FUKE meters are in town - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: kalel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2017, 09:38:01 am
content: It appears that FUKE meters appeared on the market.Well, at least one model, FUKE DT9205Now, a standard DT9205 is available for about $7.(there are a few different styles, but I assume all are same or similar meters inside).But if you want that high quality FUKE feeling, you have to pay extra, over $20.

author: med6753
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2017, 09:59:23 am
content: Just change the "U" to an "A" and you have a more accurate name.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2017, 12:26:02 pm
content: At what point does somebody stop and think there might be too many positions on the selector dial?

author: kalel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2017, 12:34:07 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on August 06, 2017, 12:26:02 pmWell, what if this meter had frequency measurement, and temperature measurement? One position for C and one for F.Although if it did have all that for $7, might be an interesting option.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2017, 12:36:59 pm
content: Quote from: kalel on August 06, 2017, 12:34:07 pmI wouldn't buy it, at any price.

author: kalel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2017, 12:40:44 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on August 06, 2017, 12:36:59 pmLack of autoranging, 2000 count, or something else? I don't mean the genuine FUKE of course.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2017, 12:44:21 pm
content: complete ripoff

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2017, 01:13:07 pm
content: Quote from: kalel on August 06, 2017, 12:40:44 pmBecause:a) It would be horrible to use.b) You can get somethingmuchbetter for only $5 more.c) If the supplied leads are really the ones in that photo then you're going to be replacing them soon and you didn't really save any money compared to (e.g.) an AN8002.

author: kalel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2017, 01:14:55 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on August 06, 2017, 01:13:07 pmTrue.Although you did say "at any price".Would you buy it if it was a FUKE? You might have to pay a bit more.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2017, 01:19:28 pm
content: Quote from: kalel on August 06, 2017, 01:14:55 pmI don't care about the branding, I care about whether it will work and what it will be like to use. The meter in that photo looks like it will fail on both counts.'Faking' a brand might seem like a horrific thing to do here in the first world but it's perfectly normal over there. Over there they're just 'copying a successful design'. They'll look at you like you're weird if you tell them not to do it.

author: kalel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2017, 01:22:38 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on August 06, 2017, 01:19:28 pmI don't find it horrific or something we wouldn't expect, just interesting. Especially the part that the branded meter is much more expensive than the unbranded one. It is slightly different, there are a few variants of that name, but I think they all offer the same functions, and are similar inside.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2017, 01:29:20 pm
content: Quote from: kalel on August 06, 2017, 01:22:38 pmWhen I look at the photo above I mostly see the probes. They look like the crappy probes that come with freebie DT830Bs, the ones with wires that break off after a couple of days if you don't fill the tube with hot glue.At some point you have to say "no".

author: kalel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2017, 01:31:37 pm
content: Yes, they look exactly like that. But I'm not sure if the FUKE variant comes with them.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2017, 01:37:03 pm
content: Quote from: kalel on August 06, 2017, 01:31:37 pmIf only there were a way to find pictures of one...Also: Every penny they spent making the pretty yellow surround and having four input jacks is a penny they didn't spend on the insides, so...(and just look at that dial.I really don't want something that's so fiddly to use)

author: kalel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2017, 01:39:54 pm
content: So it does. And it costs almost the price of two AN8002. Not quite, but almost. Or a bit more than AN8008 on eBay.But I might be wrong about the cause. It might be because it's not widely available. If only one seller offered the aneng models, they would probably cost more than they do.

author: JohnG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2017, 02:58:34 pm
content: Quote from: kalel on August 06, 2017, 09:38:01 amThis made my day

author: mikeys
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2017, 11:36:57 pm
content: FUKE. The sound you make when the range switch comes flying at your face.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2017, 12:32:10 am
content: Quote from: mikeys on August 07, 2017, 11:36:57 pmVery wittyThose leads feel like the pens that Argos use on the selection desks for writing your order out. They also remind of the some of the Robin meters that were sold to electrical engineers a few years ago, such meters as the Robin Kew Flat Tester model 1503.

author: bjcuizon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2017, 03:49:38 am
content: Quote from: mikeys on August 07, 2017, 11:36:57 pmMaybe when you also look at the insides it will make you PUKE!

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2017, 04:13:02 am
content: Seems like a nice meter. It looks like it has a 200 Meg ohms and 20nA range. I bet it can resolve down to 10pA.Quote from: bjcuizon on August 08, 2017, 03:49:38 amI would NUKE it!

author: kalel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2017, 08:45:09 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on August 08, 2017, 12:41:52 amThanks for that info, I didn't know as I didn't see them before. Maybe this meter does have better quality inside than the other variants on the model. Of course, the offered price is a bit much.Now I see that there's a few more models even on Ali:Only the first one is yellow.

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2017, 10:48:41 am
content: What's on the back of the meter?Made in USAor Fuke Corporation or w w w.fuke.com ?Do they make a cheaper offshoot brand ? Umprobe?

author: kalel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2017, 10:52:52 am
content: Quote from: Electro Detective on August 08, 2017, 10:48:41 amDon't know. Made a few video searches, but some "Fluke" keeps popping up. With all of that spam, it's hard to find the real thing.Might have better luck with Umprobe.Damn, I'm getting some Amprobe. No luck at all.

author: Muttley Snickers
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 08, 2017, 11:15:33 am
content: It appears to be just another cheapo re-badged FUXIN-G multimeter, don't believe me then FFS Google it.

author: kalel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2017, 11:48:35 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on August 08, 2017, 11:16:37 amI don't know about those specific meters, but there's a lot of rebadging. For example, a search for DT830B gets Aneng, Atdiag, TBK,all sun, VKTech, stictech, WHDZ, ZJZM, BES,DHL Fedex(just kidding - that's from the item name), KETOTEK, aiyun, TCXRE, UNI--T?Halojaju, WIYISOND, PEAKMETER, ZOYI, FTIKE (it's not the same exact design):and probably a lot more. Quite a popular meter that one.

author: Muttley Snickers
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 08, 2017, 12:00:16 pm
content: For Fuke sake.https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Digital-Multimeter-DT-9205A/1688036813.html

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2017, 01:31:55 pm
content: Quote from: Muttley Snickers on August 08, 2017, 12:00:16 pmIts so Fuxing good that they state it can do "Can measure voltage, resistance, capacitance, electric current." nine times for Fukes sake

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2017, 10:26:12 pm
content: Beside the usual features, the target market and main selling point here is theTransistor CheckerAND... 20 amps of Unfused Current blissFuxing awesome

author: bjcuizon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2017, 02:56:40 am
content: Quote from: Electro Detective on August 08, 2017, 10:26:12 pmYeah.. and Dave says "Do not trust a multimeter with a transistor tester."-which is kind of true cause that's what most el cheapo DMMs have.

author: kalel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2017, 04:00:06 am
content: Quote from: bjcuizon on August 09, 2017, 02:56:40 amI used it on a DT meter to test LEDs brightly. I'm not sure if that's wise (perhaps too much current?) but for those specific LEDs I tested, it was fine.Now I have a simple 9v battery + resistor tester with dupont cables. It can use old drained batteries that aren't suitable for any other usage so it's almost free (voltage and current capability are still good enough to light an LED).

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2017, 09:06:14 am
content: Quote from: bjcuizon on August 09, 2017, 02:56:40 amI really don't get this school of thought at all, much as I think Dave is brilliant, sometimes I think he can be forgetful that not every one can afford the kind of equipment that he has at his disposal.Surely another way of looking at it is that a meter with a transistor tester on it is certainly aimed at the electronics industry, be in a professional or hobbyist level as not everyone has or wants a dedicated transistor tester in the same way as most such meters also have a capacitance tester. Those that don't have them is almost certainly for the power market, normal electricians in that case.For more in depth testing you need more specialised testers such as LCR with ESR meters but some hobbyists need a more basic tester.

author: Rbastler
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2017, 09:28:40 am
content: Quote from: bjcuizon on August 09, 2017, 02:56:40 amYou can buy cheap(AN8008) and then you can buy shit(DTxxx). Plus there is always used gear on eBay or else.Ive been through all that myself. I wanted to have good and fancy stuff, but I realised that a 20-40€ DMM does the trick too for what I was doing at that time.Later then I bought more expensive stuff new and used.I woudnt bother with cheap stuff either, because its simply not worth it(this gear most likely sucks) and with a little more money and some time you can already get some decent gear.Dont give up because you dont have, say 40€ for a soldering iron right now, save up and buy it then. Slowly build your lab.I dont know what others did, but I saved my pocket money and later started working to buy better gear. It took me a lot of time, around then years, but now I have a pretty nice lab Id say, and a second less nicer.Edit: typo

author: MosherIV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2017, 10:05:45 am
content: QuoteIt not just because they are cheap, but yes Dave does not think much of 'one hung low' multimeters.The main reason for not liking meters with transistor testers is because of safety :If the meter is rated for 1000V (1KV) and there is some kind of electrical interface to the inside of the meter (other than the input jacks) then there is a possible route for the 1KV to come out of the meter - putting the user at risk.(Low risk but it is still there!)Hope I have explained it (to Dave's satisfaction).

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2017, 11:17:04 am
content: Quote from: MosherIV on August 09, 2017, 10:05:45 amYeah, true, but then so is driving a car or crossing the road a risk. In the electronics world of the average hobbyist, how often do you come close to anything like a high energy source. Rarely do I ever do I use the current ranges on my meters, nor do I use them on 240v or higher other than in a piece of electronic equipment that I'm trouble shooting / repairing. Then of course by virtue of the fact that your some distance from the distribution, quite a few metres of cable, some of it small gauge, a couple circuit breakers and local fuses in plug tops and in the equipment so any accident is going to be considerably reduced in severity anyway. Generally most of the time my meters will be on either dc volts measuring power rail supplies or resistance, checking resistor values or continuity and I'd guess the same is pretty much true for most users.There are meters designed for electronics use and some designed for electrically engineers who will come into contact with far higher energy sources then the electronics hobbyist should ever do.As to "one hung low", isn't it true to say that many respectable makers are now having items made in the "one hung low" regions as well and you are not aware of it until you look at the back panel?

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2017, 11:58:03 pm
content: If anyone is really THAT cheap, or blown chances for Birthday and Christmas gifts forever,then get a better (yes, more pennies) Wun Hung Lo meter, not the cheapest crap unworthy of inclusion in a rusty old toolbox (or landfill)or get an affordable real meter made in Taiwan with a good rep from users (verify on Youtube, internet search/forums if not posted on EEVlog already)REALITY CHECK for newbs, cheapskate DIYersand bench bored techs/EEs with pocket money to blow, gambling on a cheap product/more bench litter..praying it may be a hidden gem and deliver 99.999% Fluke performance to justify the cash wasted (aka 'curiousity')One wrong measurement due to a crap meter or it's suspect leads/probes is wasted TIME = MONEYthe possibility of magic fumes from your circuit with shorts or voltage where it shouldn't be, not picked up by the cheeep meter, is more wasted TIME = MONEYWasting an afternoon under a car, getting your clothing and flesh dirty and greased upand not tracing an electrical issue due to a cheap half working Fuxing meter (or similar rebadge) is positively 'DIY Dumbass City'best to get on with the grass cutting and weed pulling instead, and get an auto electrician wielding a real 'verified working' meter to sort it outi.e.Tu Cheeep Meter is no worth it

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2017, 01:51:45 am
content: Don't worry I have no intention of getting one of these one hung low multimeters, but it is true that a lot of companies are now having lots of their products made under license for them, in China. So the point I was making is that not everything from China is crap. Products made in Taiwan, Korea and Japan used to have a reputation for being crap but you couldn't level that at them these days. Products from any country can be crap or good, its down to the design quality, quality of parts, workmanship etc, and price has very little to do with it, if the producer is not interested in making excessive profits, then his prices will be lower as a result.Don't lose sight of the fact Apple is one of America's, if not the Worlds, biggest and most respected brands and has a high perceived quality product, which is made down to a bargain basement price in some of China's sweatshops. So it proves that if it is made in China, quality can be had at reasonable prices because the cost of living etc is low in the country and can and filters down through their products. So it is wrong to assume that every meter etc will be fit for tossing in the bin, I'm not in any way, shape or form suggesting that this a good meter, I cannot form an opinion without seeing, feeling, inspecting and using one.

author: moebius326
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 10, 2017, 01:57:03 am
content: Sent from my SM-T217S using Tapatalk

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2017, 08:46:43 am
content: Quote from: moebius326 on August 10, 2017, 01:57:03 amWhat was "sent from SM-T217S using Tapatalk" ??!

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2017, 09:10:39 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on August 16, 2017, 08:59:41 amI sent him a PM and he confirmed that he did not knowingly post anything so I guess you're correct.

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2017, 10:09:18 am
content: I would not buy the Fuke, no Fuxing way.At the cheapest end of buying or for a person just starting out, I would get anAneng AN8008anda small LCD component tester, both can be found on eBay for under $20. Both have discussion threads on these forums.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2017, 10:16:14 am
content: Quote from: Gandalf_Sr on August 16, 2017, 10:09:18 amReally? A meter that trades the mA ranges for uV?For the same price you can have an AN860B+, much more suitable for "just starting out" IMHO.

author: kalel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2017, 07:12:40 pm
content: Quote from: Gandalf_Sr on August 16, 2017, 10:09:18 amI agree about the component tester. I have one, and it helps so much (especially inductor testing, not available with these multimeters). Mine was the cheaper package without a case, but I'm not sure you really need it.But, the AN860B+ seems great. I haven't tested it in depth yet, but it feels good comparing with the DT830D. Although, DT still has its uses, and always will.Well, until they update the model at least. I assume at some point, it may become a higher count meter or have extra functionality.I'm also not sure that I would go with AN8008 instead of this one as my main meter. It's probably more useful as a second meter, once you see that you might need the low ranges. As others have suggested, AN8002/8008 probably makes a great combination. But, if you are only going for one meter, the AN860B+ gives you min/max/rel and such useful things.If you want good contrast though, just get DT830 series.