NimH batteries for Fluke 287/289

[roli_bark]

Will the Fluke 287/289 DMM (6 AA batteries) work on NimH batteries - which are rated 1.2v ?

[Simon]

Usually meters are that good on batteries that non rechargeable's are almost cheaper.

[roli_bark]

Sorry, but I didn't understand the relevance of this answer.
I'll also appreciate a link for this, if this was discussed here before.
Thanks.

[Balaur]

I'm running my Fluke 187 on Eneloop AA batteries. Works very nicely.

Don't quote me on this, but I had I've only recharged them after 1 year of use.

[roli_bark]

I'm running my Fluke 187 on Eneloop AA batteries. Works very nicely.

Don't quote me on this, but I had I've only recharged them after 1 year of use.

How many AA batteries does this Fluke 187 have ?
If 4 - the discrepancy between 4*1.2v=4.8 and nominal 6v may not be that significant for its internal supply requirements.

My worry is that for the Fluke 287/289, which has 6, the discrepancy between 6*1.2v=7.2 and nominal 9v may be too big.

[Simon]

I'm running my Fluke 187 on Eneloop AA batteries. Works very nicely.

Don't quote me on this, but I had I've only recharged them after 1 year of use.

my point exactly, and rechargeables are lower capacity than normal ones

[IanB]

It's a common misunderstanding to think rechargeable batteries like eneloops have a lower voltage than alkalines. It is only true of brand new and unloaded alkalines. It is not true over the typical lifetime of the battery in use.

[roli_bark]

It's a common misunderstanding to think rechargeable batteries like eneloops have a lower voltage than alkalines. It is only true of brand new and unloaded alkalines. It is not true over the typical lifetime of the battery in use.

Thanks.
So what does that mean - that the Fluke 287/289 functions OK with a 7.2v battery supply ?

[Simon]

try it ? won't do any harm just registers as low battery if no good.

[roli_bark]

try it ? won't do any harm just registers as low battery if no good.

No can. Didn't buy the 287 yet, That's why I'm asking (before the decision is made)

[ejeffrey]

Yes.  NiMH batteries are 1.2 volt/cell for their entire discharge cycle.  Alkaline batteries are 1.5-1.6 unloaded and new, but their voltage drops over their life.  Ideally, electronics would operate down to 0.8 volt/cell to be able to fully use alkaline cell capacity.  In reality, a lot of electronics doesn't make it and cuts out at 0.9 or 1.0 volt/cell.  I haven't seen any commercial electronics that drops out at 1.2 volt/cell.  NiMH batteries will work fine on your meter.  Just make sure to use low self-discharge cells unless you use it really heavily.

[IanB]

It's a common misunderstanding to think rechargeable batteries like eneloops have a lower voltage than alkalines. It is only true of brand new and unloaded alkalines. It is not true over the typical lifetime of the battery in use.

Thanks.
So what does that mean - that the Fluke 287/289 functions OK with a 7.2v battery supply ?

Alkalines reach below 1 V per cell at end of life. Eneloops range from 1.35 V down to 1.2 V and spend most of their time at 1.25 V. So, yes, they should work.

[roli_bark]

ejeffrey, IanB:
Usefull info. Thanks. Found some facts that corroborates -

[ejeffrey]

Yeah, that plot is a bit "optimistic."  It appears to be comparing a high capacity NiMH vs. a generic alkaline.  A high capacity alkaline will have more capacity, and a low-discharge eneloop will have slightly lower capacity. The shape of the discharge curve will remain the same, so the point remains.  Anything reasonably designed to run on AAs can use NiMH cells.

[ron]

I use LSD NiMh in 2 289 and 2 189 meters.  No problem, and they last longer than alkaline batts.  The latest version of Tenergy  LSD AA's seem to perform equal to Sanyo Enerloop, and are less expensive. 

[ron]

289/287 require 6 batteries.  189\187 require 4.

[mimmus78]

I can confirm NiMh works ok on my 287.

[roli_bark]

Thank you ron.
The 'Tenergy' looks like Ch***se Ju**k, but due to their very low price I'll tend to take your advise.

[roli_bark]

I can confirm NiMh works ok on my 287.

Thanks a lot. That re-affirms my tendency towards either the "battery eater" Fluke 287 or 289.

[codeboy2k]

I usually use Eneloops NiMh they work great, my handheld meter is a Tektronix TX3

Also, I find that I can take 2 standard AA batteries that won't work anymore in some other device around the house, and put them in my meter, I get a few months more from it

I'm such a miser

[roli_bark]

The latest version of Tenergy  LSD AA's seem to perform equal to Sanyo Enerloop, and are less expensive.

There seems to be 2 types of the 'Tenergy' NiMH:
- the high capacity (2600mAH) Blue package ones (with no LSD),
- the medium capacity (2000mAH) Red-on-White package LSD ones.
Which type would you recommend ? Link ?

[IanB]

I would always recommend LSD batteries over non-LSD.

There may be other brands of LSD battery that are cheaper than Eneloops, but I don't think any of them have the same combination of durability, high power delivery, long storage life, manufacturing quality and consistency that Eneloops have. For a little more money you get a much more reliable battery.

[M. András]

i put into my 289 6 black 2500mah brand new cells straight out of the package after the original batteries depleted. as these came precharged and store it for a long time i didnt brother to charge them up first the battery indicator shows 3 bars out of the 4 after 3 months of low usage just like when i put them in the meter

edit: eneloop xx

[roli_bark]

i put into my 289 6 black 2500mah

What make were these "black 2500mAH" ? You mean the Eneloop XX -
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009LU9150/ref=ox_sc_act_title_9?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

[M. András]

yeah sorry. i didnt write it