not sure which fluke multimeter to get - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Xander
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 15, 2012, 05:16:35 am
content: which model will work good for small electronics (computer and laptop repair)?thanks for any help

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2012, 05:19:04 am
content: Why fluke? Agilent gives you more bang for your buck if you are looking for brand name meters

author: Xander
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 15, 2012, 05:24:31 am
content: i am open to agilent suggestions as well, i just want a good quality meter.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2012, 05:25:46 am
content: Quote from: Xander on June 15, 2012, 05:24:31 amAgilent isgood qualityand on par with fluke

author: Xander
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 15, 2012, 05:46:24 am
content: i am on the agilent website right now looking at their handheld meters, which model would you recommend? they all look similar to me.the fluke meters i had my eye on were the 179 and the 87 but i dont know if these are overkill?

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2012, 06:54:51 am
content: What is your budget? Are you open to buying an used one? Do you need to measure current?

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 15, 2012, 08:29:15 am
content: Quote from: Xander on June 15, 2012, 05:46:24 amThe U1272A is the latest design and best value.Overkill for what you want really, but a very nice meter.QuoteThe 179 is not overkill in terms of features and accuracy, it's just a pretty basic DMM. The 175 would do just as well.It is overkill in terms of ruggedness for a lab meter. This is meant to be a field meter.The 87V is more of a lab meter, and the industry standard, but expensive and essentially overkill for repair type work.Any say $100 class meter would be good enough for the work you want. Brands like Amprobe (owned by Fluke) and Extech are good, but there are plenty of others. But if you have the money, and don't mind spending it, by all means, buy a Fluke.Dave.

author: eevblogfan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2012, 09:14:31 am
content: heywhy not used 87V ?really , the new agilent cost some money , the fluke 87V (yes , over kill- so what ? ) can be found for 200$ ussualy , but mine cost me 147$ in't shipping , I guess If you'll dig enough you'll find mint condition for about 200$ including shipping charge , I think you deserve the 87V , although he's "too much " for you , he has low drift , can be used with 6,000 count and 20,000 as well , came with good test leads , what els do you need ? it's awsome band for the buck !

author: Xander
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 15, 2012, 09:41:32 am
content: thanks guys, thanks dave. i've decided on the 87v. yeah it costs a bit more up front but its worth it in the long run. when you buy cheap you buy twice.

author: eevblogfan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2012, 09:52:51 am
content: congratulation !have a Great fun with that meter , he's worth any pany ! ( you could have bought 2 of them for 400 togeter , but oh , if you preferd new one , go for it ! )

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2012, 10:45:16 am
content: Quote from: Xander on June 15, 2012, 09:41:32 amSure agilent is cheaper, but i think you better wake up your idea if you think they arecheapand that you have to buytwiceA company with such a loooooooooong history of excellent meters that last right into 21st century, they certainly don't make you buytwice

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 15, 2012, 11:25:41 am
content: Quote from: DaveXRQ on June 15, 2012, 10:45:16 amEscort is not that old, and Agilent/HP didn't make handhelds for most of their existence.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2012, 11:59:44 am
content: Quote from: alm on June 15, 2012, 11:25:41 amI'm talking about the 3456 at least, it was back in 1981 when it came outSame goes for the 3457/3458 too30 years is a long time no ?

author: olsenn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2012, 01:20:03 pm
content: If you need a durable multimeter than I'd recommend either the Fluke 87-V or the Fluke 28-II (the latter is more robust, but the former is the industry standard and is well known for performing well for a long time). If this is just something for your desk than I'd recommend either purchasing a cheaper multimeter, or if accuracy is important, go for the Rigol DM3068 benchop DMM.It's a penny for your thoughts, but you have to put your two cents in... somebody is making a penny!

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2012, 02:01:51 pm
content: From another thread I found that RS have discontinued NIB Agilent DMM for sale. If you're in the UK/EU, the prices for many models are a steal, get them while you can:http://uk.rs-online.com/web/c/test-measurement/multimeters/digital-multimeters/?sort-by=P_breakPrice1&sort-order=asc&view-type=List&applied-dimensions=4294967182&lastAttributeSelectedBlock=Brand&sort-option=PriceFor example, for basic DMM the 1241a is 40 pounds. That's under half its list price in $ when it was in catalog. They are like grainger.com 'clearance' prices.

author: eevblogfan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2012, 02:08:07 pm
content: heyOlsenn . why shall he buy new 6.5 digit multimeter ? oh ??for ussual bench usage , no more then 5,5 digit is needed ( either HP-3478A or hp-3468A )If you need more then that , you probebly know that you better pay for nice HP 6.5 -> 8.5 digit ,besides , HP-3478A is awsome , stable and low drift , and you can get one calibrated for only 250$ and even lower including the shipping ,If you need that accuarcy , why pay more then 200$ for something less known/worse long term stabuillity

author: Architect_1077
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2012, 03:00:52 pm
content: QuoteYeah, I saw that too. I am tempted at a 1252A, but what about calibration? Do these DMMs come calibrated/with calibration cert. as their more recent models?

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2012, 03:27:51 pm
content: The A models ( Grey on blue models ) have been discontinued by Agilent

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2012, 05:12:43 pm
content: I have several recent Agilent DMMs they all came with calibration certificates, but the discontinued models are old stock and the certificates are likely expired.Quote from: Architect_1077 on June 15, 2012, 03:00:52 pm

author: DavidDLC
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2012, 07:10:15 pm
content: I will wait or think about twice to buy the new Agilent DMMs line, I discovered a problem with one of their models that Fluke or my 20 years old multimeter don't have. Contacted technical support and nothing or too little effort to try to fix it.David.

author: FlyingBrickyard
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2012, 08:04:41 pm
content: I'd looked at the Agilent recently, but it was $370 + shipping vs $315 shipped for the Fluke 87-V.Ultimately I picked up the Fluke 28-II though, as through various credits and discounts etc. I was able to pick it up for about $124 out of pocket, shipped.I know it's overkill for what I'm doing, but it has already made a few smaller projects much easier so I consider it money well spent. Plus if I figured if I was going to spend the money, I might as well pick up a meter I could throw just about anything at (or throw at the wall of a dam) and not have to worry about it.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2012, 01:10:47 am
content: Quote from: Architect_1077 on June 15, 2012, 03:00:52 pmFor that particular model (U125x), the current series ends inB. Value wise, it offers more for the money than an equivalent Fluke (287/9) here in the US (not so sure about internationally though).It comes calibrated with data certificate.BTW, I picked up a U1252B back in Jan of this year, and am happy with it so far (not old enough to tell long term reliability yet, but I suspect it will serve me well for years to come). Easy to use and read the display. Backlight is even without wash-out or dark spots.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2012, 05:02:35 am
content: U1272 = 87v (with the 1272 being much better ) AND Cheaper even with 30k countsU1252 = 287/289 ( Obvious the 52 is hell lot cheaper )

author: Architect_1077
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2012, 09:39:09 am
content: @SaturationWhen I add one of the older stock models to the shopping cart, it asks me to remove it from the cart. Does that mean theydon'thave it in stock?

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2012, 05:59:44 pm
content: Quote from: Architect_1077 on June 16, 2012, 09:39:09 amYeah, i see it's all been discontinued quite some time already

author: FenderBender
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2012, 09:02:09 pm
content: Amprobe!!!Great brand. The value is absolutely amazing. Get an AM-270. You won't regret it.

author: Architect_1077
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2012, 01:04:37 pm
content: @DaveXRQYeah, I know. My point was that Saturation had mentioned that it was still possible to get the discontinued models at reduced prices. I'd love to do that. A U1252A for less than 100€?? Yes please! Or so I wish...