I can't make a decision - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Proteus
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 13, 2020, 11:11:37 pm
content: Hi everyone, Proteus here, I'm about to buy a new multimeter, I know there are several posts with similar questions, and believe me, I read them, but my question is specifically about 2 brands and models Fluke 179 and Uni-T Model UT181A. The use will be general electronics and some project related to audio and video game restoration, I can get them both at the same price, which do you think is the best option.Thanks for all your opinions and advice to help me make a decision.

author: Ed.Kloonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2020, 11:45:38 pm
content: As long as you are not hoping to substitute the Uni-T for an actual full-featured scope, it is very fancy looking.I own a f179 as my daily driver cos it has minimal buttons and a very high contrast display. But that's because of where and how I use it often away from a bench.The Uni-T does indeed seem to have a lot of bells and whistles if you don't really need the robustness of a fluke.When you say video game restoration, if you need to trace a signal and perhaps trigger off a clock, you'll miss having a proper scope.Dunno.

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2020, 12:45:50 am
content: I do not trust Uni-T meters much.Some of them are quite bad, and some are apparently reasonable, so spend some times on reviews before buying anything UNI-T.If you are considering a fluke, then also consider Brymen. They make DMM's which are similar in quality as the Flukes, but at half the price.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2020, 03:14:29 am
content: Quote from: Proteus on December 13, 2020, 11:11:37 pmWelcome to the forum.If you want a good little DMM then consider one of Dave's rebranded BM235 Brymens:https://www.eevblog.com/product/bm235/

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2020, 03:19:07 am
content: They're two entirely different animals. I've no idea how one might compare them. In my case I wouldn't even consider the UNI-T model because I think those fancy features are not going to be all that useful when you actually need them to do something. I would place much more value on a reliable meter that just works. But I haven't tried one myself, so...

author: tonyh88
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2020, 04:39:05 am
content: We have a couple Fluke 179 at work and they are good and reliable. I have never seen or used the UNI-T one

author: msat
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2020, 04:58:58 am
content: With the Fluke, you know you're getting a high quality product. The Uni-T has a bunch of features, but aside for some specific use cases, I'm not sure how useful they'd be overall. Also, that big TFT display probably chews through batteries. I know it's rechargeable, but it's nice not having to worry about that for several hundred hours of use like you get out of the Fluke.That said, either of them are a big investment that, unless they're a critical tool for your livelihood, don't make a great deal of sense financially (but maybe you got money burning holes in your pockets). Honestly, spend 1/3 of the price on a reasonable meter, and the rest of the money saved on some other equipment like a power supply and a oscilloscope.

author: HB9EVI
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2020, 09:59:25 am
content: Among others I have a UT61E and a Fluke 289; the UT61E is quite a decent device doing what it should, but in the end it's a cheap MM what can be seen on the insidefor some electronic measurements, ok, but mains I wouldn't touch with itif you're planning to have more than 1 MM, you can go with the Uni-T; if it should be 'the one and only' and you plan to measure on mains too, go directly for the Fluke

author: Non-Abelian
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2020, 10:23:28 am
content: Quote from: Proteus on December 13, 2020, 11:11:37 pmPersonally, I would look on ebay for used fluke 177 or 179. With some patience, you can pick up a 179 that's in excellent/almost new condition with test leads and soft case for (sometimes well) under $200.00. I didn't see a significant enough difference for my purposes between a 177 and 179 and picked one up a 177 for $145.00 with the screen protector still on and that appeared to be brand new with nice soft case and test leads. The best way to get a good price is to to look for the "make offer'and make an offer that is REASONABLE and not try to low ball the seller or a buy it now that's an exceptionally good price.

author: RobBarter
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2020, 10:27:59 am
content: I have the Fluke 179, bought last year to replace my Fluke 75 that is still going strong after 32 years (I bought it when leaving University in 1989). It may seem more expensive now but Cost of Ownership over its lifetime will probably be a lot lower.

author: Proteus
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 14, 2020, 02:21:23 pm
content: Thank you very much for the welcome, and I appreciate the time you took to give me your opinions, I think the safest thing will be to put my money with fluke, thanks guys!!!

author: wizard69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2020, 06:56:58 pm
content: That is a good move! I've had very good luck over the years with Fluke, both personally purchased and those acquired through work. Most important to me is that they stand behind their products and they are safe as can be reasonably expected.The only real problem I have with Fluke is that they really haven't done much with feature and user interface over the years. Of course gimmicks are useless but there are things that they could be better supporting in low price models. I'd really would like to see somebody get an Android or Linux based multimeter out.I work extensively away from any sort of bench so one of the reasons to want a multimeter supporting an OS is to have the ability to access PDF's and other popular formats for prints, schematics and other documentation. Nobody has come out with such yet so that is just wishful thinking.In any event for reliability and basic functionality stay with Fluke and avoid alkaline batteries.Quote from: Proteus on December 14, 2020, 02:21:23 pm