Fluke 289 Multimeter Review

The Fluke 289 is an advanced, high-end multimeter that can measure and diagnose faults in various fields. It has 50k+ dots on its display screen to provide readings in Trend Capture graphic format, which allow you to view data more clearly than ever before with ease. This device also sends information wirelessly via Bluetooth or USB connection for quick access from your smartphone/tablet computer when needed.
The Fluke 289 Multimeter is the perfect tool for any technician looking to do their job well. It has an excellent selection of test ranges, with multimeters backed up by high accuracy and resolution. It makes it great for electrical works in the field and on a benchtop.

Main Features

● Data logging
● Trend Capture graphs
● 50000-count, VGA dot matrix display
● True-RMS AC voltage and current accuracy
● Basic DC accuracy: 0.025%
● Current: 10A continuous (20A for 30s)
● Selectable AC filter (smoothing mode)
● Adjustable recording and auto hold thresholds
● Low impedance voltage
● Low-pass filter
● Info / help screens
● Real-time clock
● Relative mode
● Size: 8.7″ (222mm) x 4″ (102mm) in x 2.4″ (60mm)
● Weight: ~30oz (870g)

The 289 is a multimeter first and a datalogger second. It measures all fields, including AC/DC voltage or millivolts; current ranges (amps & micro-amps); resistance testers for continuity testing – even low battery conditions on your hearing aids! The digital display shows you precisely what’s being tested, so there are no surprises when they come up short during inspections. You also get temperature readings along with other essential things.

This multimeter is a must-have for any professional looking to keep their work in check. It will never be out of date with 15,000 recorded events and the ability to send off data with ease via Bluetooth or WiFi.

The True-RMS AC voltage/current multimeter is perfect for measuring non-linear loads accurately. It has an auto-ranging feature by default, which sprints unlike many other meters, and the big screen makes it easy to view the 50000 count display at once while also showing three other results with just one glance.

Extra functions: The device has all the features you want in a high-end scope. It can measure low ohms, filter out ghost signals from AC volts and offer fast peak capture up to 250µs with its superfast sampling rate of 4000Hz.

DATA LOGGING

The Fluke 289 is a versatile device that can measure voltage or resistance to track events within your system. It offers logging in both timed interval mode, where you’ll get detailed reports on exactly when something happens; and event log format, which provides more genetic information about what happened during specific time frames but doesn’t offer nearly as much detail as its metrics counterparts do (think: emails).
The interval/event recording feature allows you to track your activity and events in one-second intervals, saving battery life on the device and making for more detailed data logs.
The device automatically saves your logged readings, so you don’t have to worry about losing them.
The 289 has an in-built feature that allows you to graph your data after a session, which saves on uploading it.
Zoom is a fantastic feature that lets you zoom graphs up to 14 times for a better resolution, thus more accurate analysis.

Display and Labels

The full dot-matrix display on this meter enables it to produce graphs with pretty great resolution. It also comes equipped to monitor multiple readings simultaneously, such as Min/Max, and an accurate live readout of voltage or frequency– few handheld meters can do what we just told you about.
With the zoom facility on graphic mode, you can get incredible resolution and view your graphs in a big time-saver. There’s also a bar graph that is very responsive to pick up fast-changing signals with no problem at all.
The device has an impressive response time and is perfect for any gamer, but its ghosting can be notified when things happen quickly on-screen. It also uses more battery power than most other screens do, so you’ll want to watch out.
The dial selector is cluttered, but this isn’t meant for beginners, and it doesn’t take long to find your way around.

Function and Performance

To power up the 289, you will have to find your way through its multifunction dial. The good thing about this instrument is that it provides ranges for voltages and temperatures, including AC ( American conductivity)and DC millivolts. One noticeable omission from these selection tools on their selector panel is OFF positions; thankfully, there’s always an easy solution: press THE LIGHTED BUTTON.

BUTTONS

The four ”hot keys’ up top enable screen menus for the many measuring functions. These are used with data logging features, such as starting and stopping it; plus, various range options can be accessed through these directional buttons on your device! Shortcut keypads also let you navigate quickly between screens without using the menu navigation or buttons below the keyboard (which would tire out your fingers). The power button does what it says in its name – turns off this machine once ready while preserving battery life, so there isn’t any guesswork about when a recharge might occur.

Shortcuts

HOLD: manual hold screen and set up Touch Hold® for automatic hold

MIN/MAX: displays the minimum, maximum and average values (including simultaneously)

RANGE: changes auto / manual ranging and steps through manual ranges of a given range input

I info: help button, explains functions

Power: powers on and off, also pulses each time data is logged

Backlight: display the backlight on and off

Automatic power-off: default off time is set to 15 minutes of the meter not being used. This time can be adjusted, or it can be disabled altogether.

Battery saver/screen sleep: the screen will fall asleep after five minutes of not being used in record or min/max modes. Auto-off will have to be enabled for this to work.

Battery life: stated 200 hours (100 hours minimum), but more likely somewhere between. The screen sleep mode conserves the batteries when in extended data logging mode.

JACK INPUTS

A (10A – red)

mA/μA (milliamps, micro-amps – red)

COM (standard – black)

V/Ω/Temp/Cap/Diode (main terminal – red)

Build Quality

The Fluke 289 is a well-made, rugged device that can withstand whatever life throws at you. Made in America and with an integrated holster to keep it safe from harm’s way, this meter has everything one needs for their job.
This large-screened Fluke 289 is made for those who work on the shop floor and need to be careful with their device. Because it’s so susceptible in drop situations (especially when you’re carrying around 20 pounds or more), we recommend getting yourself a case or protecting your phone from scratches–if working exclusively outdoors isn’t an option.

EXTRA FUNCTIONS

The low pass filter is a vital component of any power supply with variable frequency drives, as it blocks voltages above 1kHz. The menu option for this feature can be found when in AC voltage or range frequencies on an analog display by pressing the “m” button at the bottom left corner and then selecting HPF (High Pass).
The low impedance voltage (LoZ) control imparts a delicate sense of listening to the signal. The lack of high frequencies allows for more accurate hearing while maintaining good detail when needed with lower volume settings.”
The lowest resistance measurement in the 289 is 50Ω, which can be significantly measured thanks to its unique low ohms range position. This allows you to measure lower circuit resistances more accurately and gives high-resolution readings that give accurate information no matter what material your lab task requires.
If you are looking for a multimeter that can do it all, the Fluke 289 might be your lucky winner. This device includes logging capabilities, an auto-ranging performance, and accurate capacitance measurements down to 1%.

Protection

The Fluke 289 is a strict measure in any field, and it’s no wonder why this tool was designed with the bench user in mind. It has some pretty delicate circuitry that may be difficult for those who use their hands frequently during work hours to manage comfortably without the risk of damaging sensitive parts or hurting themselves on sharp edges near powering cords, but don’t worry – there are always gloves available!
The probe leads offer high-quality protection from accidents while offering full mobility so you can quickly check out whatever needs servicing when needed without having anything getting blocked by debris under surfaces.
The input overload protection and isolation are excellent. Regarding connectivity, the 289 has an optical interface, so there’s no electrical continuity at that point, which would protect your computer in case of voltage spikes.

Intuitive user-interface

This device has a clearly labeled button for each function, and it’s easy to use because of its user manual. The “I” info button explains different functions while range allows you to pick between auto or manual ranging options. Outstanding features include an automatic hold capability with the ability to connect through the Fluke Connect™ app, too.”

Who should use this multimeter?

Fluke 289 is the perfect tool for professionals in electrician and HVAC services. This meter has data logging capabilities that are not required by DIYers or starters. Still, it does come at an expensive price point compared to other meters on the market today, especially for those who only want essential functions like measuring smaller circuits.

Roundup

With its many features and high precision, the Fluke 289 is an excellent tool for professionals interested in recording field activities and those taking place on lab benches. It may be expensive, but it offers abundant benefits that make this price worth every penny.
When you’re just getting started, the Fluke 289 is overkill unless perhaps your goal has been to be an engineer from day one. But if accuracy and resolution are not necessities for beginners like me (and maybe even most people), consider something smaller or cheaper such as UNI-T’s UT61E instead – though keep in mind that it cannot compete feature-wise with more costly models by companies such Agilent U1253B.

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Question: The unit does not display zero when I short the test leads together in resistance mode?

For a new set of test leads, the normal range is between 0.1 and 3 ohms, depending on your DMM type or brand – but it’s essential to account for any errors when measuring resistance because different models will calculate this differently. If you have an advanced model with auto-generated correction factors, all I need from these readings would be subtracted before proceeding onward in recipe development (or purchasing).

Question: What conditions can make my multimeter fail?

There are plenty of reasons why your multimeter could stop working, and they include touching the test leads while it’s in resistance mode or being exposed to high voltage transients. In addition, you should make sure that neither end is plugged into an open circuit because this will also cause a shorting out, which could lead to further damage.