Multimeter

[Lead-Core]

sorry if this has been brought up befor but in my search i could not find anything. i am thinking about upgrading my meter from a cheap no name basic meter to fluke-because while i was in school thats what we had to use and i liked how they preformed and fermilure with. i am trying to decide on witch is more practical to buy for automotive use and possible diesel tech later down the road. i am looking at either the 115 witch is pretty basic and lacks some features but the price us pretty reasonable to me, otherwise im looking at the 88v kit or just meter with has pretty much all the features could need (these are what was at school) but have a price 3x just for meter and 5x for kit compaired to the 115. does anybody have and input on these 2 meters or recommend a different model fluke that is easy to use and has functions for auto/truck/AG work. thanks!

 

[Roland-5.0]

I think mine is a 117 and its done everything I've ever needed.

 

[joedodge]

Fluke 87 you won't regret it

 

[netcaretaker]

I just went and looked and I also have the 117 and it has done everything that I have ever needed. I don't think you can go wrong getting any fluke and if you are missing something at work you usually can borrow from someone to get that job done. I would get the 115 and upgrade later if you really need it, depending on what you are working on. If nothing else the 115 could be the home unit if you replace it.

My 2 cents, but honestly, get what you want or can afford, if they are the same (you can afford what you want) get that

 

[Lead-Core]

just wanted to add, compared the 115 and 117 and the only thing that is different is on the 117 you gain automatic selection, loz feature and volt alert, non contact ac voltage detector. is the loz really needed? and from what i see you cant measure milli amps with these meters? correct? because i would like to be able to measure parasitic draw with the meter i choose.

 

[Brownsfan]

I would also look the 233 with the detachable LCD panel. If doing any electrical diagnostics where you need to be a the front of the vehicle to activate say a turn signal but need to test at the rear. I have it and didnt think I would use it all that much. I use it all the time and it really is a time saver. I think it has the basic meter functions of a 115 but with the detachable LCD. It is a battery eater though

 

[dirtydogintex]

87s were real fragile compared to 77s in years past.
Has Fluke made today's 87s more robust?

 

[joedodge]

Mines robust good enough to be gm approved meter and in just about every auto or truck tech out there's box including mine.

 

[Davefr]

87s were real fragile compared to 77s in years past.
Has Fluke made today's 87s more robust?

Fragile??? Are you referring to the LCD's that had a history of going dim??

 

[hickmlg09]

I'm learning about these in electric class right now

 

[Ncognito]

I'm learning about these in electric class right now

Which meter do they recommend and do you get a student discount on diagnostic equipment? I started classes a couple of weeks ago, but no automotive yet so I haven't gotten into what tools are discounted.

 

[volvo92906]

I have a 115, and it lacks the duty cycle feature which is good to have for todays equipment. If need be, the shop or other guys have the meters that do it all. I got it for 150 bucks otherwise I wouldnt have bought it... And when I did, I just knew it was a Fluke, thinking the 115 was better than the 87.... Numbers mean nothing.

The 87 works really well. But even Snap-On makes a good all around meter. A meter is a great diagnostic tool for todays techs and worth the money spent.

 

[volvo92906]

Which meter do they recommend and do you get a student discount on diagnostic equipment? I started classes a couple of weeks ago, but no automotive yet so I haven't gotten into what tools are discounted.

Usually they discount a bunch of tools somewhere around the 50% mark, and there is usually a meter or two available on discount. Talk to the tool rep at your school. Most of the time they have a small student pricing booklet that lists specifically what is on discount and even have packages that include basic automotive tools and then small add on kits. Itll have everything from basic wrenches and screwdrivers, hammer, pliers, etc, and add on kits can have test lights, meters, and whatever else. They are more set up for the newest technician without tools, but you can buy tools individually also.

 

[Ncognito]

Usually they discount a bunch of tools somewhere around the 50% mark, and there is usually a meter or two available on discount. Talk to the tool rep at your school. Most of the time they have a small student pricing booklet that lists specifically what is on discount and even have packages that include basic automotive tools and then small add on kits. Itll have everything from basic wrenches and screwdrivers, hammer, pliers, etc, and add on kits can have test lights, meters, and whatever else. They are more set up for the newest technician without tools, but you can buy tools individually also.

Thanks. I asked my advisor and he said to wait untill I was taking the automotive classes. At the time, I was facing the possibility of not being able to start any classes in January, so I was happy just to take any classes that still had openings. I already have some of the tools you mentioned, screwdrivers, wrenches and the like. I've been wanting to get a DMM for awhile now to upgrade from my analog meter. Wasn't sure if I should go ahead with the purchase, or wait to receive my discount.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

You can buy an ex-govt Fluke 27FM on evil bay for about $50. Tough beasts but they do not have backlighting on LCD.

BTW, the current Snap on meters are made by TPI (IIRC) and are basically just rebadged.

 

[hickmlg09]

Which meter do they recommend and do you get a student discount on diagnostic equipment? I started classes a couple of weeks ago, but no automotive yet so I haven't gotten into what tools are discounted.

We get a 50% discount through snap on. I can't remember the name of the meter they recommend. I can find out tomorrow for you when I go to class.

 

[Skin]

the current Snap on meters are made by TPI (IIRC) and are basically just rebadged.

some are, some are made specifically for snap-on.


OP, 88v fluke meters go for $200 or less on ebay fairly regularly fi you don't mind used.

 

[dirtydogintex]

Fragile??? Are you referring to the LCD's that had a history of going dim??

That and 87s that wouldn't always survive a swan dive from a 5ft ladder onto a carpeted computer floor.
77s would survive that and also landings on pavement.... but they weren't any good when it came to anything frequency! *L*

 

[garfunkle24]

88 is better than an 87 for automotive, for those recommending the 87.

 

[joedodge]

It is but the 87 is still one of the number one used meters and the one recognized as a special tool for gm at the dealer

 

[garfunkle24]

It is but the 87 is still one of the number one used meters and the one recognized as a special tool for gm at the dealer

Oh really? Didn't know that. That seems unusual? Of course the 87 is still a great all around meter and better for AC work.

 

[volvo92906]

I've been wanting to get a DMM for awhile now to upgrade from my analog meter. Wasn't sure if I should go ahead with the purchase, or wait to receive my discount.

Definitely get away from the analog. Take too much power to get it working. It wont work on those delicate computer circuits...

Either way you go, the investment on a meter is worth it. You will use it your whole career. Test lights have their time and place, but a digital meter will be the go to tool for anything you do that is electronic.

 

[nuklbstr83]

here you go....

 

[mark40sw]

Lead-Core,
Sounds like this

would be the video four you. Be aware that this guy is from Autralia- the accent. Also he gets excited & lively about electronics, but he knows his electronics, meters, scopes.

Also here is a ~$100 meter shootout

As you can gather from the previous responses, Fluke is a trusted name by all. You get a Fluke, you get very good build quality. They are not the only good meter out there, but maybe the most popular good meter.

Agilent, Extech, BK also make some decent stuff. I would not hesitate to use those. Having said that, I do have mostly Fluke (industrial power & controls). My last big prchase was a Fluke 190 Series II 4 channel scope.

I have a co-worker that has a Fluke 117 (made in china) that I have used. Seems to be a well built basic meter.

The things to consider are getting a good brand for the build quality, and then deciding on the features you need on it. Others that specialize in automotive on this site can list what features & ranges you should have. There are some very knowledgable people in the automotive trade here.

 

[magova1104]

Nothing like the Fluke 88 for the Automotive industry. Everything else is just a meter.

 

[FiendFX]

I got a Fluke 115 and it's accurate enough for me. I cant justify spending so much on a 87.

 

[smalltruck]

Extech and ESI are both good meters, for me though the Extech seems better. If you are buying a fluke and don't get the american made one then don't pay for the chinese version. MAC meters were re-badged ESI I think

I have this one http://www.extech.com/instruments/resources/images/EX530.jpg

And this one http://www.esitest.com/585K.html

Whatever you buy make sure it is capable of true RMS on AC.

 

[Rezeppa]

I have an older fluke 88 (My display is going out) with the whole case and automotive set up. I like it but I think the 87v is a better meter from the other guys at work. I work heavy equipment and class 6 and up. the rpm doesn't help me much because our stuff doesn't have spark plugs to clamp the meter onto for RPM to work. Idk about the 88v I haven't used one long enough to say what's better but i do know that most companies like GM and caterpillar recommend the 87v because of the higher accuracy and True RMS.

 

[garfunkle24]

I have an older fluke 88 (My display is going out) with the whole case and automotive set up. I like it but I think the 87v is a better meter from the other guys at work. I work heavy equipment and class 6 and up. the rpm doesn't help me much because our stuff doesn't have spark plugs to clamp the meter onto for RPM to work. Idk about the 88v I haven't used one long enough to say what's better but i do know that most companies like GM and caterpillar recommend the 87v because of the higher accuracy and True RMS.

Can you give me examples when you would need greater accuracy than an 88v or when you would need "True RMS" for working on DC systems?

 

[mark40sw]

I have an older fluke 88 (My display is going out) with the whole case and automotive set up. I like it but I think the 87v is a better meter from the other guys at work. I work heavy equipment and class 6 and up. the rpm doesn't help me much because our stuff doesn't have spark plugs to clamp the meter onto for RPM to work. Idk about the 88v I haven't used one long enough to say what's better but i do know that most companies like GM and caterpillar recommend the 87v because of the higher accuracy and True RMS.

Fluke 80 series display problems, have a look here
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=58938
http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=79115&highlight=fluke+87

Or you can upgrade the display for better. I believe this is for the original 80 series. The later iii & v already have the nicer dispaly. Don't know if it would work for iii,v series as a repair.
http://www.amazon.com/Fluke-DR80-Display-Upgrade-Series/dp/B000VRECMO
http://www.newark.com/fluke/dr80/80-series-meter-display-upgrade/dp/82C1948

 

[dwp99]

Fluke 80 series display problems, have a look here
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=58938
http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=79115&highlight=fluke+87

Or you can upgrade the display for better. I believe this is for the original 80 series. The later iii & v already have the nicer dispaly. Don't know if it would work for iii,v series as a repair.
http://www.amazon.com/Fluke-DR80-Display-Upgrade-Series/dp/B000VRECMO
http://www.newark.com/fluke/dr80/80-series-meter-display-upgrade/dp/82C1948

Thanks, I just cleaned my Fluke 88 and now it works perfect.

 

[joedodge]

Abs sensors

 

[dirtydogintex]

Today the Fluke 800 dude said today's 87s are just as fragile as they were years ago.... suggested I try (to break) a 28S instead.... and how to fix display probs by cleaning the 'contacts'. *L*

 

[Paul Bee]

Go on youtube plug in eevblog multimeter. Dave Jones an Electronics Design engineer tells you everything you ever wanted to know about multimeters. I believe the Fluke 28 is a rugged waterproof version of the 87V. Extech also makes rugged waterproof meters they are less money (but they are not a Fluke). I have the Fluke 116 (and I love it) I paid $150.00 but I am an Hvac Technician. The hock shop in my neighborhood has half a dozen Blue Point (Snap On) meters all under $100.00 If price is an Issue I would try my local hock shops.

 

[0.511MeV]

The 115 and 117 are both meant for electricians. If all you need is voltage and resistance, you should be set. If you need to do low current DC measurements, you'll need to get a very expensive hall effect current clamp like the I30.

If you need to work with electronics I would recommend getting something like the 87V as it allows you to make low current measurements (among other advantages for electronics). The current clamp is just a nice option at that point.