Alternative DMMs to Fluke?

[colin]

Not that there's anything wrong with Flukes, inherently, but I like having
choices.

Are there other brands that are considered as good quality as Fluke?

Thanks,

Ive had quite a few (cheap) multimeters in the past, then I got a second
hand fluke 77 fairly cheap, its far beter than all the others ive had put
together and its lasted ages. probably atualy works out cheaper in the long
run (and the battery lasts ages too). I like flukes and this model in
particular, it was the one to go for at the time at work especialy if you
didnt have to pay the price tag, however im not sure what else is around
that can match it in terms of being nice to use reliable and rugged.

Incedently I saw a project for a home made power supply on the web where the
insides of a multimeter were used as the volt/current readout, some are so
cheap they are actualy cheaper than a proper panel mounting digital meter.

Colin =^.^=

 

[Joseph2k]

Omega is a graphic arts company. They don't make stuff, they just
private brand it and put out slick catalogs. Might as well by a Fluke
with a Fluke label instead of a Fluke with an Omega label.

I have some Omega test equipment, it is pretty good. They are not as solid
as a Fluke or a Tek, after all they are knock-offs.

 

[Spokesman]

Omega is a graphic arts company. They don't make stuff, they just
private brand it and put out slick catalogs. Might as well by a Fluke
with a Fluke label instead of a Fluke with an Omega label.

I am not familier with the Fluke version of the Omega HHM290.
Could you point out the correct model number to me so I can
buy the Fluke version next time.

 

[Smitty Two]

I am not familier with the Fluke version of the Omega HHM290.
Could you point out the correct model number to me so I can
buy the Fluke version next time.

I don't know whether Fluke makes that particular model. The point is,
Omega is a distributor. I have nothing against distributors, unless they
stick their Omega label on top of the real manufacturer's label, and
then pretend they're the manufacturer. Sheesh.

 

[[email protected]]

Are there other brands that are considered as good quality as Fluke?

Mastech. I have one and have also used other ones of Mastech, and I
find them high quality products.

 

[Richard Kanarek]

Greetings,

IMHO, the most important thing about a Fluke meter is not the quality
of its build, but where it is built.

Sure, Flukes cost more, but there built in the USA (AFAIK). You're
getting some of your money back in the taxes they pay (assuming you're
an American, an Iraqi, or a North Korean (eventually)).

You may not like how much Fluke charges, but you can be reasonably
sure that they're not going to use the extra cash to invade Taiwan or
launch nuclear missiles at YOU.

Back to your question:

Although I don't think its made anymore, my favorite DMM was a Simpson
467. Very convenient for field/industrial use when "worn" with the
high quality, real leather carrying case (which allowed the meter to
dangle from your neck -- look out for door knobs!). It also had a
swell set of features.

Although I do own a Fluke, I generally use a cheap, but well liked
(non-ROC) VOM at work, and a Triplett 630-PLK at home. (I think I'm
the last person that has ever bought one new, but, as they're still
for sale, you can beat me if you wish: http://www.triplett.com/) I've
grow ever more fond of VOMs with age, and ever less fond of DMMs.
Something about the way their digits keep staring at me whilst they
drain, albeit slowly, their batteries disquiets me. <g>

If your keen on investigating your meter choices, you might want to
look around the eclectic collection offered (mostly exclusively) on
line at Electronix Express/RSR Electronics
(http://elexp.com/on_web.htm). Not only do they have what may be the
worst FET-VOM ever built, but they also offer a Triplett Model 3250
DMM with a Head-up-display. (You wear a transparent monocle upon which
your test results are displayed.) Anyone ever try it?



Cordially,
Richard Kanarek

 

[Smitty Two]

http://elexp.com/on_web.htm

Thanks for that link, Richard. I see they also sell the best diagonal
cutters on the planet, Erem brand, at very competitive prices. I love
good tools!

 

[Keith]

I don't know whether Fluke makes that particular model. The point is,
Omega is a distributor. I have nothing against distributors, unless they
stick their Omega label on top of the real manufacturer's label, and
then pretend they're the manufacturer. Sheesh.

How is that different than a Mazda pickup truck or IBM Personal
Computer, or any number of a thousand different every day items? Sheesh,
indeed!

 

[Smitty Two]

How is that different than a Mazda pickup truck or IBM Personal
Computer, or any number of a thousand different every day items? Sheesh,
indeed!

I don't know, Keith, how is it different? I don't buy IBMs or any other
brand of PC, nor Mazdas. I know who made my Mac, and my Toyota.
Everything is assembled from parts, it's true. But if you peel the Mazda
sticker off your Mazda, is there a Chevrolet sticker under it?

We used to manufacture a surgical monitoring instrument for a well-known
international corporation. In order to distribute the instrument in
Europe, the thing had to be manufactured in Europe. We stuck the
appropriate label on the units bound for Europe, attesting to that. When
they got there, people there installed the 9 volt battery. Voila. Made
in Europe.

I think things ought to be accurately labeled, and that not doing so
constitutes fraud. That's my opinion, of course, and you're welcome to
share it or hold some opposing belief.

 

[Keith Williams]

I don't know, Keith, how is it different? I don't buy IBMs or any other
brand of PC, nor Mazdas. I know who made my Mac, and my Toyota.
Everything is assembled from parts, it's true.

Not made from foreign parts. *Made* in China and Taiwan. BTW, IBM
Personal Computers aren't even IBM. The brand was sold to Lenovo
(for five years). Same for GE appliances and...

But if you peel the Mazda
sticker off your Mazda, is there a Chevrolet sticker under it?

No, a Ford sticker. Mazda light trucks are made in Ford plants in
the US. The 'B' series trucks are Ford Rangers. I suppose it
would freak you out to know that Volvo and Jaguar are also Ford and
Saab (the cars, anyway) are GM.

We used to manufacture a surgical monitoring instrument for a well-known
international corporation. In order to distribute the instrument in
Europe, the thing had to be manufactured in Europe. We stuck the
appropriate label on the units bound for Europe, attesting to that. When
they got there, people there installed the 9 volt battery. Voila. Made
in Europe.

So you're as crooked as those you bitch about. BTW, the US has
laws against such nonsense and I'm surprised the EU doesn't as
well.

I think things ought to be accurately labeled, and that not doing so
constitutes fraud. That's my opinion, of course, and you're welcome to
share it or hold some opposing belief.

Re-branding is not fraud. You think Sears shouldn't be allowed to
sell "Die-Hard" batteries or "Kenmore" appliances?

 

[Smitty Two]

No, a Ford sticker. Mazda light trucks are made in Ford plants in
the US. The 'B' series trucks are Ford Rangers. I suppose it
would freak you out to know that Volvo and Jaguar are also Ford and
Saab (the cars, anyway) are GM.

Well, I did know that Ford bought Jaguar a number of years ago. They
didn't try to hide the fact, though, and although there may have been
some personnel and structural changes, Jag remains a largely autonomous
company, and the cars they put out don't say FORD on them.

But I'm not talking about a theoretical brand sticker, I'm talking about
a real one. I've purchased things from Omega, and other companies, for
that matter, that *literally* have the real manufacturer's sticker
*underneath* the distributor's sticker.

So you're as crooked as those you bitch about. BTW, the US has
laws against such nonsense and I'm surprised the EU doesn't as
well.

Maybe. But I'm a contract manufacturer, and I've learned to do things
the way the customer wants them done. If I told my customers my moral
and political and environmental beliefs, let alone my product design
philosophies, I wouldn't have a job. That could certainly be considered
pragmatic or hypocritical, depending on one's perspective.

Now, though, you seem to be contradicting yourself, by calling that
practice "nonsense" and illegal. What's your real position? Hard to
debate the issue if you keep shifting it.

Re-branding is not fraud. You think Sears shouldn't be allowed to
sell "Die-Hard" batteries or "Kenmore" appliances?

Those are trade names that, AFAIK, have *always* been owned by Sears.
That's like saying, Do I think Toyota shouldn't be allowed to call its
cars "Camry." I don't see the relation here at all. That's not
rebranding, that's trademarking.

But you're right, rebranding isn't fraud, legally, in most cases.

 

[Keith Williams]

Well, I did know that Ford bought Jaguar a number of years ago. They
didn't try to hide the fact, though, and although there may have been
some personnel and structural changes, Jag remains a largely autonomous
company, and the cars they put out don't say FORD on them.

What about the same GM and Toyotas built in the same plant with
different name tags. ...and you didn't mention the Mazdas that are
re-branded Ford Rangers.

But I'm not talking about a theoretical brand sticker, I'm talking about
a real one. I've purchased things from Omega, and other companies, for
that matter, that *literally* have the real manufacturer's sticker
*underneath* the distributor's sticker.

Who cares? Did you get what was advertised? ...maybe something
even better than you anticipated?! You bought a knock-off and got
the real thing and you're mad about it. Sheesh!

Maybe. But I'm a contract manufacturer, and I've learned to do things
the way the customer wants them done. If I told my customers my moral
and political and environmental beliefs, let alone my product design
philosophies, I wouldn't have a job. That could certainly be considered
pragmatic or hypocritical, depending on one's perspective.

You admit that you're willing to break the law for pragmatism? I
don't know what the EU law is here, but I can't imagine it being
less strict than US law.

If you aren't willing to put your money where your mouth is, where
do you get off telling others to put their money where your mouth
is?

Now, though, you seem to be contradicting yourself, by calling that
practice "nonsense" and illegal. What's your real position? Hard to
debate the issue if you keep shifting it.

No contradiction at all. In the US it is illegal to put a "Made in
&country." sticker on a device that's only &country. content is the
insertion of a battery. I can't imagine this being kosher in the
EU. It has nothing to do with re-branding.

Those are trade names that, AFAIK, have *always* been owned by Sears.
That's like saying, Do I think Toyota shouldn't be allowed to call its
cars "Camry." I don't see the relation here at all. That's not
rebranding, that's trademarking.

Do you think Sears makes batteries or appliances (or anything, for
that matter)? They're putting their name on other's goods.

But you're right, rebranding isn't fraud, legally, in most cases.

Then quit yer bitchin'. It's not even amoral.

 

[Joel Kolstad]

How is that different than a Mazda pickup truck or IBM Personal
Computer, or any number of a thousand different every day items? Sheesh,
indeed!

It's not, and that's the problem: When you have company A that simply slaps
their name on company B's product, obtaining service & support for that
product is typically much more difficult than if you simply bought the product
from company B to begin with. Additionally, the purchase price from company A
is often higher than going the direct route!

 

[Tim Shoppa]

If your keen on investigating your meter choices, you might want to
look around the eclectic collection offered (mostly exclusively) on
line at Electronix Express/RSR Electronics
(http://elexp.com/on_web.htm). Not only do they have what may be the
worst FET-VOM ever built, but they also offer a Triplett Model 3250
DMM with a Head-up-display. (You wear a transparent monocle upon which
your test results are displayed.) Anyone ever try it?

Wow, the test leads run right to your temples when you wear that thing!
I'm not sure if it's for real or a Trek/Borg-inspired joke!

Tim.

 

[Keith Williams]

It's not, and that's the problem: When you have company A that simply slaps
their name on company B's product, obtaining service & support for that
product is typically much more difficult than if you simply bought the product
from company B to begin with. Additionally, the purchase price from company A
is often higher than going the direct route!

If you bought company B's product, you go to company B for support.
If that company is a fly-by-nighter, you shouldn't have bought it.
Because it is the same widget as Company A's is meaningless. You
didn't buy company A's, even if they're the same hunk-o-hardware.
If company A's was cheaper, you're a fool for buying the same thing
with company B's sticker on it. There is no fraud going on here at
all. It's all aboveboard. The problem is not with re-badging but
with your perception. TANSTAAFL.

 

[GregS]

Wow, the test leads run right to your temples when you wear that thing!
I'm not sure if it's for real or a Trek/Borg-inspired joke!

This site is a bit hard to maneuver, but an interesting one, and I
bought a Vellman portable oscilloscope last month for $125, the cheapest
price I could find, and I also got a free Vellman DMM to boot..

Gee a Tripplet analog for $260. I have the old 630 right here.

greg

 

[Joel Kolstad]

Hi Keith,

If you bought company B's product, you go to company B for support.
If that company is a fly-by-nighter, you shouldn't have bought it.

You're illustrating exactly the problem with Tektronix (and other companies
such as IBM) here: They have a reputation for a certain level of quality &
support, so you can't blame the customer when the company starts re-labeling
someone else's product, sells them, and then can no longer provide their
traditional level of service.

If company A's was cheaper, you're a fool for buying the same thing
with company B's sticker on it. There is no fraud going on here at
all. It's all aboveboard.

Sure, it's above board and not fradulent -- it's just disappointing. I don't
think anyone here *is* claiming something truly evil is going on, just that
it's sad to see traditionally excellent companies go down this path in a
manner somewhat akin to "selling out."

---Joel

 

[Joel Kolstad]

No, but I can just see someone using that in combination with the voice
recognition software/hardware that Tektronix sells for their TDS series
oscilloscopes
(http://www.tektronix.com/Measuremen.../factsheets/index.html&FrameSet=oscilloscopes)!

 

[Keith]

Hi Keith,



You're illustrating exactly the problem with Tektronix (and other companies
such as IBM) here: They have a reputation for a certain level of quality &
support, so you can't blame the customer when the company starts re-labeling
someone else's product, sells them, and then can no longer provide their
traditional level of service.

Let's go back! The OP's bitching because he bought a FLUKE, with Company
B's label on top. He *DID NOT* buy a Fluke. The IBM deal is quite like
the GE deal. They're selling their name as part of the unit sold. The
name is worth money. ...and they're still servicing the products *THEY*
sell. I suppose you don't think GoodYear should sell tires under the
GoodYear name in Sears.

In the end, it's up to the consumer to know what he's buying.

Sure, it's above board and not fradulent -- it's just disappointing.

Why? He bought a Company B product that is the same as a company A, but
paid for Company B. Why is that disappointing?

I don't think anyone here *is* claiming something truly evil is going on,
just that it's sad to see traditionally excellent companies go down this
path in a manner somewhat akin to "selling out."

You're wrong. He was claiming *FRAUD* (until I challenged this
absurdity), which clearly it's not.

 

[Keith]

Ive had quite a few (cheap) multimeters in the past, then I got a second
hand fluke 77 fairly cheap, its far beter than all the others ive had put
together and its lasted ages. probably atualy works out cheaper in the long
run (and the battery lasts ages too). I like flukes and this model in
particular, it was the one to go for at the time at work especialy if you
didnt have to pay the price tag, however im not sure what else is around
that can match it in terms of being nice to use reliable and rugged.

I agree. I've had Fluke 77s for fifteen years. The only reason I bought
a bunch of $4 HarborFreights was that my Flukes had a habit of taking a
walkabout. One hasn't been seen in 12 years. THe HF's can now go walk.
BTW, I've only replaced the batteries in the 77s once in those fifteen
years. They still work quite well.

Incedently I saw a project for a home made power supply on the web where
the insides of a multimeter were used as the volt/current readout, some
are so cheap they are actualy cheaper than a proper panel mounting
digital meter.

Sure. At $3-4 each...