Fluke 73 III - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SuperMiguel
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2010, 05:26:51 am
content: I have a local guy selling a Fluke 73 III for $40... Are those worth it for electronics?Currently using an Extech ex430, but hey a fluke for $40 buckshttp://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/ele/2070497853.html

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 23, 2010, 05:56:41 am
content: Looks pretty beat up.The same meter can go for similar prices on ebay, up to maybe double that.No microamps range, so not designed for general electronics use. Fine if you don't need uA though.Dave.

author: orbiter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2010, 10:24:19 am
content: I think I'd be inclined to wait untill a better one comes along, I mean that meter may work ok but as Dave says.. It looks as though it's been battered about a bit.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2010, 01:11:36 pm
content: Stay away from it ...Any item in this condition , could be contaminated with toxic industrial or other type chemicals.I had canceled my first attempt to buy from ebay an 87 Ver:1, because it was full of an chemical looked like glue .The seller was trying to clean it , and he had try all ready more about 5 methods.And still he was unable to clean it , so to get an better price in the auction.And my tip are : If the seller of the used item ,does nothave high quality pictures,that indicates with out guessing , that the DMM its " Clean " and correctly handled ..Stay away from it...Another useful proof of the conditions, that this instrument was used at = how well its was taken care of.Are the cable leads ...An used DMM for sale , with out the original cables - leads = smells trouble too.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 23, 2010, 06:00:59 pm
content: is "holiday" a real place ? sounds dodgy enough

author: Excavatoree
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2010, 04:36:39 pm
content: In addition to what everyone else has said: The 73-III is, essentially, the same meter as a 77 or 77-II. (and, really, a 75, 21, or 23, series 1 or 2.) With luck you can get one on e-bay in much better condition for the same price, or a bit more. Of the 30-40 or so of these that I have, I haven't paid more than 50 dollars for any of them. (well, OK, maybe one or two new in box examples of rare branded versions or something.....)Edit: speak of the devil:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130458245342&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME%3AB%3ASS%3AUS%3A1123Seller has 5 at this price - this one's in much better shape. There's no difference between a 73-3 and a 23 (other than the color)Others may disagree, but, if you are on a budget, and want a good electronic meter with microampere ranges, you can't do better than a Fluke 25, 27, or 8025(a or b). You're giving up capacitance and frequency measurements, but you can get a serviceable meter for less than 40 dollars - I've paid as little as 20 dollars for a working copy. There's even a true RMS version. (Fluke 27/FM)THis meter is the best example of the e-bay price foolishness. New, pristine examples go for a reasonable 75-125 dollars, up to a ridiculous 300 to 500 dollars. Of course, for that money, you can get a new 27-II or 28, or an 87-V.A good 87 or 87-3 can be had for around 100, or even 75 if you are lucky.