New/used Fluke 189 11 - numbers bouncing around when I turn it on

[bc888]

Hi all:

New to the game, I could have put this in "total" noobie beginner section" as well because that's what I am but figured this was a better location. I bought a used Fluke 189 (2) online that was "in good working condition". $199 seemed fair yet when I turn it on the numbers bounce around no matter what function I set it at. I did a search on eevblog and didn't see an answer and fruitlessly perused the online manual. Is there an easy fix for this or am I missing something and this is normal behavior? I've taken the batteries out for 24 hours and will reinstall them tonight to see if that will do anything. The thing otherwise looks perfect - still has the plastic film over the plastic viewing window.

In case this post elicits a "just buy one of Daves Eevblog BM235's, I already did that as well. Should I send the Fluke back to the seller?

[tooki]

Does it show a correct value when actually measuring something?

[mzacharias]

Hi all:

New to the game, I could have put this in "total" noobie beginner section" as well because that's what I am but figured this was a better location. I bought a used Fluke 189 online that was "in good working condition". $199 seemed fair yet when I turn it on the numbers bounce around no matter what function I set it at. I did a search on eevblog and didn't see an answer and fruitlessly perused the online manual. Is there an easy fix for this or am I missing something and this is normal behavior? I've taken the batteries out for 24 hours and will reinstall them tonight to see if that will do anything. The thing otherwise looks perfect - still has the plastic film over the plastic viewing window.

In case this post elicits a "just buy one of Daves Eevblog BM235's, I already did that as well. Should I send the Fluke back to the seller?

It's quite normal for the digits to wander around a bit, especially if the test leads are connected to the meter but just laying out there unconnected to any circuit.

They pick up all sorts of noise, especially on AC volts and milli-volts function.

If this behavior mostly goes away when you short the leads, and if normal measurements work correctly, the meter is probably working exactly as intended.

Here is a link to the 189 owners manual.

https://assets.fluke.com/manuals/187_189_umeng0200.pdf

[bc888]

I'll try to measure a battery when I get home tonight and see if it settles down. I believe I'd put it on continuity and touched the probe tips and the numbers still were dancing around.

[bc888]

Came home, stuffed the batteries back in, seems to work fine. (normal). Thanks!