Best model fluke multimeter below $250 for electronics work ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: diracshore
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2011, 11:04:32 am
content: I am looking at the fluke 289... but I think its overkill for general electronics work, and its going to cost me US $608 + tax. What would people recommend as a cheaper alternative ? Going for best value here but it has to be suited for electronics work and I want a fluke.

author: ejeffrey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2011, 11:26:47 am
content: The fluke 175 series are the best units for electronics under $250.Honestly, I wouldn't recommend this. I wouldn't buy a fluke unless you were willing to shell out for the 289 or the 87. For electronics work there are much better value-for-money meters out there in this price range. Would you consider Amprobe? They are owned by fluke, but not fluke branded.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2011, 12:22:58 pm
content: Used Fluke 87V on eBay, if you do it right between $160-250.

author: diracshore
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2011, 12:34:24 pm
content: OK, I guess I would consider Amprobe.I would be very interested to know what is the absolute best value model by any manufacturer is in peoples experience.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 07, 2011, 02:33:45 am
content: There is the Fluke 17BMade in china instead of USA, for the asian market, and build down to a price, but still a Fluke design.Dave.

author: nukie
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2011, 03:28:11 am
content: 289 chew through batteries.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2011, 03:56:27 pm
content: Look around for a secondhand Fluke77--They are quite old,but they will do most jobs OK.I have one which is around 20years old.I bet you will never find any of the current "cheapies "around in 20 years time!73, VK6ZGO

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 07, 2011, 06:04:58 pm
content: Second hand Fluke 77 should be way less than $250 I think. If he's considering used, some other models like a used 87 would also be worth consideration.What was the verdict on the Agilent U124x series? Specs should be OK for electronics work, it does have the uA ranges and the other standard features. Of course not 4.5 digit like the Fluke 87 or Agilent U125x, but you won't find that from a top brand on a brand new meter below $250.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2011, 02:22:56 am
content: Yeah, my recommendation of the "77" could cover most of this earlier generation of DMMs.I never liked the really old ones with the silly square buttons on the side,though!VK6ZGO

author: grenert
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2011, 03:04:20 am
content: Quote from: vk6zgo on August 08, 2011, 02:22:56 amNah, I love the 8060A!It's a great lab meter: 4.5 digits, clean high-contrast display, superfast continuity, really accurate (0.05% DCV), true RMS AC up to 100 kHz, high impedance mode (>1000 M). No good for field use, however (too brittle, no rubber padding, no backlight). It was Fluke's top of the line electronics meter until the 187/189 came along.For a more durable/modern meter, but readily available cheap/used, the Fluke 79 series III is very similar to the current model 179 for a lot less money.

author: Wartex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2011, 03:21:37 am
content: Quote from: saturation on August 06, 2011, 12:22:58 pmthis

author: gregariz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2011, 04:58:15 am
content: Quote from: vk6zgo on August 08, 2011, 02:22:56 amThe 70 series was the mega-popular series for fluke. You can still buy the 77-4 for $260.http://www.testequity.com/products/1486/The only catch is if you buy a 73 or 77 series 1,II,III second hand since they were popular with electricians and technicians in the field you'll often find they have scratched up LCD windows from getting bounced around in toolboxes.Its my understanding that this class of meter was replaced by the 117 (~150) or the 77-4 above.Maybe its me but I find it hard to justify $600 for any multimeter these days. Even the cheap stuff will be fine for bench work, but they won't stand up as well in an electricians toolbox as a fluke perhaps. If I were setting up a bench today, I'd probably just buy a couple $50-100 extech's and save my money for the other stuff.

author: img
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2011, 08:11:56 am
content: Extech is fine and quite affordable, but you state that you definitely want a Fluke. Then I'd stop looking at new meters and sit on eBay for a few days stalking a nice deal on a used 77, 79, 85, 87 (not necessarily V).While it's very much fun to see people with 8 meters, I personally find that I am happiest with a couple of similar meters from the same manufacturer which feel right (Fluke in my case), with other meters just there for double-checking or toolbag.Different meters have different 'personality', and I prefer to consistently work with the same/similar meter to make sure my attention is on the PCB's behaviour, not the meter's.

author: qno
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2011, 08:27:56 am
content: No microamp range on fluke 70 series

author: diracshore
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2011, 12:36:31 pm
content: Wow Thanks for all your suggestions !I think I will go for the Fluke 17B. Looks like a good compromise. I was almost going to get a 87v but after that cell phone interference blog I lost confidence. Thats basic RF testing QA. Not really excusable for a company making multimeters, although I am sure they are otherwise quality products. I did see they had revised the design but there is no way to know currently if I am buying a revised product or an older unit, say buying from Amazon, since they did not change the model numbers.The 17B has rave reviews. Personally I think Chinese manufactured (and designed, although the 17B is a US design) electronic products have recently got very competitive on quality as well as cost and much of the negativity directed towards that sector comes from competitors, the xenophobic or those against economic globalization. Every empirical test I have seen shows you get what you pay for and then some in the majority of cases. Of course if you want a product below the US base production cost, corners will be cut, however the fact that you get a working product at all in this case, whilst covering labor and shipping, is a part of good design IMO, in that people who otherwise could not afford anything now how a productive instrument.Anyway Thanks !

author: RCMR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2011, 10:44:21 pm
content: I'm happy with my 17B. Feels like typical Fluke quality and although the precision isn't as high as other (often cheaper) DVMs, I think the accuracy may be higher.

author: zaoka
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2011, 10:57:53 pm
content: I got Fluke 77-4 of ebay for $129 brand new and calibrated by fluke

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 09, 2011, 11:00:14 pm
content: Quote from: qno on August 08, 2011, 08:27:56 amI was about to say that.The Fluke 70/170 series are "electrical" meters.IMO a true "electronics" meter must be able to measure the full span of the basic Volts/Ohms/Amps. A meter that can't measure uA just doesn't justify the term. Any old analog meter can measure uA!Oh course, that doesn't mean they aren't incredibly useful on the bench, and great meters. They are both of that.But yeah, I'd spring for a 2nd hand Fluke 87. I've got them for as little as $100 on ebay before.Hint, you can get bargains on the 83/85 as people don't search for them as much.http://cgi.ebay.com/FLUKE-83-MULTIMETER-EXC-COND-CASE-MANUAL-2-SETS-LEADS-/190562671587?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c5e6b9be3#ht_656wt_1396http://cgi.ebay.com/Fluke-83-III-3-Multimeter-Calibrated-and-Certified-/130517553372?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e6373d0dchttp://cgi.ebay.com/FLUKE-83V-INDUSTRIAL-MULTIMETER-NEW-BOX-/130558218396?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e65e0509chttp://cgi.ebay.com/EXCELLENT-FLUKE-MULTIMETER-83-V-TRUE-RMS-/300584538822?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item45fc3c12c6Dave.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2011, 06:05:15 am
content: Maybe as an EE you may have the occasion to read uA with a DMM.As a Tech/Technical Officer,I've never had to do this--- I've normally had "any old" analog meter to hand to use on the extremely rare occasions I needed to measure currents of such small magnitude!It doesn't have a uV ,milliohm or MegOhm range either.VK6ZGO

author: l84coffee
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 10, 2011, 11:26:01 pm
content: I'm retired from working in the electronic field as both a Tech and Engineer for 36+ years. For the most part I can't remember when I ever need to measure uA of any sort.Most of my trouble shooting and electronic testing involved voltage and resistance measurements.In my opinion a good dependable meter is all one needs. I got by for decades using nothing but a Fluke plain Jane 77.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2011, 03:50:14 am
content: Or an AVO model 8!These young whippersnappers don't know they're alive!VK6ZGO

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 11, 2011, 06:03:19 am
content: Quote from: vk6zgo on August 11, 2011, 03:50:14 amThose were the days eh? When calibrating your meter also included an inspection for white ants.No hang on the "8" heralded the adoption of that space age bakelite.

author: RCMR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2011, 08:00:09 am
content: I always thought it was *really* cool the way the Avo8's needle was damped, whereas my cheap 20K/V meter would go "ping" off the stops if I ever selected the wrong voltage range :-)

author: l84coffee
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 11, 2011, 10:52:26 pm
content: Being on the other side of the pond and not knowing was an AVO model 8 was, I did a search for it.It's cousin on this side of the pond would be the Simpson 260.Looks like both were the work horses of a bygone era.This is where I found a picture and a short article:http://www.dustygizmos.com/arcpages/arctest.htm.Might bring back some memories for some of you on the that side of the pond.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2011, 03:08:25 am
content: Yeah,not only were they better insulated than DMMs,they were so heavy,you had to place them on the floor or a chair,or something like that to use them--none of this handheld nonsense,men were men in those days!That,plus the big scale meant you could stand back about 2 ft,& still use them.The AVO 8 had a 2kV scale,which worked,too!About "heavy"--way back when,I was working up in Wyndham WA,wearing the standard local attire ofT-shirt,"footy"shorts, & "thongs"(Just so we don't freak out the Brits & North Americans,"thongs" are the separate toe sandals called "flip-flops" outside Australia).The AVO 8 was sitting on the top of a transmitter,when,in a deft(or,daft) move,I dragged it off its perch with the testleads.I put my foot out to save the AVO from damage on the concrete floor.Not a good idea!!No damage to the meter,but I limped for a couple of days.VK6ZGO

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 12, 2011, 04:18:27 am
content: Quote from: vk6zgo on August 10, 2011, 06:05:15 amI you develop pretty much any battery powered product these days, uA measurement is pretty essential IMO.Entire complex designs can run on hundreds of uA.But as always YMMV.Dave.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 12, 2011, 04:26:22 am
content: Quote from: vk6zgo on August 12, 2011, 03:08:25 amQuote from: EEVblog on August 12, 2011, 04:18:27 amYou need to be, more specific Dave, when talking to old timers about batteries these are what they are thinking of.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2011, 05:11:52 am
content: Quote from: l84coffee on August 11, 2011, 10:52:26 pmIn OZ,we had a good spread of test equipment origins.Among the VOMS at the AM radio transmitter site where I used to work,we had several AVO 8s,an AVO 7 AND a Simpson 260,as well as indigenous Australian stuff,such as Palec, & University Graham.Among the more sophisticated stuff, we had AWA VTVM & Sig Gen,Philips & EMI Oscilloscopes,& a whole raft of odd things from various places.VK6ZGO

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2011, 06:11:27 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on August 12, 2011, 04:18:27 amYeah,Dave,I can see that as a "Ginger Beer" developing stuff you would definitely have more use for the uA range than those of us fixing stuff in the field.As it is fairly unusual for us,we can usually find a "workaround", of some kind,but if in development you have to take repetitive readings in this current range,the "workarounds" would get old pretty quickly.As old codgers,our definition of "general Electronics"is obviously a bit different!I guess it depends on what the OP meant.Actually,us OFs have done a pretty good job of turning this into a nostalgia thread!VK6ZGO

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 12, 2011, 11:20:46 am
content: Quote from: vk6zgo on August 12, 2011, 06:11:27 amFor sure, that's a different ball game.The OP asked for a multimeter for "electronics" work, and looking at all the meters on the market it is clear that there are two types. Those designed for the "electrical" market that usually don't have (complete) uA ranges, and those meters that do. The higher end ones being sometimes marketed for "electronics professionals".I don't think it's any coincidence that most meters marketed as "electrical" don't have uA current ranges, there is a clear market differentiation there.So in my mind that implies that a multimeter for general "electronics" work should have complete uA ranges.In fact, I'd go as far to say that if you have an electronics lab and don't have the ability to measure something as basic as current over the ranges of today's operational equipment (say 1uA to 10A), then you are not fully equipped for basic electronics work.Of course, you might never use it, but that's not the pointDave.

author: Glocal
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2011, 11:01:39 am
content: Quote from: diracshore on August 09, 2011, 12:36:31 pmIt is your decision but in my opinion i dont`t believe in Fluke 17 B i thought about it before and saw a video about it showed the continuity test,was very bad it didn`t really catch i wanted to ask Dave if he took it apart but after seeing that continuity video I just forgot about it I don`t think it is Fluke even if the brand called Fluke"sorry" and Fluke 87 V is a strong royal meter ( it is all about accuracy and quality)it is the best in professional Electronics use so far ,I think this devise is a treasure in every since of the word and about GSM ,I dont think it really matters for most users as long as Fluke meters are concerned Fluke 78 is the bestThanks.

author: gregariz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2011, 05:29:10 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on August 12, 2011, 11:20:46 amI find current measurements are one of those things you need to precariously wire up if you don't have the right probe attachments, so I find this a good use for a proper bench meter.... thinking about it the only time I actually use a bench meter is for supply current measurements and high voltage measurements above what a handheld meter would cover. Its sits idle most of the time.. but I guess it's there just in case.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2011, 10:10:22 pm
content: Quote from: Glocal on August 14, 2011, 11:01:39 amWell it is time to end this myth , the DMM its just honest with less true counts than the competition,it does do fine the very basics, and it can be called as the tool of the technician,but for more advanced troubleshooting it does fall sort.But hey the true problem is the Fluke pricing, at 250$ and something close to 87V , there is nothing near,move away from Fluke , so to get many options.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 14, 2011, 11:14:41 pm
content: Quote from: Kiriakos-GR on August 14, 2011, 10:10:22 pmTakes more than counts to hold top spot for many years. Pretenders come and go. It's the over all package that holds a reputation.Taking top spot is easy all you need to do is produce a better product in terms of quality, reputation and innovation over an extended period. Easy and yet nothing has achieved this for a very long time. Fluke cannot sit on their hands but overtime they never have.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2011, 03:10:01 am
content: Quote from: Uncle Vernon on August 14, 2011, 11:14:41 pmThe what ever reputation under my book, goes by the model it self.Even the Fluke 28II that is a model of 2010, up to date has zero reputation.And the same goes for the Agilent U1272A , also build at the start of 2011.In about a year time from now, I will rerun accuracy tests on both, the results will be very interesting.By my book those DMM they will build their reputation by them self.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 15, 2011, 03:33:47 am
content: Quote from: Kiriakos-GR on August 15, 2011, 03:10:01 amYour free to hold whatever perspective you wish, just don't expect the rest of the industry to agree with you.And if that is your perspective and you wish to judge by spec sheets and initial impressions alone expect to buy more than a few dud products along the way.Fluke and the major players hold enviable reputations, they have gained those reputation over long periods and they will continue to be chosen over the next grand promise until those products can claw up an equivalent reputation.QuoteBollocks! Many would buy that and other Flukes without even considering a spec sheet. many consultant engineers will not ask to sight a calibration certificate when the instrument is a Fluke yet will demand one when a lesser brand is used. No reputation? You have to be kidding.QuoteNo reputation?QuoteCredit to you for doing so. However since we are talking reputation, what is the reputation of Kiriakos Labs as a calibration and certification facility? I'm not questioning your ability for a second, I'm sure you can do accurate tests but in terms of reputation what weight will they hold?QuoteThey and their Marques already have built strong reputations. new models will attract some extra security but as the saying goes. "No one ever got sacked for buying Fluke (Agilent) (Tek)". That's one hell of a reputation.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2011, 06:21:15 pm
content: It looks that you got your sword and shield, and started playing with the words.Even so, if just one part in the DMM fails , the unit fails , and the manufacturer is not willing to take the blame !!Did Fluke made an public announcement about the GSM issue on the 87V so to notify their customers ?What they wait for ?Agilent admitted the problem publicly ( on their web site ... on the document about the latest firmware ) about the U1272A,and released the firmware fix.Yes great reputation, everything under the carpet ?And the bottom line is that if any damn DMM that is tested in the field , and also from one wacko Greek with some knowledge and basic reference equipment, that they cost in the shelve 1.200$ , if it past the test, it worth to called as keeper.And never ever talk to me ( An European citizen) about reputation, of American brands, who haves only one real service center,in all Europe.In Europe they have invest very few so to gain our appreciation.

author: gregariz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2011, 07:39:15 pm
content: At the end of the day.. everyone's opinion on buying a meter or other test equipment will be different.IMO, good engineering (and business) is about making the appropriate choice whether its some particular specification or brand-name. You can always buy something better.. or worse - the trick is getting it right.In the real world engineers often do a very poor job at this - the high school dropout ends up running the shop because the engineers are too busy measuring their junk to realise all the customers are lesbians.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2011, 08:55:31 pm
content: Quote from: gregariz on August 15, 2011, 07:39:15 pmYes only by a humorous perspective we can solve this sort of mini arguments.But from my personal experience of contacting Fluke , and from some other evidence that I have find,the name of Fluke ( or reputation ) at the years 2010 - 2011 it had be saved many times,from one worthy person who works at Fluke , and his name is Duane S.As long Fluke keeps such worthy people in their team, personally I have 100% faith, that the Fluke customers have nothing to worry about.Yes everything haves a name, yes there is people behind those companies, and their talent about handling any technical issues,gives or add the stripes to that brand name.I just wish, always to be at those crucial posts ( no matter the brand), the people who has the intelligence - talent - and personal interest to keep every one of the customers happy.Yes my plan was to make my lovely Australian uncle , to feel a bit jumpyBut no matter what, I will never stop telling the truth.And the truth is that personally I have proofs in my hands, that makes me to have allot of faith on both Fluke and Agilent,due their behavior in the 2010-2011.I can speak only for the sector of their DMM.Both companies have an enormous product range, but personaly I care just about of what they do with the handheld DMM,that is my own area of interest.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 15, 2011, 11:34:36 pm
content: Quote from: Kiriakos-GR on August 15, 2011, 06:21:15 pmAlthough for many it looks like you are good at heaping criticism but are unable to accept criticism constructive or otherwise being directed towards your opinions. (Yes towards your opinions not towards you)QuoteYes lets ignore the lifetime (IE: 7 years) warranty while we peddle our prejudice.QuoteQ: Did the GSM issue cause widespread issue failure of their equipment? A:NOQ: Did Fluke refuse to make good your personal issue in relation to GSM? A:NOQ: Did Fluke provide you compensation well above the cost of repair or replacement? A:NOQuoteAgilent could hardly have taken any other action given the issue in question was widespread and was making their instruments effectively unusable before repair. Moving your cellphone a few inches wasn't going to fix that one.QuotePerhaps it's a language thing but you are confusing reputation with public disclosure, Two very different parameters.QuoteEnd of the day few brands or models pass the long term tests of industry use, sure there are isolated exceptions, but one man's toolbox does not equate to industry reputation.QuotePity you'll have to veto Agilent then. To quoteAgilent Technologies (NYSE: A), or Agilent, is a company that designs and manufactures electronic and bio-analytical measurement instruments and equipment for measurement and evaluation. The company's headquarters are in Santa Clara, California, in the Silicon Valley region.Many of Agilent's predecessor product lines were developed by Hewlett-Packard, the American computing company founded in 1939.QuoteThat could speak volumes for the reliability and durability of the vendors products, and of course it deliberately ignores the simple fact that there are 1000's of Labs equipped to calibrate Fluke product throughout Europe. But omitting that can only help to support a personal bias. Right?QuoteCould be that a healthy reputation reputation has already be attained in Europe, you only have to look around to see a demand for those American products.No sword and shield just a desire for balance. And to return briefly to what appears to be the great issue with Fluke 87V, let me state that anyone who to takes low volt readings in the proximity of a cellphone, a 2way radio, a cordless phone or any kind of transmitter without considering the possible influence is not fit to assume the title EE.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 15, 2011, 11:44:42 pm
content: Quote from: gregariz on August 15, 2011, 07:39:15 pmAppropriate being the operative word, for a hobbyist a big spend may not be appropriate, in business when instrument cost has little influence in the overall bottom line, some over specification can be very appropriate.I'd be interested to hear you expand your theories on how Lesbianism is effecting measurement accuracy and compromising good practice. Although I do concede that certain publications known to be found secreted in dim laboratories could definitely serve as a distration for the application of best practice.

author: gregariz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2011, 11:51:28 pm
content: Quote from: Uncle Vernon on August 15, 2011, 11:44:42 pmOne could say that the extensive measurement of said junk by the engineers is not the dimension of interest. Ie A poor engineer could buy an excellent meter with a laser tape measurement attachment... but should have bought the cheaper one with a thermometer instead.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 15, 2011, 11:55:22 pm
content: Quote from: gregariz on August 15, 2011, 11:51:28 pmI can only concur. Your lesbianism in measurement reference did provide a little morning humor. well done.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2011, 12:06:22 am
content: Uncle calm down, you should watch your blood pressure.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 16, 2011, 12:52:10 am
content: Quote from: Kiriakos-GR on August 16, 2011, 12:06:22 amAm I to read from this you have no substantiation to your latest raft of wild claims?