hey guys im looking for a fluke meter but i would like to know whats the difference between the fluke 175,177,179,189,289
what should i get ? ill just be measuring battery’s and checking my driver amps ect…….
I have the Fluke 179, 189 and 289
The 189 and 289 are very advanced high precision logging DMM's that can be connected to a computer.
The 179 is a more simple DMM with lower precision and no uA range.
With the exception of the 188, 189, 288,289 Fluke tries to make the DMM's as simple as possible, this means very few extra functions, but also very easy to use DMM's.
Try checking Agilent, they are just as good, but the cheaper models has more functions (I have a U1272A).
For low voltage hobby usage, you can find more advanced DMM's to a lower price.
I have a 179 which I’m very happy with. The differences are:
175 = base model
177 = adds backlight, DC accuracy is a little better (0.09+2 versus 0.15+2), every other measurement is the same accuracy.
179 = same as 177 + temperature measurement
For what you’re doing, the 175 will do the job just fine. If you’re measuring tailcap currents, buy or build some good 14-16AWG leads with banana jacks that plug into the meter, the leads that come with the meter aren’t really suited for the task. And if you’re direct driving LEDs, buy some spare fuses for the meter 
There’s a few other DMMs kicking around work (lots of Agilents) that are really good, but they’re fairly high end - I can’t really make any “affordable” Agilent recommendations, but pretty much anything with the Agilent name is guaranteed to be good.
Whatever you do, don’t buy a “VC830L” chinese meter. I bought one for uA measurements - the damn uA measurements don’t even work, a 120V wall socket measures 180V on the 200V scale and 80V on the 600V scale, the leads are crap, etc
not sure if they still are or were but I have a craftsman dmm that I got at least 10 years ago that is great and still working fine. has digital readout and almost every feature you might need
+1
With the money you save on the meter you can buy a big pile of parts for more flashlights .
I have a Fluke 117 and 289. For quick measurements I use the 117 more because it’s the quickest to turn on. The 289 is great but takes a few seconds to start up and be able to take a measurement.
Like with the 17x series the 11x are all about the same with minor feature differences. I like the noncontact voltage detection function on the 117.
If you’ll be measuring any AC or PWM signals make sure you get a meter that’s capable of making the measurement. A True RMS meter is a good idea for AC work and typically infers a higher quality product.
sweet i just bought a fluke 179 for $75
i appreciate all the great help picking me a meter ill post back when i need help with lol
I forgot to mention that I am pretty sure fluke made mine. even has a temp probe. one thing that another member mentioned was the ability to detect current without contact. I highly recommend that especially if you are doing home repairs/improvements to double check for hot wites
That’s a slammin’ deal. Where from?
i found it on ebay it looks like new, i had to snag it because iv been watching them go for over $150 on there