Products > Test Equipment
Fluke 289 - yet a good investment nowadays?
bdunham7:
--- Quote from: jchw4 on October 29, 2023, 12:43:20 pm ---This thread was specifically about 289. Company strategy is probably irrelevant to whether a particular product is outdated.
Promoting a 20+ years old electronic design as a top product is a shame.
We can discuss why they are still doing that. But at the end the answer would be "because they can". It's still irrelevant to a particular model.
--- End quote ---
In what way do you feel that the 289 does not measure up as as 'top product' when it comes to handheld DMMs and what competitive products do you think are better?
As for why they are still producing the same product, do you think every product needs to be continuously updated and every customer wants "the latest" as opposed to the tried and true? How about the tree trimmer getting a new Stihl chainsaw to replace his 20-year old model that has been overhauled 3X. Do you think he wants a "new and better" model that he is unfamiliar with?
Company strategy is not irrelevant. Very long product cycles are a Fluke feature, not a cynical ploy to avoid paying engineers. They did respin the main PCBA on the 289 without changing the model number. They may have to revalidate the product when they change suppliers for certain parts and over a time period like 20 years parts availability becomes an issue. Keeping a 20+ year old design in production isn't all that easy when you play by the rules.
JoeRoy:
--- Quote from: Fungus on October 11, 2023, 02:51:02 pm ---It's all down to the price/condition, which is still a secret.
Would I buy a 289 for full price? Never.
Would I buy a 289 for $350? Nope.
Would I buy a 289 for $250? I'd think about it, but probably not because I know I wouldn't use it much.
Would I buy a 289 for $100? Yes, but only if it's not too beat up and dirty. I know I won't use it much so it has to look pretty at least.
YMMV.
--- End quote ---
Who cares about your price range?! There is a 0.0001% probability of finding an excellent Fluke 289 for $100 and your "good heart" needs to rape someone naive that doesn't know the correct price.
I have 2 Flukes 289 and 3 Flukes 189 (which I'm selling), the Fluke 289 is one the best DMMs, and is Superior to the Fluke 189 in Everything, the only disadvantage is the screen for the outdoors, but it works fine indoors in a proper lighting lab. The 189 also consumes a lot of battery, isn't more efficient than 289.
Using a Fluke 289 in Electronics projects, tests, troubleshooting, etc is an excellent choice. The Return on Investment can be paid quickly, mostly if the work requires several logging measures.
If logging is not so important, I really recommend the Agilent U1272/3A, U1282A, or Brymen 869s.
People who choose tools, mostly based on low price is because can't earn enough to justify the purchase, this happens in ALL Fields: computing, photos, mechanics, chemistry, automobile, music, etc.
https://lygte-info.dk/review/DMMFluke%20289%20UK.html
JoeRoy:
--- Quote from: arturmariojr on October 27, 2023, 11:00:22 am ---Myne is 1.16. As Fluke states, it can't receive the newer version of firmware.
Thanks!
--- End quote ---
When I wrote to Fluke about these firmware versions, they said the difference between 1.16 and 1.41 was just because they changed the PCB. And they guarantee that the Accuracy and everything are the Same on 1.16 and 1.41.
I also bought another 289 1-year ago and I realized they changed the Display, I wrote to Fluke and they confirmed that the new Flukes 289 comes with this new display.
JoeRoy:
--- Quote from: BeBuLamar on October 11, 2023, 03:55:15 pm ---Lo Ohms sounds good but I don't think I get the accuracy being only 2 wire ohm measurement.
--- End quote ---
I tested measuring 1, 2, and 10 mOhm and matched with my LCR. I use Low Ohms (up to 55R) a lot, very useful.
jchw4:
--- Quote from: bdunham7 on October 29, 2023, 03:30:16 pm ---
--- Quote from: jchw4 on October 29, 2023, 12:43:20 pm ---This thread was specifically about 289. Company strategy is probably irrelevant to whether a particular product is outdated.
Promoting a 20+ years old electronic design as a top product is a shame.
We can discuss why they are still doing that. But at the end the answer would be "because they can". It's still irrelevant to a particular model.
--- End quote ---
In what way do you feel that the 289 does not measure up as as 'top product' when it comes to handheld DMMs and what competitive products do you think are better?
--- End quote ---
You do not need working alternatives to see that an item is old.
We need an example. Say we see a horse-drawn railway. I would say that it's clearly outdated. Does it have a direct alternative? No locomotives of a specific gauge, not enough money to totally wipe it and rebuild, a local authority requires a certified cab to work on hay, "This is our strategy!", etc. A zillion issues!
Does it make it modern? No. It's an old stinky unreliable transport. Literally stinky. You know that because you drive your car. You are aware of internal combustion engines and other railroads. Your nose smells the poop.
Getting back to 289. A graphical multimeter. Just look at your phone.
Businesses want their employees to work faster. Slow boot? Not welcome. Slow auto-range? Never. Basic functions require pressing several buttons? It could be a bad joke.
A "fast" 20 years ago just became slow.
Oil companies do not care? Government? Military? They are all slow, but they do care.
--- Quote ---As for why they are still producing the same product, do you think every product needs to be continuously updated and every customer wants "the latest" as opposed to the tried and true? How about the tree trimmer getting a new Stihl chainsaw to replace his 20-year old model that has been overhauled 3X. Do you think he wants a "new and better" model that he is unfamiliar with?
--- End quote ---
He does. His customers want him to use an electric trimmer. The old stinky saw is not welcome anymore in any neighborhood.
--- Quote ---Company strategy is not irrelevant. Very long product cycles are a Fluke feature, not a cynical ploy to avoid paying engineers. They did respin the main PCBA on the 289 without changing the model number. They may have to revalidate the product when they change suppliers for certain parts and over a time period like 20 years parts availability becomes an issue. Keeping a 20+ year old design in production isn't all that easy when you play by the rules.
--- End quote ---
Should I pay $900 for a multimeter because their strategy suggests that they will make a beautiful IR camera next year? The product is already there. The warranty and support is what matters. It's all in the product papers, not in the strategy. Strategy is for investors. Customers only have terms of contract.
If their own rules prevent them from offering modern products I have bad feelings about their future. But it’s also irrelevant to a particular model.
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