NEW Fluke 87-VI Multimeter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 11, 2024, 11:53:06 pm
content: Just saw this on X, when did this drop?New wireless version of the 85-V and presumably a direct replacement.Complete with some new fangled test lead that lets you capture a reading.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2024, 01:27:48 am
content: seems to copy Gossen idea's for the battery pack, illuminated jacks for the noobfor the touch function probe, was it Sencore who had this idea loooooooog time ago ? but seems to be some kind of a remote ?the non existent 87-VII will talk and be linked to chatgpt loll

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2024, 01:34:07 am
content: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/fluke-87-vi-fc-prototype-product-from-fluke-marketing/

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2024, 01:52:39 am
content: "Unfortunately, this product is not yet available. Your interest helps our researchers design a better product. We appreciate your participation in this experiment and we would love to hear any additional thoughts you may have about this prototype product."I think Fortive is basically fishing for ideas, for innovation. As if you can turn on and off product development to appease shareholders.When I looked at it, it's huge quite long and I complained the UI sucks with compass nav buttons not laid out that way, big ass SETUP button gonna get hit by accident, most of the LCD wasted by tiny font. Battery life would be a concern with the 3AA alkaline "250 hours" or Li Ion pack when logging. No idea how much memory it has. 3 year warranty. Meh.It mostly seems like a wireless upgrade for the 87.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 12, 2024, 02:50:24 am
content: Quote from: floobydust on September 12, 2024, 01:52:39 amWow, this sucksI've contacted the MD of Fluke Australia, will see what she says.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 12, 2024, 03:27:45 am
content: Couldn't resist:

author: SWB
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2024, 04:05:10 am
content: I received an email with a slightly different link:https://dreamproducts.fluke.com/The page isnearlyidentical, but there areslightdifferences in a couple of the images (especially the main front view). (If you bring the two pages up in different tabs and flip back and forth between them, the few differences that exist are more obvious.)Edit: Ah, I didn't catch this at first, but the difference between the two pages is that one of them has a removable protective holster, while the other has an integrated protective holster.I've also been interviewed by Fluke R&D engineers a couple of times in the past few months regarding new product developments. Although I wasn't asked to sign an NDA, I won't reveal details of those conversations out of professional courtesy, but I will say that based on those conversations, many of the features shown here are not a surprise.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 12, 2024, 04:17:31 am
content: Interesting.

author: wolfy007
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2024, 06:31:32 am
content: Perhaps they dont want a repeat of the Fluke 87-IV release, so do a marketing survey to see customer reaction.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2024, 09:54:05 am
content: how many counts ? since we see 220.45 ... 30k counts, more ?

author: skander36
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2024, 10:42:46 am
content: I think this is kind of an elusive campaign ...Few month ago I received an email about Fluke 290 (a 289 with color LCD).The link is no longer available.

author: JPortici
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2024, 10:46:21 am
content: why does this looks like an april fools?

author: LazyJack
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2024, 10:51:35 am
content: I also got Fluke's mail. It is quite straight about that the product is coming. So I do think we'll have an 87VI. However, that questionnaire is a bit annoying. Why don't they say in the mail, that it is coming and we are asking for your feedback.Anyway, I'll respond and see what happens.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2024, 10:56:41 am
content: Imagine if they'd put a LED for continuity test indication on that little dongle.

author: skander36
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2024, 10:58:57 am
content: Quote from: JPortici on September 12, 2024, 10:46:21 amBecause they are not sent in April?The mail to web translation (Click here if you cannot read this email) is from an app subdomain app.fluke.com:https://app.fluke.com/e/es?s=1182545284&e=825233&elqTrackId=CB8A75AB629045FDDEED13AC606EAB67&elq=0aba7068eb224954918a15080ff660a2&elqaid=33201&elqat=1

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2024, 11:46:09 am
content: ok, I HAVE TO STEAL THIS IDEA.I already have a dmm interface for my set of meters (arduino/esp based of course) - and having a remote capture/freeze function on the probe reminds me of the ancient set of flukes from the 70's that had a special button on their touch probe.all I need is a remote pulse. it can be low tech rf (like 400mhz) or whatever, but the key is: small size. and reasonable battery life.what off-the-shelf chips or circuits should I look at (or even modules that are tiny and can be integrated)?this just looks too useful to not have. and a generic wireless 'remote' with 1 or 2 buttons that adapts to regular probes (slips over) would be so cool to actually USE.BLE would also work and that might be more standard to get an rx on the pc/host side. but I want a small and thin circuit so that's the challenge.any ideas for a diyer?

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2024, 12:04:57 pm
content: >for the touch function probe, was it Sencore who had this idea loooooooog time ago ? but seems to be some kind of a remote ?I have one of those (broken) that went with the 1970's era fluke bench dmms (only a few models).clunky jack and the probe was fragile.but the idea was really good and I'd like to see this return, with rf (maybe even IR? leverage standard tv IR remote chips).

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 12, 2024, 12:33:17 pm
content: Quote from: coromonadalix on September 12, 2024, 09:54:05 amStill has the HiRes mode button, so it's x,xxx on boot.

author: Wrenches of Death
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2024, 01:47:24 pm
content: Quote from: floobydust on September 12, 2024, 01:52:39 amBingo!WoD

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2024, 03:16:42 pm
content: Since Tek and Keithley are no longer part of Fortive so they will compete against Fluke so Fluke has to prepare to come up with something new.

author: Bloch
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 12, 2024, 04:43:41 pm
content: as i google the Fluke 87-VI Multimeter I found a Fluke 87-V Max MultimeterIs that also fake ? or is a bigger display ?

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2024, 04:50:43 pm
content: the Fluke 87-V Max is an official model, more directed at industrial applicationshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=LuUFF6zDBg0

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2024, 05:58:21 pm
content: What comes first - the requirements or the mockup or the survey?Most of us here know how to do product development.It seems to be a fictional mockup 87-VI but who knows.Just a backwards approach but I'd expect no less from a mega-conglomerate that rarely does engineering.I guess we're all in love with not only the brand name, but the model number too.I say the real 87's are EOL due to the LTC custom multimeter IC's long gone and ADI killing off the Milpitas fab. Losing custom silicon advantage."Designed and built in USA" - Fortive we believe you care about America and not profit for Wall Street."$650" price? 87-V is USD $522, 87V-MAX $589, 289 $875. (not the kit price).This is kind of a BOAT. With holster: 87V MAX is 8.5" tall, 87V is 7.9" tall... 87VI pic is around 8.5" and med 2" thick. Needs to go on a diet. 289 is 8.75" tall with 1/4 VGA LCD.

author: Everett_Tom
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2024, 06:25:54 pm
content: It does seem like Fortive can't quite tell what to do with product design and naming. It felt that the older Fluke products were built by people who actually knew what their users do day to day rather than sneaky startup-style fake product adverts.It also looks like the new Fluke 283 ( the Solar DMM) doesn't have 80 series Specs but 70 series specs, like the Fluke 3000 and the Fluke 279. This seems like a clever trick for an upsell without delivering on the implied promise —sneaky. Or maybe the person doing the naming doesn't understand what an 8 in the name implies to users. Either way, it's not a great sign.Looking at the Careers page onhttps://fortive.eightfold.ai/careers/, it seems that many of the Fluke jobs are now in Poland. So, they were probably not created by the same teams that created previous DMMs.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2024, 06:43:54 pm
content: the 287 289 are outdated bulky and sloow, nothing so far from Fluke will replace them, why extending the 8 serieswhen i have tried the 87-v series Fluke become dead for me ...

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2024, 08:57:33 pm
content: Quote from: Bloch on September 12, 2024, 04:43:41 pmIt's a 28II relabeled as an "87" for marketing reasons (it's more expensive and they can sell it to people who only see the word "Max")Reality: It's just a rugged meter that's very similar to 87V specs.

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2024, 10:10:06 pm
content: Quote from: coromonadalix on September 12, 2024, 06:43:54 pmThe 87-V sells well so Fluke want to extend on that. I think the 87-V is selling much better than the 287 and 289.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 13, 2024, 02:23:06 am
content: Quote from: BeBuLamar on September 12, 2024, 10:10:06 pmThey won't kill the golden goose.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 13, 2024, 02:25:57 am
content: Quote from: Bloch on September 12, 2024, 04:43:41 pmReal, it's just a rebadged Fluke 28-II

author: HAO
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 13, 2024, 02:38:06 am
content: We don't need Dot Matrix Display and Wireless.

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2024, 11:08:11 am
content: Quote from: HAO on September 13, 2024, 02:38:06 amDot matrix display is good but has to have good contrast. The display on the 287/289 contrast is quite bad. I used the 189/287/289 with the IR3000FC adapter. It works good.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2024, 11:29:58 am
content: Quote from: Everett_Tom on September 12, 2024, 06:25:54 pmYou and I clearly have different meanings of the word “many”, because right now, just 5 of the 67 Fluke job listings are in Poland.One of the job listings says this:QuoteSo it sounds to me like multimeters is probably not what they’re doing in Poland.Another listing says:Quote(Beyond those 5 jobs, Fortive has two HR positions open in Poland.)

author: Everett_Tom
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2024, 06:20:26 pm
content: Quote from: tooki on September 13, 2024, 11:29:58 amThat's fair - I was looking at engineering jobs at Fluke - with 5 out of 12 in Poland (all dev) , 2 test roles / 1 dev role / 1 mfg role in Everett, 1 dev in UK, 1 mfg in Malaysia and 1 dev in India. This doesn't change your point; just trying to set why I said "many."That second job does call out meters specifically - though as part of a long list.QuoteAlso (I had not checked this before), below are items from a Google search for "Fluke Poland LinkedIn."Nothing wrong with Poland ( Or India, China, Malaysia, etc) - but it feels like when the design team changes, the products tend to change.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2024, 04:03:45 pm
content: Quote from: Everett_Tom on September 13, 2024, 06:20:26 pmI know what it says, since I do this crazy thing called “reading it before posting it”.However, your original comment, to which I was replying, said “DMMs”. I then used the word “multimeters”. The job listing says “meters”. And while all DMMs are multimeters, and all multimeters are meters, not all meters are DMMs. Fluke makes a whole stable of other meters. So we can’t necessarily infer from the job listing that they will do multimeter development in Poland.

author: BILLPOD
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2024, 04:57:31 pm
content: Dot matrix display is good but has to have good contrast. The display on the 287/289 contrast is quite bad. I used the 189/287/289 with the IR3000FC adapter. It works good.Good Morning BeBuLamar, you said the IR3000FC worked with your Fluke 189. The specifications only say that it works with the 287, 289 and 789. Did it work just as well with the 189 as with the 289. Thank you for your time.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2024, 06:40:31 pm
content: Just before the pandemic and at release of the 87V-MAX, Fortive was hiring a Multimeter/Clamp Business Unit Manager in Everett.Professional Qualifications:• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Technical/Engineering; MBA preferred• Minimum 8 years of progressive leadership experience in a technical environment• Demonstrated team management experience• Ability to build strong high-level executive and peer relationships• Strong business acumen and technical/engineering knowledge; experience in T&M industry desired[...]I would guess they do product development sprinkled here and there across the world, like many conglomerates. Managing that is a gong show though.

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2024, 10:18:14 pm
content: Quote from: BILLPOD on September 14, 2024, 04:57:31 pmGood Morning BeBuLamar, you said the IR3000FC worked with your Fluke 189. The specifications only say that it works with the 287, 289 and 789. Did it work just as well with the 189 as with the 289. Thank you for your time.When I had the Iphone and run Fluke Connect on it the both the 189, 289 works poorly. Some version of the IR3000FC works partly some don't even work. I almost gave up.When I retired I returned my Iphone to the company so I bought a Samsung Galaxie S23 and it works great with both the 189 and 289 equally.

author: ArdWar
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2024, 01:36:52 am
content: Quote from: BeBuLamar on September 13, 2024, 11:08:11 amAll the real estate yet they didn't use bigger, more readable font from distance. Had to squint to read my 3000FC when not using the fancy wireless.

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2024, 11:18:20 am
content: Quote from: ArdWar on September 15, 2024, 01:36:52 amI never have problem with small text only with low contrast. I am a sucker for high resolution display and tiny fonts.

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2024, 08:45:59 pm
content: got a prototype workingI asked around for ideas. I was thinking about using IR or some analog RF. possibly abusing spi ports and generating 'some kind of rf' from that can can be picked up remotely. all I need is an on/off key pulse. if I had access to car keyfob chips (on both sides) that would be what I'd use.well, espnow can do the job quickly enough and with a single chip. I was looking into lora or other radios but they all really need a local cpu of some kind. they cant just turn on and be 'seen' from the receive side (that I know of).it has to be fast. cant afford to join an AP and get DHCP and so on.espnow is just raw wifi frames (ethernet like) but does not do IP, does not need dhcp, etc etc. it just blasts and then exits.video demo shows 2 wemos d1 esp8266 chips. the little box is a receiver (mode) and the raw chip in my hand is the sender; that would be on the probe body and you simply apply power to it via a momentary button and on power-up it shouts out an espnow packet.you can see the delay in the 2 blue lights.is that delay tolerable? I think so but curious what you guys think. if I take a reading and I'm watching where my probe is, if I get the reading inside 1/10 of a second or so (100ms) then I'm happy. I think this meets that but I need to logic scope this to see the delay number.thinking even an esp01 chip will do this just fine. the 2.4ghz antenna on pcb is small enough. no battery drain on standby since its literally a power button.video:https://github.com/sercona/video_demos/raw/refs/heads/main/PXL_20240917_203505604~2.mp4

author: zaoka
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2024, 03:11:29 am
content: I think its about time that Fluke makes something new that will lead industry for next 20 years as 87V did. A meter with 0% tolerance.. ESR, Component tester, fast bar graph, pp to measure AC ripple and OLED or something better, AutoV mode on diode/ohm range like Fluke 12 had to discharge capacitors if needed during troubleshooting...

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2024, 05:36:28 am
content: Quote from: zaoka on September 19, 2024, 03:11:29 amFluke customers don't want change, they want the 87V.They have training courses, written procedures, etc., all based around it.Fluke bosses don't want it either, the 87V is a cash cow.I expect they'll still be making it 1000 years from now.

author: dexar
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2024, 06:43:48 am
content: I sure do hope they keep on making it because it is at the end of the day a really really good multimeter and one you cantrust. Want to do do a total redesign? Fine, but keep selling the old 87V model.

author: Arhigos
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2024, 10:36:50 am
content: Quote from: zaoka on September 19, 2024, 03:11:29 amI think the last time when they tried to make a multimeter with all possible bells and whistles it was a complete disaster in sales (i'm talking about 867b )

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2024, 10:47:50 am
content: Quote from: zaoka on September 19, 2024, 03:11:29 am0% tolerance is something can never be done.

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2024, 10:49:38 am
content: Actually it's not good that the new meter is bigger than the current 87V. I think the current 87V is the largest size I want for a handheld meter.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2024, 10:50:41 am
content: thoses where very good paper weight .... i never understood thoses Buuuuulkkkky sizes, and i'm complaining about the 287 289 sizes lollthe 87v should have been slightly pushed further, say 40k counts, even 50k 60k counts is nothing nowadayscapacitance ... ditch that, too many people don't understand that is a very basic and poor test ...diode test to higher voltages YESand YES you could add wifi or bluetooth connectivityautomode inputs AC, DC, Ohms for the noob loll I love that on some Gossenssize YES it is the limit of portability @BEBULAMAR wrote

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2024, 11:16:04 am
content: Quote from: Arhigos on September 19, 2024, 10:36:50 amThe 87-IV was quickly retired for being too good.The 87-V was a stepbackwards, it's the 87-III with a few tweaks.Note: The 87-IV was renamed as the 187, maybe the best meter they ever made (depending on your opinion of the 287)

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2024, 12:53:35 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on September 19, 2024, 11:16:04 amWhen my 87 (the original one I bought in 1988) broke and Fluke can't repair it they offered me $100 credit toward the 189. I went ahead and bought the 189 and I like it a lot. More than the 289 which I also have.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2024, 04:32:14 pm
content: the 87-IV 187 189 where the best Fluke did as other(s) said, had them for a very long timetheir main defects where the supercap .... other than that it was the case fragility when they become very old, mostly the screws posts / studsyou had at the time the usb-ir interface and the external battery pack for logging or long time use, 50k counts, easy to manipulate and use, it was their gemit has some kind of a clone from VICTOR 98A+ ... the blue and a yellow model existsand here they say : Victor 189A 98A+ 98C+ 50k counts ?? WiFi lollhttps://www.amazon.com/YuqiaoTime-Effective-Multimeter-Measurement-Function/dp/B0CG4JPLDNin the end you see some who try to surf on legends

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2024, 04:58:44 pm
content: Quote from: coromonadalix on September 19, 2024, 04:32:14 pmThat's why mine's a 187 - no supercap.I don't need the 189's internal data logging function, so... bigger numbers aren't always better.

author: H.O
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2024, 07:40:59 pm
content: I've got an original 87, a small 101, a 233 with the remote display, a 175 and then the 189.The 189 is, by far, the one I use the most, it is just rock solid.I've must've missed the supercap issue, does it leak and eat the PCB? Should I replace it before it's too late?

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2024, 08:13:58 pm
content: Well problems or not (I assume they could be fixed now they know about it), it is general fact that 187/189 is considered by many as "best" meter they made.If they want to make something "new" they shouldn't design anything new, or even have to make stupid market research.Simply bring back 187/189. Full specification is there. Just make technology refresh. Keep LCD display. No OLED crap.If I could buy brand new 189 today, I would. But, not if it will be 1500 USD. Price of 87V today is also cretinously high.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2024, 09:25:49 pm
content: Quote from: H.O on September 19, 2024, 07:40:59 pmYes.It can also drain the battery like crazy even if it doesn't leak.If you don't need it then just remove it. All you lose is the data logging and the time of day.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2024, 09:27:51 pm
content: Quote from: 2N3055 on September 19, 2024, 08:13:58 pmBig corporation and government contract pricing.They simply aren't worth it if you can get hold of a Brymen.Even the famous warranty doesn't mean much when you can buy three Brymens for the price of one Fluke.

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2024, 10:15:30 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on September 19, 2024, 09:27:51 pmI had the original 87 bought in 1988. It had bad display and so I had them fixed it in the mid 90's under warranty. Until 2004 it once again had bad display and I sent it in they don't fix it any more. So the lifetime warranty doesn't cover their or my lifetime.

author: Everett_Tom
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2024, 04:48:43 am
content: Quote from: tooki on September 14, 2024, 04:03:45 pmOf course, though, I clearly missed what you meant by it, which is why I noted it. I appreciate you taking the time to help me catch up to what you were saying

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2024, 05:18:15 am
content: "I don't understand gravity or celestial mechanics, so the earth must be flat and the moon landing was a hoax.""I don't understand why people would buy a Fluke, so it must just be big corporations and government contracts."Anyway, there is a Fluke 87V w/AC clamp deal right now on Amazon for $476.98:https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-87V-IMSK-Industrial-Multimeter/dp/B004HDUNQ2/Some other deals to be found too...

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2024, 06:00:39 am
content: Quote from: J-R on September 20, 2024, 05:18:15 ama) They won't ship to meb) My BM857s cost me a third of that "deal"

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2024, 04:00:09 pm
content: any mechanical designers out there want to help?I have a diy POC working with an esp-01 chip and a coin cell battery.the next step is to make some small enclosure that fits around a DMM test probe (or maybe replaces it?) and has this button circuit.if anyone wants to help, we can get this moving along. the hardware and firmware is not hard; the hard part is making something you'd WANT to hold and be slim enough or hand-friendly enough so that its useful in real life.I think we can do better than that photo mock-up from fluke.

author: Everett_Tom
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2024, 09:27:19 pm
content: Quote from: linux-works on September 22, 2024, 04:00:09 pmHave you considered just purchasing an off-the-shelf BLE button? I know I've seen some small ones used for accessories for Selfie-sticks that just act like a BLE keyboard. Alternatively, I think the Fluke 1587 has test leads with a nice build in button that you may be able to use (The Fluke TP-165x is super expensivehttps://www.fluke.com/en-us/product/accessories/probes/fluke-tp165x,but a knockoff one is like $20https://www.amazon.com/ZIBOO-Megohmmeter-Insulation-Resistance-Multimeter/dp/B08DCLPDP9)

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2024, 09:47:02 pm
content: Quote from: linux-works on September 22, 2024, 04:00:09 pmThat's the easy part.How does it make things happen inside the multimeter?

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2024, 10:10:35 pm
content: for my setup, the way I touch the DMM is via its digital interface and I'm limited to it being a one-way push. for many, its two-way but you dont really need that. nice to have, but not 100% needed for most tasks.I'm polling the dmm and getting its value over optical. my esp chip in that opto poller 'head unit' (literally sits on the dmm's head) will listen for espnow pings from the button and it will mark the current (last) value along with an ntp timestamp of the value. log to nvram if you want or echo thru websockets to some remote target, etc.but that's the overview. a bit of hw that reads a meter and will mark the sample with time when it gets some remote indication.I've been thinking more about this. do I really want to make a nice probe awkward to hold? I'm struggling to think of some 'clamp on' that wont make the probing annoying to use. also, if you are in a tight area with your probe needle, pressing a button on the probe could very well cause it to slip and short where its not wanted. what I'm now thinking is the better method is a wireless footswitch. it accomplishes exactly the same thing, although less sexy. but way more practical. no probe movement, you use ANY probe you want (I like my probemasters) and the foot switch is 100% wireless so you locate it where you want. comments about that approach? would you use it, if you had some need for this?the link on amazon on the special button probe is interesting. I might buy one to just see if its usable. I can intercept that button and the hardwork (plastic design) is already done.

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2024, 10:25:22 pm
content: in terms of BLE, how quick can a pulse be sent across? I dont normally think of ble as fast for latency.I avoided involving any AP and dhcp and went with espnow since its just 'throw wifi frame and exit', so its as fast as you can get. I might add serial number to each button press so you can detect bounces or drops.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2024, 09:02:02 pm
content: Quote from: linux-works on September 22, 2024, 10:25:22 pmIt’s fast enough that, other than for demanding gaming, the latency of keyboards and mice is not noticeable, whether on traditional Bluetooth or BLE.In other words, it’s plenty fast for normal human interaction.

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2024, 01:20:08 pm
content: once you are paired and any re-connects are done, then the flow is fast enough.but if you are in sleep mode and you need to send one sample and then go back to hiber mode, that overhead on ble may still be too much.

author: mqsaharan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2024, 03:52:38 am
content: Fluke new Self Check feature, just watched it.It may be good for all the paper work in industry. To me, it sounds like they are making the device unnecessarily more complex.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 19, 2024, 12:13:42 am
content: Quote from: mqsaharan on October 18, 2024, 03:52:38 amHow hard was it to show the screen properly?

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2024, 06:25:36 pm
content: WAFWOT we used to call videos like that what a f waste of time. The screen isn't shown that I could see other than the poor contrast and glare, terrible in the outdoors.If the283multimeter is any good, why do you need self-check? Isn't it supposed to be reliable lol "Limited Lifetime Warranty".It seems the DMM knows the date and self-check could be to generate nuisance reminders to get a calibration cycle done. Settings: 1,2,3 years or never.Why show me battery voltage? I'd rather have some % SOC estimate rather than converting in my head i.e. 3.9VDC is what.This is just a few "features" added, kind of another nothing burger product for $558 for 6,000 count. Claims a 1,500V range but protection is clamping at 1,100V and there's no LowZ feature - this isn't a useful product out in the field IMHO. Fortive marketing wank ICK.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 19, 2024, 10:32:41 pm
content: Quote from: floobydust on October 19, 2024, 06:25:36 pmIt's for companies that like checklist procedures for important things.e.g. Run and document the left test before taking this critical measurement for this space probe going to Pluto.

author: LazyJack
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2024, 08:37:10 am
content: I see you have no clue of what you are talking about. Self test is not there, becasue the unit is not realiable, or that there is or is not lifetime warranty.Selftest is there to make sure that at the time of the measurement you can be pretty much certain that it is working as expected. And you can enter the measurement documentation that self test passed, that the battery voltage is xxV and that the unit was last calibrated 14 months ago. This is all extremely important for certain use cases at certain industries. And extremely not important to use cases where the people rate test and measurement equipement from Aliexpress on how nice the animation on the startup screen and whine about the price of a Fluke comapred to an Aneng.

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2024, 09:55:48 am
content: Quote from: LazyJack on October 20, 2024, 08:37:10 amI disagree. It is still useless, in a way that it does not replace or enhance any procedures in industries that need this kind of thing.- Calibration is still needed, and it is clearly stated on Calibration sticker. If Calibration sticker is unreadable return for calibration.- Probe cable, and 2 voltage ranges are checked on EXTERNAL known voltages before checking live circuits that can pose health hazard. By Fluke's own statement SelfCheck does not replace that and is not to be used instead. They specifically say it is not replacement for calibration or live test.- Every meter (including Aneng) has battery self check. They have battery low indicator. If battery low indicator in on, meter is not to be used. If battery indicator is showing battery is OK, then all specifications of meter are in specifications. Nobody gives a FF what battery voltage is.In fact calibration warning is more than useless because it does not keep a record who and when pressed OK on the warning, and battery and all other checks are only adding work to people, because now they have to do paperwork on that crap too. And writing down a battery voltage, instead of just checking Battery OK.In fact, this sounds exactly like something invented by someone that was never a technician in critical industries but they wanted to add some cool wanky feature to show innovation.This switch position will never be used by any people in critical industries. In fact, I could see field manuals enhanced by warnings that it should not be used as a replacement for current safety procedures.

author: robert.rozee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2024, 11:36:44 am
content: Quote from: 2N3055 on October 20, 2024, 09:55:48 amagreed 100%, for traceability when things go wrong, theonlyacceptable thing will be an initialed and dated calibration sticker. likewise, when things go wrong, only use of a physicallyexternaltest device of some sort (with a cal sticker itself) will be accepted as proof that the operator had checked out the meter.and in the majority of cases when things donotgo wrong, no one will care less about any of these things anyway. it is only when someone loses an eye that calibration stickers and other records are examined!... but did nobody else notice the obvious - the abysmally bad display? while the meter has a very large LCD screen, measurements are displayed in a font that fills just a tiny proportion of the screen real-estate, and the contrast was appalling.thosethings are surely enough to exclude the meter from any serious field use.cheers,rob :-)

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2024, 06:36:32 pm
content: Why would it show the battery level?Isn't it better to make a meter that simply refuses to work if the battery is too low?This is a gimmick in terms of real functionality......but with the right marketing I bet it'll sell millions.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2024, 07:13:24 pm
content: Fluke Everett next to Boeing does have some employee crosstalk problems. First the "MAX" name and now it's a multimeter for doing QA. Makes me laugh, all it needs is a printer for QA PASS stickers lol which was a thing in early 2000 when ISO-9001 was all the rage. Such innovation.Proof is if the "Self-check" is simply a marketing wank feature for some QA sales OR does it instill a sense of safety that the DMM reads voltage correctly? If self-check fails and hazardous voltages are not displayed, it's going to be a neat lawsuit. We can ask Fluke for the FMEA showing 100% coverage of those safety issues.Any of us with vintage or chinese multimeters always do a self check every time we use them.The 283 manual says F/W updates must be done with 3xAA battery voltage above 4.0V and no mention what chemistry the product works with, just LR6.TheTL175-HVtest leads look interesting with patent TwistGuard extendable guard whatever that is.Nice to pull a Boeing and use the same model number, who ordered the ordinary 1,000V TL175 and killed that QA person LOL.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 21, 2024, 05:08:28 am
content: Quote from: 2N3055 on October 20, 2024, 09:55:48 amI've worked at companies that would lap this feature up and immediately write it into the test procedure.

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2024, 05:46:00 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on October 21, 2024, 05:08:28 amI have no doubt that it would seem cool to middle management bureaucrats at first sight.But it is not a replacement for Live Dead Live Test, not a replacement for calibration and calibration stickers and battery voltage check is already part of procedure (no need for battery voltage, just go/no go).To make it even worse, there is no traceability, no way to check if someone did the test, when they did it and who did the test. User can disable calibration warning from menu easily.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2024, 06:14:31 am
content: Quote from: 2N3055 on October 21, 2024, 05:46:00 amAnd that's the point.Face it: Fluke's gonna sell millions of these.Now's a good time to look for used 87-V's if you live in that sort of country.

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2024, 06:33:38 am
content: Quote from: Fungus on October 21, 2024, 06:14:31 amThis Self Check being discussed is on Fluke 283/FC, not 87V.283/FC will be sold because it is specialized instrument with some interesting features (like 1500V DC range, logging, limits, wireless current clamp and VA mode etc..)I got rid of 87V because I have better instruments.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2024, 06:43:25 am
content: Quote from: 2N3055 on October 21, 2024, 06:33:38 amReally???You can't see that this is Fluke's ploy to replace all those corporate 87Vs that simply refuse to die?

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2024, 07:23:41 am
content: Quote from: Fungus on October 21, 2024, 06:43:25 amThis is specific meter for Photovoltaic installations and such.It is not in any way replacement for 87V.Ploy? I don't care much about conspiracy theories.And if they do, what do I care?And 87V dies plenty, when used in rough places.

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2024, 01:32:13 pm
content: I do think it's a good replacement for the 87V. The higher CAT rating is a good thing. No direct current measurement is fine as I never use that function for the work I use the 87V for and save from the mistake of having the test leads in the wrong ports. However, the battery life is not good and it's as big as the 87V Max and not having as good an IP rating or drop protection as the 87V Max. The FC function is useful.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2024, 02:01:28 pm
content: Quote from: 2N3055 on October 21, 2024, 07:23:41 amMaybe not for YOU.

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2024, 02:29:37 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on October 21, 2024, 02:01:28 pmIt is not functional replacement for anybody in any way...Get both datasheets and you will see..

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2024, 02:42:57 pm
content: Quote from: 2N3055 on October 21, 2024, 02:29:37 pmIt's functional replacement if all you ever use it for is to measure voltage.(which is what a lot of these people probably do)

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2024, 04:06:03 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on October 21, 2024, 02:42:57 pmWhen I used the 87V is for measuring AC, DC voltage. Resistance, Continuity, Capacitance, Frequency, Diode check. I would need a separate current clamp to measure current and I dislike the current clamp accessory because it reads in mV and not A. The wireless current clamp for the 283 is a good one. With FC capability is nice as sometimes I need to close the electrical cabinet and then turn on the power to take reading. It's safer that way. So yeah it would do what I use the 87V for but I don't like that it's too big and 150 hour of battery life with 3AAA is kind of short for me.It's not for precision work but I don't use the 87V for precision work either.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2024, 05:05:55 pm
content: Quote from: BeBuLamar on October 21, 2024, 04:06:03 pmWhat if your workplace mandated it for "management" reasons?(ie. The Fluke salesmen paid them a visit and spread a lot of scary talk about legal liabilities if they don't use a self-checking meter)You'd get one, right?

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2024, 06:31:21 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on October 21, 2024, 05:05:55 pmI retired now and when I was working I made the choice of meter I want to use (although they paid for it) not management. But as I said it's a good replacement for the 87V but I don't like it too big. I have used the 87V Max for a while and while I do like it I don't like its size.

author: manolishipdesigner
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 12, 2025, 12:59:56 pm
content: We have any update about 87-6 ?

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 13, 2025, 10:23:02 am
content: Quote from: manolishipdesigner on July 12, 2025, 12:59:56 pmI was just wondering that the other day. I haven't heard anything.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2025, 05:55:14 pm
content: No need for -6 unless component obsolescence (LT DMM IC's) is a problemI can't imagine being the Fluke Multimeter/Clamp Business Unit Manager.You have a massive legacy, now a cheap milk the cow to the MAx Fortive strategy.You wouldn't have the R&D dollars to make something really new. Those days are long gone.It would be going to an OEM in Taiwan with a list of requirements, me thinks. Can't see any Fluke-level innovation happening with that.edit: Fortive's Flukehiringfor the R&D center in Wroclaw, Poland for multimeter/embedded dev's.Outsourcing is fantastic lol. You can just flip a switch and do product development, or not.

author: electr_peter
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 14, 2025, 07:56:53 pm
content: With LED lights on terminals it is very clear where to connects banana terminals, see example below of Fluke calibrator.I can see some value for DMM use - blink LEDs few times after changing measurement mode; blink if wrong jack is used/not used; blink if high voltage is present or continuity detected, etc. LED blinking does not take much power from battery and Fluke 87 DMM is big enough to fit all of this.

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2025, 09:38:13 pm
content: There are already inexpensive handheld DMMs with LED rings on the terminals. For example:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FDVQDM5/

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2025, 12:40:17 am
content: we need one who talks loll and blast you if you insert the probes wrongly loll or add an AI in it lolla simple probe hole block like the gossens and other brand is enough, no need of lights or any bling bling who drain the batteries faster

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2025, 01:08:05 am
content: An AI that says "Wrong hole, dumbass!" would be a pretty cool feature. 🤔

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2025, 02:50:15 am
content: Quote from: electr_peter on July 14, 2025, 07:56:53 pmIt's been 37 years- 1988 was the new 80 Series release - that had Input Alert.Adding LED rings, I don't consider that innovation lol. John Fluke Co. was so ahead of it's time, so creative. Good luck Fortive

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2025, 05:15:32 am
content: Quote from: floobydust on July 15, 2025, 02:50:15 amWould you hear it in a big noisy factory?Maybe flashing the screen backlight would would have been a good idea, too.