Looking New DMM

[Zopsi]

I am looking for a new DMM. I currently have a true RMS BK precision meter that is OK, but not great. I am considering the fluke 289/287. I am into electronics and my buddy has the 289, which he enjoys. What I am asking is if the Fluke 289 or Fluke 287 is better for electronics and overall usage (the fluke 289 should have everything the 287 has except for two additional features)?

Would it be better to wait for a new fluke meter or get one without the dot matrix display? I have also been considering Agilent's DMMs, but after watching some videos I can tell that cell phones and the agilent DMM's don't get along as well as the fluke (I will be on my phone). I also like the idea of trendcapture, but have no idea how well it works.

I just bought a very nice Agilent MSO3014A so a nice DMM would be a great addition to my test equipment.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[T4P]

Didn't you ask this question before ? It's battery life is pretty short

[M. András]

the trendcapture on the 289 is great and useful, you can record with it in every second 1 sample, if you connect it to the pc software it can record 8 samples /s only tested this for a few minutes but i doubt it would decrase do to the pc has enough space to record, well for battery life get 6 2500mah eneloops the blackones and it will be solved. i suggest if you buy one 1 of the 28x series buy it in kit cos you get much cheaper a case, data cable, software, and the hanger which is great.
i cant comment on the agilent cos i do not own one, but i would love to see 1 in my hands

[nanofrog]

Will this be for bench or field work?

I ask, as battery life is more important in field work than bench IMHO (stuck in the middle of nowhere without spare batteries is more than a minor nuisance; dead batteries on a bench isn't that big a deal comparatively speaking).

That said, both Fluke and Agilent make good meters for both types of use.

I own the U1252 and am happy with it's performance. Better cost/performance ratio than the Fluke. I don't hold a phone next to it, but I don't recall that even being an issue (do recall cell phones and the 87-V weren't best friends though, and the IR data port on the 287/9 units can cause issues if it's not covered with electrical tape when the cable is not plugged in).

Make a comparison of say the U1252/3 with the 287/9 and see what appeals to you for your specific needs.

[EEVblog]

Sure you aren't mixing up the cell phone issue? The Fluke 87V is the one that had the cell phone issue. Never heard of Agilent having an issue.
The Agilent U1272A is not a bad alternative if you want better battery life and better day to day usability IMO.

Dave.

[M. András]

Will this be for bench or field work?

I ask, as battery life is more important in field work than bench IMHO (stuck in the middle of nowhere without spare batteries is more than a minor nuisance; dead batteries on a bench isn't that big a deal comparatively speaking).

That said, both Fluke and Agilent make good meters for both types of use.

I own the U1252 and am happy with it's performance. Better cost/performance ratio than the Fluke. I don't hold a phone next to it, but I don't recall that even being an issue (do recall cell phones and the 87-V weren't best friends though, and the IR data port on the 287/9 units can cause issues if it's not covered with electrical tape when the cable is not plugged in).

Make a comparison of say the U1252/3 with the 287/9 and see what appeals to you for your specific needs.

hmm thanks for remininding that issue, i gonna check mine its made few months ago wonder they fixed it or not

[T4P]

Sure you aren't mixing up the cell phone issue? The Fluke 87V is the one that had the cell phone issue. Never heard of Agilent having an issue.
The Agilent U1272A is not a bad alternative if you want better battery life and better day to day usability IMO.

Dave.

Only thing the U1272 was not really intended for electronics, rather field work
U1252 is a slight bit more expensive but it's more accurate and 50,000 counts.
OR the U1251 which apparently doesn't have the AC+DC measurement capability

[EEVblog]

Only thing the U1272 was not really intended for electronics, rather field work

Essentially only because it has the Low-Z capability really. Apart from that, I'd say it's certainly and "electronics class" meter.

Dave.

[T4P]

Only thing the U1272 was not really intended for electronics, rather field work

Essentially only because it has the Low-Z capability really. Apart from that, I'd say it's certainly and "electronics class" meter.

Dave.

But yeah, apart from the lower resolution it's certain electronics class material ... 

[EEVblog]

But yeah, apart from the lower resolution it's certain electronics class material ... 

Umm, it's 30,000 count, and dual display to boot, what's the problem?
The Fluke 87V is only 20,000 count, and it's the industry standard meter in this class, and IMO has the basic specs that define what a professional "electronics class" meter should have.

Yeah, 50,000 count is better, but not by a huge margin. Certainly doesn't put it into another category.

Dave.

[T4P]

But yeah, apart from the lower resolution it's certain electronics class material ... 

Umm, it's 30,000 count, and dual display to boot, what's the problem?
The Fluke 87V is only 20,000 count, and it's the industry standard meter in this class, and IMO has the basic specs that define what a professional "electronics class" meter should have.

Yeah, 50,000 count is better, but not by a huge margin. Certainly doesn't put it into another category.

Dave.

Yeah ... dual display? Woot ! Didn't notice 
But it's alright, self preference 

[zaoka]

Sure you aren't mixing up the cell phone issue? The Fluke 87V is the one that had the cell phone issue. Never heard of Agilent having an issue.
The Agilent U1272A is not a bad alternative if you want better battery life and better day to day usability IMO.

Dave.

If the serial number is greater than 19470148 is will have the GSM fix (Fluke 87V)

[zaoka]

Z_LOW I use to discharge large capacitors, it really helps ))

[T4P]

Z_LOW I use to discharge large capacitors, it really helps ))

Didn't know that ... very handy with a LCR meter but nothing beats a big phillips screwdriver 

[Zopsi]

What about the new Agilent U1273A vs. the U1272A? I don't really like the OLED screen (ugly), but nevertheless if it has any benefit other than being new and gimmicky then I will consider it.

Regardless of what I get I am going to get a second DMM so if I were to get the 289 then I would get something with a little better battery life for day to day use while keeping the 289 for large tasks or bench work.

Also if I were to buy the agilent would it be better to go through mouser, newark, or...?

[T4P]

What about the new Agilent U1273A vs. the U1272A? I don't really like the OLED screen (ugly), but nevertheless if it has any benefit other than being new and gimmicky then I will consider it.

They are the same ain't it ? Go for the 1272

[nanofrog]

What about the new Agilent U1273A vs. the U1272A? I don't really like the OLED screen (ugly), but nevertheless if it has any benefit other than being new and gimmicky then I will consider it.

Regardless of what I get I am going to get a second DMM so if I were to get the 289 then I would get something with a little better battery life for day to day use while keeping the 289 for large tasks or bench work.

Also if I were to buy the agilent would it be better to go through mouser, newark, or...?

I've not used the OLED screen versions, but Dave and at least one other member have, and made reviews of the screens (as well as the rest of it). I've the impression they'd be great for bench work (not so wonderful outdoors, as they can be hard to see/read), but they also suck battery power, causing a notable reduction in battery life (why I skipped it).

The standard screen on the U1252B is fine, and the backlight is quite good IMHO, so I'm not feeling buyer's remorse at all skipping the OLED screen. Pics of the U1272B display seen quite good too, so I don't think you'd be disappointed.

If you're fixed on getting a 287/9, then the U1272B would be a good meter to have (as Dave mentioned, 30,000 count dual display is quite good, and more than suitable for general electronics). Better accuracy is nice, and if you do so, probably isn't needed in more than a single meter (cheaper too, even if not significantly so).

As per where to buy, go for the best price (considering the companies you've listed). I got mine through Future Electronics, but they are no longer an Agilent Distributor (as of Jan. 1, 2012).

They are the same ain't it ? Go for the 1272

OLED for sure, and perhaps a minor feature as well (can do a comparison on Agilent's site last I looked).

[EEVblog]

I've not used the OLED screen versions, but Dave and at least one other member have, and made reviews of the screens (as well as the rest of it). I've the impression they'd be great for bench work (not so wonderful outdoors, as they can be hard to see/read), but they also suck battery power, causing a notable reduction in battery life (why I skipped it).

The OLED screen is gorgeous (presumably the same as the U1253), but does not work outside at all, totally useless.
The reduction in battery life is massive, 30 hours vs 300 hours.
http://cp.literature.agilent.com/litweb/pdf/5989-7340EN.pdf
Apart from the screen and battery life, no difference.

The standard screen on the U1252B is fine, and the backlight is quite good IMHO, so I'm not feeling buyer's remorse at all skipping the OLED screen. Pics of the U1272B display seen quite good too, so I don't think you'd be disappointed.

I concur.
The OLED is very nice, but only if you can live with the reduced battery life and no outdoor use.
To me it's not worth it, LCD is by far the better option, but OLED might be a better option for some people (visually impaired, unique indoor environments, longer distance viewing etc).

I copped a lot of shit over that U1252 review! 

Dave.

[Zopsi]

So the comparable fluke model would be the fluke 87-v or some other? How would that stack up against this? Better for electronics, better battery life, better construction, better feel, etc.

By the way I absolutely love this forum you guys are extremely helpful. I have never bought this level of equipment before and am a little lost in terms of buyer experience which you guys have supplemented with your experience and knowledge.

Thanks guys!

[EEVblog]

So the comparable fluke model would be the fluke 87-v or some other? How would that stack up against this? Better for electronics, better battery life, better construction, better feel, etc.

Have you seen my U1272A review? that is discussed.
The 87V does not have the features anymore to compete head-head in the current market in any bang-per-buck shootout. The 1272A beats it on that. But the 87V is better built, and has the best reputation in the industry, plus the lifetime warranty, and better battery life. The U1272A is new and hasn't proven itself, indeed it has had firmware issues.

They are hard to compare really.

Dave.

[nanofrog]

The OLED screen is gorgeous (presumably the same as the U1253), but does not work outside at all, totally useless.
The reduction in battery life is massive, 30 hours vs 300 hours.
http://cp.literature.agilent.com/litweb/pdf/5989-7340EN.pdf
Apart from the screen and battery life, no difference.

According to the link (I had forgotten the exact numbers), it's worse for the U1252B (36 hrs) vs. U1253B (8 hrs). As a test, I found mine makes it to ~20% remaining before it gets flakey (display cut in and out). But I keep spare batteries at the ready, so it shouldn't be a major issue. For someone else though, that could be a real problem.

The U1272B vs. U1273B fairs better at 300 hrs. and 30-60 hrs. respectively.

I copped a lot of shit over that U1252 review! 

It wasn't me.

So the comparable fluke model would be the fluke 87-v or some other? How would that stack up against this? Better for electronics, better battery life, better construction, better feel, etc.

By the way I absolutely love this forum you guys are extremely helpful. I have never bought this level of equipment before and am a little lost in terms of buyer experience which you guys have supplemented with your experience and knowledge.

See Dave's post on the 87V vs. U1272/3B.

As per the U1252/3B, the 287/9 is the right one to compare it with.

To me, the Agilent offers a better cost/performance ratio than the Fluke (I compared the 287 v. the U1252B). The Agilent can be had cheaper and it included a calibration with data in the box with very similar features and specs. But Agilent's HH DMM's haven't been around long enough to have the reputation Fluke does, and there are a few very minor complaints (i.e. the feel isn't quite as sturdy <can be twisted a bit with effort>, 9V instead of AA's, rubberized coating could peel, and battery life). It's not junk though (see Dave's video on the U1253A if you haven't already). But the Fluke's you're looking at are not perfect either as already mentioned.

In terms of warranty, Fluke's is longer (up to 10 years; read the fine print on their site), while the Agilent's only have a 3 yr. warranty. But most problems usually occur in that time anyway in my experience. And who knows; something better may be along by then anyway. 

Either brand would make a good choice in the models you're looking at IMHO, but it's up to you which way you want to go.

Hope this helps. 

[Zopsi]

In terms of cost effectiveness of the fluke 287 vs 289 which one is better? Are the added features of the Fluke 289 worth it for electronics?

I watched your review of the U1272A and I like it a lot, but it seems like you encountered a lot of firmware issues that would be of significance for me. Example, measuring low valued caps would be nice. Also did they ever release a firmware update to fix the beep delay? That would be a big concern of mine. Another concern is the overloading issue.

Do you know of Fluke releasing anything anytime soon? Any applicable models to replace the 87-V or the 289/287?

I apologize if I am being repetitive, but I want to be sure before I spend this much money.

Thanks again!

[EEVblog]

I watched your review of the U1272A and I like it a lot, but it seems like you encountered a lot of firmware issues that would be of significance for me. Example, measuring low valued caps would be nice. Also did they ever release a firmware update to fix the beep delay? That would be a big concern of mine. Another concern is the overloading issue.

Do you know of Fluke releasing anything anytime soon? Any applicable models to replace the 87-V or the 289/287?

No firmware update for the Agilent last I checked.

Fluke rarely release a new meter, let alone a follow-up to their best selling lines. They are the masters of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". I think you'd be waiting many years a minimum. But I have no inside info.

Dave.

[M. András]

In terms of cost effectiveness of the fluke 287 vs 289 which one is better? Are the added features of the Fluke 289 worth it for electronics?

I watched your review of the U1272A and I like it a lot, but it seems like you encountered a lot of firmware issues that would be of significance for me. Example, measuring low valued caps would be nice. Also did they ever release a firmware update to fix the beep delay? That would be a big concern of mine. Another concern is the overloading issue.

Do you know of Fluke releasing anything anytime soon? Any applicable models to replace the 87-V or the 289/287?

I apologize if I am being repetitive, but I want to be sure before I spend this much money.

Thanks again!

hope they wont replace anytime soon the 28x series that would mean only 7 years left from my warranty on mine.
the extra fatures on the 289 is nice to have even if you wont need it but who knows when it will come handy. and for electronics measuring low value resistors or cable resistance the low ohms function is nice on the 289. if you dont have a bench meter with 4 wire resitance measurment.
as for the agilent meters with oled displays, i would definetly get a spare battery cover and wire the thing up to AA batteries or bigger, if its only for bench. if i remember correctly there is a slight data logging difference between the 1252 and the 1253, 100-to 1000 readings to the benefit of the oled version

[Zopsi]

I would be buying the U1272A not the U1273A as this would be my mobile meter. I am buying two meters the Fluke 289 for bench work or advanced field work and some other more mobile meter.

I feel like I shouldn't be spending that much money on a meter that hasn't been put through the ringer like the 87-v. I would feel much more comfortable about buying it if it didn't have so many firmware issues. If anyone owns one of these and feels differently please chime in because I would be happy to hear your input.

I recently bought a MSOX3014a from the recommendation of the users on this forum and love it, but I feel like the agilent dmms have not caught up with their oscopes.

I will be buying a Fluke 289 and hoping it doesn't get replaced within the next 2-3 years. I will stick with my cheap BK Precision meter for mobile use until the Agilent has proven itself or Fluke releases a newer model with better features.

On a side note I bought one of those µCurrents and they sound brilliant. Thanks Dave.