Call me Brandy Loyale, but I just ticked on " I think the Fluke 87V is really a good meter and want to see if a third one would be better"
TBH I don't think a 3rd or 30th would make a lot of difference, but would like to ask if Mr. Smith can recommend some simple improvements to the 87V so it can survive more of his advanced Lab testing
and still work after a shuffling casual walk on carpet touch n zap test
An external protection box would be nice, so as not mess with the meter's insides and void warranties
No problem. Many people are brand loyal.
I have been researching Gossen a fair amount the last few months. They used to offer a product that would increase the robustness of their meters. I have been unable to find any further information about it and when I asked Gossen, they stated it was discontinued. It would have been interesting to know more about it.
You are correct that I never tested the 87V with my little grill starter or run the basic AC line test on it. Now days, the ESD would be much closer to the standard as that little piezo was a pretty do nothing test. It sure took out a lot of UNI-Ts though.
If I ever do get another 87V, it won't get any special treatment next time.
In all these cases, I am afraid there would be little I could recommend someone do to their meter. For ESD, it's easy enough to control it in the home lab. In the case of the 87V, I understand the one I looked last was one revision older than the current one being sold. It is possible they made improvements to harden it.
I keep holding out for Dave's new meter. I am expecting that thing to be rock solid. If it holds up as well as his rebranded 235, maybe we can do a run off between the Fluke 101, 115, the BM235 and the 121GW.