Which Multimeter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 04, 2013, 09:12:20 pm
content: Hey guys first of all id like to say what an awesome channel eevblog is on youtube always cant wait for the next video. Now i know this question must always be cropping up but im looking at buying a new multimeter either a Fluke 87V or the AGILENT U1272A now my question is which one would suit me better for electronic repairs of PC, Laptop, TV, Audio ect price is not too much of an obstacle. Any other suggestions would be great but as the reviews on Daves videos im more inclined towards these two but correct me if im wrongCheers

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2013, 09:17:23 pm
content: Both nice meters. I'd probably go for the Agilent personally but couldn't justify that much on a meter.You might find that two cheaper meters (or even three) is better. There are lots of times you will want to simultaneously measure voltage and current which you can't do with one meter.I have a UT61E which is OK and generally regarded as excellent value for money - just don't expect it to survive if exposed to high voltages as the input protection is crap.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 04, 2013, 09:28:02 pm
content: Ok well already have a cheaper multimeter that i had brought from maplins and completely understand what your saying that i will need more than one meter that is why im looking to buy a few more slowly and just seeing what one seems to be the most convinient for my needs

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2013, 09:29:07 pm
content: Buy the brymen 869 and live happy

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2013, 09:35:21 pm
content: QuoteNot readily available in the UK, sadly.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 04, 2013, 09:36:37 pm
content: I know it seems we seem to get everything last

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2013, 09:41:22 pm
content: Tme.eu is the only seller in europe

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2013, 09:41:37 pm
content: For brymen i mean

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 04, 2013, 09:48:38 pm
content: Thanks what about the uni-t meters are they any good ?

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2013, 09:57:19 pm
content: There are quite extensive threads here on the Agilent and the Fluke - from what I remember the Fluke was generally more robust in terms of being bug free but things might have improved recently if Agilent has continued development. It is worth doing some searching on the Forum.The Agilent is cheaper (£311 inc VAT with blue tooth unit from Conrad whilst the Fluke is £390 from ISSWWW inc VAT).The 87V comes up on e-bay quite often and seems to go for around £160 to £180 for used.(I know this because I was looking to get one before deciding to buy a bench meter off e-bay instead.)There are a few on e-bay at the minute e.g.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fluke-87V-digital-multimeter-Brand-New-Boxed-/281102789494?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item4173082b76but £250 incl postage is quite pricey (though it is new and cheaper than the other new one listed), given that if you buy it new from an official dealer you get a lifetime warranty and can be sure it has been recently calibrated.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2013, 10:42:55 pm
content: Quote from: NateTronix on May 04, 2013, 09:12:20 pmHeads up on both the above.U1272A may have soldering problems?https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/agilent-u1272a-crappy-soldering/Fluke 87V may have the GSM bug unless you get newest revision.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-185-fluke-87v-multimeter-gsm-fix!/

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 04, 2013, 10:43:45 pm
content: Get the Brymen BM869...... tme.eu, it is available.

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2013, 10:45:46 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on May 04, 2013, 10:43:45 pmditto. it's even in the EU, I'm from Canada and I got my bm869 from them

author: Salas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2013, 12:07:30 am
content: Quote from: retiredcaps on May 04, 2013, 10:42:55 pmA US guy got an immaculate 2nd hand 87V made in 2010 with board Rev 10 in a very good price just a few days ago. He tested for GSM bug with his phones and he could not bug the meter. Are there differences in USA GSM and AUS-EUR ?

author: sullyRD
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2013, 01:06:37 am
content: I use Two Fluke 87V on a daily basis and they more than cover my needs. I own my own business repairing computers and any electronic circuitry. The fluke 87V is in my opinion the best on the market for ease of use, reliability & practicality.It comes down to trusting your readings and are they consistent. If they are inconsistent you will make costly mistakes.Forget about the GSM bug because it makes no difference in the general use of the 87V, in all the time i have been using my Fluke's i have never felt the need to answer my mobile almost touching the Multimeter.If you answer your phone you will no doubt be far enough away for it to cause any problem. I have yet to answer my Moblie with my Multimeter next to my head at the same time..lol

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 05, 2013, 02:36:56 am
content: sullyRD:I was wondering, what other multimeters have you used to be able to make form your opinion? I am not saying you are wrong, I am just curious.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2013, 04:55:33 am
content: Since you say price is not a consideration, I would get the AGILENT U1272A. Better suited for electronic work than the Fluke.The Brymen would be fine too, but with an Agilent agent in the UK, it makes more sense to buy your meter locally.Cheaper meters like the 61E or 71s of the UNI-T range would be suitable also for that kind of repair work, but AFAIK, are not available in England.

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2013, 07:45:14 am
content: Quoteebay

author: Salas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2013, 10:41:51 am
content: I have both 61E and 87V (Rev11) and I can tell you there is no contest in all round practicality and steadiness. With 61E I needed to use my other meters many times for specific things like mA current (high burden in the Uni-T), back-light behind racks, long time wait touch hold for far to reach etc. I also forget it on all the time and has no auto off. In high value electrolytics the 87V is showing few hundred uF more. 61E is on the plus side too but closer VS my Tonghui LCR with Kelvin probes 100Hz test. The Uni-T flashes slowly enough for some short of cycle reading on 4700uF and the like. Both meters have excellent cap range accuracy and responsiveness for film caps and lytics up to 1000uF. 61E is great VFM but 87V is the one that stays on the bench doing all things good enough. When its to service an amp its no strange to deploy 4 meters and both my digital and CRT 2 channel scopes are running of course. So my conclusion is have one very good meter and 2-3 VFM ones there is no way to avoid in the long run.

author: eevblogfan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2013, 11:33:21 am
content: heytell us what do you need to do . what measurements and so on .my heart goes for the 87V . but in terms of options - the Agilent winsGood luck with both , I really think no matter what you'll pick up . both are awsome choice

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 05, 2013, 01:09:11 pm
content: Well its more for fault finding on tv, pc , laptop and other varios electronic boards its just i thought obviosly there are cheaper not so top of the range models out there that would do the job but if im starting to get into other electrical hobbies and wanted one that would also be viable for both but maybe as others have suggested i should look at getting two cheaper meters??

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2013, 01:12:07 pm
content: Quote from: NateTronix on May 05, 2013, 01:09:11 pmYes, do get two meters.

author: eevblogfan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2013, 01:14:08 pm
content: I'd go for two 87V's , you can get two new for 250$ , or two used for 200$ each on ebay ( I would go for the new . it's 100 more but worth it)

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 05, 2013, 02:44:28 pm
content: Ok guys im going to get this fluke 87v as its the cheapest i can find here in the uk was looking at them new and they are going for £400+?http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281102789494?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649The only other cheaper one i like the look of is the bryman 869 but will that at a later dateCant seem to find the fluke 87v for a reasonable price though keep reading they go fairly cheap second hand but the link provided is the cheapest one i can find

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2013, 02:57:34 pm
content: Yes, the price eevblogfan suggested here are outside the world.If we consider world as europe.

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2013, 03:12:48 pm
content: Trust us, for electronic use, brymen or agilent can't be beat.

author: M0BSW
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2013, 04:07:56 pm
content: I've had all types of meters here, sold most of them on ebay, I'm down to two, Fluke 75, and a Uni T UT61E, I, I have to say my favourite is the Fluke 75, not so many fancy functions , but my goodness accurate to the last, it, must be around 25 Years old, so impressed with them I just bought another.

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2013, 04:13:29 pm
content: Quote from: ddavidebor on May 05, 2013, 03:12:48 pmagreed! please don't pay 230 euros for an 87v, for electronics, it's not worth that much.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 09, 2013, 07:45:55 pm
content: hey all just an update i managed to get a brand new 87V for £240 ($372) which was a bargain should be turning up in the post tomorrow cant wait

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2013, 08:18:00 pm
content: Quote from: NateTronix on May 09, 2013, 07:45:55 pmJust curious if you bought the Fluke from an "authorized" dealer.If yes, then you should get the Fluke "lifetime" warranty.http://www.ebay.com/gds/fluke-instrument-warranty-when-purchased-on-ebay/10000000013214965/g.htmlhttp://www.ebay.com/gds/fluke-meters-lifetime-warranty/10000000007478246/g.html