which multimeter do you think i should buy? Fluke 87V/289 or Brymen BM869 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: JonathonD
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 31, 2015, 06:47:02 am
content: Hi guys i need to buy a new multimeter as my cheap auto ranging Dick Smith meter finally diedi will mainly be using it for electronic repairs and very rarely use it for anything mains.so far i have been looking at used Fluke 87V and Fluke 287/289 but it seems that the 87Vs are going for crazy money like $250 USD after shippingand the 287/289s seem to go around the $350 USD after shippingi have also been looking at the Brymen BM869 i can get it New for $220 usd shippedwhat do you guys recommend out of these meter or maybe you know of something that would suit me betterThanks

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 31, 2015, 06:58:00 am
content: I have all of those. They are great meters.The boot time on the 289 is annoying.Bang/buck I'd get the 869.

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 31, 2015, 06:59:59 am
content: I just noticed you're in NZ. If you're in Akl you're welcome to visit and check them out.I got my Brymen from Franky (iloveelectronics) on this forum. He's a pleasure to deal with.

author: JonathonD
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 31, 2015, 07:10:58 am
content: Thanks for the offer im in Thames but occasionally head up to Auckland but i will keep you in mindi probably should get the Brymen i think it is more than i need but for some reason i really want the 289either way i will probably end up with at least one Brymen as everybody always says one multimeter is never enough

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 31, 2015, 07:17:40 am
content: Quote from: apelly on March 31, 2015, 06:58:00 amI'd have to agree with that. It's a nice meter.

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 31, 2015, 07:18:56 am
content: The 289 is a good choice if you need data logging, but I rarely use mine otherwise. It takes too long to start up, and the display contrast is poor. I normally use a Fluke 89 IV otherwise.

author: JonathonD
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 31, 2015, 10:06:11 am
content: Thanks Guys i will keep an eye out for good prices on second had flukes but for a start i have sent Franky (iloveelectronics) a pm about getting a Brymen bm869Thanks again

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 31, 2015, 06:03:27 pm
content: If the Fluke 289 was in mind because of the logging it has, then you might want to get the PC cable for the BM869s also. This will add another $60 to the total price though. Another alternative is the BM525s. It has internal logging for up to 87,000 data points, 43,000 in dual display mode, and as fast as 20 records per second. Of course to really use that feature you need the PC cable again. The BM525 and BM521(10800 records) are 10,000/6,000 count meters with lower accuracy than the BM869.

author: notaroketscientist
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 31, 2015, 10:45:26 pm
content: I recently got the Brymen869 with the USB interface. It is the bomb.Bought from a forum member Iloveelectronics. It is large but it all the meter I will ever need and then some.Reeks quality. Has all the right safety features. They are making a big mistake not importing directly into Merica.

author: HackedFridgeMagnet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 31, 2015, 10:58:55 pm
content: BM869 + 1.But it's big.I have a BM257 I use in the field though, as it is a lot smaller.

author: Deckert
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 31, 2015, 11:18:13 pm
content: Quote from: HackedFridgeMagnet on March 31, 2015, 10:58:55 pmAgreed 100%. I have the BM867 (same form factor as the 869, less the temp function). It's a pleasure to use, but I'm getting the BM257(s) for more portable use.--deckert

author: cs.dk
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 01, 2015, 04:02:57 am
content: I've got the 869 + 257 combo to. I can highly recommend it.

author: Obin
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2015, 04:59:05 pm
content: Sorry for going slightly off-topic here, but it felt stupid to devote an entire thread to this question.On Ebay I hardly see a "Brymen 869". I only see the "Brymen 869s"? Whats the 's' for?

author: Keylectric
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2015, 05:59:40 pm
content: Quote from: AndyC_772 on March 31, 2015, 07:18:56 amHow could Fluke f_ck it up that bad with the display on 289??I have a 187 since many years back and needed more, bought a 289 and thought it was broken because of the lousy contrast display. Bought another one (because I needed two pcs with internal logging) and it is slightly different but basically the same. The 187 display is perfect, 289 really sucks. On the other hand I can see what the numbers are saying and I guess that's in a way "good enough".. don't like it though.The boot time is another thing but not a big problem if you have a faster meter like 187 for those quick measurements.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2015, 06:06:16 pm
content: Quote from: Obin on April 26, 2015, 04:59:05 pm'S' is new version to comply with latest safety regulations in Europe.

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2015, 06:14:59 pm
content: Quote from: Keylectric on April 26, 2015, 05:59:40 pmI suspect they were limited by what displays are commercially available. I can't immediately think of any other products which have, or need, a high contrast monochrome LCD, so it may be that display manufacturers simply don't produce them. Maybe a TFT screen would have been too power hungry.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2015, 06:22:27 pm
content: Get one of these:

author: pascal_sweden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2015, 10:17:44 pm
content: If you are on a tight budget, you could also consider the Vichy VC97+.They sell it on Ebay under AideTek, but it is a Vichy underneath, and the build quality is really nice, plus it comes with a nice quality pouch.The housing does not feel cheap at all, it really feels well built, and is nice to hold in the hands.The cables and accessories, including the pouch itself are good quality as well.It costs only 25,99 EUR! Nothing can beat that pricewise!Here is the Ebay link:http://www.ebay.de/itm/New-VC97-3999-Auto-range-multimeter-compared-FLUKE-15B-/270721453197?The manufacturer claims that the multimeter meets the European IEC-1010 standard.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 26, 2015, 10:57:08 pm
content: I think that this is the first time I have heard someone say that Vichy is well built! I am sorry, but there are many people who would disagree that it is a worthy buy.

author: pascal_sweden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2015, 11:18:24 pm
content: Maybe the cheaper models of Vichy were not good, but this model in particular feels good.I have used a Fluke multimeter before, and this one feels as good, if not even better.It's unfortunate that the reputation is there! But it definitely does not feel cheap at all.I am not affilitated with the supplier at all, and in general I am careful too about "Made in China" products

author: lowimpedance
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2015, 12:35:13 am
content: Quote from: pascal_sweden on April 26, 2015, 11:18:24 pmWould you care to open it up for some photos of the improvements to share.

author: rolycat
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2015, 01:42:00 am
content: Quote from: pascal_sweden on April 26, 2015, 11:18:24 pmThe build quality of the Vichy VC97 is a joke next to a Fluke. Martin Lorton did a teardown and review and identified cheap leads, a flimsy tilting bail, limited input protection, inaccessible glass fuses and a shoddy selector switch. It looks to be decent value for money, but it is in no way the equal of a Fluke or a Brymen in quality, accuracy or safety.

author: Armxnian
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2015, 03:12:18 am
content: Wasn't the VC97 in Dave's $50 shootout? IIRC it was crap.I was deciding the same thing a couple of weeks ago. I didn't go with the 87V because the specs are a bit outdated, and the 289 is overpriced imo. BM869 isn't available in the U.S, and I didn't want to deal with oversea shipping, but it does look like a good bang per buck meter. I just went with the bench SDM3055. Big color screen, 5 1/2 digits, .015% accuracy, and all the logging/trend capability you can think of, and for only $400 shipped with student + eevblog discount.If portability is a must, then I'd probably get the 87V for it's proven reliability, and the fact that everyone who owns one loves it.

author: dadler
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 27, 2015, 05:22:47 am
content: FYI Brymens can be delivered to the USA in 2 days via DHL when ordered from TME.eu. I have purchased 3 Brymen meters from TME and each arrived in under 48 hours shipped Poland->California. Shipping was $8 if I recall correctly.

author: Armxnian
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2015, 05:54:21 am
content: Quote from: dadler on April 27, 2015, 05:22:47 amThat's good to know. I might get one then. I'm guessing you like them?

author: Smith
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2015, 05:57:57 am
content: Never used any Brymen meter, but I used the 289 and 87V a lot.I really like the 87V, its the best meter I ever used by far. Batteries last forever, the screen is large, sharp and well visible from every angle. Measurements are fast, even on 4,5 digit. The thermocouple comes in handy every now and then, and the TL175 leads work great. Overall quality is great. Only drawback is the default AC current measurement.Do NOT be tempted to buy the cheaper pre V versions, their displays are smaller, less visible, and its slower, specially the 4,5 digit display. Believe me, I used both.I really dislike the 289 boot time, and it's display is not that great. Overall quality is great though, and I would trust it's reading every day, just like the 87V.

author: dadler
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 27, 2015, 06:07:51 am
content: Quote from: Armxnian on April 27, 2015, 05:54:21 amI really like them. I have the BM869s, BM257s, and BM27s. I also own a Fluke 287. I use the Brymens most of the time, but use the Fluke for the onboard data logging. They are all excellent meters (the BM27s is a tiny toolbox meter, but I just used it today in the garage working on a fuel pump). Anyways, the Brymens are made well have great specs. Compared to the Fluke, I only really have two complaints 1) The Brymen function selector dial is more difficult to turn and 2) The Fluke has true auto-hold whereas the Brymens only have min/max (what they call crest) and manual (press a button) auto-hold. But for the price, the Brymen meters are a spectacular value. I love the form factor of the BM257.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2015, 07:25:05 am
content: Quote from: Smith on April 27, 2015, 05:57:57 amThis picture is from modemheadhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/show-your-multimeter!/msg333457/#msg333457The left most 87 is with an upgraded display with larger than original digits.The second left most 87 is an original lcd. The 87 III and the 87V are both original lcd. From the picture you get an idea of how large each lcd digits have grown.The original 87 and 87 III only have a 1/sec update speed in 20,000 count mode. The 87V has 4/sec update speed in 20,000 count mode.

author: Smith
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2015, 11:31:20 am
content: Quote from: retiredcaps on April 27, 2015, 07:25:05 amJust to put that into perspective, with a 87V in 4,5 digit mode you can simply adjust pots with ease. With previous model the update rate is so slow, you cannot simply adjust pots. It fels like it is averaging after about a second afrer adjustments. I had one, the damn thing drove me crazy, so I got myself a 87V.

author: pascal_sweden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2015, 12:22:34 pm
content: Quote from: Armxnian on April 27, 2015, 03:12:18 amThe Vichy VC97 was reviewed in Martin Lorton's Video Blog. It didn't win a price, but it was definitely not identified as crapPart I:Part II:Note that the model on Ebay might be a newer version with some enhancements (VC97+).

author: Armxnian
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2015, 07:03:25 pm
content: Quote from: pascal_sweden on April 27, 2015, 12:22:34 pmEEVBlog #91 had the VC99. I don't know if that is a higher or lower model but I could care less. The verdict was to not touch it.OP is looking for a reliable meter and doesn't want something cheap that will give more pain than it's worth. A meter that costs $20 will not match anything in terms of performance or reliability as the ones OP is considering.

author: JonathonD
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 27, 2015, 11:36:49 pm
content: Thank you everyone for your help i haven't got a new meter yet but will be getting the Brymen BM869 very soon i thinkand probably a BM257 as well and maybe a couple of cheap meters as backup and for when i need moreon a side note i just got a DE 5000 lCR meter and love itThanks

author: pascal_sweden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2015, 08:09:17 am
content: Quote from: Armxnian on April 27, 2015, 07:03:25 pmI have looked at that YouTube movie, and must say that the whole movie already started with a negative attitude. It was not really an objective review. Almost sounded like it was sponsored by Fluke.Note that OP indicated that application area was low voltage measurements. For those measurements you don't need a CAT IV meter that costs over 250 USD.The video from Martin Lorton's Video Blog was much more objective, and had a much deeper review. Dave only looked at the casing and the buttons, and did not make measurements at all on how accurate these meters are. Marin Lorton did an in-depth review on their accuracy and they showed to be extremely accurate.I can't really say that a review focusing strictly on the plastic and casing is a thorough review.The intention of the review was not to show the strengths of these meters (and give them a chance). The intention was just to dish the meters from the start, without doing any objective tests.The cheap meters have a purpose and reason of existence for people who want to do low voltage measurements. For them it does not make sense to invest in a CAT IV meter, simply to show of to their friends. It is the same as people who buy an expensive Cannondale mountain bike, simply to show off, while they have no clue on how to handle the gears and the suspension fork.

author: rolycat
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2015, 08:58:37 am
content: Quote from: pascal_sweden on April 28, 2015, 08:09:17 amPractically every digital multimeter on sale today is surprisingly accurate - until it fails in some way. Many of the cheap meters use clones of the ICL7107 originally designed by Fluke and Intersil. That is an accurate chip and thanks to its good design so are the clones. It's not an indication of quality.I am sure Martin would be the first to admit that he is not a professional electronics engineer. His knowledge of metrology is that of an enthusiastic amateur.QuoteNo, it isn't. Cheap meters are not only unsafe, they are also unreliable, and reliability is vital to a practicing engineer.I recently attempted to use a cheap meter (a rebadged Mastech 8209) which happened to be on my bench to measure current in a circuit. The reading was extremely low, and when the meter was disassembled I found that the fuseholder for the low current range had been sloppily installed and was touching one end of the high current shunt. This sort of problem is distressingly common in such meters, and is a major reason why professionals don't trust them.If you are an amateur on a limited budget cheap meters have their place, and as the OP has mentioned they can be useful backups, but if you are using it in your job you want a meter you can trust.

author: pascal_sweden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2015, 09:07:45 am
content: Based on the advice in this forum, I will look into a Brymen 869s multimeterIt's no problem if the meter is expensive, as long as the value for money is right.This is not always the case with american manufacturers (not to mention their name)So the Brymen 869s is currently the most bang for buck reliable multimeter?

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 28, 2015, 03:09:31 pm
content: Quote from: pascal_sweden on April 28, 2015, 09:07:45 amIt depends on what you want from a multimeter. If you want a 50000/500000 count meter with the highest accuracy then perhaps the BM869s is your best bang for the buck.If you want internal data recording and are happy with 10000/6000 count and still very good accuracy, then perhaps the BM521s or BM525s would be more bang for the buck for you.If 10000/6000 count is enough and you don't need the internal logging then perhaps the BM829 would be a better buy.The BM257s is a really good smaller meter that does anything most people need. Perhaps this one.If you want 50000/500000 counts, high accuracy and don't care if you have the dual display of the more modern designs, and aren't worried about temperature, then perhaps the BM857s.Most people seem to focus on the BM869s but IMHO I think that most people would be just as happy with the others I have just mentioned for lower prices.

author: dadler
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 28, 2015, 08:14:20 pm
content: Quote from: AndyC_772 on April 26, 2015, 06:14:59 pmHmm, I really like the screen on my Fluke 287. I don't understand the complaints. It's a dot matrix screen, not a fixed digit display. With the backlight on, it's really easy to read. With it off, I have no trouble reading it under normal indoor light. In really appreciate the ability to view the trend graphs right on the device--I use this function all the time.The newer Extech has a color TFT screen, but it is not readable without backlighting enabled. Looks nice, but probably has worse battery life than the Fluke 28X. I think mjlorton has shown this new Extech on his YouTube channel.