Need to setup lab.. suggest equipment

Hello all

Well, I've given a lot of thoughts about things and with all pro's and needs, first thing I am going to go for is FLUKE 87 v.

I'm little bit saddened that I have to choose amazon over element14 as product listed here costs almost double what I'm getting from amazon. I really don't know why there is such a huge difference in price.

I'll purchase other items one by one and after getting my hands on this one. I'll post my selections here soon. I haven't ordered it yet but I'll soon after giving a final thought.

Any thoughts/suggestions?

Make sure it is a Fluke 87 V if it's cheap.

I did hear that someone purchased one, but it was actually a used 83 V, inside a new 87 V shell (easy to tell because when you power it up, the LCD screen mentions the model number briefly).

You will be happy with the 87 V capability (who wouldn't!) but it's a large chunk of money considering it will be a third of your $1500 budget for a single instrument. I feel it's a mistake. Maybe you could get more productivity with a 'scope and a decent mid-range meter, all for the same price.

I only use a more accurate multimeter if the Fluke 170 series isn't good enough (I think I have a '175). The 115 you had was not very good for electronics design (any of the $50-100 multimeters mentioned by people in this thread would be better). I remember when you purchased it (and to be honest we did suggest those low-end Fluke series was not that great (for electronics design) at the time: Multimeter? TENMA 72-6130 or FLUKE 106 any good?  ).

Anyway, I don't want to put you off if your heart is set on it, it is a capable meter.

Make sure it is a Fluke 87 V if it's cheap.

I did hear that someone purchased one, but it was actually a used 83 V, inside a new 87 V shell (easy to tell because when you power it up, the LCD screen mentions the model number briefly).

Duly noted will take a deep look at that. I'll post my unboxing and review video here if I made one.

You will be happy with the 87 V capability (who wouldn't!) but it's a large chunk of money considering it will be a third of your $1500 budget for a single instrument.

Actually I'm getting it for nearly one forth of my budget ! I have my doubts on that but will return if I found something suspicious about it.

I feel it's a mistake. Maybe you could get more productivity with a 'scope and a decent mid-range meter, all for the same price.

I have seen every good reviewer or hobbyist comparing other meters with the quality, accuracy to this meter.  So, I think one should have a good meter if budget allows it. Also, it will be helpful at my workplace(factory where there are faults most of the time). It will be helpful in debugging those faults and I can put my trust on its safety.

I'm considering Rigol 1054z for scope. I need four channels for some reasons. any views on this one??

Thanks shabaz for digging up that old thread. hah . I went through the thread again. I remembered that time budget was $100 and how times have changed now. It was an OK meter I had fun with that too. Thanks for your concerns and suggestions for that time as well as for now, helped this fellow member a lot.

Actually I'll buy one more meter soon. It will be either one you all are suggesting or FLUKE 289.

Just ordered Fluke 87 v costed me around $328.

Cheers !

I would second Michael's view.

Before buying the Rigol compare carefully with the Siglent SDS1104Z-E - more scope for not much more money.

SIglent seem to be creeping up on Rigol at the low end of the scope and Spectrum Analyser market.

MK

Before buying the Rigol compare carefully with the Siglent SDS1104Z-E - more scope for not much more money.

SIglent seem to be creeping up on Rigol at the low end of the scope and Spectrum Analyser market.

MK

I would second Michael's view.