Multi Meter / Signal Generator

jimmycooker · Apr 1, 2011

Hi,

I am starting into PLC's and want to buy a good fluke multimeter, something i'll have for the rest of my life and has all the functionality I will probably ever need.

I'm looking at these two general purpose meters:

http://www.fluke.com/Fluke/uken/Digital-Multimeters/Fluke-170.htm?PID=56027

http://www.fluke.com/Fluke/uken/Digital-Multimeters/Fluke-77-IV.htm?PID=56126

What are the important differneces?

I also want to buy a signal generator to simulate iput signals, 4-20mA, digital inputs 5v, 24v etc etc. Can anyone suggest what type of unit i need for this, i've seen 0 30v dc power supplies which you can vary the volts / amps, is there a unit that has 4-20mA output included aswell?

Thanks,
James.

geniusintraining · Apr 1, 2011

Hi James,

Not sure of your budget... but the 170 series was not enough for me, the 289 and 287 are very good meters and can do just about everything, if you have a lot of money then the 789 is good

http://www.fluke.com/fluke/uken/digital-multimeters/fluke-289.htm?PID=56061

For a all around meter, the 87V is great

I have sold a lot of these for a simulator http://cgi.ebay.com/4-20mA-2-10Vdc-...t=BI_Control_Systems_PLCs&hash=item5636a034d0

userxyz · Apr 1, 2011

170

The Fluke 170 can read True RMS.
It's also faster then the other one.
Just place the features next to each other.

In Belgium there is a great company for what you look for. www.velleman.be. But I'm sure you can find all you need in your own country as well.

Nice products:
http://www.velleman.eu/distributor/products/view/?id=366646

http://www.velleman.eu/distributor/products/view/?id=340436

Kind regards,
Gerry

jimmycooker said:
Hi,

I am starting into PLC's and want to buy a good fluke multimeter, something i'll have for the rest of my life and has all the functionality I will probably ever need.

I'm looking at these two general purpose meters:

http://www.fluke.com/Fluke/uken/Digital-Multimeters/Fluke-170.htm?PID=56027

http://www.fluke.com/Fluke/uken/Digital-Multimeters/Fluke-77-IV.htm?PID=56126

What are the important differneces?

I also want to buy a signal generator to simulate iput signals, 4-20mA, digital inputs 5v, 24v etc etc. Can anyone suggest what type of unit i need for this, i've seen 0 30v dc power supplies which you can vary the volts / amps, is there a unit that has 4-20mA output included aswell?

Thanks,
James.

jimmycooker · Apr 1, 2011

Thanks, anything with a couple of potentiometers and a digital display?

diat150 · Apr 1, 2011

fluke 725 process calbrator, and also get a fluke 337 ac/dc clamp meter.

geniusintraining · Apr 1, 2011

jimmycooker said:
Thanks, anything with a couple of potentiometers and a digital display?

You need a 705

http://www.fluke.com/fluke/uken/process-calibration-tools/loop-calibrators/fluke-705.htm?PID=56104

I think I have one but they are not cheap... neither is diat150's 725, that will break the bank

donzeiler · Apr 1, 2011

I use a Fluke 787. I does 4-20ma out to the PLC and read the outputs also. Check it out. It does everything in a processmeter. Good stuff.

diat150 · Apr 2, 2011

geniusintraining said:
You need a 705

http://www.fluke.com/fluke/uken/process-calibration-tools/loop-calibrators/fluke-705.htm?PID=56104

I think I have one but they are not cheap... neither is diat150's 725, that will break the bank

the 725 isnt cheap but it is a awesome tool. It does everything you could possibly need, including reading various pressures if you buy the modules. its well worth the money.

dogleg43 · Apr 3, 2011

The Fluke 789 would seem to fit all of your needs, but it's pretty pricy---approx. $800.

I believe the main difference between it and the 787 is that the 789 will simulate a 4-20mA signal for both 2-wire and 4-wire transmitters. If you can afford it then spend the extra money for the 789.

If you just need a good true-RMS DMM, then it's hard to beat a Fluke 87.
===================

Something to consider is if you buy a process meter like a 789 then you may still need another DMM on the other end of the cable to read the signal.

cjd1965 · Apr 3, 2011

I also use a fluke 705 due to the nice display and easy 25% up and down step button.

I prefer to have seperate devices for various test equipment, as insurance against failure (not got all my eggs in 1 basket)

Cheers

ELake20 · Apr 5, 2011

My 789 has been a great meter. Dropped it a couple times from a ladder and it has held up great. Super handy to simulate 4-20mA

rix · Apr 5, 2011

I picked up one of these...

$178.40 - YHS-301A 3.5" LCD Rechargeable Handheld Auto Range

dleakey · Apr 5, 2011

I like both the 787 and 789 for process use. I carry a 337 for "normal" stuff. It has ac and dc current clamp capability. My home meter is a 87V that is basically the 787 without the 4-20 generation.

All seem to be great meters in my opinion.

BobB · Apr 6, 2011

I use a Fluke 28-II - it has an IP67 rating - great around swimming pools. Very good meter but has no software interface - the only down side I have found.
Fluke have at last fixed their slow reading times and I use it for reading 50hz for generators - could not do that in the past due to slow reads.
I cannot afford their 4-20ma injector though - ludicrous price. I use a locally made one here in Ozz that is 1/3rd of the price and works just as well.

Multi Meter / Signal Generator

jimmycooker

Member

geniusintraining

Lifetime Supporting Member + Moderator

userxyz

Member

jimmycooker

Member

diat150

Lifetime Supporting Member

geniusintraining

Lifetime Supporting Member + Moderator

donzeiler

Member

diat150

Lifetime Supporting Member

dogleg43

Member

cjd1965

Lifetime Supporting Member

ELake20

Lifetime Supporting Member

rix

Member

dleakey

Member

BobB

Lifetime Supporting Member

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