GPH Posted March 2, 2008 Report Share Posted March 2, 2008 Anyone's got experience with this multimeter? I'm getting into DIY and I have the possibility to acquire a used unit in mint condition for 135$. From what I've read, Fluke dmm are generally a safe bet, but I was wondering if anyone had some feedback to give about this particular model. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
n_maher Posted March 2, 2008 Report Share Posted March 2, 2008 Anyone's got experience with this multimeter? I'm getting into DIY and I have the possibility to acquire a used unit in mint condition for 135$. From what I've read, Fluke dmm are generally a safe bet, but I was wondering if anyone had some feedback to give about this particular model. Probably a nice meter but you could also probably live with a lot less. If you're one of those people (like me) who generally buys good tools because you know you'll use them for a long time, buy it. Otherwise for a third of that budget you can get something that will handle most of what you would need for DIY and everything you'd need unless you get really hardcore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GPH Posted March 2, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2008 Well, I'm doing a degree in electrical enginerring so I guess it could be useful once I graduate. We already have a shitload of measurement tools at school so the Fluke will be more for my personal usage, but like you said, I think it's a good long-term investment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pars Posted March 2, 2008 Report Share Posted March 2, 2008 Who's the dude that is a metrologist over on head-fi? I thought he said to stay away from the Fluke 17x series and go for the 18x series instead... dammit, can't remember his name (handle). bigcat39 is the one. But, $135 isn't a bad price I wouldn't think (haven't priced them lately though). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
n_maher Posted March 2, 2008 Report Share Posted March 2, 2008 But, $135 isn't a bad price I wouldn't think (haven't priced them lately though). Seems like a good price for a meter that can do the normal stuff plus capacitance and temp, I'd like to have a meter that had both of those functions as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GPH Posted March 2, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2008 Thanks for the input guys, I think I'll go for it. The 170 series is supposed to be slower taking AC measures and is quite a bit less precise than the 180 to match resistors, but it costs 200$ less. Also, this is a local deal, so no shipping and possible Canadian customs fees. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fitz Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 I don't know about the 179 specifically, but I have a 189 and absolutely love it. Would've probably gotten the 187, since I don't use the logging, but I found a good deal on a used 189 before I could find one on a 187. One thing I will suggest is getting a decent set of test leads, you wouldn't believe how much they can come in handy. I have ones that'll clip onto component leads so you can easily adjust trimpots and such, tips with a plastic guard that'll safely measure one pin on a DIP IC (like an opamp) without sliding off and shorting against the adjacent ones, ones with long sheathed extensions to measure in tight spots, etc. I really don't know how I got by with just regular test leads before. I'd probably rather use a more basic meter with good leads than a fancy meter with only standard leads, but maybe I'm just weird. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guzziguy Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 I'd probably rather use a more basic meter with good leads than a fancy meter with only standard leads, but maybe I'm just weird. Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but I've decided that I need a better DMM that the little battery powered unit that I keep on my motorcycle. Fitz's line above describes exactly what I'd like, a basic meter with good leads. Would knowledgeable people please recommend such a DMM? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvdunhill Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 what features do you need? You can just buy nice probes and using your existing meter, just as another option. In fact, I think Fitz posted a link somewhere for the probes he really likes. I like the BK Precision meters. Here's a list, with MSRP: Handheld Digital Multimeters - Multimeters - B&K Precision Depending on the features you need, I think you'll find something that will work for you there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guzziguy Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 Thanks. I'm sure one or more of these would work fine. Please tell me what features I need. My work contract is ending and I'll have some time for DIY play time. Here's a minimum of what I need: 1. Changeable leads 2. Volt meter 3. Amp meter 4. Ohm meter 5. Continuity tester. Considering I hope to eventually progress to doing tube amps, please suggest other features that I might need. I'd like to keep the cost under $100 for meter and leads, but I'm kind of like Vicky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grawk Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 you can definitely get that way under $100, not counting the leads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spritzer Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 I like this one, built to withstand my abuse and high voltage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusty Chalk Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 4. Ohm meter 5. Continuity tester.FYI (not DIY) -- these two are effectively the same thing. I use the one from RatShack, it does all those things except for the detachable leads. Which, I suppose, if you attach to other leads would lead to the same thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvdunhill Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 Considering I hope to eventually progress to doing tube amps, please suggest other features that I might need. Probably a "transistor tester", which measures hfe as well as a temperature probe would be the only other things I could think of. Looks like the meter I have, the BK2706A is now discontinued and replaced with a version with less features. If I was going to buy something, I'd consider taking a chance on this one: VC99 3 36/7 Auto range DMM analog bar better FLUKE17B - eBay (item 170388685166 end time Oct-29-09 08:12:04 PDT) but perhaps there are some better recommendations out there... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
n_maher Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 Fluke 73 III 3 Multimeter - Calibrated and Certified - eBay (item 180420065591 end time Nov-14-09 04:35:51 PST) You could make an offer on something like that. I think I paid ~$75 for the one I had years ago which I've since replaced with a 179. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest sachu Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 I use a fluke 87 Series 3. Its an older model but very very nice. You can buy them used for about 75-120$. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guzziguy Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 Thanks for your suggestions. I bought the VC99 on Ebay that Marc suggested. I'll let you know how it works out. or Now I just need to find some leads for it. Google hear I come. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cetoole Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 I would try the ones it comes with first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guzziguy Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 Oops, didn't read down far enough. I assumed it came without leads. Eventually I'll want clip-on leads so we'll see if they are included. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beefy Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 Hmmmmm, I might take a punt on the VC99 as well. If I do bite the bullet on the eXStata, my current meter might not be suitable as it only manages 600VDC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cetoole Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 I have similar temptations. The VC99 looks quite nice. Also need an inductance meter (well, want), signal generator, and quite a bit of other test equipment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvdunhill Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 Oops, didn't read down far enough. I assumed it came without leads. Eventually I'll want clip-on leads so we'll see if they are included. heh, I chose that one because the probes looked decent look at the same seller, I believe he has nice probe packs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beefy Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 Bought one. If it's crap, I'll find you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvdunhill Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 see, that's not fair Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spritzer Posted October 29, 2009 Report Share Posted October 29, 2009 Bought one. If it's crap, I'll find you Ditto... I have have Marc's address if we need it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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