Fluke fan undecided - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: MavMitchell
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 01:38:56 am
content: I'm going to do, I'm going to buy a new meter. I have had Flukes forever and now is the time for a new one.The problem is I really like the specs on the Keysight U1272A and the Fluke 289 is nearly twice the price in AU.Should I change sides???

author: ebclr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 01:40:17 am
content: I would stick with the King

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 02:06:39 am
content: The U1272A is a really nice feature packaged meter, and smaller than the 289.If you don't really need the graphing features, I'd go with the Keysight.

author: orion242
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 02:23:00 am
content: Have two 289s. Both used in the field for controls work many years now. The first got downgraded to home shop when it failed after a good drop on concrete. Was by no means its first, had it ~10yrs if I had too guess. Current failed on the low range which I use constantly for 4-20ma signals. Sent it in for repair, came back as needing a PCB replacement for about 80% of a new unit. Tore that apart and the current sense resistor had a broken solder joint. Simple fix. It latter broke a tab off the battery holder and now just used at home in the bench.The second one, the damn led for the probe detection snapped off. Its utterly useless if this happens. Got lucky and it was still wandering around in the case when I opened it up. Another simple fix, but seems to be a common problem.Both of these have been ridden hard and put away wet. Dropping from 10' ladder many times. Had one probably 15yrs, the other ~10. Pretty solid and while I don't need the graphing the data logging has come in handy on several cases. I also like that I can go from measuring sensors to the output of 100HP VFDs with no worry its going to explode in my hand or fail on the first (or 50) good drop. If its just lab / home gamer use, the meter will probably outlive you in the worst conditions you toss at it.

author: kj7e
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 02:43:19 am
content: Unless you need the graphing function of the 289, maybe look for a 189 which I think is a much more useful meter. The 189 is best Fluke made IMHO.

author: orion242
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 02:50:57 am
content: Is that the only diff between the 189 and 289? Do you still get the min/max/avg logging?When I went for the 289 it was with the mindset, if I'm going to shell out that for level of meter...I want it all. The min/max/avg logging I do use enough I would go for the extra cost if the 189 lacks it.

author: kj7e
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 03:09:59 am
content: The 189 is the 289 without the graphing display or the LoZ function.

author: mr.fabe
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 03:10:53 am
content: The Fluke 189 is a good meter but poor battery life. This meter has been discontinued for a long time. You can still purchase it new from vendors such as TEquipment.net, however, no Fluke warranty. If you purchase it used, you'll find the prices on fleamart to be close to a 287-289 range.Almost forgot... chances are you may need to replace the supercap on this unit but it's an easy repair.

author: orion242
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 03:17:52 am
content: 289 only gains the graphing, its useless IMO. LoZ I use constantly for TRIAC outputs. Fluke seems to only put that in their high end meters to extract cash from control guys.Battery life, I don't see a huge issue. I fire it up when I need it and turn it off shortly after. In an 8hr day, I might need it at most 30 min almost always with the back light. I change the batteries a handful of times a year. The boot time is more annoying than the battery life in my use. That said, if I hit the power button, select the mode, then get the probes on target...its usually ready to play by the time I'm sorted out.Would also add, if you mistakenly use LoZ on high voltage/AIC...it sparks when you probe it, but doesn't blow up in your face or damage the meter.

author: ct1bxt
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 04:00:49 am
content: Hi,i have 189, U1253b and brymen 869s. I can confirm that 189 and U1353B battery life time are very poor. The brymen is ok.Despite that, the 189 is a very good meter whit a lot of functions.The U1253B is exceptional for dark places as the display is OLED.The 869s is a real surprise as he is very fast processing data and as a big display and the price is about 220 eur. The most I use for know.Rodrigo