EEVblog #372 - Fluke 27 Multimeter Review & Teardown - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: george graves
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 12:20:12 am
content: According to this:http://reviews.ebay.com/Fluke-Meters-Models-and-Series-main?ugid=10000000007478323The real military version of the Fluke 27 FM is a true RMS meter.Quote

author: DarkPrince
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 12:42:22 am
content: Sorry Dave if you wanted to post the thread but I had seen the video on YouTube already. Anyway nice video and it does make it very tempting to try to 'hunt' for one. Eventually, probably will do so. I remember those style resistors, always fun. Had a kit in highschool that had resistors in that form. Awesome.

author: Rutger
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 01:32:50 am
content: Love the new/old stock. It looks brand new. Like the review, went online to ebay and found the same ebayer selling I think the same series (serial number very close), but no buy now option. I did put in a bid for $ 40, but they wanted $ 85 now so I don't think they will accept my offer.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 01:48:05 am
content: The guy I bought from had several in stock at $40 But It Now.Should have bought them all!Dave.

author: Excavatoree
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 02:08:51 am
content: Crap - now I've got to see if my newest one is Cat III rated, and, if not, I'll have to get one that is and compare.Great review Dave! I'm glad you changed your mind!!! (remember that E-mail from a while ago?)EDIT: Mine's just like Dave's - cat III rated. I checked the input circuitry from an older one, and it's almost identical.Also, I've been known to leave one of mine turned on for weeks at a time - I forget to turn it off. I can verify the battery life.As I've said before, I really like these meters, and they are a great buy.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 03:23:36 am
content: Quote from: Excavatoree on October 18, 2012, 02:08:51 amI don't recall?QuoteThanks for the confirmation.Dave.

author: iloveelectronics
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 07:44:06 am
content: For 2 bucks more than this one I think Dave has done okayhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/FLUKE-27-FM-MULTIMETER-27-/120663477839?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c181a8e4f

author: Rick
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 09:02:56 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on October 18, 2012, 01:48:05 amHe may still have grey ones but they may not look brand new like this one. They need to check with him.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 09:31:46 am
content: Quote from: iloveelectronics on October 18, 2012, 07:44:06 am"Slightly used"!Dave.

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 10:11:43 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on October 18, 2012, 09:31:46 amHow does one do that to a meter?Take it canyoning like you did?

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 05:22:17 pm
content: Quote from: tom66 on October 18, 2012, 10:11:43 amMilitary.I didn't have to look at the seller's name to know where it was coming from. That seller is regularly discussed her for the abominations they offer.

author: Tooms
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 06:31:15 pm
content: Hi guysI have the older Fluke 27 there is before the one Dave have.Here is an link to page with images of my Fluke 27http://www.tooms.dk/Download/eevblogforum2/fluke27image.htmlTooms

author: Excavatoree
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 07:13:37 pm
content: Quote from: Tooms on October 18, 2012, 06:31:15 pmNow that's what I call a nice, complete set of pictures.

author: Rick
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 08:09:56 pm
content: By the way there are full yellow Fluke 27's rated Cat III. One of mine is cat III actually. This is the relatively good one. The other has its LCD darkened. I am thinking how to sort it out (any suggestions?). Either by buying a "for parts/not working" item and extracting the LCD or cleaning the LCd but I doubt it will solve the problem however I am sure the contacts need cleaning anyway.The right hand one on the second pic is obviously an older model... I have not received them yet. May be tomorrow.

author: Excavatoree
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 08:27:24 pm
content: Quote from: Rick on October 18, 2012, 08:09:56 pmBe sure to take them apart and check - I've seen the plastic lens go dark, but never an LCD itself. Unfortunately, it's part of the front case and can't be easily replaced. I've got one or two that are darkened a bit, maybe as much as that one, I can't remember.Parts meters are difficult to find - mainly because they keep working! I thought I had a parts meter, but after I changed all 5 MOVs, it works fine and is still in spec. I've seen LCDs on E-bay, but they are rare. I've never had to replace an LCD or the zebra strips on any of my many 8025/25/27s.

author: Rick
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 08:47:19 pm
content: Quote from: Excavatoree on October 18, 2012, 08:27:24 pmThere are currently LCD's sold for other more recent Fluke models. That guy also sells spare parts according to what he told me.But anyway if it s not the LCD it is good news. May be I can try to cut out carefully the plastic lens and replace it with something else, a similar thin transparent piece of plastic ? Or simply carve the visible part of the plastic lens to improve the visibility...Another thing I would like to ask is: may I use thinner (just a drop) to remove the labels? Does it harm the outer plastic cover of the multimeter?

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 09:58:17 pm
content: Quote from: Tooms on October 18, 2012, 06:31:15 pmHmm, noet the extra M205 glass fuse. I wonder what that is for?Dave.

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 10:01:49 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on October 18, 2012, 09:58:17 pmVery odd. It looks to be in series with the with the larger fuse. Perhaps some kind of dual-characteristic desired? Seems like a bodge to me, but too much of a safety thing to be a last-minute thing.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 10:08:42 pm
content: Quote from: Rick on October 18, 2012, 08:09:56 pmThe one on the right looks like it has 0L "slanted" whereas the one of the left is "upright". I have a Fluke 27 (grey/charcoal) and it has the "slanted" 0L.I also notice that when it is set to resistance, the 0L looks like it is flickering as described in this threadhttp://www.flukecommunity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3458I tried to respond, but I have been in the moderator's approval queue for 4 months now.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 10:09:41 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on October 18, 2012, 09:58:17 pmMy Fluke 27 grey/charcoal has that extra fuse as well.

author: Excavatoree
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 10:36:51 pm
content: I'm no fuse expert, I can only guess why they would put a 630 ma glass fuse (rated at 250v) in series with the 3 A 600V fuse. Were the larger fuses not available in that small a range? Did they want 630 ma protection for the ma range, but want the larger fuse for situations where the glass fuse may not work? Or was it supposed to be the ceramic 630 ma fuse? I'd like to get the answer.Rick:I'm not sure about what to use to remove the label without damaging the meter. My worst label was OK considering the rest of the meter, I've never replaced one. Do you mind telling me the seller's name? I always need parts.There are two different LCDs, as there are three for the 70 series. The two 27 types are interchangeable. (The early two 70 series types are interchangeable.) I'm guessing they were trying for a "more modern appearance."If the LCD only flickers in the ohms range, check the MOVs and the protection resistor. It's been awhile since I've seen this on a 27.On one or two occasions, I've had to change the board with the micro on it - I guess I could have just changed the chip, but I'd have had to take one off another board, so why not change the whole board?

author: Rick
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 10:43:08 pm
content: Quote from: retiredcaps on October 18, 2012, 10:08:42 pmIs it flickering or just the segments which are faded ?Excavatoree: it is this guy :http://www.ebay.com/usr/rickthompson602t, the same who sold a fluke 27 to Dave.Thank you for the advice.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 10:58:34 pm
content: Quote from: Excavatoree on October 18, 2012, 10:36:51 pmSacrificial fuse. Anything it can't cope with, the big one will handle. Anything it can cope with, saves you a very expensive fuse.

author: baljemmett
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 11:05:40 pm
content: Quote from: retiredcaps on October 18, 2012, 10:09:41 pmAs does my charcoal Fluke 25. Which I just dismantled to take some photographs of the display/digital board to compare to Dave's (it's too late to pull it any further apart before bedtime!), before I noticed Tooms had already posted a much more comprehensive set. The digital board is identical between the 27 and the 25, but I don't plan on drilling any holes in the front of mine to get the two extra buttons!

author: Excavatoree
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 11:23:45 pm
content: More info on the fuse resistor that can cause flickering on the ohms setting: (I checked the one I have, and I see I've changed it.)The V-ohms input jack has two resistors connected to it. One is a ceramic film resistor on newer meters, and a carbon resistor on older meters. (outboard) Just inboard is a 1K fuseable resistor. Since one end is connected to the jack, it's isolated, so you can check it without disconnecting anything.EDIT: Whoops - seems the new ones have a 3.5 K. (Same part as 87) The changeover was probably at the same time as the ceramic film resistor change for the "outboard" resistor.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 11:45:35 pm
content: Quote from: Rick on October 18, 2012, 10:43:08 pmFlickering. No segments are faded.

author: Polossatik
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 11:52:55 pm
content: just fyi: the 70 series claim "Alkaline: ~2000 hours typical" 9V battery lifehttp://www.fluke.com/fluke/usen/digital-multimeters/fluke-73-77.htm?PID=56121

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 11:53:48 pm
content: Quote from: Excavatoree on October 18, 2012, 11:23:45 pmThanks for checking and your suggestions.I have two resistors connected to the volts/ohm input jack. One is the 1K fuseable resistor and it measures exactly 1K. I have a 220K ohm 10% (red, red, yellow, silver) resistor on the same input jack it and measures 232.4K ohms.I'll see if I can get reliable readings of the movs without removing them or the shield.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 11:56:40 pm
content: Quote from: Polossatik on October 18, 2012, 11:52:55 pmAfter giving my Fluke 77 II an IPA bath, I decided to measure its current consumption.AC - 305 uaDC - 280 ua300mv - 270 uaohms - 275 uadiode - 280 uaA AC - 305 uaA DC - 275 ua

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2012, 12:29:00 am
content: Quote from: Excavatoree on October 18, 2012, 10:36:51 pmI can only measure 4 out of the 5 without disassembly. All 4 read 0L "in circuit" on the resistance scale on my Fluke 177. For the 5th, I will have to disassemble.

author: Excavatoree
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2012, 12:58:58 am
content: The MOVs are probably OK.Dave's video reminded me - check the thermistor or sometimes called a PTC. It's in series with the 1K resistor and while I haven't seen a bad on in a 27, I've seen a bad one in an 87.It also looks like the 3.5 K resistor in the newer meters isn't fusable, like the older 1 K resistors were.

author: kodai
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2012, 05:50:54 am
content: Dave neglected to show the full range of the tilting bale. It has two positions. The first is the primary position and that is the one he showed in the video. The second one is used to hang the meter up with. When you lift the bale up about an inch, you can pull the two prongs out of their original sockets and then place them in the second set of sockets below. There are guide slots on the bale's hinges that then guide the bale all the way up so you can then hang the meter off something. Great little extra design thought by Fluke.I have two of the military 27/FM's (both are true RMS versions) and I love them. I keep one in my truck just in case (or maybe just because). I got one for $17.00 and the other for $21.00. The cheaper one has all the serial numbers hand painted with some sort of white paint on all sides of the meter and the 6kV probe. I have yet to find something that can remove it. The other meter looks brand new, and so does the hard shell case. My guess is it sat unissued in a storage closet for 22 years. Both came with hard shell cases, 6kV probe, old PVC meter probes and aligator clips. The best part is they both came with the fluke manual's for the meter and the 6kV and their U.S. Army manuals as well. The army manuals are some of the best "how to" guides of a multimeter I've ever seen. And of course they state that they should be destroyed to prevent their info from getting out, lol.Besides the True RMS feature of the military models, the only thing I've noticed with the civy version is the fuses are different. The military version uses 600mA and 15A fuses. Oh, and the military version does not have a cap cover for the fuses. If you guys start hitting ebay for some fluke 27's (any version) then be aware that in the U.S. ebay, they are starting to creep back up in price now. The huge stockpile that came out a year ot two ago has pretty much bottomed out and its starting to show. Also, its not uncommon for a seller to not check the fuses on these babies. They assume that since the meter comes on, all is good. So check both fuses as soon as you get it and budget in some extra cash for get some replacement fuses. These are not the $5.00 HRC fuses (and yes, you can find them at that price if you look hard enough) like in the 87 series. On average, these can be found on sale for about $15 from thrid parties, and $30 from fluke. Just thought I'd give a heads up on hidden costs that some may not be aware of.All in all, I do love these bricks. And thats what they are. They are about the same size, shape, and weight of a good old fashioned brick. Just about as tuff as a brick to boot. Well worth having a couple of these puppies at the bench. ^_^

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2012, 07:19:11 am
content: Quote from: Excavatoree on October 19, 2012, 12:58:58 amThe 5th MOV measures 0L just like the first 4. Here is a picture of my board. It is different from Dave's.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2012, 07:07:42 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on October 18, 2012, 01:48:05 amSomeone didn't pay attention to the last bits of your video. $300 USD via best offer (asking price was $450 USD) for an used one sold yesterday.http://www.ebay.com/itm/251047437015

author: Rick
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2012, 09:37:52 am
content: Quote from: retiredcaps on October 23, 2012, 07:07:42 amHe must be a rich Arab sheikh I suppose...

author: Rick
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2012, 09:43:11 am
content: Quote from: retiredcaps on October 18, 2012, 10:08:42 pmYou were right... one of the LCD's is flickering on the ohm's range when "0L" is displayed on screen but not when it actualy measures something and that LCD has some faded segments (which I think can be fixed by doing some cleaning). He told me they were both fine... I got screwed. But they both measure ok. I shall complain for that one...+ Besides that it does have a few faded segments too.

author: Rick
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2012, 09:48:22 am
content: I have the impression that it flickers whenever it displays "0L" not just on the ohm's range. I need to double check though.--------+ I have just checked. It flickers on the mV range too when "0L" is displayed on the screen, on the diode range it is also present, although it is more difficult to notice . Any idea about what could cause that?

author: Rick
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2012, 01:06:44 pm
content: I have cleaned the PCB contacts and the elastomer with alcohol, the flickering is gone and the faded segments too.Sorry for the poor images taken by my gsm phone (before and after cleaning).

author: Marvin
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2012, 01:57:08 pm
content: I found these pics of the REAL 27/FM from herehttp://www.antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=167123One can clearly see the RMS chip (in the middle of the board) there and other minor differences - seems that the PTC/thermistor (bottom left corner) protection was a late life addition/modification to the model as it is missing on the 27/FM. Or is it in different form factor and marked with a green and blue stripe?

author: Branqazwsx
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 26, 2012, 06:42:03 am
content: I've got a fluke 27 with a few of screws missing out of the bottom. The one is from the main body with partial threads and the others are from the battery compartment. The rubber grommet is also missing from the main body screw hole. Any ideas of where I could pick up some more screws and a rubber grommet that would fit. I have attached some images.Thanks

author: mzacharias
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2012, 12:34:07 pm
content: Regarding the slow continuity test on Dave's 27. I'm almost certain my old grey 27FM had an instantaneous continuity test. Can anyone confirm this? Don't have that meter anymore. I can say my 27II is instantaneous.I do feel the low volume of the continuity and warning tone on my 27II is a concern, especially in an industrial environment. I assume it's because the rather smallish piezo buzzer is so well enclosed within the IP67 case.Kudos to Agilent for flashing the back-light on the 1272A when it alarms and for making the beeper LOUD.

author: Rick
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2012, 05:52:23 pm
content: The 27FM (full grey, TRMS version) is identical to the 27 as far as the continuity test is concerned. I have two 27's and one 27FM. That is, it is as slow as the 27. My "newer" Fluke 27 is slower than the older Fluke 27 version actually. I am not sure if it is a problem of that particular device.

author: grenert
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2012, 06:04:13 pm
content: My grey 27/FM (TRMS model) has slow continuity. It's surprising, considering the speed of continuity testing on Fluke meters in general.

author: tryptamin
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 19, 2013, 11:25:30 am
content: hello dear comunity members:-piam new here and comes from germany...i work in the last weeks to buy me a good quality multimeter,and looks all vids on ebay from george.he is fantastic!!!!he beware me to buy some crap for big money.i need the multimeter at normal house electrics and for my car.so i thinks the fluke 27fm are the rigth and best one for me.if here anyone,who can sell me one cheap?the shipping prices from us to germany are on ebay scary:)sometimes 3*more than the fluke.and sorry for my bad english.i hope here are anyone,which can help me andsend me an message.maybe i can get from you a better model...hope and wait for postings here...And further george,you do a good workGreetz andy from germany

author: Robomeds
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2013, 08:34:37 pm
content: How old is this line of multimeters? I'm asking because I scored an 8025B off ebay recently. In decent enough shape and for $17 I won't complain. Anyway, I've been wondering if anyone knows the history of this line of meters. When did they come out? Was the 8025 the first version followed by the 25/27? Based on the few date codes I think I read mine appears to have been made in 1989. That puts it as later than some of the 27's I've seen people show on line. Did they make the two at the same time?Also, I've got to say this thing is HUGE. I think it seems so large in part because it doesn't have the holster like my other Flukes. The front panel is packed full of buttons, just that big selector switch. Well that and the thing is literally twice as think as the 73-3 without a case! No question this is a solid meter that can also be used in self defense.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2013, 09:27:37 pm
content: Quote from: Robomeds on June 16, 2013, 08:34:37 pmExcavatoree provides some info athttp://www.ebay.com/gds/fluke-meters-rugged-types-models-and-series/10000000158117668/g.html

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2013, 09:30:49 pm
content: Quote from: Robomeds on June 16, 2013, 08:34:37 pmOne went for 99 cents (only 1 bid).http://www.ebay.com/itm/281117079588The "A" version started at 99 cents and didn't attract any bidders.http://www.ebay.com/itm/271217535252

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 16, 2013, 11:38:36 pm
content: Quote from: retiredcaps on June 16, 2013, 09:30:49 pmWow, cheap!

author: Robomeds
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2013, 12:36:30 am
content: Quote from: retiredcaps on June 16, 2013, 09:30:49 pmThat's $.99 meter (plus $15 shipping) is the one I got. Sorry I was thinking after shipping the price was $17, not $16In retrospect I wish I had bid on both of them. The seller relisted the A model at $50 BIN. I don't think he made money on mine...BTW, thanks for the ebay link. I read that as well as a Excavatoree's great post in this threadhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/fluke-25-my-first-digital-multimeter/I'm still not sure when these came out. It sounds like they might have come out at the same time as the 27s and that might have been around 1987 but that is really a guess on my part.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2013, 04:29:16 am
content: Quote from: Robomeds on June 17, 2013, 12:36:30 amIf I lived in the USA, I would have bid on both. I may not have won the 8025B, but I would be very happy with "A" for 99 cents + $15 shipping. It would be great for the emergency kit in my car.

author: Robomeds
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 18, 2013, 01:23:49 am
content: I thought these pictures might put the size of this meter in perspective. Not only is the thing tall, it's really thick. Yes, the 73 is smaller than the 87 but not much thinner.Yes, I still can't get over the size for such a simple looking meter.