finally did it......bought a fluke

[joedodge]

After posting here and spending hours trying to find out why I need a fluke over anything else I bought a 87 from tooltopia. I really didnt want to spend $300 on a meter but my really basic non auto rangin ESI just wasnt cutting diaging electrical circuits and computers in todays automobiles anymore. I tried to find one fromESI that would do everything the 87 will and couldnt find it all in one meter. So once again this forum was an amazing help in my purchase......but at the same time cost me more money thanks for the help everyone.

 

[RCman]

You will be very happy with the Fluke meter.
I'm extremely happy with mine. Looking at picking up one of the compact units as well, but the money won't support that now.

 

[joedodge]

Ya it was tough to spend that wheb there so many tempting meters for alot less

 

[chard98]

I have been using Fluke meters for 26 years. My 87 and 289 are my favorites. They do so much in a small package. Recording, Min/Max readings. I find things to measure just because I can. Enjoy your new meter!

 

[joedodge]

Thanks guys I can't wait to get it and start using it its gotta be light years better than what I'm using now. My esi never let me down but I figured it was time for the real deal

 

[FlyBy]

I have a couple Fluke meters, an 87 and another one I can't remember the model of. The 87 was brand new and I found it cleaning out my grandparents old house (he was an electrical engineer).

I do still keep a cheaper Craftsman meter in my car for quick on the road diagnosis. Don't want to leave the expensive ones in the trunk.

 

[joedodge]

Ya that's what my esi will be doing now fluke will be at the shop. I do alot of electrical and driveability diag and its gm recomended

 

[metaldad]

I don't have a 87, but have multiple other Fluke models. I'm sure you'll be as happy with your new toy - er- tool, as I am with mine.

 

[BFBOB]

I never figured Fluke meters were worth the price, though I do have other Fluke tools, but then I ran across a 16 at a yard sale for $5. I couldn't resist. Yeah, it works.
And at the yard sale right next door, I scored a 10' Werner fiberglass 300 lb ladder for $40. Very nice condition.

 

[joedodge]

I always wondered also are they really better I use mine alot so well see how it compares

 

[marcusicp]

How did you choose the 87? I was looking at the 87 and the 88V and ended up with the 88V simply because that's what I am use to using. I'm not sure if I made the right choice or not.

 

[jrherald420]

I used an 88v the whole time i was in school, it was the first tool i bought when i got the money. I ended up getting the 88v kit, i love it every time i take it out and use it.

 

[rjohnson]

Congrats. Fluke is awesome

 

[joedodge]

The 87 had the true rms function and min/max function and auto range which is what I was looking for and its also considered and gm specialty tool and is the recomended meter by them and 70% of my diag and drivability is gm vehicles. The 88 is a nice meter as far as I understand its a newer version of the 87

 

[LG63]

I'm going to show my ignorance of modern vehicle electronics here, but as I remember from an earlier post someone was looking for a true RMS Fluke meter for GM vehicles. When I think RMS, I think AC, not DC so when/where would a true RMS meter be needed on a car?

 

[joedodge]

well for one if you do warranty on gm vehicles its what they want and most techs like getting paid. your right though rms is the measurment of ac doing the same work as dc the signwave is diff though sometimes with charging systems and abd wheel speed sensors and such it comes in handy. the min/max setting is way more important

 

[LG63]

abd wheel speed sensorst

That makes sense, I suppose the wheel sensors put out some sort of chopped up wave. I think you'll like the Fluke, I've had an old 77 forever that still works great. I just bought new TL71 silicone leads for it on Ebay only to find out later that Zoro Tools actually sells them cheaper.

 

[chevy.stroker]

Optical speed sensors are AC.

Magnetic (non-hall effect) sensors - crank and camshaft are AC.

Pressure sensors (e.g. tire) are AC

Position sensors are AC.

There are a lot more. Anything analog can generally be considered AC.

That is a nice meter. CAT III rating is great if you get around hybrids. It may not be a "you ****", but I will admit to being envious.

Enjoy it!

 

[SpawnedX]

TTIWWP

Nice choice man. Love my Fluke.

 

[JASTECH]

Fluke is very nice, you'll find things to play with. I still have my bench meters too, Fluke 45, Keithley 200, Fluke 8600A, Simpson 160, 260, Amprobe's too, lol...The wires we spin

Remember don't skimp on your leads lad, they pay for themselves.
Thanks, JASTECH & Son

 

[chevy.stroker]

FYI....These back probes are a great accessory for working on cars (and very reasonable):
http://www.tooltopia.com/electronic-specialties-142-5.aspx

You can test wires in connectors without damaging them.

 

[Jack Burton]

Optical speed sensors are AC.

Magnetic (non-hall effect) sensors - crank and camshaft are AC.

Pressure sensors (e.g. tire) are AC

Position sensors are AC.

There are a lot more. Anything analog can generally be considered AC.

That is a nice meter. CAT III rating is great if you get around hybrids. It may not be a "you ****", but I will admit to being envious.

Enjoy it!

I don't know anything about modern vehicles. Are these sine waves or PWM signals?

To the OP, you can't go wrong with Fluke. Over the years, depending on what I was measuring, I've found a need for all three types of meters: auto-ranging DMMs, non-auto DMMs and analog VOMs. You truly can never have enough tools.

 

[joedodge]

There sine wave, the type depends on the sensor and what its doing. pwm signals are used in fuel injectors and such. Still think im going to order a set of loadpro leads for it though

 

[FiendFX]

Although, I couldn't afford the 87, I got the 115 instead. Still a trustworthy piece of equipment.

As for backprobing, I just buy regular T-pins, 100 for a buck and making my only jumper wires.

 

[joedodge]

Gotta be careful back probing youl tear up weather seals.......test jumpers are the way to go

 

[joedodge]

Thankyou everyone the qaulity of this meter is outstanding so much better than my previous meters

 

[rusty65]

I picked up my first fluke the other day an old 77 I understand why they are priced where they are now. I upgraded from a old cman proffessional meter.

 

[joedodge]

I had an esi which is a good basic meter but it can't touch the fluke I truly understand it too I wish I would have ponied up the cash years ago

 

[richfinn]

I had an esi which is a good basic meter but it can't touch the fluke I truly understand it too I wish I would have ponied up the cash years ago

Its worth it for the ease of use and the update speed of the screen and the cool features like min/max and the 20a capability.

enjoy