I am impressed with the Fluke 101. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Axtman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2023, 11:19:54 pm
content: I bought a Fluke 101 multimeter the other day. I wanted a small, inexpensive, safe, reliable meter that I could put in my pocket to garage sales, swap meets, hamfests, etc. I wanted to bring along a meter to make a few quick measurements before I bought a piece of equipment. The Fluke 101 is better than I expected.So the Fluke 101 gets two thumbs up from me.

author: Ground_Loop
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2023, 01:44:35 pm
content: I gave some thought to getting one as a "kitchen drawer" meter, but I've seen a number of negative reviews about build quality (the meter itself, leads), and performance (incorrect readings, slow auto ranging, battery life, etc.). Have you experienced any drawbacks?

author: colorado.rob
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2023, 03:55:35 pm
content: Other than the name and color, what makes this better than say a cheap Aneng AN8008?It doesn't measure current. So it is a little limited in what it can do.

author: LazyJack
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2023, 03:57:06 pm
content: I have 2 Fluke 87s, an 85 and an 83, and a couple of bench meters, etc. , but I keep finding myself using the 101 for a lot of simple stuff. It's small, easy to handle, I'm not afraid of tossing it into the tool bag and so far I did not have any problem with it (I have it for now over 2 years). Sure, autoranging is slow, the continuity tester is not as nimble as of the 87, but it works. I do not have any accuracy problem whatsoever. For the price, unbeatable.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2023, 05:03:16 pm
content: Quote from: Ground_Loop on July 20, 2023, 01:44:35 pmI've had one for years. It's small and cute, dial is smooth and clicky, I like the little numbers, overall build quality is 100% Fluke. Joe Smith's testing has shown it to be one of the toughest meters out there. Fluke's website used to call it "Extremely robust" but they've turned down the language a bit lately (so it doesn't affect sales of their expensive meters?)Autoranging is NOT slow. Continuity speed isn't great but OK for occasional use. Diode test will light a white LED.I don't know where you get incorrect readings from, I can't imagine Fluke would release a meter that didn't read properly.The supplied leads are Fluke's cheapest, ie. not great quality, but easy to replace. I don't use them myself because they're way too long and bulky (1.5m long I think) and I want to fit it all in a small carry pouch. I replaced them with some much shorter Anengs. See photo.My only real criticisms would be the limited functionality and the beeper is a bit on the quiet side for use in a noisy environment.If you want a reliablepocket-sizemeter with a real CAT rating then I don't think there's anything that will beat it.

author: mwb1100
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2023, 06:38:21 pm
content: Fluke 101 is a great meter if you understand and accept its limitations:- not true RMS- no current measurement - this can be a plus if you don't need to measure current, since it removes the possibility of a short circuit by having probes set up wrong- no DC mV- no backlight- no tilt standMost of what I do with a meter is:- DC voltage- resistance- continuity checkSo I think the very compact and robust (at or near the top robustness performer on Joe Smith's tests) 101 is a pretty good deal at around $50 on Amazon.Fluke claims the battery life is at least 200 hours, which isn't as much as many (most?) of their meters, but I don't think I'd classify it as a problem or nuisance.One other thing to be aware of is that it's authorized for sale only in Asia (I think), so people outside that area won't get warranty support. Up to you how much of a concern that would be.(also I think it's kind of funny that so many Amazon reviews complain that it's unsafe because there are no fuses when fuses are only needed in meters that measure current)

author: Veteran68
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2023, 07:19:36 pm
content: Quote from: mwb1100 on July 20, 2023, 06:38:21 pmThe "lower" 100 series (101-107, 115-118) are made in China but authorized for sale in the US market.In that respect, to my understanding Fluke has three categories of meters:1. Meters made in the US and sold worldwide: 87V, 179, 289, etc.2. Meters made in China and sold worldwide (including US): 100, 107, 115, 117, etc.3. Meters made in China only for Asian markets: 115C, 117C, 87-VC, 15+, 17B+, etc.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2023, 07:42:22 pm
content: Quote from: Veteran68 on July 20, 2023, 07:19:36 pmI think that is all outdated or incorrect.The US industrial line may be "Made in USA" or "Assembled in USA" (the current 289) for some markets, but they are also made in China and perhaps elsewhere for other markets. There are specific matching models for the Chinese market, like the 289C.The 101 is now US grey market AFAIK, although it may have previously been legit. Fluke does offer the 107 as its 'replacement'. The 11x meters are marked as made in Malaysia (my 116) or Singapore (according to TEquipment) with parts from who knows where.It's a global operation, so I'm sure all of this is constantly changing.

author: 5free
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 21, 2023, 02:12:37 am
content: a nice tool , I have the F101 since 2013.but it has lost the calibration data once( display "err" ), and I fixed it.anyway, a lovely meter.

author: mendip_discovery
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2023, 06:39:38 am
content: I have seen these in a few places and I can say they seen to do the job quite well. Not a lot of people understand current let alone want to test it.I have Fluke T6-1000 in the shed as a grab and go meter. By I have a sinometer and a 121GW for when I want to get a bit more serious. Though I am on the lookout for a decent DC Current logger clamp meter.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2023, 09:59:18 am
content: Quote from: mendip_discovery on July 21, 2023, 06:39:38 amThe 101 can measure current, just not directly.Look closely at the photo I posted above. There's a little 0.1 Ohm, 1% resistor in the case next to the red probe.

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2023, 11:19:03 am
content: How often you measure current with a DMM? I don't think current measurement is important for low end meters. It also prevent blowing fuse or even worse if someone try to measure voltage while the probe is in the current jack.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2023, 12:36:51 pm
content: Quote from: BeBuLamar on July 21, 2023, 11:19:03 amMe? Very often.I work on small electronics and need to know power consumption, how hard the LEDs are being driven, etc.It depends on your job though. 10A is nothing to electricians / automotive people so a DMM won't even measure it.

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 21, 2023, 03:30:09 pm
content: I like my Fluke 101 - it is cheap so I never worry about it. Yet it always measures what I need it to measure. I also gave one to my dad who isn't an electronics guy. Now if he measures a battery or the voltage from the dryer outlet I know he won't hurt himself or the meter. No current is exactly what is needed on a low cost meter like this, no chance of connecting things wrong.

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2023, 03:52:33 pm
content: If you do need current ranges, the FLIR DM64 (Brymen BM235) is a solid option at $50, but it's quite a bit larger than the Fluke 101.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2023, 04:17:16 pm
content: Quote from: edavid on July 21, 2023, 03:52:33 pmThe BM805s is even cheaper and does way more than the Fluke 101, including beep alert on the current jacks (I wouldn't buy a serious meter with current that doesn't have that feature...)https://brymen.eu/shop/bm805s/But yeah, it's bigger.

author: mwb1100
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2023, 07:35:12 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on July 21, 2023, 04:17:16 pmShows up as 47 EUR ex-VAT for me which is pretty much the same as $50.A few pluses for the Flir DM64 (as long as you're in the USA - I don't think the $50 offer is good outside the US):- free shipping- comes with Brymen's silicone leads which are among the best in the business. Better than Fluke's TL71 in my opinion, and definitely better than the TL75 leads that come with most Flukes . I suspect the BM805s comes with PVC leads (probably still very good leads)- a nice, long backlight (BM805s has none). A lot of people don't give a damn about backlights, but I find them useful very oftenIn my opinion, the $50 Flir DM64 deal is crazy good in spite of the "blocky" physical design which I don't care much for, but it's certainly no deal breaker.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2023, 07:43:01 pm
content: Quote from: mwb1100 on July 21, 2023, 07:35:12 pmIt's 228€ here:https://www.flir.es/products/dm64/

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2023, 07:53:13 pm
content: Quote from: edavid on July 21, 2023, 03:52:33 pmI'm not sure what is going on at FLIR that would cause them to dump them for $50, but with free shipping and a 3-year warranty, that's stupid cheap. Too bad I just absolutely don't need another meter.

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2023, 07:58:39 pm
content: Seems to be stock clearance, it is a discontinued model.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2023, 09:30:32 pm
content: Yeah, $50 for a Cyber-BM235 is crazy cheap. Grab 'em while you can...

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2023, 09:56:56 pm
content: Quick note on the Flir DM64, I was initially concerned with many details in the datasheet that didn't match the Brymen BM235. However, the specifications listed in the user manual do match the BM235. Also, despite the labels on the DMM not indicating it, the DM64 does have the Auto check and VFD features.

author: Veteran68
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2023, 11:26:07 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on July 21, 2023, 09:30:32 pm*Sigh*

author: ledtester
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2023, 12:51:02 am
content: Quote from: Fungus on July 21, 2023, 09:30:32 pmJust placed an order for one. They are currently on backorder - my expected shipping date is Aug 5th.

author: Veteran68
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2023, 01:33:17 am
content: Quote from: ledtester on July 22, 2023, 12:51:02 amHuh. Maybe I grabbed one of the last ones? My order confirmation doesn't mention a backorder.

author: BillyO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2023, 01:44:40 am
content: Quote from: edavid on July 21, 2023, 03:52:33 pmWhere do you get it for $50? Do you have a link?

author: Veteran68
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2023, 01:51:37 am
content: Quote from: BillyO on July 22, 2023, 01:44:40 amhttps://www.flir.com/products/dm64

author: BillyO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2023, 01:54:24 am
content: Quote from: Veteran68 on July 22, 2023, 01:51:37 amThanks.When I put in my location the price changes to $220 CDN. I guess they got bitten by Canadian mosquitos or something. Seems a bit discriminatory to me though.

author: Veteran68
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2023, 02:00:10 am
content: Quote from: BillyO on July 22, 2023, 01:54:24 amYeah, another poster said the EU cost was substantially higher too. I guess it's just a US sale.It was mentioned they're now on backorder anyway. Someone else said they're clearing out discontinued stock, which if true might mean they won't get more. Then again if they're allowing backorders to be placed, that would imply they intend to get more.

author: Axtman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2023, 02:47:40 am
content: BTW, I am noticing that my Fluke 101 is a slight bit off when measuring low voltages (below a volt). Also, the resistance reading is slow on low resistance (below 1 ohm). Other than that it is a great meter.

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2023, 09:38:47 am
content: The DM64 pricing is definitely good, approximately 50% of the price of the BM235 + Edition from Welectron (shipped to US, in USD). The DM64 comes with covers for the probe tips, but not the banana plugs. Otherwise, they are similar in that you get silicone leads with gold plating and a carrying case.I grew tired of Flir's web store overselling things and then days later claiming it was backordered. Ultimately I waited over a month with multiple extensions of the expected stocking date. So I've just been purchasing from their eBay store, which seems to be more accurate. If they have it listed, it will ship.However, the BM235 & DM64 have some flaws, such as the small & stiff selector switch. Compared to the BM235, the DM64 seems a lot more stable on the bench and you can change the batteries very easily. But the case is hard plastic with a thin grippy coating, while the BM235 has more substantial and removable protection. So for drops I think the BM235 would win.The DM64 also has some LCD modifications, perhaps to align it better with Flir's other DMMs. For example, the MAX/MIN/AVG are symbols instead, as is the EF function (very tiny icons).But the innards are the same. I could not find any differences on the PCBs.If you want a small DMM, my go recommendation is the Brymen BM20 series (BM22s, BM25s, BM27s). For current measurements, I suppose you could use 0.1 Ohms but that would perhaps be better with the BM22s which has a mV range. Otherwise you may want to add 1 Ohm for low current measurements. For example if you choose the BM27s.

author: Veteran68
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2023, 02:27:47 am
content: Quote from: J-R on July 22, 2023, 09:38:47 amGot a shipping notification with tracking# for the DM64 today, so apparently I did get in on the deal while they had stock. However they still don't show it as out of stock, so could well be taking backorders without making it clear before you order.

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2023, 03:24:14 am
content: When you add the DM64 to your cart it shows backordered with an estimated ship date of August 5th.

author: Veteran68
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 27, 2023, 01:05:19 am
content: Got the $50 Flir DM64 in today. Haven't done much but take it out of the box, install batteries (see below), and play with it for just a minute.Pros:Nice formfactor, and a build quality you'd expect from a name brand; although noticeably lighter in weight than a Fluke 117 despite being about same sizeNice silicone leads (with UL tags on them); not sure if they're Brymen leads as they're smaller than my BM786 leads and if the plating is gold it's very faint (like SS with the faintest hint of a patina) but feel like as good if not better quality than the BM786 leadsFast continuity with flashing backlightComes with a nice caseCons:Tiny and very stiff selector dial; it feels almost delicate, like it's going to break easily due to the force required to turn itContinuity buzzer is a bit on the quiet side, but some may consider that a proNo buzz or flash on diode test, at all; not with the leads shorted, nor on a good diodeSupplied with a pair of shrink wrapped Energizer AAA alkalines, dated 12-2026. Put them in, turned it on, got a dim display and a low battery indicator. A couple minutes later the meter turned itself off and was done. Checked the batteries, one measured 1.5v the other wouldn't even activate the battery tester. Now if only I knew where to find a DMM... :o Replaced with AAA lithiums, then tested the bad battery with the DM64 and measured 300mv. Not really a knock on the meter, just a bad AAA from the factory it seems.Overall, quite happy with the purchase. At $50, it's a steal, so thanks to edavid for pointing out the sale.

author: ledtester
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2023, 09:01:19 pm
content: Quote from: ledtester on July 22, 2023, 12:51:02 amJust got an email saying that my delivery has been initiated.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2023, 10:34:03 am
content: I've used the Fluke 101 and it's a great little basic meter. My portable meter is the Fluke 112 it's a little heavier and the bumper/holster adds a little weight, but it has True RMS and current.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2023, 11:51:30 am
content: Quote from: Shock on August 11, 2023, 10:34:03 amAnd was too much value for money so they killed it.

author: ledtester
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 17, 2023, 09:24:36 pm
content: Quote from: ledtester on August 10, 2023, 09:01:19 pmHere's how my order went...As suspected, the Flir website allowed orders to be placed even though there was no more DM64s in stock. The email I got really was an order cancellation notice in disguise - although I didn't know it. When a few days passed and I didn't get a shipment notification I found a Flir phone number and got my way to the sales dept. The sales person looked up my order and explained they were out of DM64s. However, he graciously allowed me to purchase a DM66 at the DM64 sale price.Today the DM66 arrived.So now the question is... what's the big difference between the two models? Is it just the VFD mode of the DM66?

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 17, 2023, 10:50:36 pm
content: The DM64 has the VFD mode as well. The only difference is that the DM66 also comes with alligator clips. Why they thought they needed to label the DMM differently because of an accessory makes zero sense to me.Ignore the data sheets, they have lots of mistakes. If you look at the manual, there is no difference between the features and specs between the DM64 and DM66. At least I could not find anything.

author: mwb1100
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 17, 2023, 11:00:54 pm
content: Quote from: J-R on August 17, 2023, 10:50:36 pmI reached the same conclusion a while back:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/flir-branded-meters/msg4918819/#msg4918819So@ledtesterjust got a $100 set of alligator clips for free!Interestingly(?), flir's site still has the DM64 on sale and says that it's in stock.

author: ledtester
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2023, 12:07:34 am
content: Quote from: mwb1100 on August 17, 2023, 11:00:54 pmWoot!QuoteYeah - if you want one I'd just go for it and see what happens. What's the worst that can happen - they cancel your order?

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2023, 08:46:43 am
content: The DM64 is in stock. They have 8 for sale on ebay:https://www.ebay.com/itm/155723756912

author: ledtester
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2023, 12:16:14 am
content: Quote from: ledtester on August 17, 2023, 09:24:36 pmWell - guess what just arrived today... the DM64 that I thought the sales guy cancelled for me.Will be contacting Flir to sort it out.

author: jasonRF
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2023, 03:16:55 am
content: I just got my flir DM64 today, and will agree with the above posts for the most part. However, the batteries packed with mine had already started corroding so went right in the trash. Not the most inspiring QC. But I needed a second “good” multimeter and $50 seemed like a no-brainer.

author: Veteran68
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2023, 03:22:51 am
content: Quote from: jasonRF on August 23, 2023, 03:16:55 amYeah they seem to have got a bad batch of Energizers. One of mine was DOA. But I agree that for $50 you'll have trouble finding a better meter.

author: ledtester
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2023, 04:01:50 am
content: btw... I'm curious what people think of the DM64's slot for a hanging strap...It's just made of soft rubber - not hard plastic. I'm kinda concerned that it might not last too long. Any opinions?

author: mwb1100
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2023, 03:09:32 pm
content: I agree - seems pretty fragile. I never noticed because it's rare that I hang my meters. If you're going to use it a lot I'd try to come up with some way to reinforce it.The Brymen BM235 "twin" has a hanger feature that's more like a hole to hang the meter on a nail. It seems probably more durable, but less ready for hanging by most straps. You'd need a strap that had a hook on it.

author: Veteran68
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2023, 03:30:04 pm
content: Brymen's BMH-01 magnetic hangers are a joke, really. Have you seen them?I have a couple of these, and wouldn't trust any of my meters with them, especially one as big as the BM869s. The part that attaches to the meter is fine, but there is no strap -- only a very thin cord, like a lanyard string you might find on a USB thumbdrive or something. Do they seriously expect me to hang a full size meter from that? Maybe a DT830, lol.As good as their meters are, I don't know why they don't make these a bit more robust. Granted they are only $4 each, but I'd rather pay $14 and have some kind of nylon strap. Not sure what they were thinking here.