Feedback on new purchase of (2) Fluke meters - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jabramo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2012, 01:06:46 am
content: I just bought a fluke 83 III for 55 dollars plus 10 for shipping. It looks like it has a been well used but I figure it's still not a bad deal. I have an extech 330 but there are a number of things that bother me with it so I thought it's time for an upgrade.So is 65 dollar fair? I was hoping to get an TRMS meter but hopefully will do for now.http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290808305592EDIT2 Days later....http://www.ebay.com/itm/FLUKE-85-III-TRUE-RMS-DIGITAL-MULTIMETER-/380505399000?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&nma=true&si=tciHRuDWejAygdoVe1Zwrh4Jme4%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=ncI bought a Fluke 85 III for 65 bucks. Condition looks pretty close to great. Now I have a TRMS meter! I'll have to sort out whether to keep both and sell my extech or sell one of the Flukes. I think I've done good 120 bucks for 2 fluke 80 series meters + shipping.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2012, 07:34:36 am
content: You can easily clean the holster with some pumice based cleaner like gojo/fast orange or throw it in the dish washer like some others have posted here. It should look significantly better afterwards.The Fluke 83 III was the first 80 series multimeter I used and I was impressed with its autoranging speed. Later on, I found it autoranged faster than a 83 V and 87 V when doing side by side comparisons.While I have not used an Extech 330, I have seen Dave's video and one thing that I dislike is that the 330 overshoots.I have used an Extech 430 (possibly big brother) and when measuring a simple 9V battery, the 430 displays 18V, then 9.06, 9.05 and finally 9.04 (the correct value). It tends to overshoot by 2x of the actual value before displaying the correct value. The Fluke 83 III does not overshoot. It displays 0L and then 9.04V.As for the price, if both fuses are good (many ebayer's sell multimeter with blown fuses while declaring everything works perfectly) and those are silicon based leads, I think $55 is a good/great deal. Many people discount the 83 series because it is not True RMS, but I personally don't need that feature so I'm happy to get a Fluke 83 for cheap.If youneeda true RMS multimeter, you should consider an used Fluke 87 is in sub $100 range if you really like the 83 III.PS. Keep an eye out for the 85 III. It is True RMS. One recently ended auction for a 85 III went with no bids (starting bid was $60 - 7 day listing). I thought about it, but the initials engraved into the front and missing battery door were enough to stop me from bidding. If those things don't bother you, maybe send the seller and an email and see if he will sell for $50 BIN.http://www.ebay.com/itm/140875840488

author: jabramo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2012, 03:03:04 pm
content: Hi thanks for the reply.haha I watched that Fluke 85 III count down to zero and started kicking myself the second it ended. I wrote the guy to see if he would sell twice and he didn't reply.If everything works as expected I'll be a happy man.I could use an RMS meter since I'll be working with rectified power come April but I have a lot of time to find something, maybe a fluke 27FM for real cheap or if I can find a 87 for a decent price around 80-90 I'll probably just pull the trigger.