Agilent U1242B or Fluke 179

[Vexer]

Hey guys,

I have decided to make the investment in a good meter that should last me a while. I have narrowed my choices down to the Fluke 179 or Agilent U1242B. They are both about ~$230. I am leaning towards the Agilent because it can measure micro-amps. Other than that, they seem to be about the same.

What would you guys recommend I get?

[EEVblog]

I'd go for the Agilent, a much more versatile meter for the money.

Dave.

[kaptain_zero]

Now, I don't have enough experience to really know what I'm talking about, never mind looking at, but after looking at this Agilent U1242B, I have to ask (just because I can't see it myself) what reason would there be to choose a Fluke 87 V over this Agilent, if any?

I managed to study electronics enough to pass my Advanced Amateur Radio exam many years ago, but as a postman who gave up Amateur Radio a decade ago, I seem to have forgotten most of what I knew, which wasn't all that much really.  As I approach retirement (still 8 years away....), I'm finding that I've rekindled an interest in electronics and radio once again, so I have begun to assemble some basic gear...... next up is a new'ish or new DMM, and the Agilent seems to fit the bill. My Beckman DM800 is still very serviceable, but it's getting a bit long in the tooth and a second quality meter would surely aid in my measurement confidence, even if I'm not sure exactly what it is that I'm measuring! 

Thanks in advance for any help and or suggestions...

Regards

Christian

[Mambo]

If your willing to pay the money you buy Fluke. If not then you buy something else, and Agilent is a well known brand although not in Handheld DMM's in general. People may have a go at me here, but I know more on the subject than most. Fluke 170 series and above have a lifetime warranty for instance and all the 170 series, 20/80 series & 280 series are all made in USA.  The idea is that a Fluke DMM should last you a lifetime and spare parts will be held for years to come.  You will always be able to get full featured DMM's for less than Fluke. Then again you can get full featured DMM's for far less than a Agilent. It's what you can afford, and what you consider important.

The three factors that cause people to buy Fluke is Safety, Quality / Warranty Support & Reputation. These days Accuracy is line ball on many of the highend handhelds (0.025%) so you need to consider those other aspects to ownership. Another thing that's fair to say is the higher the Energy in the Circuit the closer you should look at Fluke.

Anyway that's my thoughts on it.

[Nermash]

I am also considering getting the U1242b, and only thing that bothers me is the continuity speed. If someone owning the U1242b could post a short video of continuity test, it would be great!

Of course, full review from Dave would be magic:)

[EEVblog]

Now, I don't have enough experience to really know what I'm talking about, never mind looking at, but after looking at this Agilent U1242B, I have to ask (just because I can't see it myself) what reason would there be to choose a Fluke 87 V over this Agilent, if any?

The 87 has several advantages:
1) 20,000 count vs 10,000 count
2) 0.05% vs 0.09%
3) "Lifetime" warranty vs 3 year warranty
4) Made in USA vs Malaysia
5) Arguably better parts support in the future
6) 400 vs 300 hour battery life

But the Agilent does has some advantages in terms of features, you'd have to weight those up.

But considering the Fluke is more expensive, it's not quite comparing apples to apples.

Dave.

[TopherTheME]

I am also considering getting the U1242b, and only thing that bothers me is the continuity speed. If someone owning the U1242b could post a short video of continuity test, it would be great!

Of course, full review from Dave would be magic:)

I have one and really like it. The continuity check isn't really that bad. Its actually about the same speed as most meters, it just that the 87 is so dam fast it makes the 1242 appear very slow.

I've used the fluke 87s, 77s, and 179s. Obviously the best out of all the choices (inluding the agilent) is the fluke 87. It's just a kick-ass meter. The problem is that the 87V is about twice the price as the u1242B and IMO not worth the extra cost. When compared to the 179, the 1242 has some great features that the 179 doesn't such as data logging, dual temperature measurement, harmonic ratio, ambient/meter temperature, and longer battery life. All features that I use a lot more than I thought I would. One thing that the 1242 really shines at too is the measurement speed. When measuring a voltage or resistance it instantly locks onto the value and it doesn't change its mind. I've noticed flukes like most meters will wonder a bit at first before converging to a value. Anyway, when I was looking at buying a new meter I looked at the 179 as well and thought the agilent was hands down the best meter in the $200ish price range. BTW, you can get the u1242b for $200 at element 14.

If a few people are interested I can do a mini-review video doing some continuity check and voltage measurement and post it on youtube.

[Vexer]

I would be very interested in a review.

[EEVblog]

I'll have to get the U1242B for review, as it doesn't seem to be the best value meter around the $200 range.

Dave.

[TopherTheME]

I'll have to get the U1242B for review, as it doesn't seem to be the best value meter around the $200 range.

Dave.

Ok, maybe its not the absolute best value meter in the $200 range but I couldn't find anything that had on-meter data logging and dual temperature measurement for under $200 other than the u1242b. Not very important features for most people but essential for the kind of things that I do.

[EEVblog]

I'll have to get the U1242B for review, as it doesn't seem to be the best value meter around the $200 range.

Dave.

Ok, maybe its not the absolute best value meter in the $200 range but I couldn't find anything that had on-meter data logging and dual temperature measurement for under $200 other than the u1242b. Not very important features for most people but essential for the kind of things that I do.

Oops, I meant to say "DOES seem to be the best value"!
Sometimes my brain does not connect with my fingers correctly 

Dave.

[kaptain_zero]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts..... I was away for a few days and I just got back, thus the lag in my response.

The point about slow continuity test response time has me thinking... (my old Beckman has the same problem), how hard could it possibly be to design a stand alone continuity tester for those of us who can't afford to buy a DMM that *includes* that particular feature while also meeting our other priorities? I'm no wiz for sure, but I was thinking a couple of cheap chips, less than half a dozen discrete components, a couple of banana jacks and a small case/speaker/battery should be all would should take, no?!?!?! It seems rather silly to make ones choice of a DMM based on that feature alone, one that could be so simply provided separately, on the bench at least. It won't kill me to take some extra time testing for shorts, but I do see the advantage of a super quick, "easy on the ears" latching response. A pro must naturally see this in a different light, particularly if working on site..... That's when you really need an all-in-one unit that is tough as nails (no running back to the shop for your spare) and can more easily justify the higher purchase price of such a unit.

Regards

Christian

[TopherTheME]

I don't think a 250ms delay in response time of a buzzer is a good reason to spend the time and the effort of building your own continuity meter. A super fast continuity check is nice but its not like you're missing out in life if you don't have one.

[kaptain_zero]

There is another thread  here regarding the Fluke 87 V that has me quite concerned. *MY* DMM's won't be exposed to much in the way of cell phone radiation, but as an Amateur Radio junkie..... I can get a bit of stray RF in the shop.... err.... shack as we call it. I'm allowed to play with a maximum of 1000 watts of radiated power so I do need to be careful of test gear that isn't properly shielded! RF burns are not exactly unknown to us "Hams".

To be more accurate, when we get into the higher frequencies such as 1.2 GHz and 2.4GHz and up, power generally drops to a more manageable 100 watts and below...... mostly due to cost factors, but also safety.....  When dealing 450 MHz and down.... we quickly start climbing up in power with 1000 watts radiated being max and something like 1500 input.  So the fact that spending the extra $$$ buys me a warrantied for life, top of the line meter, but also might buy me an RF susceptible, to the point of failure DMM, really doesn't charm me all that much.

As Dave would say, it's "Horses for Courses" (and as an ex employee of the back stretch at the Assiniboia Downs Racetrack) I REALLY do KNOW what that saying means! 

So..... I'd like to add my request for Dave to review the Agilent...... The fact that it's around $200 locally, and the 87 V has an asking price of $500+ locally adds to that very question for me. I could pick up the 87V for less than $300 if I'm willing to make a 55 minute drive to the US border and pick it up there, but warranty is going to be iffy at that point..... with me, at the very least, having to take the time out to send it back to the US for service, then deal with Customs Canada etc. when it gets shipped back, if I actually get warranty service at all, as I purchased it outside Canada...... With my High RF potential in my shop.... this is a real concern.

Looking forward to hearing any more opinions!

Regards

Christian aka

Kaptain" Hey, it's only money....... what am I worried about?" Zero

[TopherTheME]

I'll try and get a video up of my agilent tomorrow as today I am just to dam tired. One thing to note is that I did the GSM test on the u1242b and found no problems what so ever. I put it next to my router as well and of course got nothing. The meter is somewhat well shielded so I think it would be just as good as any other meter (except the 87 obviously).

[Nermash]

I'll try and get a video up of my agilent tomorrow as today I am just to dam tired.

We are anxiously awaiting the video

[TopherTheME]

Oh shit, sorry I've been crazy busy lately and forgot. I'll try and get a video up tonight or tomorrow morning.

[Rhythmtech]

I have a U1252A that I absolutely love! 

[TopherTheME]

Ok, I finally managed to get five minutes of free time and made a very quick video. Sorry I couldn't show more, I just don't have time to cut/edit/compress videos this week.

[EEVblog]

Thanks for sharing the video.
Shame about the continuity tester (and those silly covers), the only major flaw(?) on what otherwise looks like a great meter.

Dave.

[TopherTheME]

The only other flaw that I found was that it doesn't support T type thermocouples, only J and K. Most meters only support K or J (not both) so this isn't really that big of a deal but I prefer T type.

Also, the fuse placement is rather stupid. The large fuse is actually on the front side of the PCB meaning you have to take the entire thing apart to get to it. Other than that, its a very nice meter. I would definitely recommend one if you're looking for a meter in the $200 range.

[EEVblog]

Also, the fuse placement is rather stupid. The large fuse is actually on the front side of the PCB meaning you have to take the entire thing apart to get to it. Other than that, its a very nice meter. I would definitely recommend one if you're looking for a meter in the $200 range.

Same as the 1250 series then. Yeah, that is a very retarded bit of product design.

I think Ill eventually get one of these for review.

Dave.

[Nermash]

Thanks for the video, I have seen what interested me!

[Vexer]

Thanks a lot for the video!

[alexh]

Thanks for sharing the video.
Shame about the continuity tester (and those silly covers), the only major flaw(?) on what otherwise looks like a great meter.

Dave.

Actually the continuity testing is much better (faster) in the 'diode' mode. Still not at Fluke-speed, but quite decent, at least on my U1242A.

[saturation]

Great review for speed and ergonomics.  Fast and to the point!  Thanks.  If you've time, accuracy check would be great, how does it live up to specs?

Ok, I finally managed to get five minutes of free time and made a very quick video. Sorry I couldn't show more, I just don't have time to cut/edit/compress videos this week.

[saturation]

If you know how to eBay, you can get a used Fluke 87 V for under $150, under $100 for the I.  Given Fluke 87s reputation, a working old model should be just as good as a new model, given Fluke's reputation for durability.  When eBaying choose a 'gently' used one and you can't go wrong.

Now, I don't have enough experience to really know what I'm talking about, never mind looking at, but after looking at this Agilent U1242B, I have to ask (just because I can't see it myself) what reason would there be to choose a Fluke 87 V over this Agilent, if any?

The 87 has several advantages:
1) 20,000 count vs 10,000 count
2) 0.05% vs 0.09%
3) "Lifetime" warranty vs 3 year warranty
4) Made in USA vs Malaysia
5) Arguably better parts support in the future
6) 400 vs 300 hour battery life

But the Agilent does has some advantages in terms of features, you'd have to weight those up.

But considering the Fluke is more expensive, it's not quite comparing apples to apples.

Dave.

[TopherTheME]

Great review for speed and ergonomics.  Fast and to the point!  Thanks.  If you've time, accuracy check would be great, how does it live up to specs?

The meter comes with a full blown cal certificate from Agilent showing you the accuracy for all measurements. I did compare it to a calibrated Agilent 34401A we have in the lab with 12v, 5v, and 3.3v DC measurements and it was spot on. I may try and do a more "Dave like" video review but it wouldn't be for at least a couple weeks.

[saturation]

Sounds great in that case no test needed, a cal certificate from Agilent is more than good.

Great review for speed and ergonomics.  Fast and to the point!  Thanks.  If you've time, accuracy check would be great, how does it live up to specs?

The meter comes with a full blown cal certificate from Agilent showing you the accuracy for all measurements. I did compare it to a calibrated Agilent 34401A we have in the lab with 12v, 5v, and 3.3v DC measurements and it was spot on. I may try and do a more "Dave like" video review but it wouldn't be for at least a couple weeks.

[Tobias]

Heyho, sorry for digging out this old thread, but i just bought the U1242B and while checking if i want to buy it, i found this thread over google. I was not sure if i want to buy this multimeter cause of the continuity tester and found out something, which is not mentioned here.
If you look very close, you can see, that the multimeter is autoranging, while doing the continuity test.

However, you can make it way  faster, by choosing manual ranging.(something between 50ms and 200ms - just my subjective feeling). You can even speed it up a bit by choosing a higher range.

here a short part of the manual:
measurement range         Beeps, when
1000,0                                  < 10
10,000 k                               < 100
100,00 k                               < 1 k
1,0000 M                              < 10 k
10,000 M                              < 100 k
100,00 M                              < 1 M


Maybe i can make a short video, but it will need some days

edit: dedoh, havent looked properly at the video, manual ranging was already selected. Somehow, my multimeter does beep, when i do this scratching.

[Kiriakos-GR]

Yes its true that the manual ranging helps.
And the higher ohm ranges offers a bit of improvement ( less missed beeps ) 

But the continuity speed was an comparison point, now with U1272A the continuity mode got promoted,
in to a more useful function.
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=4190.0
 
 

[morrissey70]

I'll have to get the U1242B for review, as it doesn't seem to be the best value meter around the $200 range.

Dave.

Hello Dave and hi all forum members, this is my first post. 
 I follow with interest all your reviews Dave. You are incredible. Thank you
 Just to stay on the subject of discussion, which recommend best multimeter into range of 200 Euro or 250 USD.
 I know that is not a easy answer, but try it because I'm in trouble.

Sorry for my poor English but is not my language. 

[abelb]

Hello all, first post from a long time eevblog youtube subscriber and occasional forum lurker. Thought I'd bump this thread as I've just ordered the U1242B from www.triosmartcal.com.au where it's currently on special (hint... Dave)