EEVblog #64 - Fluke 28 Series II Multimeter Review & Teardown

[@NickT6630]

I bought this meter not long after this review was put up on here and still use it today. Its extremely tough and reliable.

[@RedondoBeach2]

What are the differences between the Fluke 28 Series II and the Fluke 87V Max?

[@NickT6630]

@@RedondoBeach2 the 87V Max is 4 metres drop resistant compared to 3 metres for the 28 ii. Theres probably some small differences in electrical and measurement performance that I missed.

[@niceride]

Note for the home gamer: If your Fluke 28 Series II appears possessed by demons, you should know that the input detection is some kind of optical light sensor. When using this meter in dark spaces it will beep with an input selection error until you shine a light on the input ports. Being a rugged meter I use mine in dark and unfavorable environments and this seemingly random error confounded me for years before I figured out that it was an optical sensor on the inputs and not some problem with continuity of the input leads.

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Especially annoying as it's made for use in dark locations with the luminescent buttons and backlight function.

[@niceride]

Update: This "feature" failed completely, and the meter is no longer usable. Why did they need this "feature" at all?

[@niceride]

Follow up: Fluke accepted the submitted warranty claim and replaced with new model 28-ii including a set of p/n 4145802 Amp Jack Plug Set; a subtle hint to keep your ports clean?

[@sneakerset]

Impressive design and build quality. I dropped a meter once(the reference to "stick")while aloft....and it hit the deck,bounced,and went over the side(in some rather murky water). I like that "floating" mode on this 28......Great video,Dave

[@steeljan]

Found your videos while trying to figure out which Fluke to buy. It's really been fun watching, you educate and entertain all at the same time. Great job. Thank you so much.

[@GeorgeGraves]

Dude! You keep making the show better and better! Love the ending - looking forward to some more drive time rants as well! George Graves

[@jonathanwarner1844]

Is this now called the 87 V MAX? Or is that yet another toughened industrial meter?

[@nusgo]

OMG he almost never blinks! Crazy Eyes & Too Excited to bear it

[@mutka2119]

Hello, Thanks for all of your hard work and time in reviewing test equipment. I just purchased a Fluke 28ii. It is built like a tank. BUT the LCD display has low contrast. I have a 15 year old FLuke 73 which has much better contrast (darker, jjet black digits). It is easier to read despite the smaller digits than my new FLUKE 28ii. Imagine a 15 yr old fluke that has better viewing contrast then a brand new Fluke 28ii.

[@stanleywhiteman6450]

Electronics Engineers were smarter back in time..

[@whitetiger8652]

I am sure this meter is rugged however if Fluke can't provide the buyer with silicone test leads and magnetic holder after paying 450 to 500 bucks for this meter then I have to pass on it. Great review as always!

[@EEVblog]

It's to meet military measurement requirements. Everything is done "by the book", and the books and services procedures often have a average readings, so they have to use an average (non-RMS) responding meter. That's why Fluke make both types.

[@kostaskritsilas2681]

No, its not. The Fluke 27 (civilian model) is an averaging meter. The Fluke 27/FM, the first model bought in volume by the US military WAS a True RMS model (I know it doesn't say so on the display bezel, but it actually is a True RMS meter, its says 27/FM on the display bezel). The second and third versions, with the display bezel saying 27 (no "/FM" on the display bezel) that had military markings on the back panel label were averaging meters. However, most military manuals were written for the first version, not the follow-up versions. Truth is, most if what the meters were being used for were for DC, or basic AC (50/60 Hz, automotive alternator, and 400 Hz aircraft), nothing too highly complex requiring True RMS capability. Things that did would probably not require the use of a handheld meter, but a scope.

[@treadmillrepair754]

I have one fluke 27ii, one 87V, one 28ii, three 27,one 77 IV, Fluke 97,99b. I love it, last for years.

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Thanks Dave. I have one of these, it was issued to me by work. The only problem I've had is that it displays "batt" after a few weeks even with a fresh set of quality AA's in it. This is especially annoying due to the bother of removing the holster and six torx screws every single time! The other slight gripe is the way the three AA batteries have a split contact arrangement between the body of the meter and it's battery cover. This makes it quite hard to get the cover on.

[@mutka2119]

A follow up to my low LCD contrast (in my opinion) Fluke 28iiI called Fluke (USA) today, to find out why my 15 year old Fluke 73 has a darker digits and better contrast then my brand new Fluke 28ii. I was told that my 15 year old FLuke 73 had a “two layer LCD” vs my new FLuke 28ii which has a “multi-layered” LCD & the LCD protector is thicker on the 28ii then on the 73 and those are the reasons that the 28ii has less contrast then the 73.

[@Cumminsturbo205]

If you could, please do a review of the fluke t5-600 or t5-1000. I was considering purchasing one and would love to hear your opinion of it. thanks

[@JustinMikola]

Great review! Mine is on the way. So excited to get it!

[@asdfgamlin]

I just received my Fluke 28 II yesterday, the continuity response time on mine is really slow. It was manufactured June 2016, i wonder if they changed the PCB design.

[@ytrewq6789]

mine was august 2014 and the continuity worked great as well as it did not have the issue Dave had checking LED'S... I guess I got lucky with one of the better batch runs, but thanks for pointing out your issue so I can watch out for those kinds of qwirks between revisions either or both hardware or firmware related!... Cheers from Canada!.

[@94Gidge]

How do you know when it was manufactured?.

[@radius.indrawan]

@@94Gidge by "don't turn it on, take it apart!" 😁

[@ytrewq6789]

I just scored one brand new in the box at my local pawn shop for today $125 CDN....... WHAT A FIND!!!... And mine did not have the issue Dave's had when checking LED'S... I guess they have improved there product since there review making this my favorite over the 87 xD!...

[@94Gidge]

I got mine today and i noticed they now have torx head screws for the battery cover now. And mine has a sticker in the blank spot at the top of yours.

[@CreazioniPinnacolo]

did you notice if it would read pulse width? im an auto tech, that would be nice for fuel injection

[@reynolflores2337]

Hola amigo cuál Fluke recomiendas o chekar pulsos en inyectores y bobinas automotrices grácias

[@94Gidge]

Ordered mine on friday. Will see how it goes in a feild service ute.

[@brickboiler]

I don't see why they can't make the meter remember if you left the amps range on DC or AC last time you used it.

[@pedrocastillo7013]

Hi Dave! just ordered my new Fluke 28II and I am pretty sure I will enjoy it, thank you for the review.

[@emusan]

horray!!! I can finally do electronics work in the pool lol...

[@CaffeineThrottle]

I just now stumbled on too you,due to looking into 28ll vs. 87v . I must say I find you hilarious as well as informed. Thanks for great info! P.S. I have to believe you selected your worst P.O.S. screwdrivers on purpose, for effect.😂

[@ELECTROxigeno76.]

This equip Is incredible, Fluke Is the Best,

[@Blobjonblob]

'Drop the bastard' love it!

[@brandonhatley1230]

Nice review Dave. I love Fluke multimeters for their quality and their reliability. I have the 87v and I am very proud of it. I have seen many, many reviews of multimeters and Fluke beats them all. l ALWAYS recommend Fluke multimeters for those people that just want the best.

[@brandonhatley90]

who tf are you

[@asadbabilbabil7791]

Many oil compay in iraq used fuke...

[@asadbabilbabil7791]

معظم الشركات النفطية بالعراق تستعمل اجهزة fluke

[@EEVblog]

@brickboiler Yup, good point!

[@mikeadler434]

Great job!, thanks for the review

[@crizhton]

Try to use continuity with backlight and always saying batt even you replace new? Dave can you answer? Thanks

[@yambo59]

Nice to see it comes with AA batteries instead of 9V, long overdue. I also agree with white tigers comment below, for the money it should definitely come with first class silicone leads and a nice magnetic holder, this thing has a first class price of $450 and it should come with first class accessories. And Daves right the power on and other pertinent info should be on the back of the meter, plenty of room for it. Its not like any of this is new to Fluke, whats up with taking away useful info, they can print all that other garbage on there thats of no use to the owner why not the stuff that is.

[@filipsz6728]

Can someone tell me where I can buy holster for this meter?

[@JosephLorentzen]

Those fuses are difficult to find here in the desert. I'd prefer they use those mini-bladed plug in fuses instead. It looks like the 87 might be a better bench unit as far as price is concerned.

[@ryanhenning]

"It really is quite a buoyant meter!" I hate those meters that just sink. Great find.

[@MasterNiva]

Paying over 100 dollars more than 87V just for get a glowing in the dark buttons and sacrifice the accuracy of the 87 V, just because the 28 floats ? who really needs that "feature" So I will keep my 87 V

[@TheHugo23c]

what Fluke series can you recommend for a computer motherboard testing out electronics chips . I do not know nothing about electronics but my little brother's birthday is coming up and he's all in to electronic and computer repairing is only 14 years old and I would like to surprise him with a nice fluke Multimeter.that he was bothering me for a couple months so please can you recommend me one thank you very much sir for your time hope to hear from you soon

[@reynolflores2337]

Hola amigo cuál.me recomiendas o reparar ECUS d autos y tarjetas electrónicas d los circuitos y sensores d autos el Fluke 28ii o el 87v gracias por tu ayuda

[@directasnet]

Hi, i'm a bit confused. Looking für a good Multimeter and found your channel. The choose is between Metrahit X-tra and Fluke 28 II. After watching your both Videos about it, im not sure with to buy. Both Videos are "old". Are there coming new models? Would you recommend another model? Thank you very much. Funny Tests/Teardowns

[@robertmccully2792]

All the tools are great if you know the values of what your testing. For instance if i was working on a automobile. And lets say someone gave me a box of used Engine Management Sensors for that car. How would i know if the sensors were good. Maybe someone can answer that question??? I forgot to add, and you do not have a manual with the values. What is the rule of thumb?

[@Handlebar-MustDash]

Datasheets from the Sensor supplier?

[@MrDoneboy]

They are both true RMS, right!

[@pedrocastillo7013]

Thank you for your videos. I have received my 28II in the mail and look forward to enjoying it for a very long time, again thanks.

[@tabasumcarpentry5336]

hello, I am posting this on a very old video here hope u will see it in ur notification. sir I own a fluke 28-ll multimeter and want to know about what happens if set the meter dial to microamps and the black test lead in COM port and red test lead in microamps port and start testing the voltage which is 220 volts AC. I am asking because an electrician came to my place and I offer him my fluke meter for troubleshooting. He set the dial to microamps and put the test leads on the microamps port and start testing voltage which is 220 volts ac. will this type of incorrect usage effects the meter accuracy or some little or severe damage to the meter. kindly give ur suggestion on this thank you I already check the 440ma fused is blown will this is the only damage done or there is more happen with the meter. Thank You.

[@aptsys]

The Fluke 289 remembers, but it's a very software based meter.

[@scottkirkpatrick8516]

Is it made in USA?

[@r2daw158]

Could anyone explain why nowadays 28-II is cheaper than 87-V?

[@kabec1]

I bought it yesterday, and I'm satisfied!

[@kontis77]

@CreazioniPinnacolo It does not, but what you think you can do if you know the pulse width?! You actually need the duty cycle which the meter can give you

[@707SonomaComa]

Are three AA Batteries really better than one 9v battery? I am trying to decide between the two for automotive use. Hybrids are becoming so much more popular. I am trying to make a transition into the electrical side of automotive repair rather than the mechanical side of the business.

[@migsantiago]

Nice Outatime badge :D True RMS is vital on UPS monitoring, I don't think I'd buy a not-true-rms voltmeter. 28 series would be my choice :D

[@davidjereb]

Once again, great review! Keep it up ; )

[@OlympusHeavyCavalry]

"... as you can see, um, you can't really see much ..." LMFAO. Cheers :-)

[@williefleete]

you've convinced me i have got to get a fluke multimeter ASAP

[@ghffrsfygdhfjkjiysdz]

My fluke 87 defaults to DC on current. It is not 87V, its older v1... actually does not state v#, just 87.

[@nusgo]

You Rock man, Congrats

[@gonrod8950]

HI, I have a 27II, is a very good instrument to, the difference is only de t° meter with the 28II; but I don´t know why when I take the measurement of V. it give me, 190 v, the V on my country is 220 v, the instrument of the other coworkers reads 220 V in the same point, you can tell me what can I do??? Please...¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡

[@Tjita1]

Gonzalo Rodriguez Talk to Fluke. You have lifetime warranty on that thing (in Fluke language that's 7 years after they stopped producing it but at least 10 years from purchase).

[@gonrod8950]

thanks

[@billyandriam]

I don't understand why Dave says he doesn't like the 9V battery idea and that the AA batteries are superior. Can someone enlighten me?

[@tjaeoij32]

I love the OUTATIME plate!

[@kabec1]

The only thing i think about the fluke that fails is the very poor viewing angle of lcd!

[@Ryantron9000]

@CreazioniPinnacolo It doesn't, but the fluke 88 V does.

[@migsantiago]

Yes, it is. But it's an old model :D

[@BinaryBunyip]

Very nice!!!

[@sheinv]

The speaker is narrating in a conspiratorial voice. LOL!

[@Chris-ji8lz]

I have the Ex version of the 28 II and I can't stand the continuity buzzer as it's non existent. My 87v is far better but I don't want to blow myself up so needs must!

[@treadmillrepair754]

Today I receive AA lon lithium batteries for my fluke 28ii, no more alkaline batteries.

[@Hanske0]

Because I didn't found it: PART 2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p52kaGCcnZqherM EEVblog #66 - Death & Destruction of a Fluke Multimeter

[@kontis77]

NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@alexhudson3574]

cheaper meter is for people with less knowledge regarding usage so it makes sense that fluke do not put instructions on the back of their high end meters

[@alterator]

Cool

[@mikeadler434]

👍👍

[@paulomiranda8786]

Boa noite de portugal

[@johneastmond9092]

At 22:00 you bring up a "feature" about the battery. You love the "AA" battery power supply over the 9 volt, At 22:30 you complain and question the ability to read resistance of LED, on the "AA" powered 28. The reason is this, you need a higher voltage power supply to power the Ohms test. You can only drive the LED with true 2 volt DC. The continuity test needs to be at higher voltage than the 28 will do. 9 volt has it's place, and that's it! 4:44 sex on a stick!

[@Joseluis-tf4in]

I do not doubt the quality of fluke but they are very expensive instruments for what they give of benefits for this price you can buy a keysight u1282 that is a thousand times better and with many more benefits fluke loosens the price or the market will eat it

[@karthikraj550]

👌👌👍👍👍👍👍

[@antoniozth]

its THICCC 😜😊😁

[@PodeCoet]

Haha, sex on-a-stick!

[@fu3ar25]

what the fluke is he on about ? lol

[@daveunknown4652]

Dave Bro why onley always this fluke and angilent stuff are they sponsoring you? we all know that these brands are good and up to specs i would rather see you do the cheap no or we never ever heard from it brands.