It's not a Fluke

[BCam]

My go-to meter most of the time is a Radio Shack multimeter that has an AC/DC clamp-on amp probe, which I've found to be very useful. I think every RVer should have a multimeter with such a probe. It eliminates the need to disconnect wires to measure amperage. Several models are available on Amazon in the $40 range.

I have a Fluke 117 but haven't used it too much and it will stay home. Part of my motivation in buying one is I'm also a Ham Radio operator.

For the most part, our RV measurements don't require the accuracy of a Fluke. We forget that we sent men to the moon using slide rules and analog meters.

[Isaac-1]

Originally Posted by MarylandIUEC

The Fluke I use at work is awesome. It's a megger. We use it for a variety of elevator controller tests but it costs close to $1k and the company has to provide it per the collective bargaining agreement.

https://www.fluke.com/en-us/product/.../fluke-1587-fc

Way overkill for basic rv tests. Any meter that's capable of testing ac and dc voltage will work for the road. A plug in style GFI tester is a nice tool to have also.

The 1587 is a nice meter, but as you said expensive, I guess I will have to make do with my 87V with i410 AC/DC clamp for multimeter stuff and my 1507 for insulation testing.


Though generally I just carry my 117 in the motorhome, good meter, a lot lighter and less bulky than the 87V, the thumb wheel selector and built in proximity AC detector is nice too.

[richard5933]

I've been using one of these for four years now with good success:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Two things I like on it that some meters don't have - temp probe and hz measurement. On an RV, those two things come in very handy.

At the price of the Fluke, this one can be replaced quite a few times over.

[Jmac00]

Originally Posted by Xmcdog

Have used Flukes for years. The refrigeration industry requires a good meter for the electronics. Usually carry two including a clampon ammeter. The clamp on died after many years and I replaced it with a Klein. I thought in retirement I wouldn't need another Fluke. Well the Klein lasted three weeks when I noticed I was getting a 78 v ghost reading. The Fluke read 0 volts.

I'm back to a Fluke.

yep I use a series 16, its built for the HVAC industry, I have had mine for over 20 years now. Does everything I need it to do, even bounce it off the floor every now-n-then

[Journey cat]

2 FLUKE 16's here ! Had them for many a year .

[rodekyll]

I use Fluke 77's for standard multimeter functions. I have some cheap stuff for simple go/no-go readings, but I bought my first Fluke (new) over 30 years ago and it still does the job in any of my "real world" environments.

My other 77's came from Craigslist and pawn shops. I think I've gotten three more that way, with a combined cost of less than one new unit. They're good stuff. I've never had one go bad if it tested good during the sale. So to beat the price, buying used is an option.

Now the test leads are another jar of worms. I've gone through many sets of those.

[Sweetbriar]

My Fluke 77 lasted 30 hard years before the LCD display was not longer readable. I used the meter a lot more than just the RV and it served me well. Had low cost meters in addition to the Fluke that have long since failed in some way while the 77 kept going. Replaced it with a model 106 last summer as the back up, Simpson 260, needs to stay on the bookcase shelf as something special to be admired.

[Spdracr39]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyV5y2rgQ8Q

I couldn't be without my multimeter. I also have a clampmeter. Both are Ideal Brand which is similar to fluke in price and quality.

[tetranz]

I've had this for about 40 years and even brought it with me when I moved to the US. Dick Smith was basically the "Radio Shack" of Australia and New Zealand. It's pretty much all I ever needed as a electronic and ham radio hobbyist. I don't know what exactly was "Designed for Australia" about it. As far as I know, elections move the same way there.

It still works but I recently decided it was time to upgrade and got one of these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._title_o07_s00 It's certainly no Fluke but it's crazy how much functionality it has for the price.

[Isaac-1]

Originally Posted by Sweetbriar

My Fluke 77 lasted 30 hard years before the LCD display was not longer readable. I used the meter a lot more than just the RV and it served me well. Had low cost meters in addition to the Fluke that have long since failed in some way while the 77 kept going. Replaced it with a model 106 last summer as the back up, Simpson 260, needs to stay on the bookcase shelf as something special to be admired.

There are replacement LCD screens available for the Fluke 77

[RoadEyePie]

Originally Posted by tetranz

I don't know what exactly was "Designed for Australia" about it. As far as I know, elections move the same way there.

It still works but I recently decided it was time to upgrade and got one of these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._title_o07_s00 It's certainly no Fluke but it's crazy how much functionality it has for the price.

Well Australia is "down under" so voltage would flow backwards wouldn't it?

[BCam]

Originally Posted by Sweetbriar

Simpson 260, needs to stay on the bookcase shelf as something special to be admired.

There's something special about the Simpson. Sometimes there's no substitute for an analog meter with a needle. I bought mine used at a garage sale and, like your's, it stays on the shelf 99.9% of the time. It was the meter of my dreams as a kid interested in electronics.

[Sweetbriar]

Originally Posted by BCam

There's something special about the Simpson. Sometimes there's no substitute for an analog meter with a needle. I bought mine used at a garage sale and, like your's, it stays on the shelf 99.9% of the time. It was the meter of my dreams as a kid interested in electronics.

Only thing I had in my early days of working a 3D and fire control radars in the Navy. We could only dream about getting out hands on a small digital meter that the NAVSEA tech reps would show up with. To my last duty day in 2004 the Simpson was always the best for zeroing synchros and balancing antenna drive and tach feedback circuits.

[okcnewbie]

Originally Posted by JFXG

Try this for size.......

DSS Technical Services - PSM-6 InventoryALL METERS ARE FULLY FUNCTIONAL AND INCLUDE A NEW SET OF LEADS

Just retired after 36 years with the Air Force maintaining F-4, 5, B52, and B1 Avionic test stands....... this brought back memories.

Thanks!