How does the Fluke 87 compare to the 87-3, 87-4 and 87-5 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: akkarin
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2014, 09:47:54 pm
content: Hi,I am currently reading up a bit on that topic. I've already seen the post from david about the history of the fluke 87.And that the Fluke 87-4 is more like the 180 series.Now what I am interested in is which of these Fluke should someone get, I know that is some stupid question. :pI've decided to get a new multimeter and as I only heard great thinks about the "fluke 87" I decided to get one.I'm just not sure which of these Versions, the newest == the best? Would be the Fluke 87-5 then.I've found quite of few 87 versions on ebay and therefore I have another question. Whats the price someone should aim for?I mean sure it depends on the "look" how it was handled if its functioning properly, equipment etc.But I think there are always some limits e.g. "Don't get the fluke 87 for more than 200 Eu cause you can get the fluke 87-IV already for about 250+" etc.So if someone could answear me those questions I would be MORE than grateful. :-)

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 18, 2014, 03:16:49 am
content: If you haven't already, you can look on eBay and see what they are actually selling for. Work out what seems to be an average price/condition/accessories and then start making offers. Make them even if there is no make offer button, do it by email. What is the worst that can happen, they say no? I probably run about 50% on making offers, which has saved some money. Don't worry about which is the "best". Compare features, and do an honest assessment as to what features you need and what you would like. Lean toward the features you need and shop accordingly. Buy the "best" for you and your budget. Take all advice, including mine, with a grain of salt. I'm guessing, if you ask 10 EEVer's which model to buy, you will get 20 different answers.

author: ivaylo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2014, 05:50:40 am
content: http://www.ebay.com/gds/Fluke-Meters-80-Type-Models-and-Series-/10000000007491382/g.html

author: akkarin
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2014, 12:38:45 pm
content: Quote from: ivaylo on January 18, 2014, 05:50:40 amThat is an awesome link thank you!I currently have an offer for a Fluke 87-4 about 8 Years old (seller is not sure) the fluke seems to be in a good condition and according to the seller it is working.The price is 230 USD / 170 Euro - is that considered good?Somehow I think thats too cheap there has to be some problem with it?

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2014, 12:51:34 pm
content: For electronics work, newest !=best.They screwed up the V by making current default to AC.The III is probably the earliest one to go for, as it has the white backlight and easily accessible battery compartment.

author: akkarin
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2014, 02:52:25 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on January 18, 2014, 12:51:34 pmAccording to the information I found the III also already defaults to AC. Any comment on my previous post about the price for the IV?

author: ivaylo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2014, 05:44:27 pm
content: QuoteIf it is in really good shape, go for it. Otherwise I've seen better deals for Flukes that vintage. Also do a search on eBay for "sold" for your region.

author: akkarin
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2014, 06:19:47 pm
content: Quote from: ivaylo on January 18, 2014, 05:44:27 pmYes I noticed there are sometimes better deals.Right now I have someone who wants to sell his fluke 87-V for 315 Euro thats 426 USD and he is telling me the fluke is only 5 weeks old but he does not have the bin anymore.Keep in mind the Fluke 87-V new costs about 460 Euro ~ 600 USD.Thats quite a bargain for 5 Weeks (According to the guy the box is not opened as well).But somehow I am feeling like this might be some kind of scam.Thats quite a loss in value for 5 weeks, why should someone do anything like that.Anyway, I keep on looking I think sooner or later I might find a good deal.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2014, 10:56:22 pm
content: Quote from: akkarin on January 18, 2014, 02:52:25 pmAll the 80 series III default to DC current. In addition to Mike's comment, the III has bigger lcd digits compared to the original I.

author: Nerull
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2014, 12:30:18 am
content: I picked up an 87-V in good condition from an amazon merchant a few months ago for $200USD.

author: mzacharias
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2014, 12:30:56 am
content: If I remember correctly, the 87III is 4000 count in standard res mode, The V is 6000 count. Also, at a glance, the III does not do temperature.

author: Pasky
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2014, 03:33:02 am
content: IIRC, the 87-3 only measures capacitance to 5uF and the 87-5 goes to 9,999uF.