Help !!!! New Fluke 17b vs Fluke 87III - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ElectonicaThomas
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 16, 2012, 03:26:48 am
content: Hey Guys, just was wondering if I made a mistake. I am starting back in hobbyist electronics and decided I need a good meter. I thought about a chinese 17b new for $100 canadian but decided to go for a Fluke 87 III off ebay for (apparently in excellent condition, although missing holster) $150. Did i make the right decision, or did I pay to much. I don't think the holster is super important since I will be using it only at home on my desk. Some thoughts! Dave, your blog is awesome! Thanks Tomhttp://www.ebay.com:80/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110966549863&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1123

author: glicos
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2012, 04:00:31 am
content: As a fluke 87 III user, based on my experience, you won't regret it as long as the meter is calibrated...it will do you good and serve you for many years.. (mine is 14 years already yet still working perfectly....)

author: Excavatoree
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2012, 04:06:40 am
content: I'd say you did fine. Both have 4000 counts resolution, but the 87-III has a 20,000 count mode that the 17B lacks. The 17B also lacks the backlight of the 87-III. The 87-III can be fitted with the newer white backlight, if desired. (and if it doesn't already have it.) I know the 87-III will hold up well. Parts are more readily available, should you drop it and break the LCD holder piece (Fluke calls it the top shield) or an LCD. I think documentation is more available as well.The rest is personal preference. I think the 17B display is a bit larger, but don't quote me on that. I prefer the shape of the 87s, but it's not a deal breaker either way.As for price, you never can tell. The longer you wait, the greater your chances are of stealing one, and, likewise, the more quickly you must buy the more you'll have to pay. I'm not up on the current market price of a 87-III.I have one that my company purchased new, and one I purchased used for my own use. (and one or two additional meters also) My 87s are my go to meters for everything but dirty outside work. (For that, I'll grab a 27)I'm sure others will have some good comments.

author: ElectonicaThomas
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 16, 2012, 04:07:06 am
content: I don't think it has been cal... but since it is in good condition I am hoping it is still in spec. cheers tom thanks for your response

author: ElectonicaThomas
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 16, 2012, 04:25:35 am
content: Thanks Guys for all your help. One Question Should I worry about the fact that I don't know if it is calibrated, as i can't really afford the extra $hun at this time. Ido have and older Fluke 77 to make some basic comparisons to. Cheers Tom

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2012, 07:54:44 am
content: Quote from: ElectonicaThomas on November 16, 2012, 03:26:48 amI have been doing a lot of research and watching the ebay market so I will give you what I have seen over the last 11 months.Depending on your luck and the fact that many USA sellers won't ship to Canada, it is hard for us Canadians to get a really good deal on a mispriced Buy It Now Fluke. Usually the 87III or 87Vs that sell for < $50 are gone with 1 minute of BIN posting.A Fluke 87 III normally goes for $80 to $150. Without a holster (important if you are going to resell the 87 III later) and $42 for USPS Express Mail International, you paid on the high side. BTW, the Fluke 80 series easily fits inside a USPS Priority Mail® International Small Flat Rate Box for $12.95. So you could have saved $30 and got your multimeter with a tracking number in about 2-3 weeks.For completeness, an used Fluke 87 goes for about $60 to $100 (I missed one today for $46 - aarrrghh), and an used Fluke 87V goes for about $150 to $200. Obviously, there will be outliers. I offered some choices in the $100 range athttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog-specific/eevblog-344-fluke-17b-multimeter-teardown/30/I have never used a Fluke 17B, but have used the Fluke 80 III series and I can recommend the 87 III. The series III is faster in autoranging than the V series.With respect to calibration, I have purchased several Flukes from ebay and locally and so far all of them are with 1mV of each other in the DCV range and well within specifications. Your Fluke 87 III is likely to be within specification and I would not spend the money to get it calibrated unless you find something obviously wrong when comparing it to the Fluke 77.

author: ElectonicaThomas
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 16, 2012, 08:04:30 am
content: i paid by visa and had it shipped to US for pick up $6 delivery cheers tom

author: glicos
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2012, 09:24:27 am
content: I brought my Fluke 87 III last 14 years ago 2nd hand and happen to check it's reading with our calibrated meters at work. Yes, still giving an accurate reading....