Fluke multimeter Question

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I have an older model Fluke I've been using which I bought off ebay witch was used when I bought it can't remember at the moment what model number it is though. Any way, I plan on replacing some more caps, transistors etc. in my preamp and was thinking of upgrading to a new better meter and was thinking about the model 179 Fluke are these all that's needed for basic audio components troubleshooting, adjusting bias, etc and are the specs good enough for accurate enough measurements? Thanks for replys! :) Fluke 179 Digital Multimeter 6000 Count DMM with Backlight & Temperature Measurement | TEquipment.NET
 
I have an older model Fluke I've been using which I bought off ebay witch was used when I bought it can't remember at the moment what model number it is though. Any way, I plan on replacing some more caps, transistors etc. in my preamp and was thinking of upgrading to a new better meter and was thinking about the model 179 Fluke are these all that's needed for basic audio components troubleshooting, adjusting bias, etc and are the specs good enough for accurate enough measurements? Thanks for replys! :) Fluke 179 Digital Multimeter 6000 Count DMM with Backlight & Temperature Measurement | TEquipment.NET

It looks good and Fluke have an excellent reputation.

However, I doubt it will do a better job than your existing (3-1/2 digit?) meter for such a task.

Do not be ashamed to admit enjoying using "tools" which exceed the immediate requirement. It is part of the fun!
 
I have an older model Fluke I've been using which I bought off ebay witch was used when I bought it can't remember at the moment what model number it is though. Any way, I plan on replacing some more caps, transistors etc. in my preamp and was thinking of upgrading to a new better meter and was thinking about the model 179 Fluke are these all that's needed for basic audio components troubleshooting, adjusting bias, etc and are the specs good enough for accurate enough measurements? Thanks for replys! :) Fluke 179 Digital Multimeter 6000 Count DMM with Backlight & Temperature Measurement | TEquipment.NET

Frankly, the 179 is a bit long in the tooth and dated for the price they want. At that price you can do better. If you want to stick with fluke get a used 87V and a DMM Check+ to ensure both your meters are in calibration. Frankly, there are a variety of others new and used that will give you better features and accuracy. For example, the Brymen BM869 gives you 500,000/50,000 count resolution, cat4 1000v (fluke is only cat 3, both are UL tested), etc for the same price new. This meter is also the greenlee dm-860+ if I remember correctly (though the greenlee cost more for the greenlee name).

If it were me I'd consider getting a real lcr instead and a DMM check for the other meter. It would allow you to do things like capacitor matching/binning, esr check, etc. A great value is the Der EE DE-5000. It does everything I mentioned plus has testing frequencies up to 100khz. It's a real lcr for around $120. I would go no cheaper than that, because below that you get into the toys. this one I'd actually a damn good deal which is why I recommend it.

Another option is you could do a combo of the above. Get a second useful meter for around $150 (say a used 87V if you are lucky, though I can mention many more if you want) and the LCR.
 
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Frankly, the 179 is a bit long in the tooth and dated for the price they want. At that price you can do better. If you want to stick with fluke get a used 87V and a DMM Check+ to ensure both your meters are in calibration. Frankly, there are a variety of others new and used that will give you better features and accuracy. For example, the Brymen BM869 gives you 500,000/50,000 count resolution, cat4 1000v (fluke is only cat 3, both are UL tested), etc for the same price new. This meter is also the greenlee dm-860+ if I remember correctly (though the greenlee cost more for the greenlee name).

If it were me I'd consider getting a real lcr instead and a DMM check for the other meter. It would allow you to do things like capacitor matching/binning, esr check, etc. A great value is the Der EE DE-5000. It does everything I mentioned plus has testing frequencies up to 100khz. It's a real lcr for around $120. I would go no cheaper than that, because below that you get into the toys. this one I'd actually a damn good deal which is why I recommend it.

Another option is you could do a combo of the above. Get a second useful meter for around $150 (say a used 87V if you are lucky, though I can mention many more if you want) and the LCR.
Hi, is this the meter you are referring to? and does it have as good or better accuracy as the Fluke 179? I don't mind changing brands for good accuracy and sturdy build for same price or cheaper. I mainly want good accuracy over features that are not generally used in my case such as frequency and temp probe but, if they are included I'll take them. :) BM869 BRYMEN - Digital multimeter | Transfer Multisort Elektronik Would a new, Fluke 87v be a better unit or is the BRYMEN a better deal?
 
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MM560A - MultiMaster® High-Accuracy Multimeter

I have the 560, the newer version 560A includes dB relative to 600 ohms and other terminations I believe. Just as good as a Fluke 87 (any version) and much cheaper.

I can't say I would recommend ANY Extech meter based no what I have seen so far. I have yet to see an Extech that didn't disappoint internally. The Extech meters are almost entirely rebadged CEM meters. I have seen Extech meters with SMD resistors that were barely attached, bad solder joints, bad input protection etc. I'd need to see some high res images before I'd ever recommend this meter.


Hi, is this the meter you are referring to? and does it have as good or better accuracy as the Fluke 179? I don't mind changing brands for good accuracy and sturdy build for same price or cheaper. I mainly want good accuracy over features that are not generally used in my case such as frequency and temp probe but, if they are included I'll take them. :) BM869 BRYMEN - Digital multimeter | Transfer Multisort Elektronik Would a new, Fluke 87v be a better unit or is the BRYMEN a better deal?

In general the BM869 beats the specs of the 87V, sometimes by a pretty significant margin. That being said, its up to you to decide which meter is the best for you. One thing that is useful is that this meter does TrueRMS AC+DC and can display both the AC and the DC components using the dual display. As you said though, many features might be extras.

Some teardown images showing the beefy input protection.
Brymen BM869 Multimeter Teardown - a set on Flickr

Also, here is a store selling the Greenlee rebadged BM869 (called the DM-860A):

http://www.toolfetch.com/greenlee-d...313239333867&gclid=CIOAk8C4kLwCFYY1QgodM3wANg

Google says it is a trusted store and the price is $297 and change after shipping. The greenlee gives the bonus of a lifetime warranty and an american center for RMA's (plus the Greenlee name if that is important to you, internally it is the same meter).


If you have any additional specs that you want you can always bring them up and I'll see what matches your search.
 
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I can't say I would recommend ANY Extech meter based no what I have seen so far. I have yet to see an Extech that didn't disappoint internally. The Extech meters are almost entirely rebadged CEM meters. I have seen Extech meters with SMD resistors that were barely attached, bad solder joints, bad input protection etc. I'd need to see some high res images before I'd ever recommend this meter.




In general the BM869 beats the specs of the 87V, sometimes by a pretty significant margin. That being said, its up to you to decide which meter is the best for you. One thing that is useful is that this meter does TrueRMS AC+DC and can display both the AC and the DC components using the dual display. As you said though, many features might be extras.

Some teardown images showing the beefy input protection.
Brymen BM869 Multimeter Teardown - a set on Flickr

Also, here is a store selling the Greenlee rebadged BM869 (called the DM-860A):

Greenlee DM-860A Industrial 500,000-count Digital Multimeter by Greenlee | Toolfetch

Google says it is a trusted store and the price is $297 and change after shipping. The greenlee gives the bonus of a lifetime warranty and an american center for RMA's (plus the Greenlee name if that is important to you, internally it is the same meter).


If you have any additional specs that you want you can always bring them up and I'll see what matches your search.
Thanks for all your help I think I will be getting one of those they seem like good meters. :nod:
 
In my repair shop, I have 4 of the Extech 560s and several Fluke 87IIIs, Vs and 177s, 179s, etc. They all get calibrated yearly by a calibration company that comes on-site. The Extechs spec out perfectly each time (just as the Fluke units do).

For the cost avoidance and for what we use the meters for in our business, the Extech is just fine. I bought one for my personal use just because they were so reliable.

To each their own...
 
Ok turns out it's time for me to eat some crow. I got some time to do some more research tonight. Turns out the OEM for the Extech MM560 and MM570 is.....drum roll please .... Brymen. To be exact it's the BM857 and BM859 respectively. Also known as the Greenlee DM-860 (the 860A is the BM869). It's a model down from from the 869 but still really really good. So apparently there is an Extech worth recommending.
 
Have a look at the Agilent offerings.

I got a decent deal on a new U1272a that flew under the radar on eBay.

Some of the Fluke models may be a little over-rated these days. I don't think they are as superior compared to other brands as they may have once been.

That being said if I was a residential electrician or HVAC technician etc, I would likely have bought a fluke.

For the audio hobbyist however, I think there are other options worth considering.
 
You can not go wrong with Fluke!!! Get a used Fluke 87v.
I have a few Fluke multimeters and my favorite is the "old" Fluke 27FM:p
these Fluke 27FM were build for the USA military, These meters were build to last...:wchair:. I have compared reading with my new 87V and they read the same;). Save money and get the "old beast" Fluke 27FM (charcoal color). I have seen many in mint condition for $90USD:D
 
You can not go wrong with Fluke!!! Get a used Fluke 87v.
I have a few Fluke multimeters and my favorite is the "old" Fluke 27FM:p
these Fluke 27FM were build for the USA military, These meters were build to last...:wchair:. I have compared reading with my new 87V and they read the same;). Save money and get the "old beast" Fluke 27FM (charcoal color). I have seen many in mint condition for $90USD:D

The 87V had been mentioned and is definitely nice but pricey (though much more affordable when used). When talking about the best it's always going to be in the running. The best depends on the situation and intended use.

You didn't read the first post. He already has one fluke. He's looking for a second meter which is newer and has better precision and accuracy. So the fluke 27 while a deal is completely not what he wants.
 
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The 87V had been mentioned and is definitely nice but pricey (though much more affordable when used). When talking about the best it's always going to be in the running. The best depends on the situation and intended use.

You didn't read the first post. He already has one fluke. He's looking for a second meter which is newer and has better precision and accuracy. So the fluke 27 while a deal is completely not what he wants.


Well,a used Fluke 87v will do it then!. and to be honest here....every time I measure voltages I use my "old and trusty" Fluke 27FM. it reads the SAME...yes the SAME in all ranges as my "new" Fluke 87v!

PS: I would not "underestimate" the precision and quality of the old Fluke 27FM.
 
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If you want something outstanding for trouble shooting then try finding a used Fluke 867b GMM. Yes dated, but has component test and Oscope mode, Have seen them for $200-300 on ebay. Mine was $700 new 15 years ago, have replaced batteries twice.

Has High Z 10gΩ mV input. Can set input impedance reference to 4 - 8 - 16 - 50 - 75- 300Ω. Component test, for quick go, no go testing. Oscope DC to 250kHz (interpolated to 1mHz). Logic test, low cap values (<10mfd I think), Diode test, True RMS 600v cat4 rated, blah blah blah.

FLUKE_867.JPG


This still is my goto meter. Also did repair and calibration on virtually every brand out there. Fluke takes the tops, mil spec, sturdy and excellent cal retention.
 
If you want something outstanding for trouble shooting then try finding a used Fluke 867b GMM. Yes dated, but has component test and Oscope mode, Have seen them for $200-300 on ebay. Mine was $700 new 15 years ago, have replaced batteries twice.

Has High Z 10gΩ mV input. Can set input impedance reference to 4 - 8 - 16 - 50 - 75- 300Ω. Component test, for quick go, no go testing. Oscope DC to 250kHz (interpolated to 1mHz). Logic test, low cap values (<10mfd I think), Diode test, True RMS 600v cat4 rated, blah blah blah.

FLUKE_867.JPG


This still is my goto meter. Also did repair and calibration on virtually every brand out there. Fluke takes the tops, mil spec, sturdy and excellent cal retention.

Wow, that is a nice piece of machine! I would not trust any other meter
that is not a Fluke:p...and I do not care if it is old or new, as long as is accurate:D
 
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This old topic is closed. If you want to reopen this topic, contact a moderator using the "Report Post" button.