Fluke meter?

[lanchile]

I have been looking for a good Fluke multimeter for a while now, I can get a "mint" 87 for $100 or a brand new 87 III for $190. Should I get one of this "old" meters? I know they can hold their calibration for a long time but are these old meters worthy?. I heard that these old 87's use trimmers for calibrations and they tent to fluctuate with bumps and movements( I do not know if this is true)The other choice is to get a brand new fluke 177 or a 179. I do not really need to check temperatures so I guess the 179 will not be on the list, beside the 177 and 179 are the same but the temperature checking in the 179. So my question here is should I go for one of those 87 or 87 III...or should I just forget about the 87 and get the 177 or 179?. I need to have a good multimeter for my electronic hobby and troubleshooting TV,stereos etc.

PS: I wish I can get the 87 V, but Right now I can not spent that much money.

 

[tomchr]

As long as the meter hasn't been abused, I don't see any reason not to buy a used meter. The Fluke 87 is an awesome meter.

~Tom

 

[lanchile]

Thanks, I know the Fluke 87 series are excellent meters...But the problem here is the 87 is like around 18 years old. then the newer is the 87 III the the latest model is the 87 V. The 87/87 III have the problem with the pink "Zebra" contact,in ebay people sell the new "GREY" one that is a better contact and does not have the same problem with heat as the old pink one. I guess I have to think this a little more....

 

[lanchile]

ok, Now it is between a Fluke 87 III or Fluke 177 for $200 both in new condition.

 

[theAnonymous1]

It doesn't seem to be as common a meter as the 87, but my 111 has served me well. No temp or backlight, but I don't need them.

 

[lanchile]

It doesn't seem to be as common a meter as the 87, but my 111 has served me well.

Fluke 177 is the same as the Fluke 179 except the 177 does not check temperature.

 

[rif]

I was recently in the market for a used fluke and I landed up with an 8060a, which is admittedly an older model. But it's also significant less $ than your looking at.

 

[lanchile]

It doesn't seem to be as common a meter as the 87, but my 111 has served me well.

Fluke 177 is the same as the Fluke 179 except the 177 does not check temperature.

 

[lanchile]

OK, hunting is over!!!! I just bought a lightly used in mint condition fluke 87 series V , still has the plastic cover on the screen, The price paid was $160 shipped ... I think is a great multimeter for that price right? I will post pictures as soon as I get it.

 

[lanchile]

it is here!

it is here and it is a beauty!!! ...For $160 USD I can not be happier. The original owner did not use it more than a few times.

 

[rif]

And a nice set of probes, Plastic still on the lcd. Wow. You're doubly lucky - to get that and know others who can appreciate it!

 

[sofaspud]

Way to go! Super nice deal and meter!!

 

[lanchile]

Thanks guys! I am very happy. I checked if it was calibrated and it shows 001...That means it was not touch from anyone beside when it was made in the 2010. if you want to check how many times your 87V have been calibrated do this:

a) While meter is off press and keep holding down the "min max" bottom
b) turn meter to V in ac mode
d) press one time the autoHOLD bottom
e) turn off meter and it will be back to normal use.

you will see how many times your meter have been calibrated...and if you see this 001...that means it is been calibrated one time from factory (NEW)

PS: BE CAREFUL NOT TO PRESS ANY OTHER BOTTOMS WHILE YOU ARE DOING THIS OR YOU WILL MAKE A MISTAKE WITH CALIBRATION

 

[lanchile]

Fluke 87 V / Fluke 87-5 / 28-II Power on options / features (Not obviously visible features) - YouTube

 

[Salas]

So you got an 87V in the end in a very good price. Congratulations, best choice.

 

[lanchile]

Thanks!

 

[jblmar]

What made you decide on the 87 over the 177/179? The 87 is an industrial meter as opposed to the 170 series which is more of an audio repair meter. I bought the 179 new in July 2010 for $257. Included a carrying case and a beautiful Probe Set Made In U.S.A. by Probe Master. Included in the set is a pair of test probes, a set of alligator clips and a set of screw type connectors. All high quality.
Fluke departed from listing the different function specifications on the back of the meter. That's a shame. You now have to look in the manual.

 

[jblmar]

The 87 is a nice meter.

 

[thermal runaway]

I'll stick with my Avo 9 MkII

 

[TonyTecson]

The 87 is a nice meter.

agreed, i got 2 of these and 4 other cheap dmms...