I appreciate your sincerity and I take the point about TEA, which can get to the best of us! What I would like is to have two very capable handheld DMMs, preferably with somewhat different features, so that between the two one can cover just about everything. I am very pleased with the 187 so the 189 might be a good choice for the second meter despite being nearly identical to the 187. The 87-V would also be a good option although I feel the latter is overpriced for what it is, even though well respected. The 289 (but not the 287) seems to have a few extras that differentiate it from both, such as the simultaneous display of min/avg/max as well as the graph, but as you say, these might be considered bells and whistles.... I am also going to have a good look at the Agilents again. I seem also to remember looking at the Hioki, just not many used ones about.
Here is some more sleazebay fun.
Check out this de-5000 listing (item#233390935646).
Have a look before it's pulled.
100% positive feedback,...all fridge magnets...
So many items in the sellers store!
Incidentally I came across a used U1273 for a reasonable price. There were a couple of minor scratches on the display, but otherwise it looked clean. However, it was from overseas (far east) and comes only with basic DIY looking probes, so the purchase looks a bit risky although he claims to be a second-hand goods seller.
I really like the Agilent/Keysight meters, I also have a Keysight 34461A 6.5 digit bench meter that I bought new about 4 years ago and recently had calibrated. Here's a side by side of the 3 handhelds...
WaveyDipole, the rotary switch test on the Agilent/Keysight meter was indeed quite worrying. However, there are a few variables that were discussed at the time that could sway the decision towards either way.
Specifically for the U1273A, on the price I would add the possibility of requiring a new display. Keysight sells a replacement display at a very steep price but others folks around here couldn't find quite a drop-in replacement.
Incidentally I noticed in a photo that the meter display temperature without any probe plugged in? Does it have an internal sensor to display ambient temperature? If so, then that might be useful for logging.
Thank you for that info which I have noted. I am aware that ones with OLED display have a problem with it fading after 3 or 4 years, but didn't realise the ones with the LCD display also had problems.
Incidentally I came across a used U1273 for a reasonable price.
Thank you for that info which I have noted. I am aware that ones with OLED display have a problem with it fading after 3 or 4 years, but didn't realise the ones with the LCD display also had problems.
Interesting, my disclaimer was due to the fact you mentioned U1273A - the LCD version is U1272A.
I bought a new meter from ebay that was manufactured in January 2019 and after I got it, installed new batteries made by Duracell Optimum 1.5 V Alkaline AA kind of never used it, but made sure it worked and set the time and date and shut it off and after about 2 week tried to turn it on but was dead. Took the battery compartment out and you could see the batteries actually were bad and corroded the battery pack a little. Actually bought a new cover for 50 bucks, but clean the contacts in the old one that was new with the meter and have been watching the batteries and meter for about a week Turning it on everyday and seems ok. I know the meter will drain down the batteries over time but in two weeks of not being used! What do you guys think is going on. Can I use lithium battery? But what to think about this problem and also bring new. Maybe possible when I put it in its new case I hit the power button, but not sure. Advise would be nice!
I bought a new meter from ebay that was manufactured in January 2019 and after I got it, installed new batteries made by Duracell Optimum 1.5 V Alkaline AA kind of never used it, but made sure it worked and set the time and date and shut it off and after about 2 week tried to turn it on but was dead. Took the battery compartment out and you could see the batteries actually were bad and corroded the battery pack a little. Actually bought a new cover for 50 bucks, but clean the contacts in the old one that was new with the meter and have been watching the batteries and meter for about a week Turning it on everyday and seems ok. I know the meter will drain down the batteries over time but in two weeks of not being used! What do you guys think is going on. Can I use lithium battery? But what to think about this problem and also bring new. Maybe possible when I put it in its new case I hit the power button, but not sure. Advise would be nice!So far with the new Lithium batteries and new battery case holder I am good, but wonder why when I turn on the light it goes to high, then hit button again goes to low.Seems like all the videos I see it's the opposite. Maybe it's because of this being made in January 2019?
One thing I read about those Keysight/Agilent meters and that has held me back is regarding the rotary knob contacts wearing prematurely compared to Fluke. I'm not sure whether this applies to a specific models or Agilent vs Keysight branded versions or more generally. The test here is on a U1231 which is at the low end:
Maybe higher end models are not so affected? he makes a point about the contacts not being lubricated, but doesn't mention whether lubrication would help to extend the longevity? The video is from 2017, so maybe things have improved in later versions? I have re-considered my purchase of a Fluke 289 in favour of an Agilent/Keysight meter so would be very interested in your observations when you unit arrives.