Fluke 87 multimeter

[albert001]

I've been looking around at used Fluke Multimeters on eBay.

I found a Fluke that's labeled "Fluke 87 True RMS Mulitimeter".  Is this a first generation 87 and not a Series II, III, IV or V?

Some Fluke 87s are labeled 87-3, 87 III, 87 IV, 87V, etc. I'm uncertain about 87-II?

So if the front label shows only "87" means it's a 87-I or  first generation?

I'm not really certain differences in the generations such as Series II, III, IV, V, etc. Is there some sort of documentation the help  to determine differences?

[Fungus]

So if the front label shows only "87" means it's a 87-I or  first generation?

Yes.

[001]

I'm not really certain differences in the generations such as Series II, III, IV, V, etc. Is there some sort of documentation the help  to determine differences?

V - white backlight + 6000/20000 counts
III - green backlight + 4000 counts etc

[Fungus]

I'm not really certain differences in the generations such as Series II, III, IV, V, etc. Is there some sort of documentation the help  to determine differences?

The manual for the original Fluke 87 (and other models) is only a google search away:

https://assets.fluke.com/manuals/87______umeng0800.pdf

As you can see from the specs, it's only 4000 counts, 0.1% accuracy on DC volts, etc.

ie. It's a good meter but it's definitely not an 87V.

[joeqsmith]

The manual for the original Fluke 87 (and other models) is only a google search away:
..
ie. It's a good meter but it's definitely not an 87V.

And the 87V is sure no 87IV.  I posted before about a friend of mine who bought an 87V after is old IV died and could not be serviced.  They just assumed the V was the newer version of the IV.   

[EEVblog]

And the 87V is sure no 87IV.  I posted before about a friend of mine who bought an 87V after is old IV died and could not be serviced.  They just assumed the V was the newer version of the IV.

The 87IV did not last long, as they rebranded it as the 189. I don't think the 189 lasted long either?
I suspect that their very rigid military requirement customers weren't happy with the major changes in the 80 series.

[mzacharias]

I'm not really certain differences in the generations such as Series II, III, IV, V, etc. Is there some sort of documentation the help  to determine differences?

V - white backlight + 6000/20000 counts
III - green backlight + 4000 counts etc

Early 87III's had green backlights - they switched to white somewhere mid production. I have one with the white LED backlight, and three with the green type.
The 87III does do high res but it re-boots the meter to put it in that mode, and it's very slow in hi-res mode, 1 update per second if I recall. The 87V is much more usable for this.
I saw somewhere (maybe on this forum) the white LED models were the unofficial "II" version, with improved CAT ratings. TBH I haven't even looked at mine to confirm.

[joeqsmith]

Note the logging.   

I suspect home hobbyist and EE's make up a very small portion of their sales and the electrical/tech side is where the money is.  The 289 is about the only one I would consider from them now.   Leave the higher tech meters for the EE's to Brymen. 

[001]

Leave the higher tech meters for the EE's to Brymen.

 
what do You mean? any brymen advantages above flukes?

[umbro]

         ⇧⇧⇧

Brymen Price

[coromonadalix]

The 87IV  is the same thing as an Fluke 187,  the 89IV  is the same as Fluke 189

Not sure there was a mention that the 87 IV / 89 IV  had a lag in auto ranges, not the 187 / 189 ??

[joeqsmith]

Leave the higher tech meters for the EE's to Brymen.

 
what do You mean? any brymen advantages above flukes?

There are several threads on these forums about just that topic.   You know the old saying about leading horses to water?   Then again, if you do decide to drink , I can tell you that you will find no happiness.  I started the meter circus about that time.     

[albert001]

I've been using a 75 for quite a while just around the home mostly to test voltages, resistance and continuity.

The piezo buzzer problem with the 75 is in another post where where people have offered solutions.  https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/fluke-75-piezo-buzzer-repair/msg2035393/#msg2035393

Anyway I  picked up a Fluke 79 Series III (true rms) to replace the 75 (once repaired will be used as a spare)

However after reviewing prices and options I came across a Fluke 87 (first generation without leads) for less than I paid for the Fluke 79. ($110.00 with shipping) 

I was just wondering about the features of the Fluke 87 first generation compared to earlier models  such as the Fluke 79 and later generations Fluke 87 III, IV and V.

I'm uncertain if I  need the features of the 87 when compared to the 79, as I only use a DMM around the home and testing circuits in automobiles. Perhaps could use a more advanced DMM but am uncertain.

[mzacharias]

I've been using a 75 for quite a while just around the home mostly to test voltages and continuity.

It's in another post where where people have offered fixes. https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/fluke-75-piezo-buzzer-repair/msg2035393/#msg2035393

Anyway I  picked up a Fluke 79 Series III (true rms) to replace the 75 (once repaired will be used as a spare)

However after reviewing prices and options there was a Fluke 87 (first generation without leads) for less than I paid for the Fluke 79. ($110.00 with shipping) 

I was just wondering about the features of the Fluke 87 first generation compared to earlier models such as the Fluke 79 and later generation 87 III, IV and V.

I'm uncertain if I  need the features of the 87 when compared to the 79.

The extra functionality won't be an issue if not used.

I'd take the 87. The 79 does not do micro-amps. Reason enough for me, even though I don't measure current directly all that often.

[albert001]

I don't know I could try and put the 79 for sale or have three Flukes.

Years ago I use to  repair some types of electronics, use to have  a small lab with a couple of 250 - 350Mzh Oscilloscopes, other meters and test equipment,  but currently only repair electronics once in a while when the need arises, such as with automotive electronics, etc. and  use to play with transistor logic boards, devices, etc. but haven't for quite sometime. I'm uncertain if the need would arise or not.

I still have an old 10Mhz oscilloscope in storage.

Perhaps I'll take a look at some other Flukes such as the 289. I see there is a new 289 with leads and probes eBay for  US $164.99. Is that a good price for a 289? I haven't looked at all it's features and see it requires USB IR using a Fluke IR189USB cable.

Is there Fluke software that works with the 289? What are the  advantages if any connecting to a PC?

[bc888]

The cable and software are only needed if you are going to connect it to a PC and log. $164 is an excellent price for a Fluke 289. There is a great thread on EEvblog if you do a quick search describing the highs and lows (pros and cons) of this meter. It's very good, but not perfect. Check that out first.

Good luck!

[albert001]

The Fluke 289 on eBay is only the master lead set for $164.99 I would probably need to bid on a used one.

[blacksheeplogic]

I was just wondering about the features of the Fluke 87 first generation compared to earlier models  such as the Fluke 79 and later generations Fluke 87 III, IV and V.

The LCD had issues on the 87 (Zebra strips), fluke still sells a kit to fix the problem. There was at one stage an official back light upgrade kit for the 87 (white) - mines still the original green back light. Also the rotary switch could be a problem on the 87. It would wear also the contacts needed frequent cleaning. Finally, they pre-date the CAT rating if that is important to you.

It was a good meter thou, but after I repaired mine a few years ago, I put it in a draw somewhere and bought a new 87V.

[retiredcaps]

I'm not really certain differences in the generations such as Series II, III, IV, V, etc. Is there some sort of documentation the help  to determine differences?

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/i-need-to-know-the-history-of-fluke-87-(-1998-2010-)/

[retiredcaps]

The LCD had issues on the 87 (Zebra strips), fluke still sells a kit to fix the problem.

Or DIY fix.

http://mrmodemhead.com/blog/fluke-8x-faded-lcd/

[blacksheeplogic]

The LCD had issues on the 87 (Zebra strips), fluke still sells a kit to fix the problem.

Or DIY fix.
http://mrmodemhead.com/blog/fluke-8x-faded-lcd/

Given the kit is very cheap and readily available, it's an upgraded Zebra Strip (one time fix), and you have already gone to the effort to disassemble the meter, the DIY temporary fix in my opinion does not make sense especially if you plan on keeping the meter....

[albert001]

Perhaps I can find a 87V with a bad LCD and then repair it? Otherwise the 87V is selling for approx. the same as some  289's that sold for $225. where  a best offer was accepted.

[Fungus]

I've been using a 75 for quite a while just around the home mostly to test voltages, resistance and continuity.

I'm uncertain if I  need the features of the 87 when compared to the 79, as I only use a DMM around the home and testing circuits in automobiles. Perhaps could use a more advanced DMM but am uncertain.

For the work you describe I'd get a Fluke 101.

Really safe/robust, no need to mess about with dodgy old zebra strips and the unknown history of a 20 year old meter, $45 delivered to your door.

[coromonadalix]

You can get some very good used 83 series 3 and lower, some 87 series 3 and lower too,    past the series 3  when powered, they are in AC  you have to push a darn button switch to put them in DC,  i totally hate that, bad move from fluke

We have few of theses at my job,  we mostly work in DC,  i pushed them to other techs, and use the Fluke 189  wayyyyy  better.

The 87v  are way overpriced to my taste. And im not personally impressed by all the 289 fuss,  tried one 1 month and returned it,  i dont need over complicated meters  loll

But it will always depend on your needs, precision, data logging features ?? and all the other acessories you may need to buy ?

[Electro Detective]

I've still got my 87-1 and use it alongside the 87V, not fussed which one I use as they are both in spec on all the ranges I need.

A working 87-1 in spec still races rings around many current models out there, and it has that  -FAST-   Fluke continuity buzzer, Min, Max, Peak modes, and awesome (almost 20khz) AC bandwidth.

87-111 is somewhere between 87-1 and 87V

the 189 leaves all three in the dust (if you can get one at any price..without AA battery leakage disaster)

289 is a great all rounder, but don't expect to win any user friendly speed contests with it because it has menus to sort though, even for simple tracing stuff.

Still, it's a keeper and I don't think Fluke will top it any time soon !


All of them are a pimped up version of a real deal 8060A