[sdiy] Opinions on Fluke 8060A?

[Scott Gravenhorst]

Hi Jim,

I have one and I love it.  I've been told it's far from a typical meter in
it's specs.   I recently learned that it's input impedance when set to
measure voltage (especially the low range) is nothing less than awesome. 
This is extremely important for measuring circuits that operate at a high
impedance by design since it presents a negligible load in most cases. 
You can get the complete manual with specs from the Fluke website in PDF
format.

I have never needed to calibrate it, (I've had mine for a little more than
20 years.)  Any time I have ever compared it's readings to another
instrument, it has always been accurate.  I have also taken good care of
it, never dropping it, which may or may not make a difference.  I do know
this:  Don't leave this meter in a car when the temperature of the car
will get hot (open parking lot in summer).  I've got a friend with one
where the LCD display become almost useless after such treatment.

Some other nice things about it are Siemens readings for semiconductors, a
relative button which I know works with at least resistance, measures Hz
and dB and it has an audio beep type continuity tester.  It claims to be a
"true RMS multimeter".  It's also pretty easy on batteries (one 9 volt only).

If you can get this meter, it's a goodie, do so.

jamos at technotoys.com wrote:
>I have an opportunity to get an 8060A cheap - well, it's on Ebay - and it
>seems to be a good meter from all descriptions, but I'm wondering about
>calibration. I want to use this to calibrate my system's oscillators; how
>often do these meters need calibration themselves? Would you feel
>comfortable buying a used meter and using it w/o calibration?
>
>BTW, if you are interested in sniping this from me, please don't - 
>
>TIA
>
>
>Jim Johnson 
>Metaphoric Software
>-------------------
>Makers of Techno Toys
>Software for Electronic Music
>http://www.technotoys.com
>info at technotoys.com
>
>
>

=========================================================  
- Government: The other religion.
- The media's credibility should always be questioned.
- Lambs who lie down with lions are lunch.

-- Scott Gravenhorst | LegoManiac / Lego Trains / RIS 1.5
-- Linux Rex         | RedWebMail by RedStarWare
-- FatMan: home1.GTE.NET/res0658s/FatMan/index.html
-- NonFatMan: home1.GTE.NET/res0658s/electronics/index.html