my first "expensive" dmm thoughts?  fluke 17b+ - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: genocidex
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 04, 2015, 12:13:27 am
content: Hey everyone, i am currently an EE/cs dual major going for my BS for both. Its time i get a decent dmm for my projects. This semester though i took a sensors class that has higher requirements for dmm than im used to. I am a fluke student and have been always told fluke is the way to go. After watching a few youtube videos on the subject i have seen fluke isnt always the best in my price range. I want to stick around 100$ for my dmm, nothing higher than 120. The fluke 17b+ is right at my upper limit for budget. Things i need for my class is: dc mV, cap, and temp (not 100% required but super helpful). Things i would like is a good continuity, diode, led 4v would be nice but i can do without. Seems liks this dmm is a great choice for my purchase but im open for other options.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2015, 12:22:47 am
content: It would help to know which country you reside in so people can give the best purchasing options.This is the only video review I have seen of the Fluke 17B+.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2015, 12:28:44 am
content: Welcome to the forumSold a number of 15B's and currently use one as my "go to" DMM.It's a slightly less featured DMM than the 17B.Quite adequate for basic electronic work.Fast low V, low I, continuity test.You may not be aware however they are intended for Asian markets and have no warranty outside China.That aside, those I have sold are still well in spec after a year or two.

author: genocidex
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 04, 2015, 12:36:23 am
content: Sorry about that. Im in the United States. Thanks

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 04, 2015, 02:56:47 am
content: The 17B+ is certainly one of the bigger bang for the buck Flukes. It is made very well and has all the basics you need in a multimeter. You won't regret buying it.If you want consider something less expensive and with less reputation then consider the Uni-T UT139C. It is not as well constructed but for most people it is all the multimeter they need. It can be purchased for around $50 and at that price you can buy two and have the capability to measure two things at once. This is a very useful thing. The only thing it does not have is the 4V for diodes but I don't know of many meters that have that anyway.I have Fluke, Brymen, UEi, Uni-T and a couple of other brands of meters. Of course the Fluke and Brymens are the best IMHO, but the UT139C is probably the best $50 meter I have seen for all around build quality, safety, and features.You can get the UT139C from our friend iloveelectronics here on the forums. He has an ebay store but if you PM him he might do something better for you outside of ebay.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Uni-T-UT139C-True-RMS-Digital-Multimeter-with-Temperature-NCV-Backlight-/171213085325If you can stretch to $135, then you can get a Brymen BM257s from iloveelectronics too. It is the best buy in its price class.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brymen-BM257s-Digital-Multimeter-6000-count-Brand-New-Fluke-alternative-/200922627340

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2015, 07:46:22 am
content: Quote from: genocidex on February 04, 2015, 12:36:23 amIf you still are partial to Fluke, you have a number of options in the $100 class. You can buy used from pawn shops, ebay, craigslist and a good working meter.A while back, I wrote some options here.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/help-me-figure-which-meters-to-get-fluke-289-or-extech-mm570a-plus-second-meter/msg142649/#msg142649

author: omgfire
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2015, 08:04:02 am
content: Quote from: Lightages on February 04, 2015, 02:56:47 amWhy pay $135 and wait for overseas shipping? OP is in United States of America, so he can get Greenlee DM-510A from amazon for $126 with free two-day shipping and "lifetime" limited warranty.AFAIK fluke 17b+ lacks true-RMS.

author: Handyman32
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 04, 2015, 10:03:19 am
content: The Fluke 17B is not a genuine Fluke despite being legally a Fluke. It is more of a rebadged OEM product. It was initially destined for the Asian market.The next level Fluke like the 117, while manufactured in China is a genuine Fluke.The 17B and the 117 are not even comparable, the latter being a true RMS professional DMM.The 17B simply lacks the accuracy and spirit of other “genuine” Flukes.Its many features can be alluring.It is ideal for quick troubleshooting but not for serious measurement.For the same price the Brymen or Greenlee is definitely a much better choice.

author: MikeyBC
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 04, 2015, 03:59:36 pm
content: Another thing to take into consideration is the 17B just has a 1 year warranty vs 3 years for the 117. Seems Fluke doesn't have much faith in it.

author: genocidex
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 04, 2015, 04:55:31 pm
content: the greenlee looks promising. i might go that way

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 04, 2015, 05:25:02 pm
content: Yes, if you are in the US then the Greenlee is a great deal. Get it and you will not regret it.

author: LightlyDoped
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2015, 09:56:41 pm
content: I wanted to get a decent second meter as a backup to a Fluke 179 without spending too much. I really like the Brymen BM257S, but I'm in the U.S. and was reluctant to order from eBay or from an overseas distributor. So I purchased the Greenlee DM-510A, which is distributed in the U.S. The only difference from the Brymen branded meter appears to be the color of the case. It's a great little meter, with a UL listing and lifetime warranty.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2015, 10:53:39 pm
content: Quote from: LightlyDoped on February 18, 2015, 09:56:41 pmFirst, the actually wording for the DM510A is "Lifetime Limited Warranty" straight from the user manual.Second, if you read the attached picture, what does that mean in terms of actual years.

author: Robomeds
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2015, 12:20:06 am
content: If it's not too late this would be my first choice for the ~$100 meter in the UShttp://www.amazon.com/Amprobe-AM-270-Industrial-Multimeter-Temperature/dp/B004W2NJLO/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424304904&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=ampro+am-270An Amprobe AM270. Amprobe is one of those companies that has others design the meters for them. In this case the AM270 is an older but very good Bryman design. I'm sure others would endorse this suggestion as well. I love my Fluke meters but I bought them used because I can't justify the new prices (same with many of my better tools).

author: LightlyDoped
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2015, 12:58:00 am
content: Quote from: retiredcaps on February 18, 2015, 10:53:39 pmYes, the word "limited" is there. At least in the U.S., almost all warranties are "limited" in the sense that they have certain exclusions and conditions. Most warranties don't cover normal wear and tear, abuse, misuse, accidental damage, etc. An additional limitation of the Greenlee warranty is that it only applies to the original purchaser.The lifetime warranty for this meter is for the product's "useful life." It's not stated in years, but most meters have a very long useful life. If I had a choice between a five year limited warranty and a lifetime limited warranty, I know which one I'd choose.

author: NevDickens
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 19, 2015, 01:29:42 am
content: Handyman 321.The Fluke 17B is not a genuine Fluke despite being legally a Fluke. It is more of a rebadged OEM product. It was initially destined for the Asian market.The next level Fluke like the 117, while manufactured in China is a genuine Fluke.2.The 17B and the 117 are not even comparable, the latter being a true RMS professional DMM.3.The 17B simply lacks the accuracy and spirit of other “genuine” Fluke4.It is ideal for quick troubleshooting but not for serious measurement.5.For the same price the Brymen or Greenlee is definitely a much better choice.Me1. Fluke 17B is a genuine Fluke, Just happens to be made in China for the Asian market. Even has the Fluke name printed on the PCB. Have you watched Dave's tare down video ? . There is a International version as shown in one of Martin Lortons videos.2. Why compare it to the 117 or the others re: 114, 115 and 116 when its not a TRMS meter ?3. All of the other Flukes are higher end meters, so whats the point of comparing them to the 17B?4. Its accurate enough for a beginners meter.5. yep, agree that they might be a better choice, but the same price ? that depends which part of the world you are from.

author: wilgil
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2015, 05:18:56 am
content: I am in charge of a large amount of ETE for a Military Technical training establishment. When looking for a meter to augment our fleet of elderly Fluke 25's, I eventually choose the Fluke 15b. In the 2 years that they have been bashed about by hundreds of Trainees, not a single unit has drifted out of calibration or had any other failure. I have dismantled one to satisfy myself that yes, they are indeed real Flukes. The quality compared to every other meter in the price range is outstanding. An engineer needs to have confidence in the tools they use, and this is one tool that I now own for my own use. Buy an F17b and be happy.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2015, 04:21:13 pm
content: Another vote for a Brymen BM257s.More meter for the money, it's well built, and meets it's CAT ratings.

author: Robomeds
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2015, 04:40:02 pm
content: I have a Greenlee DM-200A (same family as the BM257). The features aren't identical but close. Anyway, aside from having a better back light and a nicer case/boot I would take the Amprobe Am-270 over the BM257 in a heartbeat. Both are Bryman designs though the Amprobe is an older one. However, the Amprobe has better accuracy, and is generally a nice meter for electronics work.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2015, 05:45:49 pm
content: Dave did a teardown of a Fluke 17B.Yep, it's real Fluke build quality. It's obvious Fluke aren't putting their name to junk.You're paying a bit for the Fluke name. You can get more meter for the same money (eg. Brymen 257) but there's nothing wrong with the 17B+.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2015, 06:03:35 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on February 19, 2015, 05:45:49 pmBut bear in mind it's not the most accurate meter on the market.It's got a 4000 count display but it's only specced at 0.5% accuracy at best. Many ranges are a lot worse than that, eg. 1.5% accuracy on the milliamp range, 2% on the temperature range...See:http://support.fluke.com/find-sales/Download/Asset/6002719_0000_ENG_A_W.PDFSomething like a Brymen BM257 isn't yellow but it's more accurate and has more functions.