Which new Multimeter? - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

vinrads · 9th Aug 2020, 9:32 am

My old R/S fluke is looking it's age now the selector has lost its positive click stop. I was thinking of treating myself to a new meter from the Fluke range, I am looking at the 115, thoughts please.

Mick.

Sinewave · 9th Aug 2020, 9:49 am

I've got the 115, nice handy meter in a small package. 3.5 digit, so it's fine for most things.

ajgriff · 9th Aug 2020, 12:15 pm

Why not refurbish your existing Fluke? Repairing an end stop is quite straightforward. Assuming it's a 70 series meter it'll be better made and more robust than some of the modern offerings.

Alan

Lloyd 1985 · 9th Aug 2020, 12:28 pm

I’ve got a 115 at work, seems to be a very good rugged meter, good positive click to the selector, auto power off, and can be woken back up just by pressing one of the buttons, rather than having to rotate the selector back to off and then to whatever it was set to before (the 111 does this rather annoyingly!). Battery lasts ages, and the display backlight is fairly good too. I do find the continuity beeper a bit on the quiet side though, not good in a noisy environment, but in a quiet workshop it’s fine. The yellow rubber bit comes off, so it’s easy to clean it, and there’s a little stand in the back and space for the probes. Not a bad meter in my opinion, I’d like one for my workshop! I’ve actually got a 111 for home use, which I upgraded to have a display backlight, it’s good, but the selector knob breaks off easily, and when it does it’s auto power off thing you have to rotate the selector back to off and then back on to wake it back up, which probably helps wear out the selector even more!

Regards
Lloyd

vinrads · 9th Aug 2020, 1:02 pm

Thank's Lloyd and Sinewave , Alan I did look at refurb but there seems to be plastic notches that are worn if I remember correctly . I think the 115 is the one for me , now searching for a bargain. Mick.

9th Aug 2020, 9:32 am	#1
vinrads Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire, UK. Posts: 3,754	Which new Multimeter? My old R/S fluke is looking it's age now the selector has lost its positive click stop. I was thinking of treating myself to a new meter from the Fluke range, I am looking at the 115, thoughts please. Mick.

9th Aug 2020, 9:49 am	#2
Sinewave Octode Join Date: May 2016 Location: Oxfordshire/Bucks borders, UK. Posts: 1,604	Re: Which new Multimeter? I've got the 115, nice handy meter in a small package. 3.5 digit, so it's fine for most things. __________________ Avometer, vintage Fluke and Marconi collector. Also interested in vintage Yaesu and KW.

9th Aug 2020, 12:15 pm	#3
ajgriff Nonode Join Date: May 2004 Location: Halifax, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 2,587	Re: Which new Multimeter? Why not refurbish your existing Fluke? Repairing an end stop is quite straightforward. Assuming it's a 70 series meter it'll be better made and more robust than some of the modern offerings. Alan

9th Aug 2020, 12:28 pm	#4
Lloyd 1985 Nonode Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Coningsby, Lincolnshire, UK. Posts: 2,818	Re: Which new Multimeter? I’ve got a 115 at work, seems to be a very good rugged meter, good positive click to the selector, auto power off, and can be woken back up just by pressing one of the buttons, rather than having to rotate the selector back to off and then to whatever it was set to before (the 111 does this rather annoyingly!). Battery lasts ages, and the display backlight is fairly good too. I do find the continuity beeper a bit on the quiet side though, not good in a noisy environment, but in a quiet workshop it’s fine. The yellow rubber bit comes off, so it’s easy to clean it, and there’s a little stand in the back and space for the probes. Not a bad meter in my opinion, I’d like one for my workshop! I’ve actually got a 111 for home use, which I upgraded to have a display backlight, it’s good, but the selector knob breaks off easily, and when it does it’s auto power off thing you have to rotate the selector back to off and then back on to wake it back up, which probably helps wear out the selector even more! Regards Lloyd

9th Aug 2020, 1:02 pm	#5
vinrads Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire, UK. Posts: 3,754	Re: Which new Multimeter? Thank's Lloyd and Sinewave , Alan I did look at refurb but there seems to be plastic notches that are worn if I remember correctly . I think the 115 is the one for me , now searching for a bargain. Mick.