Opinion on used Fluke 189

[Balaur]

Dear forum,

I would like to buy a better multimeter than my current best: Fluke 117.

The primary features/reasons I'm looking for in the new one are the following:

• better accuracy - always appreciated
• better AC bandwidth - I'm missing this at the moment and I planned to do some audio stuff in the future
• micro amps - I have another multimeter with this range, buy why not another one
• relative/null

I happen to quite like bench multimeters. I have the opportunity to buy an Agilent 34401A at 330 euros (~440 dollars) but when compared to newer 34410A (we have one at work) it really losses its shine. Plus, for space & usability reasons, a bench meter is not maybe the best choice yet.

Then, I could buy a Fluke 87 III for around 130 euros, but I'm not sure that I like the default 4000 counts.

The current choice seems to be a Fluke 189 (first gen) for around 200 euros. It looks like a very good choice for my needs. Additionally to the features I'm looking for, it has a second display, AA batteries and even a logging feature.

What do you think about this plan? Any obvious drawbacks?

I have also considered other brands and models.

• I have a very nice HIOKI pen multimeter that opened my eyes to the brand, but the nice 3801-50 it's a bit outside my budget and it looks difficult to get.
• The Chauvin-Arnoux/Metrix models have a strange form factor that I personally don't like. Plus, their owners have a disproportionate view of the second-hand value, and I'm not a great fan of their rebagging strategy
• The Agilent U125xA just doesn't do it for me and I didn't found a good source anyway.
• No real love for Mastechs and like

Cheers and thank you very much for your advices,
Dan

[alm]

Main drawback in my opinion is battery life. Batteries don't last years like in some other Flukes, but Eneloops are an acceptable workaround. It's quite big compared to most handhelds. Apart from that, I think it's quite nice. I don't mind it for general purpose work, unlike Dave. I like the features. Only thing I dislike is having to go through the setup menu to turn off the beeper (I want it for continuity, but not for min/max) or auto power off, and having to remember to change it back for next time. The press a button on power on option of the smaller meters is faster.

The VFD of the Agilent bench meters is much better, however. especially in poor light or at awkward viewing angles.

[JoeyP]

I have both the Fluke 189 and Agilent 34401A meters, and  have used them for years. Both are superb meters in my opinion. I don't get "years" of battery life out of the 189, but I do typically get months. That said, if you already have something adequate for portable use, I would definitely opt for the 34401A.  It is one of my all-time favorite tools.

[zaoka]

I have HIOKI 3801-50 and several others, its my favorite.

[ipman]

I have a 189, first generation.
Eneloops on it seems to last the same time as a 9V block on my backup 179, or maybe a little bit less, but anyway a long time.
Better accuracy, larger bandwidth (100kHz), min/max/average/relative, datalogging, dual display you will get extra.
My meter was bought second-hand from the first owner, produced in 2003 and still is in specs when checked with a calibrator (a free check offered to me by the Fluke dealer here).

[Balaur]

alm, JoeyP, zaoka, thank you so much for your advices. Much appreciated.

ipman, multumesc frumos. Toate cele bune.

It looks like I'll be getting the 189.
I'll definitely buy an Agilent bench multimeter whenever I'll get my own lab.

Cheers to all,
Dan

[grenert]

I have HIOKI 3801-50 and several others, its my favorite.

That Hioki looks to be of the same Escort lineage as the Agilent U1252/U1253 multimeters.

[nukie]

you won't regret getting the 189, its a meter that holds calibration years after years. the environment seal means the electronics inside will be as prestine as the day it left the factory.

beware of leaky alkaline damage. the battery life isn't an issue for me, mine is always left in DC mV mode, I wake it up by pressing the blue button.

[Kiriakos-GR]

Hi Balaur , be warned that many used 189 on ebay they come with out the rear plastic base that you need, so to attach the infrared module for data logging.

This base looks like a gray plastic that is attached on the yellow holster with dual side sticky tape.

[Balaur]

Hello all,

@grenert

Indeed, they look very similarly and have identical/close specifications. But for some very subjective reasons, I like better the Hioki.

@nukie
Thank you for the battery life info. It looks manageable.

@Kiriakos
Thank you for the warning. Indeed, I'm aware of the adapter bracket issue, but the one I have found looks complete.

Cheers,
Dan

[ipman]

189 is not water or wheater proof. PCB is visible if you open the battery compartment, which is not sealed with rubber seals or something similar.
The plastic base which holds the infrared adapter is still somehow sticky even now, you have to pull the interface hard to remove it. My base is black, it holds the leads also, and is not taped to the holster.
Sanyo Eneloops are a much better choice than batteries, and they will not leak.

[Nermash]

This probably won't help you, but I often find myself looking at the Agilent 3401/3402 whenever I research multimeters

[Balaur]

This probably won't help you, but I often find myself looking at the Agilent 3401/3402 whenever I research multimeters

Thank you for your opinion. Actually, buying a bench multimeter is definitely something I will do acquire at some point, spousal approval required.

The 3401/3402 are very nice and I can see myself using those one comfortably. However, I can only buy these new and the price is enough to make you wonder if you could not have an used 34401 (or - unlikely at this point - a 34410).

But who knows, if I ever find a good deal, a 3402 is definitely a buy.

Cheers,
Dan

[bdivi]

I own a Fluke 187 ( 189 w/o logging memory), Solartron 7150plus 6 1/2 digits, HP precision power supply 6632B, HP counter 5334A with DVM option and several other lesser brand meters.

Most of the time I use the Fluke and I am very happy with it - very fast, accurate, good display, well thought of functions. Once in a while I check it against the Solartron - just to make sure. After years they still match within one digit.

Having used many different bench and handheld meters I can say that Fluke 187/189 are the best meters for everyday general electronics. Can't go wrong here.