Multimeter choice - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: karderis
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 01, 2013, 05:50:32 pm
content: Hello everybodyI am an electronic engineer who just started to get deeper in some subjects. I ought to say that I am thrilled about EEVblog and this forum. It helped me a lot especially with the multimeters (which I am recently dealing with) shootout videos.Now lets get to the pointFrom my searchon the internet I concluded ,maybe falsely, that if your multimeter isn't Fluke then it is crap. I am interesting to own a multimeter that it can do everything and I am willing to pay. Now is Fluke 87-V worth it or I can do my work with the Fluke 179. As I've seen in the 100$ multimeter shootout none of the B&K Precision or Amprobe succeded to test the micro leds. Also in some measurements failed while UNI-T succeded (which I beleive it is completely crap). I really need your help. What do you think. In a local site doesn't say clearly if Fluke 179 is suitable for electronics. I am wondering if it cannot execute some measurements because of this fact

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2013, 06:49:21 pm
content: The 179 is missing a microamp range, so it's not really ideal. Your words indicate you already have it, you could do uA measurements by adding in Dave's uCurrent, or another similar setup.On the other hand, it's best to have 2 (or more!) multimeters, so I'd suggest just getting another one.I find that the Fluke=god thing tends to be with electrical (field & HV) work, where ruggedness plays a significant role. I have an 87v, but also a Brymen BM869 which I find to be from a measurement standpoint, superior, but doesn't come close to Fluke durability.Actually, for the price of the 869, I could've bought like 4 (maybe 5) UT-61E's but I really like it's dual display.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 01, 2013, 07:10:13 pm
content: The Brymen does not have the long standing history yet, so to say "doesn't come close to Fluke durability" is maybe a bit of a stretch? I have seen plenty of broken Flukes too. The main point for me with the BM869 is that the screen plastic window is very easily scratched. Other than that the BM869 feels like it is built like a tank. We will see over time however.But on the subject of "if it isn't Fluke it is crap", this is exactly why I searched for alternatives. Whenever I see a dogma I go the other way. Flukes cost more and maybe for a good reason but it cannot be the only player in this field.If you want what is probably the best electronics meter then consider the UEi DM397. CATIII/1000V, no need to open the case for access to batteries or fuses, high accuracy, 1pf capacitor resolution, 50ohm range, and it comes with PC software and cable included for $250 or so. I have one on the way to compliment my collection.

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2013, 07:28:13 pm
content: Well, considering the physical abuse I've put my 87v through, it looks only gently used. Also, they often stay in spec well past the expiry of their calibration.I'm sort of curious to know how high you'd need to drop it from (onto a hard surface, like tile/concrete) to damage it. I've already dropped mine from 8ft without a ding, so one would probably need to start higher.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 01, 2013, 11:26:29 pm
content: Quote from: karderis on March 01, 2013, 05:50:32 pmNot so.It depends entirely what you value.Fluke have earned the reputation of tough and super reliable meters, no one else can match that reputation.BUT they are expensive, and relatively poorly equipped for the price. So other brands can be vastly better "bang-per-buck" than a Fluke.Dave.

author: iamnothim
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2013, 05:44:24 am
content: I have an older Fluke 88V when I was working on hot rods. I knew zero about it then. I'm up to zero +5That DM397 blows my 88V out of the water for range and resolution. Granted the 88V is 5 years old.I checked spec for spec and only Diode Test and Frequency looked better on the Fluke. But I it looked like the two venders were using different parameters to rate freq.Am I missing something?For $235 the DM397 looks amazing. Far better for what I need now.

author: gotwood
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2013, 06:44:04 pm
content: I own 4 flukes....all at work and I'm at home with an injury.So I bought a Klein DMM 2300 I didn't want to spend big bucks on a fluke again for a home meterI'm very happy with it. Very nice for he moneyYou can probably even get the MM 2000 and save thirty bucks

author: iamnothim
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2013, 06:48:00 pm
content: Thanks for the tip.Hope you mend soon.

author: karderis
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 04, 2013, 10:44:59 pm
content: Thank you all guys for your comments.I really find them very helpful. Especially I would like to thank Dave for the creation of this web page. Many of us learned a lot of things which personally I confess I ignored

author: PA4TIM
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2013, 04:58:46 pm
content: I have some Flukes, but between 20 and 40 years old ( 77-3, 8022, 845, 8500, 8000)When I wanted a modern new one I was in doubt between Fluke and Agilent. I bought the Agilent (2 years ago) and i still love it. For electronics they are great, for power/mains/industry you can better have a Fluke.