Review: Fluke 17B, Chinese and New International version

[MJLorton]

The video review is here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDQBFe7GSGc

Some pictures...sorry...not the best...of the insides.

[retiredcaps]

The Fluke 17B is rumored to have the same CPU IC (FS9721_LP3) as the Uni-T 90C which is 4,000 count.

The datasheet for the chip indicates 3/sec update and low battery warning is 2.4V DC.

[NevDickens]

G'Day Martin,
Great video. I've purchased a chinese 17B recently, so it was good to see a comprehensive review on the unit. Interesting compared to the International version in which there didn't seem to be a lot of difference, if any only minor. It would be intersting to see a comparo between these units and other meters of around the same value.


cheers Neville
 

[retiredcaps]

Hi Martin,

According to the FS9271_LP3 datasheet, it takes up to 15 seconds to measure a 100uF capacitor.  In your video it is not clear to me how long you waited.  I suspect if the Fluke 17B couldn't read a 100uF, it would have displayed 0L.

In fact when you tested the 100uF, you can see that when you disconnected the leads at 24:43 it displayed 91.2uF briefly.

[MJLorton]

G'Day Martin,
Great video. I've purchased a chinese 17B recently, so it was good to see a comprehensive review on the unit. Interesting compared to the International version in which there didn't seem to be a lot of difference, if any only minor. It would be intersting to see a comparo between these units and other meters of around the same value.


cheers Neville
 

Hi Neville,

Thanks...have a just placed an order on another meter the will complete what I think will be an interesting comparison around this range and value.

I hope to do that video next week.

Cheers,
Martin.

[MJLorton]

Hi Martin,

According to the FS9271_LP3 datasheet, it takes up to 15 seconds to measure a 100uF capacitor.  In your video it is not clear to me how long you waited.  I suspect if the Fluke 17B couldn't read a 100uF, it would have displayed 0L.

In fact when you tested the 100uF, you can see that when you disconnected the leads at 24:43 it displayed 91.2uF briefly.

Aaaah....thanks for pointing that out...let me nip out and check that now....

Ok, you are correct...seemed like an age but it did eventually produce a reading of  98.2uF....what I did not like was that it displayed some other arbitrary readings prior to getting to the final reading which could be misleading.

I will repeat this on camera when I do the comparison.

Thanks.

[wladimirjr]

I have a question about CAT III?
In this link, http://www.fluke.com/fluke/m2en/digital-multimeters/Fluke-17B.htm?PID=75002
In "Features" the description is "CAT III 300 V". In "Specifications" the description is "CAT III measurements 600V".

The CAT III correct is 300V or 600V?

Thank you.

[retiredcaps]

The user manual (page 12) for the 17B says CAT II 600V and CAT III 300V.

I believe the specifications tab has incorrect formatting.

[wladimirjr]

The user manual (page 12) for the 17B says CAT II 600V and CAT III 300V.

I believe the specifications tab has incorrect formatting.

Thank you!!!