Fluke thermal multimeter?! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: eKretz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2019, 06:42:37 am
content: I just saw this in my Google feed:https://www.sparkfun.com/products/1519480 x 60, ≤200mK, 8 Hz, +/-5°C or +/-5% accuracyOnly ironbow palette, -10°C through 200°C range (14°F - 394°F).Up to 100 images storable in onboard memory.$1,095 USD.

author: Vipitis
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2019, 11:17:27 am
content: That is what they meant by integrating small sensor into useful tools.FLIR has a moisture meter with integrated Lepton that seems to make a lot of sense. But they also have Multimeters.https://www.flir.com/products/dm284/https://www.flir.com/products/dm285/Both have a 160*120 Lepton and the asking price is much lower. It looks like they have different FoVs but it's difficult to get any information out of those datasheets. It does not look like they have MSX, but a laser pointer for some reason so it might be a spot pyrometer and a non radiometric Lepton. The more expensive model can save images and send them via Bluetooth. It seems like they dumbed down the C2/C3 software for it as the images show a menu with measurements but the manual does not.DM166 has a 80*60 sensor and asking for 499$. Maybe the other multimeter specs are better for the Fluke, but I haven't compared.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2019, 11:55:32 am
content: Review of Fluke is here...https://youtu.be/IdaMFKBrhbsFraser

author: sambonator
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2019, 12:08:28 pm
content: DM166 is on sale at Flir Direct for $299, $200 off, and they added their $50 carrying case with it as well. Anyone have any experience with Flir multimeters?Thank you!Sam

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2019, 12:22:52 pm
content: FLIR have no history of making multimeters before buying Extech. I would expect the FLIR multimeters to have been designed by the Extech test equipment team within FLIR. Do not expect FLUKE quality but they are decent enough multimeters in terms of build quality. It does need to be remembered that FLIR are masters of marketing and making equipment look ‘sexy’. The FLIR multimeters are competitively priced so well worth looking at. I remain unconvinced that a multimeter/thermal camera hybrid is a replacement for a dedicated decent thermal camera. It IS a very useful function to have available on test equipment though. Electricians would likely find the feature of great interest. For them, the meters approvals and ratings will also be important though.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2019, 12:36:27 pm
content: An interesting question on the FLUKE Multimeter is what imaging core are they using. FLUKE and FLIR are rivals in the marketplace so I am uncertain whether FLIR would be willing to supply Fluke with the Lepton core. FLUKE may be using someone else’s imaging core, such as those found in the Chinese thermal cameras that are now flooding the market. With 80 x 60 pixel resolution, the cores can be pretty crude, yet still good enough for a multimeter application when decent image processing softwRe is used.Fraser

author: mr.fabe
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2019, 09:26:32 pm
content: Quote from: sambonator on February 02, 2019, 12:08:28 pmI have a Flir DM285. What would you like to know?

author: victorhooi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2019, 10:05:45 pm
content: Quote from: mr.fabe on February 13, 2019, 09:26:32 pmI'm currently in the market between a Fluke 279 FC and FLIR DM285.Do you have any thoughts on these two multimeters, compared?How have you found the battery life on your FLIR DM285, in real-life? Did you get the lithium battery pack? Is it annoying to swap out batteries?How is the build-quality?Responsiveness?Generally accuracy/UI?Do you think they'll offer improvements in firmware?Thanks!It is for work, but it's a lot of money, so want to make sure I pick the right one.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2019, 10:11:01 pm
content: FLIR have a sale running in the UK on their thermal capable Multimeters. Large discounts are being offered. Maybe your regional agent knows if such discount will be available in your region soon ?A large discount is not a reason to buy a multimeter but it can reduce the ‘pain’ when the decision is madehttps://www.flir.co.uk/promotions/instruments/summer-savings-now?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=24.00.E.FB.UK.SummerSaleSocialPromotionUKFraser

author: bap2703
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2019, 12:22:19 pm
content: Need an eevblog ir enabled multimeter.

author: mr.fabe
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2019, 07:05:19 pm
content: Sorry, can't compare the Fluke to the FLIR since I haven't tried the Fluke model...Fluke is well known for it's quality and customer service and I can't say the same for FLIR. I contacted technical support for a question regarding the micro USB port in the rear of the unit and calibration information. The tech could not answer the questions definitively and conference me with a higher level tech who said "I'll have to get back to you". What I did find out from them is if your require NIST certs for you meter, they are the only ones capable of calibrating the meter. Not good.The DM285 requires 3 AA batteries to operate and I use Eneloop NiMH AA rather than the FLIR battery pack. This allows me to swap out batteries with fresh ones rather than pull out the FLIR rechargeable battery pack to charge. Battery change out is simple using a coin to unlock the battery compartment. Battery life largely depends on how much you use the thermal imaging. Using Eneloops makes battery life a moot point.The build quality is robust. Nice heavy duty molding surrounding the unit. Although the display is recessed, it looks like it can scratch easily without proper care or protection. The display is big, bright and easy to read.Responsiveness is good for meter functions. Imaging takes a little time to warmup.For accuracy, I would compare it to a Fluke 117. It's more of an electrician's type meter than a electronics meter like a Fluke 289.As for firmware updates, your guess is as good as mine.I purchased the FLIR DM285 model because I was interested in the thermal imager and received a great deal. Overall, it's a good unit with good features but at a price point that I think is too high.

author: Arhigos
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2019, 10:31:44 am
content: Nobody mentioned that fluke meter also has option to measure current using iFlex adapter.And also, don't forget about fluke connect functionality.To be short - fluke 279fc is more industrial meter and not designed for home, or hobby use. You can get better specs if you just get something like seek one pro and fluke 87V. But if you need all in one (current clamp+thermal imager+DMM) fluke is probably the best option.