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I just sent an e-mail to Fluke, checking if they can give me warranty here in Brazil. If they do I'll pick the 87V. If they don't, that Greenlee rsjsouza recommended seems really good!
Are the fuses on the Greenlee specific? Or can I use the fuse of a Fluke on them? Fluke fuses are easy to find in Brazil.
Edit:
Damn!!! The time it will take to deliver the Greenlee, won't reach my brother in time. Is there any other place selling it? -
Do the same taxes apply, if you use bitcoins for payment?
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I just sent an e-mail to Fluke, checking if they can give me warranty here in Brazil. If they do I'll pick the 87V. If they don't, that Greenlee rsjsouza recommended seems really good!
Are the fuses on the Greenlee specific? Or can I use the fuse of a Fluke on them? Fluke fuses are easy to find in Brazil.
Edit:
Damn!!! The time it will take to deliver the Greenlee, won't reach my brother in time. Is there any other place selling it?
Ronny, the Greenlee DM860A that Lightages recommended (a better model than the DM830A I mentioned before) is also available here.
Desipte I have never used this website, what drew my attention to it is that they accept international orders (thus are friendly with International Credit Cards) and even accept Paypal. Regarding shipping, they say they ship within 3-4 days. With UPS 2nd day air (+US$30.00) it stays well within your budget (about $350.00).
BTW, the DM860A uses the same fuses as the 87V (440mA and 11A 1kV HRC). The DM830A, though, uses different fuses (1A and 10A for 600V). -
I just did a quick search for the equivalent of the Brymen BM869 from MiniPa in Brazil. I found one shop with a price of R$ 1.692,00, or in USD $544.00. Crazy.
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Lightages, a brand-spanking-new Fluke 87V is R$3.070,00 - about US$1000.00!
Greed is the most significant factor here - that is why the opportunity of having someone bringing this directly from "the source" is so precious.
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Regarding the 87V versus U1272A, I would say (and others would probably agree) that it is a difference between the age of each design: the 87V is an older but proven design that brings less features to the table but it comes with a lifetime warranty (although I am not 100% sure how it applies to non-officially imported products). The Agilent has more features (30k counts, dual display, PC connectivity for datalogging, etc.) but it has three years warranty. One big plus for the Agilent is the use of common AAA batteries, while the Fluke uses a 9V battery (these are expensive in Brazil).
I have had both (and a U1273A - the OLED version of the U1272A) at the same time. The 87V does what it does extremely well, is totally solid and has a feeling of lasting a lifetime. It's impossible not to like it. I used mine with great pleasure. The U1272A also feels very solid, has better features (including very good local and remote data logging) but has these two or three small issues that bug you, including the beep on start and the scratchy continuity. Personally, I sold my 87V, returned my U1272A and bought the U1273A. The OLED is absolutely awesome (indoor!) and it helps navigating menus and scaling numbers when doing dual-display. For me, data logging was important and I love the OLED. But I could totally see going with the 87V or the U1272A or or of the bang-for-the-buck Brymens. No loser here.
On the topic of probes, try to get a set of Fluke TL71. Not expensive but very good. You can get the set of slide-on crocodiles for it (AC175). The TL175 "Twistguard" are ok, but the body is hard plastic, so they are less comfortable. The Twistguard is not all that useful. The only real advantage is that the AC175 crocodile clips screw on securely, while they only slide on the TL71.
For smaller electronics, the Fluke TL910 are pricey (and not suitable for rough electrical work), but incredibly sexy (quoting Dave) and nice with different tips.
If you have the money and just one shot at getting equipment from the US, Fluke makes several lead set kits including the above: TL80A/TL81A (with the TL71) and TLK287 (with the TL910).
Note that Pomona (owned by Fluke and the ODM for the Fluke lead sets) sells cheaper versions of the above.
I am using all my Keysight gear (HH and bench DMMs) with the Fluke leads. -
I think the decision rests on whether you more highly value features/specifications vs. build quality/ruggedness.
The Fluke 87V wins on build quality, they are extremely rugged and probably provide all of the specs you really need.
The Brymens have better features/specs. The build quality is good but not as good as Fluke. I now have both the BM869 and BM257 and love both of them. My primary complaint about the Brymen meters is the function selector dial is difficult to turn. Kind of a pain, actually. The Fluke meters are like butter.
The agilent handhelds are like the worst of both worlds
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Guys, the way things are happening here... it must be the Fluke 87V.
I mean, look from my point of view.
I found it on amazon for 360. It will ship and arrive in time. Free shipping by the way.
There are multiple places where I can calibrate or repair it in Brazil.
It excels in the functions I'll use the most.
Is built like a brick (I see those things being used by dozens of students every day, and no problem).
Fuses available in the market.
Almost sure it will work fine when I receive it.
Now the Greenlee:
Really good quality.
More functions than the Fluke
Although cheaper, I need to pay a very expensive shipping.
No support in Brazil.
Some say it comes from factory not calibrated (I can't risk having that problem).
And the Agilent:
Really good quality.
More functions.
Multiple complaints about little problems happening randomly to people (I definitely can't risk that)
Support in Brazil
The most expensive option.
Is there anything I am missing? I really see the Fluke as the winning option, the way I am buying this reliability is a really big thing. -
I have 4 fluke meters now and have used them for the last 30yrs. I think the 87v is a good pick.
I bought my 87v from craigslist for $ 120.00 it had a bad 400 ma. fuse a $6.00 repair.
I always used flukes because most of my working life I was dealing with high voltage 480v,I don't know of a better meter for this propose, at flukes price range. they also work great for low voltage.
regards
bill
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BTW not many meters are built as tough as the flukes are, I have dropped a few from 20 feet with no damage.
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Guys, the way things are happening here... it must be the Fluke 87V.
No question about your decision. The 87V is an excellent choice that will last for a lifetime, and the supplier (Amazon) has the smaller risk considering the limited window of opportunity you have. Just be sure to post some pictures here (edit) of your new baby when it arrives!
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The Fluke is a fine choice. You should get it from Tequipment.net. $326 after eevblog discount and free shipping and a free case. They are a Fluke authorized distributor and highly regarded here.
While you're at it, grab a set of TL71 for $25. -
the other company's have a long way to go to match flukes reputation, when I have a choice I am getting a fluke.
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I am sure you will be very happy with a Fluke 87V.