Just Curious.....

Do we do instrument reviews on this forum?

If so, I just got a Fluke 365 and 381. Yum!

We're making final preparations for a plant outage so itook the opportunity to pick up some new toys!

Bob A.

I think so. If it has to do with automation then why not unless Phil says NO.

Bob A. said:

Do we do instrument reviews on this forum?

If so, I just got a Fluke 365 and 381. Yum!

We're making final preparations for a plant outage so itook the opportunity to pick up some new toys!

Bob A.

Click to expand...

I am sure it would be no problem to write your opinions and review any automation related product here as long as it doesn't break the rules (you're not a Fluke salesman, right?).

Also, MrPLC.net has a section just for product reviews, you may want to post there.

Hi Jeff,



I've been wondering about how you are making out. A while ago I did this one:

http://www.transcat.com/PDF/Fluke_771.pdf

I found that it was a pretty useful troubleshooting tool when 4 - 20 ma instrumentation was involved. I don't think of it as a standard for calibration, etc. but really nice in the situations that we had in that environment.

But often, I wished that I had the same tool in higher ranges. Recently, I came across the 365 and had to jump. I no longer do 120 VAC controls on anything, unless there is absolutely no alternative. So in a 24 VDC system, being able to clip onto wiring and know what is going on has been really handy.

This obviously includes the automotive world. My neighbor had a car that was running the battery down every other day or so. I eventually found two problems on it.

So far, I really like the clamp on DC Current measurements. It takes a few seconds to settle down, but it matches the inline measurements down to 1 decimal place.

I have not yet used the 381 but that will be coming soon. More one this one later.

Bob A.

PS. I'm not a Fluke salesman, but I have friends there. I'm a frequent user.

We can't use the detachable display because it's not Class I div 2 compatible. The 365 looks nice; I was looking at the new style amp clamp they're making, but haven't got one yet. Looks like that would be a meter and clamp purchase combined?

...we have plenty of meters, but the "NEW!" Fluke products is like a Christmas list.

What do people think of the magnetic clips on the new fluke meters? Darn its handy for a lot of things but I really don't want it hanging on to a HV bus when I don't want it too...

You have ferrous HV bus lines in Canada? You are joking...Right?

What I like about the magnet is that I don't have to look for a safe place to lay it down. In heavy industry, you really can get into a big mess fast.

allscott said:

What do people think of the magnetic clips on the new fluke meters?

Click to expand...

They are just the accessory I had been looking for. I used to sew a pouch in my meter bag and place a very strong pot magnet inside, this allowed me to "hang" the meter bag and all to a steel door.

Bob A. said:

What I like about the magnet is that I don't have to look for a safe place to lay it down.

Click to expand...

With my new job and the safety cop's rather quirky and uneven interpretation of NFPA70-E, the magnet does the job nicely.

The magnetic thingy is really great.
I just bought a new Fluke 28 II. IP67 - already been in a swimming pool balance tank and still works. Great bit of gear.