Back To Square One!

[tony3d]

Hi Guys, Well my Agilent 1273A fell through because the one they had in stock had a badly damaged box. I'm kinda glad though, because the more I read about OLED displays, the less I want one. So I now need to pick another meter. I really like the Agilents, but TEquipment can't get the U1272A, just the U1271A. My only other affordable option seems to be the Fluke 87V. I would love the 287, but that would run me up to $422.00 delivered. I want a meter with at least 20000-30000 counts, good reliability, and a nice range of features for bench top electronics. Can't consider an actual bench top meter, because I just don't have the room. Really like the built in graphing capabilities of the Fluke 287, but that is truly a lot of money!

[BravoV]

Own both 87V & 287, just to warn you 287 is thicker and longer, just feels fatter when holding it in hand, while 87V just feels nice, dont know how to explain it.

If I don't need the 287 logging & charting feature, 87V has my vote, really. Also the 287 and 289 has known problem that it's internal cap leaks and oozes out nasty gooey stuff.

Check this thread -> https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/fluke-189-with-leaking-surface-mount-coin-cell/

Photo of both side by side to give you the clue on the different, btw the yellow rubbery jacket is detachable that made the 87V much slimmer than 287 where the yellow rubber is molded permanently to the case.

[tony3d]

You mean they never addressed the cap issue? That's pretty old no?

[BravoV]

Nope, just read thoroughly that thread.

[nanofrog]

Hi Guys, Well my Agilent 1273A fell through because the one they had in stock had a badly damaged box. I'm kinda glad though, because the more I read about OLED displays, the less I want one. So I now need to pick another meter. I really like the Agilents, but TEquipment can't get the U1272A, just the U1271A. My only other affordable option seems to be the Fluke 87V. I would love the 287, but that would run me up to $422.00 delivered. I want a meter with at least 20000-30000 counts, good reliability, and a nice range of features for bench top electronics. Can't consider an actual bench top meter, because I just don't have the room. Really like the built in graphing capabilities of the Fluke 287, but that is truly a lot of money!

Honestly, I think this was the right call regarding the OLED display (same would go for the U1253B, or the newer 5.5 digit Agilent bench meter w/ OLED).

If you're after 20k - 30k counts or better, without getting into the $400 range, I'm thinking you're best bet really would be a BM869 ($309 via eBay from Franky, aka iloveelectronics). If you can make the low $400 range, then the U1252B (comes with a cal certificate, unlike the Flukes or Brymen = added value vs. the 287).

Either of the Agilents mentioned or Brymen offer better value over the 87V for electronics use IMHO (more features, and both higher resolution and higher accuracy for the U1252B and BM869).

BTW, you still never answered my previous question as to why you skipped the U1252B in favor of the U1272A. 

[tony3d]

Turns out I had already ordered the 287, then come to find out about the leaking super cap. According to Duane Smith at Fluke it's normal, and nothing to be concerned about. Yah, ok. Those photos look to me to be very concering! So, I finally order a Fluke, and find out I may have be better off with another Agilent. I don't know, very confused, and tired of the whole mess. TEquipment is trying to find out if the 287 already shipped, if so they will send me a return sticker for it, unless I find this really is nothing to be to concerned about. Guess there alway is the lifetime warranty. By the way TEquipment has been fabulous dealing with all my changes.

[EEVblog]

If you're after 20k - 30k counts or better, without getting into the $400 range, I'm thinking you're best bet really would be a BM869

Yes, this looks to be a really good bang-per-buck meter in this price range.

[nanofrog]

Turns out I had already ordered the 287, then come to find out about the leaking super cap. According to Duane Smith at Fluke it's normal, and nothing to be concerned about. Yah, ok. Those photos look to me to be very concering! So, I finally order a Fluke, and find out I may have be better off with another Agilent. I don't know, very confused, and tired and tired of the whole mess. TEquipment is trying to find out if the 287 already shipped, if so they will send me a return sticker for it, unless I find this really is nothing to be to concerned about. Guess there alway is the lifetime warranty.

I can certainly understand the frustration.

Unfortunately, I feel I have to add a bit more to the mix. Specifically, you should understand that "Lifetime Warranty" doesn't mean your lifetime, but rather 7 - 10 years. Not horrible by any means, but just so you know. Read the fine print.

As per the leaking flat capacitor, I'm not sure if this will affect you, but it's made me hesitate from buying one as well (didn't know about it prior to buying the U1252B). My decision was due to a $100 rebate, and couldn't beat that with anything from anywhere (new, calibrated, 50k count, & for electronics use). Still a good deal at normal prices though IMHO, particularly due to the cal cert. is included.

Best to take your time, as there's a lot to sort out when shopping for gear (spec sheets, pricing, real-world reviews if you can find them, ...).

BTW, here's something else you may need to learn... "Hi, my name is _______, and I'm a DMM junkie." 

[tony3d]

Turns out I had already ordered the 287, then come to find out about the leaking super cap. According to Duane Smith at Fluke it's normal, and nothing to be concerned about. Yah, ok. Those photos look to me to be very concering! So, I finally order a Fluke, and find out I may have be better off with another Agilent. I don't know, very confused, and tired and tired of the whole mess. TEquipment is trying to find out if the 287 already shipped, if so they will send me a return sticker for it, unless I find this really is nothing to be to concerned about. Guess there alway is the lifetime warranty.

I can certainly understand the frustration.

Unfortunately, I feel I have to add a bit more to the mix. Specifically, you should understand that "Lifetime Warranty" doesn't mean your lifetime, but rather 7 - 10 years. Not horrible by any means, but just so you know. Read the fine print.

As per the leaking flat capacitor, I'm not sure if this will affect you, but it's made me hesitate from buying one as well (didn't know about it prior to buying the U1252B). My decision was due to a $100 rebate, and couldn't beat that with anything from anywhere (new, calibrated, 50k count, & for electronics use). Still a good deal at normal prices though IMHO, particularly due to the cal cert. is included.

Best to take your time, as there's a lot to sort out when shopping for gear (spec sheets, pricing, real-world reviews if you can find them, ...).

BTW, here's something else you may need to learn... "Hi, my name is _______, and I'm a DMM junkie." 

LOL! I should have done just a bi more reading. I'll know tomorrow whether or not the 287 shipped. I'll go from there. I wonder how many people have actually had performance issues from this problem.

[GiskardReventlov]

I bought a BK 2709B before I knew about this exchange program.

Not sure if this meets all your reqs. but I discovered that BK has an exchange program. From what I can tell they will accept anything in exchange.
(note the Micronta I entered)

https://www.bkprecision.com/promotions/exchange-program.html

40000 count for $82.80

Model# 2712 (edit)
Handheld Digital Multimeters
True RMS AC + DC Tool Kit Digital Multimeter
This model has a 3 year warranty from original date of purchase.
   MSRP: $115.00
Upgrade Price: $82.80
Total Savings: -$32.20
Instrument Returning to B&K (edit)    MICRONTA 22-203A
Shipping    Please, contact us via email or phone for shipping pricing.
Total Charges    $82.80

http://www.bkprecision.com/products/multimeters/2712-true-rms-ac-dc-tool-kit-digital-multimeter.html

They also have a 20000 count 391A for more $$

[tony3d]

If you're after 20k - 30k counts or better, without getting into the $400 range, I'm thinking you're best bet really would be a BM869

Yes, this looks to be a really good bang-per-buck meter in this price range.

Yes, I probably should have just bought this from Franky! I can't do anything now till tomorrow. I have to find out whether or not the Fluke shipped. Hopefully not! If it did I will probably wait till I return it, and make sure my credit card has been credited. Then I'll think about another meter.

[Deckert]

If you're after 20k - 30k counts or better, without getting into the $400 range, I'm thinking you're best bet really would be a BM869

Yes, this looks to be a really good bang-per-buck meter in this price range.

While the BM869 is a great meter, I do believe that the BM867 likely offers even more bang for buck. It is exactly the same as the BM869, except that it does not have a temperature mode which results in a very reduced price.

Eg. the BM869 currently retails for US$245 at TME, while the BM867 retails for only US$174.

Of course, if you need to measure temperature, the BM869 is the ticket.

What I really love about these meters is the dual display mode where you can capture handy bits of information, such as measuring DC voltage while at the same time measuring any AC component. Excellent for measuring DC ripple, for example.

--deckert

[tony3d]

If you're after 20k - 30k counts or better, without getting into the $400 range, I'm thinking you're best bet really would be a BM869

Yes, this looks to be a really good bang-per-buck meter in this price range.

While the BM869 is a great meter, I do believe that the BM867 likely offers even more bang for buck. It is exactly the same as the BM869, except that it does not have a temperature mode which results in a very reduced price.

Eg. the BM869 currently retails for US$245 at TME, while the BM867 retails for only US$174.

Of course, if you need to measure temperature, the BM869 is the ticket.

What I really love about these meters is the dual display mode where you can capture handy bits of information, such as measuring DC voltage while at the same time measuring any AC component. Excellent for measuring DC ripple, for example.

--deckert

Make me more depressed LOL! Never thought I'd hear myself say " can't wait till my Fluke arrives so I can send it back"! Must be a Fluke!

[nanofrog]

I can't do anything now till tomorrow. I have to find out whether or not the Fluke shipped. Hopefully not! If it did I will probably wait till I return it, and make sure my credit card has been credited. Then I'll think about another meter.

Any updates?

[tony3d]

Yes, they had checked today, and it did ship! Called Fluke today, and they keep telling me they never come back for that. I was also told by one tech that it was an nonissue. Leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I'll probably keep it though, because it's everything I want in meter. It does have a very long warranty. I hate the fact that it feels somehow tainted now.

[nanofrog]

Yes, they had checked today, and it did ship! Called Fluke today, and they keep telling me they never come back for that. I was also told by one tech that it was an nonissue. Leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I'll probably keep it though, because it's everything I want in meter. It does have a very long warranty. I hate the fact that it feels somehow tainted now.

I expect you'll like that meter quite a bit, regardless of the cap issue.  Worst case it fails outside of the warranty, it's possible to replace it yourself.

[Wytnucls]

If you're after 20k - 30k counts or better, without getting into the $400 range, I'm thinking you're best bet really would be a BM869

Yes, this looks to be a really good bang-per-buck meter in this price range.

While the BM869 is a great meter, I do believe that the BM867 likely offers even more bang for buck. It is exactly the same as the BM869, except that it does not have a temperature mode which results in a very reduced price.

Eg. the BM869 currently retails for US$245 at TME, while the BM867 retails for only US$174.

Of course, if you need to measure temperature, the BM869 is the ticket.

What I really love about these meters is the dual display mode where you can capture handy bits of information, such as measuring DC voltage while at the same time measuring any AC component. Excellent for measuring DC ripple, for example.

--deckert

The BM867 is a much lesser meter.
It has less accuracy than the 869 in most ranges, but most importantly, its true RMS AC+DC readings are only good up to 1kHz, instead of 100kHz on its bigger brother.
No temp, as you mentioned, and no VFD feature.
Strangely, the fuses are only rated for 600V.