NimH batteries for Fluke 287/289 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: roli_bark
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2013, 03:30:31 pm
content: Will the Fluke 287/289 DMM (6 AA batteries) work on NimH batteries - which are rated 1.2v ?

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 23, 2013, 03:31:46 pm
content: Usually meters are that good on batteries that non rechargeable's are almost cheaper.

author: roli_bark
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2013, 03:41:32 pm
content: Sorry, but I didn't understand the relevance of this answer.I'll also appreciate a link for this, if this was discussed here before.Thanks.

author: Balaur
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 23, 2013, 04:31:35 pm
content: I'm running my Fluke 187 on Eneloop AA batteries. Works very nicely.Don't quote me on this, but I had I've only recharged them after 1 year of use.

author: roli_bark
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2013, 05:04:43 pm
content: Quote from: Balaur on May 23, 2013, 04:31:35 pmHow many AA batteries does this Fluke 187 have ?If 4 - the discrepancy between 4*1.2v=4.8 and nominal 6v may not be that significant for its internal supply requirements.My worry is that for the Fluke 287/289, which has 6, the discrepancy between 6*1.2v=7.2 and nominal 9v may be too big.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 23, 2013, 05:25:40 pm
content: Quote from: Balaur on May 23, 2013, 04:31:35 pmmy point exactly, and rechargeables are lower capacity than normal ones

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2013, 05:37:05 pm
content: It's a common misunderstanding to think rechargeable batteries like eneloops have a lower voltage than alkalines. It is only true of brand new and unloaded alkalines. It is not true over the typical lifetime of the battery in use.

author: roli_bark
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2013, 05:39:30 pm
content: Quote from: IanB on May 23, 2013, 05:37:05 pmThanks.So what does that mean - that the Fluke 287/289 functions OK with a 7.2v battery supply ?

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 23, 2013, 05:41:47 pm
content: try it ? won't do any harm just registers as low battery if no good.

author: roli_bark
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2013, 05:45:22 pm
content: Quote from: Simon on May 23, 2013, 05:41:47 pmNo can. Didn't buy the 287 yet, That's why I'm asking (before the decision is made)

author: ejeffrey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2013, 05:57:23 pm
content: Yes. NiMH batteries are 1.2 volt/cell for their entire discharge cycle. Alkaline batteries are 1.5-1.6 unloaded and new, but their voltage drops over their life. Ideally, electronics would operate down to 0.8 volt/cell to be able to fully use alkaline cell capacity. In reality, a lot of electronics doesn't make it and cuts out at 0.9 or 1.0 volt/cell. I haven't seen any commercial electronics that drops out at 1.2 volt/cell. NiMH batteries will work fine on your meter. Just make sure to use low self-discharge cells unless you use it really heavily.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2013, 05:58:20 pm
content: Quote from: roli_bark on May 23, 2013, 05:39:30 pmAlkalines reach below 1 V per cell at end of life. Eneloops range from 1.35 V down to 1.2 V and spend most of their time at 1.25 V. So, yes, they should work.

author: roli_bark
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2013, 06:02:16 pm
content: ejeffrey, IanB:Usefull info. Thanks. Found some facts that corroborates -

author: ejeffrey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2013, 06:43:47 pm
content: Yeah, that plot is a bit "optimistic." It appears to be comparing a high capacity NiMH vs. a generic alkaline. A high capacity alkaline will have more capacity, and a low-discharge eneloop will have slightly lower capacity. The shape of the discharge curve will remain the same, so the point remains. Anything reasonably designed to run on AAs can use NiMH cells.

author: ron
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2013, 06:45:53 pm
content: I use LSD NiMh in 2 289 and 2 189 meters. No problem, and they last longer than alkaline batts. The latest version of Tenergy LSD AA's seem to perform equal to Sanyo Enerloop, and are less expensive.

author: ron
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2013, 06:50:27 pm
content: 289/287 require 6 batteries. 189\187 require 4.

author: mimmus78
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 23, 2013, 07:03:45 pm
content: I can confirm NiMh works ok on my 287.

author: roli_bark
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2013, 07:05:23 pm
content: Thank you ron.The 'Tenergy' looks like Ch***se Ju**k, but due to their very low price I'll tend to take your advise.

author: roli_bark
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2013, 07:07:30 pm
content: Quote from: mimmus78 on May 23, 2013, 07:03:45 pmThanks a lot. That re-affirms my tendency towards either the "battery eater" Fluke 287 or 289.

author: codeboy2k
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2013, 07:41:02 pm
content: I usually use Eneloops NiMh they work great, my handheld meter is a Tektronix TX3Also, I find that I can take 2 standard AA batteries that won't work anymore in some other device around the house, and put them in my meter, I get a few months more from itI'm such a miser

author: roli_bark
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2013, 07:44:01 pm
content: Quote from: ron on May 23, 2013, 06:45:53 pmThere seems to be 2 types of the 'Tenergy' NiMH:- the high capacity (2600mAH) Blue package ones (with no LSD),- the medium capacity (2000mAH) Red-on-White package LSD ones.Which type would you recommend ? Link ?

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2013, 07:48:35 pm
content: I would always recommend LSD batteries over non-LSD.There may be other brands of LSD battery that are cheaper than Eneloops, but I don't think any of them have the same combination of durability, high power delivery, long storage life, manufacturing quality and consistency that Eneloops have. For a little more money you get a much more reliable battery.

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2013, 07:54:09 pm
content: i put into my 289 6 black 2500mah brand new cells straight out of the package after the original batteries depleted. as these came precharged and store it for a long time i didnt brother to charge them up first the battery indicator shows 3 bars out of the 4 after 3 months of low usage just like when i put them in the meteredit: eneloop xx

author: roli_bark
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2013, 08:10:31 pm
content: Quote from: M. András on May 23, 2013, 07:54:09 pmWhat make were these "black 2500mAH" ? You mean the Eneloop XX -http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009LU9150/ref=ox_sc_act_title_9?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2013, 08:37:21 pm
content: yeah sorry. i didnt write it

author: nukie
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2013, 10:59:17 pm
content: I use Eneloop over alkaline after a horror incident with leaking cells, the whole battery tab was covered with greenish white alien growth, fortunately a little vinegar and complete disassembly and wash in distilled water saved the meter. The fact that it uses 4 cells increases the chances of leakage.Does anyone knows if Eneloop leaks, I have heard of NiMH leaks but never seen them personally. The worst I have seen is greyish white growth on the positive top of a GP AA NiCD and a very lausy Powerizer AAA NiMH.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2013, 03:40:26 pm
content: NimH do leak, and they leak KOH electrolyte, so you clean up with vinegar or in a pinch a lemon slice.

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2013, 03:51:05 pm
content: ive seen some but those were dead as a dodo not a working but depleted cell or half depleted and around 5-8 years old

author: quarks
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2013, 07:52:57 pm
content: My 289 works perfect with eneloop. I also use eneloop in almost all of my other gear (DMM + Photo) and they work extremely well. I never had an issue/leakage with them, so far.