To add to prior posts, Fluke provides the calibration and adjustment manuals for the 80s series, you can download it off their site. Its very detailed and describes what voltage, signal etc., sources you need and its rated accuracy.
One of the benefits of the III ?? [ maybe 4] and up versions, is adjustment are all electronic and can be done through the front controls, the older generation 1-2 [ maybe up to 3??] have pots than need tweaking with a screwdriver.
The adjustments are very straightforward, you very likely cannot destroy the meter like you would hacking the Rigol 1052E.
Essentially you set the voltage source to e.g. 12.34V dc, and if you meter doesn't read 12.34, adjust XYZ until it does. Repeat for various ranges.
Fluke leads are ~ $20-30 new, but they are rebadged Pomona, and for CAT III and below use, you can find them for < $20.
Cases can be bought eBay for ~< $20 or bought new from the Fluke store.
My 85 remains accurate in V DC, AC and ohms uncalibrated since 1989. I know this because I recent got hold of a NIST calibrated DMM, and a frequency source and compared it. I certainly didn't expect it to be this accurate 20 years later.
III vs V
so ive been looking at ebay for a used fluke 87 and found some III's and V's
i had posted a previous question about buying safely on ebay for a fluke and i got the hang of it but now i wanted to ask about what to do when i actually go the thing.
i do have access to a physics lab with power supplies and such so i can test the meter out that way but if its messed up how much would it cost to calibrate the meter (if its either the III or V) and get back to working order? would it be wise to go ahead and get it calibrated or whatever anyways when i get it?
there are some meters that do not come with leads and cases. how much would it usually cost to get them?
do flukes hold up for a good period of time when being used? as in their readings are good and such if it looks and sounds like it wasnt terrible abused or used?
What is the differnce between the fluke 87 III and the fluke 87 V? i wanted to make sure bc all i can remember is that hte V is just newer and thats it.
if you have any other advice/suggestions i would appreciate. thanks