Fluke clone? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Axtman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2014, 05:08:30 pm
content: This multimeter looks just like a Fluke 85V but probably is not. Does anybody recognize the brand?

author: SoundTech-LG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2014, 05:14:18 pm
content: I don't see any brand at all...

author: Axtman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2014, 05:21:43 pm
content: SoundTech-LG,You are correct. There is no brand. I am asking if anybody recognizes this as a counterfeit or clone.

author: SoundTech-LG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2014, 05:24:09 pm
content: Where did you get that photo???

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2014, 05:36:05 pm
content: Quote from: Axtman on March 21, 2014, 05:08:30 pmThere is no such thing has a 85V. There is an original 85 and 85 III. Fluke never made a 85V.From the pictures, that is a real Fluke original 87. You can tell from the slanted font and the peak min/max feature silk screen. Additionally, the original 83 and 85 never had a yellow backlight button.

author: Axtman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2014, 05:51:37 pm
content: Sorry my mistake. I meant 87V.This photo is from an ad on Craigslist. The guy originally said it was a Fluke look alike. I emailed him and asked that he remove the yellow cover and check the back. He emailed back and said it was labelled "Fluke". I am suspicious since I have never seen a true Fluke multimeter that was not permanently marked "FLUKE".

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2014, 05:54:57 pm
content: Quote from: rstoer on March 21, 2014, 05:49:56 pmFluke's current series V models are the 83V and 87V. They have never made a 85V.Straight from the vendor ...http://www.fluke.com/fluke/caen/digital-multimeters/fluke-80-series-v.htm?PID=56135

author: rstoer
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2014, 05:58:33 pm
content: Quote from: retiredcaps on March 21, 2014, 05:54:57 pmMy mistake. Brain was out to lunch....

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2014, 05:59:36 pm
content: Quote from: Axtman on March 21, 2014, 05:51:37 pmThere is no way that meter in the picture you provided is a 87V. It is an original 87 series (I).Have a look at modemhead's 87 generation collection photo atwww.eevblog.com/forum/chat/show-your-multimeter!/msg333457/#msg333457The leftmost 87 is an original series I, but with an upgraded lcd. The 3 Fluke 87s on the right are the I, III, and V respectively.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2014, 06:01:06 pm
content: Quote from: rstoer on March 21, 2014, 05:58:33 pmNo worries.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2014, 06:11:44 pm
content: Quote from: Axtman on March 21, 2014, 05:51:37 pmAt the $155 USD asking price, I would pass. With patience, you can easily get a working Fluke 87 I on ebay for $100 USD or less.http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/eld/4384837134.htmlIf you can get the Fluke 189 for $150 USD, I would go for it.

author: Excavatoree
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2014, 06:43:10 pm
content: Because the secondary functions are blue and not yellow, the front case is not from an 83-V or an 87-V. I'm guessing it's an 87If I remember correctly, the 87-V has the labeled surround, so the only way it could be an 87-V is if someone changed the LCD surround and front case. (windows are welded to the front case. and aren't eaisily replaced.)The button assy is from an original 87 or a cat II 87. (It doesn't have the "sun" on the backlight button that the -III has)My guess it's an 87 I or II (none were labeled II, that's just the second, category rated version) with a different front case on it. The blank LCD surround is intended for use with a printed window, while a blank windowed front case was intended to be used with a labeled surround. In any case, the LCD surround and case don't match. on this meter.I'd say it's a genuine Fluke SOMETHING, but since parts have been mixed and matched, anything's possible. My guess is simply the most probable.EDIT: That's what I get for not reading ALL the replies first. I see RC came to the same conclusion. (I agree with his recommendation about buying)