87 V Arrived today - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 10:11:38 am
content: It's bloodyglorious!I read a bunch of reviews, watched a bunch of videos, but the quality feel of this sucker just doesn't come across. Now I understand why Dave "loves" his. I thought he was just being a brand victim. Wrong.Seriously, even considering the price this thing is amazing.Buy one!

author: lowimpedance
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 10:47:45 am
content: It is true, there is nothing like having one in your hand to appreciate the quality...........the 87V of course!.

author: VK5RC
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 10:57:13 am
content: Fully agree regarding the main unit; I was a bit disappointed with the standard/supplied leads, ProbeMasters or Agilents to me are a bit better. I like a soft flexible lead.Enjoy!Robert Culver

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 11:33:44 am
content: Quote from: VK5RC on December 04, 2013, 10:57:13 amThat's a fair observation. I have some very nice Pomona leads though. The ones with the unit do seem slightly industrial.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 11:59:09 am
content: Congratulation, yep, one of the best and it just "oozes"quality when you touch it.Is that new ? If it is, what is the firmware version ?Edit : To show firmware version, while off, hold the AUTOHOLD button, then switch to DC Volt directly from the off position, it will show X.XX number.

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 12:04:39 pm
content: the one fault is that from now on, you'll compare every other meter's build quality to the 87v.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 12:11:39 pm
content: Quote from: Fsck on December 04, 2013, 12:04:39 pmI know this sounds weird and sorta "fan-boy-ish" statement, but I concur.

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 12:29:20 pm
content: Quote from: BravoV on December 04, 2013, 11:59:09 am3.03No idea how long it was in stock for, but I ordered it a week or so ago.

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 12:35:20 pm
content: Quote from: BravoV on December 04, 2013, 12:11:39 pmI'd also have to add that the non-mechanical specs are outdated for the 2010s.

author: JoeO
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 12:47:57 pm
content: $318 in the US.http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/dmm/87v.htm?ref=gbase&gclid=CJTDlvbMlrsCFa9cMgod6G4AUQ12/07/13 - THE DEAL IS GONE. IT IS BACK TO $399.

author: VintageTekFan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 02:25:12 pm
content: Quote from: BravoV on December 04, 2013, 12:11:39 pmIt's not a fan-boy-ish statement if its universally true.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 02:32:45 pm
content: Quote from: VintageTekFan on December 04, 2013, 02:25:12 pmOMG, just realised we have a mob here.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 03:31:55 pm
content: I got an partial TPAK kit with mine, damn, that thing is handy, hanging my fluke on my shelves, going to buy one for my 289 also.The stand is kinda ok, but it takes some space, but hanging it makes it easy to use there, or snap with you to grab'n go..

author: jolshefsky
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 04:26:49 pm
content: I bought one recently too, and really can't bear to bother with any of the junky handhelds I had before.I agree about the supplied probes. I take issue with the alligator-clips most of all: the safety-based design makes it impossible to clip onto a grounded component lead so I can measure around with the positive lead's tip ... fortunately I have some junky, "dangerous" plug-on-tip alligator clips around.Oh, and I already blew the mA fuse being careless. That's why I usually measure current with a 1? (or bigger or smaller) shunt — plus I can check it on my 'scope in case there's some big HF component. And if I'm measuring the current draw of a device, it's usually because it's battery operated and it often has at least one thing driven with a HF oscillator (i.e. PWM LED).

author: olsenn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 06:08:46 pm
content: The 87 is outdated spec-wise; however, it is a time proven industrial multimeter that is build like a brick shithouse. With Fluke, you only ever really need to worry about your product being too outdated... never about your product malfunctioning

author: geo_leeman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 06:33:14 pm
content: I've been debating the 87 V vs. Agilent U1272A for quite a while. The U1272A is about $60 more in the US, but that's not the issue. From what I've read on here the Agilent is more bang for the buck, but not nearly as durable. Considering I end up taking my meter lots of places other than the bench, maybe the 87 V will be the better meter? Can't beat it for simplicity, but the bells and whistles of Agilent are nice as well.

author: staze
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 06:39:19 pm
content: Quote from: geo_leeman on December 04, 2013, 06:33:14 pmWhat do you use it other places for? If it's for electrical work, you could always get the U1272A for your bench, and a less expensive Fluke 115/116/117 for travel...That said, while I don't have a 87V, I have a 189, and I love the thing (sorry, I don't agree with the battery complaints. I'd rather it take NiMH AA's that don't last that long vs take a 9V that are generally not rechargeable, and in a pinch, harder to find at a random convenience store). Best meter I've ever had.

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 06:47:14 pm
content: Why the U1272A and not the U1252B?Haven't looked at the specs recently, but I thought the latter was superior. I was planning to get the latter later this month. But now you make me think I might have missed something.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 06:54:59 pm
content: http://dmm.findthebest.com/compare/34-61/Agilent-U1252B-vs-Agilent-U1272A

author: geo_leeman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 07:15:16 pm
content: Quote from: apelly on December 04, 2013, 06:47:14 pmThe 1252A seemed a bit more rugged. The comparison link above seems to agree, but it's also not totally accurate... The 1252B does have autoranging for example (according to Newark anywho). I work in a rock testing laboratory, so I need quite good resolution when designing circuits and troubleshooting on the bench as well as in the lab tucked in between hydraulic hoses and such. Mostly looking at DC analog circuits. The group recently acquired some 87 V meters and they are quite nice and rugged enough to stand up to students, but I'm thinking the Agilent may be a nice one to keep for personal use.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 07:21:28 pm
content: Quote from: apelly on December 04, 2013, 06:47:14 pmIt is for electronics IMHO (own one).Quote from: neslekkim on December 04, 2013, 06:54:59 pmThe data for the U1252B isn't entirely correct in the comparison. I have one, and just off the top of my head, it definitely has Auto Ranging (can be disabled if desired). Seems it's better for electronics use, while the U1272A is aimed more towards industrial electricians & field work.U1252B isn't quite as rugged, but is more than sufficiently sturdy for bench use (can take a 1m impact). Now on a ladder and it falls 2m+, not so sure (too chicken to use my as a crash test dummy for that).

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 07:29:34 pm
content: OK. A bit of revision and I'm still thinking the 1252B, but there's stuff all in it.

author: geo_leeman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 08:10:20 pm
content: Looking around some I think the 1252B wouldn't be a bad meter really, and the extra counts are nice... Would it survive Santa's drop down the chimney? We can hope!

author: Kryoclasm
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2013, 04:08:56 am
content: I got mine a couple of weeks ago and it is already hard at work. I'm very happy to be using a Fluke again. It has been many moons.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2013, 04:20:29 am
content: Talking about Agilent U1525B, some talks on the NiMH battery and it's charger, I think you should read throughly and check this thread ->HERE<87V fanboy mode : OFF>

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 05, 2013, 04:39:07 am
content: Bad batch of Agilents?Irritating to read that thread. Will probably still get one though. Can't have all Flukes

author: calexanian
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2013, 04:39:21 am
content: I have a 87 around here somewhere. Its in my field service box now and has been banged to hell and back. Since we got a couple of gen 1 189's in the shop we switched to them for anything development related but I never found the 87 wanting for anything.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2013, 02:54:51 pm
content: Quote from: BravoV on December 05, 2013, 04:20:29 amKeep in mind, saturation's unit is an A series, not a B series (easy to tell by color; A = Blue, B = Orange).I've the newer B version, and haven't had any issues from the charger (I do leave it unplugged when not being used), nor has the rubberized coating (what's orange), flaked anywhere.So I'm taking it from the perspective of his being an older unit (teething problems if you will).Quote from: apelly on December 05, 2013, 04:39:07 amSee above.

author: VK5RC
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 06, 2013, 11:29:46 am
content: I have had a U1253B for a few years now, no problems with the charger but the NiCad sells out after year 2, the push on probe clip cover also hardens and fragments after a few years but are cheap to replace AUD11. The leads are otherwise ok, nice and flexible,I have not found the slowish continuity a major hassle but the Fluke 87 is much faster.The OLED display is great for me, I reach for the Agilent meter first, invariably the meter is on the other side of my desk, wires everywhere and I have bumped the meter out of line by the time I am trying to read it!Recharging is a bit of a pain.Regards Rob

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2013, 05:35:46 pm
content: Quote from: VK5RC on December 06, 2013, 11:29:46 amIt can be, particularly if it gets too low when using it and have to stop whatever you're doing to charge it through the meter.Simple solution though. Get a separate NiMH charger + 2 - 3 spare NiMH batteries. Always have one ready to go should the meter's current battery get to low.

author: calexanian
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2013, 06:22:46 pm
content: I know others have posted pictures like this before, but here is mine. I only used the older meters as the 189's were all in use.The reason I buy FLUKE! Even old used ones off Ebay that "Did not work"

author: Napalm2002
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2013, 11:22:51 pm
content: Joe oDid I miss something? I can't seem to find the 87-5 for 318$ us. The link u posted says 399? Any ideas?

author: JoeO
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 07, 2013, 07:31:03 pm
content: Quote from: Napalm2002 on December 06, 2013, 11:22:51 pmLooks like the deal is gone.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2013, 08:12:41 am
content: Curious why the heck 87V new price is still relatively high ?

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 08, 2013, 09:41:33 am
content: Do the math: Reputation-supply-demand-substitutes.If the math didn't work out they'd obviously be a bunch cheaper. ( More likely obsolete, with a new 1087 carrying the gauntlet)

author: smoothtalker
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2013, 02:06:40 pm
content: Quote from: Napalm2002 on December 06, 2013, 11:22:51 pmYea it's gone. I can back him up. It was $309 during thanks giving to blackfriday on Tequipment before 6% eev discount code. That sums up to $290I was quite upset over that because I bought it from transcat for a lot higher. But transcat won't honor a price match. It's ok. In life we gain some, we lose some.Quote from: BravoV on December 08, 2013, 08:12:41 amYea. I kinda find the 87v to be junk for the price. I hate the old school battery holder and much prefer the 117 or 289 battery compartment design. The fuses also lack access port.Fluke seems to be having issues recently too.. Look at the leaking super capacitor of 28X series. Disappointing

author: JoeO
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2013, 04:01:59 pm
content: Is there any chance that we could have a "sticky" to use to post good deals on test equipment?

author: Kryoclasm
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2013, 04:02:42 am
content: Quote from: smoothtalker on December 08, 2013, 02:06:40 pmClearly I hear hyperbole. Calling the 87V Junk for the price is a bit silly at best, obtuse at worst.On a side note, do you seriously go through that many batteries and fuses with your 87V that the access is a huge deal? That would make one wonder if you respect your test equipment to begin with.While working as an industrial electrical technicianI have never had to replace a fuse in any multimeter I have owned going back to 1992, Fluke or otherwise.Batteries typically last me at least a full year at which time the calibration company will replace it. On a busy year I may need to replace it once my self.I respect the fact that you prefer the 117 and 289, but those meters are different animals and designed for different reasons. The 117 is a light weight GP electricians tool and the 289 is for high precision data acquisition. Not to mention the 87V is a 20,000 count meter compared to the 6,000 count 117.Different tools for different purposes. None of those meters are bad, in fact they are all top notch meters.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2013, 05:49:04 am
content: Quote from: smoothtalker on December 08, 2013, 02:06:40 pmAbout the battery compartment, excluding the size and batteries cells required of course, the 280 design definitely has it's own advantages, with only finger nail you can access the fuses and replace the batteries. Also since its separated, if there is any batteries leak, it will be sort of isolated from the main DMM circuit, and should there is any nasty liquid spillages from the leak, they will be contained and separated in the compartment physically separated from the main DMM board space.But remember, this 287/289 compartment design is only possible because it's humongous size and volume inside, don't think it is easy to have that similar design at other mainstream sizes DMMs like 87V does.Quote from: Kryoclasm on December 09, 2013, 04:02:42 am+1 Agree, they're just like different species and can not be compared straight away like that. I own 287 and 87V, the fat and tall 287 with it's better accuracy, logging/chart + all it's bells & whistles is more suitable to be called handheld benchtop multimeter. While 87V is more for general purpose and also more suitable for field work than 280 series.My analogies, 287 is like current state of the art cell phone with sleek design, big touch screen based with all those cool features, while 87V is like those pre smart phone era metal cased cellular phone, which has physical buttons and used only for calling/answering phone + minor texting.Btw, at Fluke 280, the yellow rubbery jacket is molded permanently together with the meter body and can not be separated, while 87V is detachable.Attached foto below clues about the size & volume of Fluke 280 series vs 87V, quite significant imo, and especially for 87V owners, just imagine it without the yellow protector jacket.

author: calexanian
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2013, 06:19:34 am
content: An observation and rationale why I prefer meters with 9 volt batteries. When 9 volts go bad and leak the mess stays inside for the most part due to it having a outer jacket and 6 cells inside. This construction does not foul the battery terminals in the meter as often. Otherwise I have no preference.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2013, 09:20:56 am
content: for those who changed battery in an 87-v also knows that the battery is not places close to any electronics, and it's almost inside its own compartment..