Fluke 27FM

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Hello guys!. I would like to show you one of my two Fluke 27FM multimeter that I have in my Fluke meter collection(27FM,77,177, 87v). Now I am addicted to Fluke multimeters:D...These Fluke 27FM were used for the military jobs and they were build like no other meters...not even today,s multimeters are build like these 27FM. There are the yellow ones too, but they are not true RMS. I compared the readings with my brand new Fluke 87v and the Fluke 27FM was spot on;)...on all readings!. if you want to get a reliable, accurate and cheap multimeter...just get one of these Fluke 27FM, they are around $50-100 on ebay, some in excellent conditions. Here are some pictures:
 

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These are very robust meters and tend to be found for a good deal because the model number is low so people think its crap/. That being said much of what you are calling "good" design compared to modern meters is just antiquated technology. The huge trippots and trimcaps on the side are all antiquated and in no way better than modern SMD ones (if the meter has them at all most modern meters do calibration digitally which is MUCH better in rough environments). Also, the oyster clips (for setting the function) have a tendency to lose connection with heavy use. Be careful how fast you turn the dial because turning it too fast can also bend those clips. I just fixed a bunch of them on some old school Dekastats (exact same type). Now that being said this thing has solid input protection (5 PTCs and a current limiting resistor).
 
I recently picked up a 27 as well to complement my 77 and 87. All three meters read within a few counts of my 2011 calibrated Keithley 2015. My 77 is now 27 years old and although the display is not 100% the meter still reads accurately!

The Fluke 27 is a great buy and a bunch of them have recently been listed on Ebay.
 
I have seen a few different Fluke 27, but the big boss is the 27FM (grey one) that one was built ONLY for the army and it is true RMS. it is older than the yellow ones, but it is a better meter. also the continuity in the 27FM(military version) is faster than the yellow ones. These meters were build with just a couple microprocessors the rest is all solid state, These meters went to war and after over 23 years of hard service...they are still working and will be working for many, many years to come. One thing that I was shocked about these meters is that they can last over 1000hrs in a 9v battery:p.There are not too many multimeters on the market today that can last that long! I compared my 27FM(1986) with my brand new Fluke 87V(2013) and the 27FM was spot on in all readings:D. For under $100 you can get one of these Fluke 27FM (grey ones) on ebay but, you have to be careful whom you are buying it from. For basic readings, you will be very happy with the 27FM!.Here is a video of one of those 27 meters.EEVblog #372 - Fluke 27 Multimeter Review & Teardown - YouTube
 
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I recently picked up a 27 as well to complement my 77 and 87. All three meters read within a few counts of my 2011 calibrated Keithley 2015. My 77 is now 27 years old and although the display is not 100% the meter still reads accurately!

The Fluke 27 is a great buy and a bunch of them have recently been listed on Ebay.

Most problems with the display(fading,missing numbers) is because of Elastomers, it is an easy fix:D just take them out and clean them with alcohol and they will work like new again;)
 
look what I just got!...a BRAND NEW!!! yes, brand new! Fluke 27FM:p.
This multimeter is like it traveled in time. The owner of this meter said, it was made for the army but it "never" went to the army and it was kept in a "Fluke" warehouse for long time. That is why it does not have the information that the army puts on them when they got them. I am not sure if it is true or not, but I am crazy about these meters, So far, now I have two Fluke 27FM, a Fluke 179 and a fluke 87V. Since the Fluke 87v is a brand new, I compared the Fluke 27FM with the 87V and they are spot on!!!:p. I paid $90 for it.
My other fluke 27FM I use it for work and it is my favorite tool to play with.
My co-workers when they saw my Fluke 27FM the first time, they told me that they have never seen a heavy duty multimeter like it. Here are some pictures.
 

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I know it is brand new meter (old new stock) but, Can it be true that this multimeter NEVER made to the USA army?
it was build for the army, but it never got the "stickers" on the case or on the back of multimeter:eek:
I wish I really know what happen, because I have NEVER seen these meters without serial numbers. Mmmmm:confused:
 
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