interesting and unusual. This thing has GOT to put out more than 3V if it's specifically made for testing LED's. I'm not saying he's going to love it, He'll probably find it pretty interesting though. A multimeter with a dedicated LED test function? Crazy! I know what it's for, so the chinese people making those LED light up pictures can make sure they have they're LED's hooked up correctly! lol.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2011, 08:55:27 am
content: Quote from: eurokid on March 06, 2011, 06:22:55 amSorry but lately I had become a bit lazy about looking for specs ..Are you making an question about the volt output ?Or you are speculating ?Common LEDs can be checked with anything , the most "unusual" are the ones thatneeds3V and some current in mA ,so light up a bit, and even be tested.And truly , no one will ever buy an multimeter just for the LED tester, no matter if it had be manufactured on Mars.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 06, 2011, 12:53:38 pm
content: I find it very 'low-life' exploiting another company's reputation and marketing for your own products.Fluke is probably thinking:"Let them buy them, they will blow up and they will get the real Flukes eventually".

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2011, 04:58:47 pm
content: Quote from: Alex on March 06, 2011, 12:53:38 pmNo , my opinion is different.And I was not had the intention, to expand my view again, there is a large number of threads about this subject all ready.The majority of the professionals who needs an multimeter , they buy items with quality ( internal + external ) & high accuracy &lots of digits & technical support .The Chinese Fluke products , has an complete lack of support ( world wide other than China ) , and they are out of the game just from that factor.For simple tasks , and absolutely for indoor use , they could be nice , in the hand of a student.But such devices , there are so many all ready out there, from many brands.And the most important , with worldwide support .I do not see the brand names as source of admiration, because of the name of them.My vote goes always at the very well made ones , because with them in my hand , at the end of the day ,my work will be reliable too.And this matters the most to me.I personally believe that the expensive tools , are one subject for the experienced trained professionals,if some one is so young like 16 -26 , with an expensive tool at hand , he does not gain anything, or even glory*,if there is an such gain ....*(self admiration or STATUS as serious looking professional , that at the end, all this is an fake image in the mind of some people, so to just feel good about them )

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 06, 2011, 05:40:19 pm
content: QuoteI disagree. It is students and/or 'the masses' that are likely to blindly rely on a reading even if it doesn't really make sense. I find it very frustrating, especially when I was a student, to see the wrong reading and not know if it's your circuit or the meter! It is also the same people that are more likely to misuse the meter therefore safety is important.QuoteWell, the brand(s) came to be respected, I would not say admired, because of their quality and support. Fluke is not the only one, many more less expensive brands out there.QuoteI agree that there is little point in buying the most expensive unless needed or you have no choice. Multimeters enter the 'acceptable' quality and safety range very quickly with increasing price and it is those meters that the masses should shoout for. ~$40-100. Yes, the high(er) prices for Fluke Agilent etc are partly due to brand name. But the rest is quality and customer support. Fluke changed my 289's screen (£90), paid for postageandinstalled 6 fresh AA alkaline batteriesandcalibrated the meter without even being asked. All part of thelifetime warranty. They also fixed a bug on their online request system that I identified. Why should a hobbyist not have this support?QuoteUnless he knows how to properly use it.QuoteI agree. But a 'good' 'professional' needs good tools for the job, and he knows it very well.

author: eurokid
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 06, 2011, 10:56:09 pm
content: Quote from: Kiriakos-GR on March 06, 2011, 08:55:27 amI don't remember saying everyone should go rush out and buy a F18B.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2011, 11:20:25 pm
content: Alex you had chopped my reply , in parts that helps you to say something that you do have in your head.My points was crystal clear ...And the few people who will get those from ebay , I do not believe that they are so many after all .That it will make them to look an an interesting target group.It could sound selfish , but that's the truth , and my own opinion also.