bradreece
Member
Im a auto tech student and have just started me electronics classes. Im looking to get a fluke meter Im just not sure which would best suit my needs. Any input would be greatly appreciated
Which fluke for a auto tech student?
- Thread starter bradreece
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nkachur
Well-known member
Good morning,
As far as my experience goes a Fluke 8_ series gauge is what you are looking for. These multimeters have all the basic functionality that I have ever required.
I personally own a 83V and have been satisfied with my purchase. At work we have quite a fer 87V Multimeters and some older models.
the Fluke 88 is a Multimeter designed for automotive use and I have used them in the past as well... the only thin I remember about this one that is different is a RPM and Temperature Feature... but don't quote me on that.
For any of these meters you are likely looking about $400-800 new depending on the distributer.
Best of luck in your schooling and future career choice.
As far as my experience goes a Fluke 8_ series gauge is what you are looking for. These multimeters have all the basic functionality that I have ever required.
I personally own a 83V and have been satisfied with my purchase. At work we have quite a fer 87V Multimeters and some older models.
the Fluke 88 is a Multimeter designed for automotive use and I have used them in the past as well... the only thin I remember about this one that is different is a RPM and Temperature Feature... but don't quote me on that.
For any of these meters you are likely looking about $400-800 new depending on the distributer.
Best of luck in your schooling and future career choice.
lutter94
Well-known member
We use Fluke 87-V's at work, they're awesome. But the first site that popped up says they're worth about 400 bucks. I might be tempted to buy the 117 if I had to pay for it ($205).
garboui
Well-known member
Another vote for the fluke 115/117. (just avoid the 114, no current measurement
)I have no experience with the automotive flukes. I work as an electronics design engineer so a predictable and reliable meter is a must. We have a few 115's around the lab. For being "uncalibrated" devices they sure stack up well to our bench gear. Also from having them out in the field, they have been dropped from height many times on to cement had have keep on chugging along.
SpiderGearsMan
Banned
fluke 87 has served me well for decades
Fluke 88 has treated me well for 12 years now and still going strong, although most of the technicians I've worked with have had fluke 77's, it is a pretty good one too and can be had for under $200 online. I would probably have a 77 if I hadn't made an amazing pawn shop find on the 88 kit for $125.
garboui
Well-known member
seems to be the "non contact voltage detection". this is more of a nice to have for an electrician as it will give a go/no go test is an AC line is live or not; with out the need for exposing conductors.
If you are getting this as a personal meter and will be using it for home projects and wiring as well it may be a nice feature, though I see no place for it in automotive electronics.
jrherald420
Well-known member
I bought the deluxe 88v kit a couple years ago for around 350- 400.00. Cant remember what site i bought it from but i got a student discount of 200.00 off the normal price of 600.00.
binder man
Well-known member
where you going to tech school at? I know when I was at Nashville, You could pick up 115's at the pawn shop for $30 all day long.
If you're looking to spend on a Fluke 87-5, they are $335 shipped on amazon right now. Every now and again, I see a used one pop up in the amazon warehouse deals. Usually those are as new customer returns with a 10-15% discount from the current new selling price.
aaron_l
Member
88V is Fluke's top of the line automotive multimeter.
When I bought my tools for school, it was by far my most expensive investment - I purchased the accessory kit as well. So far, it's been pretty handy, especially for hybrid diagnostics and high frequency sensor testing.
It's not indispensable, especially in the dealership world - most shops will have manufacturer specific scan tools. Sometimes, you'll need an oscilloscope, especially for oxygen sensor testing. However, in the first couple of independent garages I worked at, I used it for a lot of diagnostic work.
Bottom line: I'm very happy with it. A bunch of cool functions, like a thermometer probe, that may not be used often. Very useful for school, but I don't rely on it as much in the real world.
Whatever you purchase, I'd recommend a CAT III multimeter rated to 1,000 volts. (Make sure your leads are similarly rated.)
When I bought my tools for school, it was by far my most expensive investment - I purchased the accessory kit as well. So far, it's been pretty handy, especially for hybrid diagnostics and high frequency sensor testing.
It's not indispensable, especially in the dealership world - most shops will have manufacturer specific scan tools. Sometimes, you'll need an oscilloscope, especially for oxygen sensor testing. However, in the first couple of independent garages I worked at, I used it for a lot of diagnostic work.
Bottom line: I'm very happy with it. A bunch of cool functions, like a thermometer probe, that may not be used often. Very useful for school, but I don't rely on it as much in the real world.
Whatever you purchase, I'd recommend a CAT III multimeter rated to 1,000 volts. (Make sure your leads are similarly rated.)
Adam McLaughlin
Well-known member
I too own a Fluke 87 and an 88; both are exceptionally good tools. The guy in NJ whom swears by the bow tie is right about the 88 being more automotive oriented.
Adam
Adam
SpiderGearsMan
Banned
we haven't used an oscilloscope in the shop since the 1978 sun analyzer took a ****
we had one in the CAMS machine , but I was the only one who knew how to use it hahahahahah
moronmountain
Well-known member
Fluke 88 IMO
lennoxlennox
Banned
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http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HX9UNC/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Fluke 88V for sure. Doesn't come with all the extras but, starting out, a meter and a set of test leads is about all you need. Under $300.00 is a good price point to get a great meter that will last a lifetime and have future expansion capabilities later as needed.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRIMI/?tag=atomicindus08-20
If you have the cash the kit is still under $430.00 shipped and will be all you will need for the foreseeable future in an automotive DMM.
Fluke 88V for sure. Doesn't come with all the extras but, starting out, a meter and a set of test leads is about all you need. Under $300.00 is a good price point to get a great meter that will last a lifetime and have future expansion capabilities later as needed.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRIMI/?tag=atomicindus08-20
If you have the cash the kit is still under $430.00 shipped and will be all you will need for the foreseeable future in an automotive DMM.
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