Fluke 87V Max True-RMS Digital Multimeter with Solar Test Lead Kit, CAT III 1000v Rated Multimeter, Waterproof and Dustproof IP67 Case, and MC4 Test Leads and Holster

There are a few things one must know to judge Digital Multi-Meters. Most DMMs are based around an Integrated Circuit (IC) that contains all the basic functions of a DMM. The are several such 'chips'. Then, potentiometers (trim pots) are added outside the chip for calibration, and an A/D conveter translates the internal reading in the DMM chip to a digital readout.Current is measured across a shunt, and the resulting voltage drop is fed to the DMM IC. The device also must contain a PMIE DC voltage reference for the A/D converter. The more accurate the PMIE voltage reference, the more relevant counts (digits) the meter can have, and the higher the legitimate accuracy.Many meters omit accuracy specs, duping buyers into believing they are as accurate as their resolutions (smallest measurable amount) suggest.For instance, a 20,000 count meter can measure from 0.0001V giving it up to 100uV (microvolt) resolution. On the 100mV (millivolt) scale, it would be 100.01mV, or 10uV resolution.In order for those readings to be meaningful to the rightmost digit (least significant digit), the meter must be accurate to +-0.01%. Anything greater than 0.01% is not exploiting the full resolution of the device, and the resolution is therefore superflous! Maximum accuracy is nearly always found on the DC Voltage function.For instance, a meter with +-1.0% accuracy and 100uV resolution would produce meaningless values for the last two digits, because the error is greater than those. Such a meter would have an error of +-10mV, or 100x greater than the resolution alone would suggest.The whole idea of using all-in-one DMM integrated Circuits is offensive to discriminating users for two reasons: 1). 'Linearity' says the meter that is accurate at 10V will also be accurate at 1.0V and 0.1V, that is, it's response is linear across the range, and across ranges.An IC can not produce good linearity, because ICs themselves are nonlinear devices. Quality meters take a different route. Rather than use an adjustable resistive load (potentiometer) connected to a DMM chip for calibration, the Fluke 87-V stores digital values for calibration constants acquired during each calibration.The meter is told the output value of the reference used for calibration, and it also reads the reference. Then, it says, OK, the reading I'm making right now should be equal to the amount the technician entered into me before this calibration step.Then, it stores a digital representation of that relationship in an onboard prom (programmqble read-only memory) module, another type of IC.After calibration, all calibration points are stored as a digital representation of the relationship between the value the technician specifies and the actual reading of the reference.For instance, I have access to an eletrical calibration lab with a Fluke 732B DC Standard. Its output is known to within +-0.00000015VDC, OR 0.15uV. If I calibrate my 87-V MAX meter, I put the meter in calibration mode, and it asks for a series of references, one at a time.For the 10VDC step, I connect the 732B, input the known output value, and perform that step. The meter knows two things: 1). what the output value of the standard is, 2). what 'its' reading is of the same standard. It compares those and makes a digital representation to store in the 'calibration constants' memory in the memory prom.The other reason an all-in-one DMM chip does not suffice for a quality DMM: aging. With aging, the measurement values change over time, a lot! Calibration by changing the outputs on the output values on the DMM IC (by use of trim pots) + basic non-linearity of ICs + excessive long-term drift = an inaccurate meter that will be in constant needmof calibration, and will have different accuracy specs at different measurement values.Quality meters also employ isolation between the inner and outer sections of the meter. The analog sensors on the outer board (incoming signal from the meter terminals) can iterfere with the inner board, where the measurement is processed for digital output to the display.Fluke has been known to use optical couplers with digital lasers to communcate from the outer to inner boards, effectively eliminating all electrical interference, and reducing internal noise to the minimum possible. You can check internal noise by shorting the Volt-Ohm and Common terminals, and setting the meter to DCV. It should read zero.Fluke hand picks the PMIE voltate reference ICs used in the 87-V MAX, using only the most precise examples! These are aged, which minimizes long-term drift out of the box. That means accuracy is improved, and the improvec accuracy is long term.All of the above is not to mention that the unit I received came with TL175 soft, flexible, retractable leads, alligator clips that screw onto the leads, a thermocouple for temperature, terminal caps to make the unit IP67, sealed against water. The instruction manual is enough to begin using the meter.Since I am familiar with Fluke products, I don't think I've needed the manual except for specs. One interesting note, certain DC induction motors have a builtin DC inveter used to regulate speed. Most meters cannot properly read current draw of such motors (typically found in small cooling fans), because it is not constant.The 87-V MAX correctly measures current draw on such devices, whereas the reading on a power supply driving the motor is WAY off. The display 'IS' bright, clear, large and easy to read. But the view angle is smaller than some meters. In other words, you should read it straight on, not at an angle.Of note is that Fluke did not bother obtaining FCC approval for use in residential-zoned areas. The residential approval is more stringent than commercial and/or industrial. Consequently, warrantee claims regardimg readings performed in residential-zoned areas, such as homes, 'may' not be honored.So, make sure you're using the product only as approved. Since the the 87-V uses at least one microprocessor, it produces radiation in the radio-frequency range. The unit is very tough. It can withstand being dropped from 13 feet onto concrete four times, on any side.The batteries last up to 800 hours without the backlight. But how realistic is that!? I use it for diagnostics and troubleshootimg. One of our PCs failed. It took me 1.5 hour to repair (replace 3 caps on mobo) using only a PSU checker and this meter for diagnosis. The capacitance function is very hearty, and, as is intuitively predictable, you connect the negative then the positive on polar caps (electrlytic and polymer).Since one reading requires only 250ms, or 1/4 or 0.25 seconds, most transcients can be easily caught, for instance those caused by large inverters. I've had this meter for about a year. Already it has saved me fifty hours over using a $50.00 DMM.Many reviews are about the 87-V. That is an older meter. The 87-V MAX is a total remake of the 87-V. Many buyers are sticking with the 87-V, either because they aren't aware of the new 'MAX' model, or for the same reasons some people insist on vinyl records and film cameras.I'm not a instrument-manufacturer evangelist. Give me any quality instrument, and I'll get the job done. But Fluke Corporation obviously put serious thought into their remake of the iconic 87-V handheld DMM--the most popular handheld DMM ever made.I've used both the '87-V' and the '87-V MAX'. Newer isn't always better. But in this case it is. If you don't know 'why' you need this DMM, you don't. But if you do, the 87-V MAX is a safe bet.

I use this tool every day. It is a very well built tool and very nice to use.

The best multimeter you can buy in a sturdy package for people with fumble fingers like me. I love this thing if you can't tell. I'm just a homebody who does a lot of work around the house and this thing is great for homeowners, everything you need and nothing you don't. I've never once used this thing and thought "oh that can't be right" like I usually do with the cheaply made multimeters.Yes, it's bulky, and if I had to schlep it around a job site all day with it, I might not be too happy. But for me, working out of my garage, the bulk doesn't matter.

Bought a new fluke 87 V to replace my 20 year old 87 meter that was stolen. The 87 series is a workhorse type of meter that is at home on an electronics repair bench and a remote service site. I routinely use this meter to diagnose automotive electronic and electrical systems.This meter has the ability to withstand everyday use for years. My original meter came with a nice case that was substantial and durable, this purchase required me to buy a cheap Fluke case for a lot of money, not a fan of the leads that ship with this meter so I needed to upgrade the leads. I could get by just fine with the supplied leads but I like what I like and that cost me another 100.00 to buy a Fluke lead set that closely matched the lead set with various tips and clips I lost when my original meter was stolen. This meter is well worth the investment and the feature set of the 87V Max gives you the ability to work across many electronics and electrical applications with one meter.

Replacement for my old 87 meter, as apparently Fluke considers 20 years the end of their "lifetime" warranty and won't service it anymore. So hopefully I'll see 20 years of service out of this 87V.

Great investment if you use a DMM daily and want a professional tool, not a cheap meter you stake your life on.

Thew thing did come with the soft silicone test lead and alligator clips. No manual; tho, which is stupid, cuz Fluke included a ' Safety information ' booklet, printed in about a dozen different languages, or more. As thick as the ' safety information ' booklet is, they could've just put a user manual in it's place. That would be way more sensible.The meter with manual could be sold to every different country and include the manual for that language.It's retarded.

I sent my meter in for a safety mod. For weeks, it sat on their bench, without anything done. Several calls later, someone actually laughed at me. They claimed there was no safety problem--but replaced the probes. My short fling with Fluke is over.