I keep a 289 in the van, super useful when I need it but I’m too impatient to wait for that thing to boot up every time I want to take a measurement. I carry with me an 87V, still think it has the best features even though it’s an old multimeter. I especially like the high resolution mode for fine tuning pots. Maybe get one with Fluke Connect someday, I see there’s one now with a built in megger but I haven’t compared the specs to the 87v. The 376 FC clamp meter in the van has Fluke Connect if I really need a remote measurement. So does the 289 with an adapter.
Yes and don't forget with the 289 you can plug it in to your PC(Aka-Service Tool) and monitor the Meter. Also the DC voltage accuracy is top notch. True-RMS, Display, data-logging, etc... It's a upgrade. I carry Fluke 117 too and a clamp meter. But the 289 is my favorite, the trend capture helps while troubleshooting by myself. And Dirt, the loading sucks, feels like windows in the early days. But is my guy to have when in need.
"What do you truly need? A high-end multimeter with lightning-fast results and pin point accuracy? Or a balanced multimeter to get both your daily and field jobs done? If you need the first one, then it is Fluke 289. And if you want to go for the second one, then you must pick the 87V."
The other reason the 289 can’t me my go to meter is the battery life is horrendous. Even using Ultimate Lithium batteries you can’t trend over a weekend without the thing being dead when you get back. Compare that to a standard Fluke Multimeter that lasts years. This is my solution to trend over longer periods of time. These 3 x 3.6v batteries power it through a 9v regulator and the N/C contacts of this 9v relay. When you plug in the 9v power supply, the relay picks and cuts out the batteries. I was carrying around a second back with a power jack but you usually had to reset the date and time after swapping.
