The biggest difference comes when you look inside at the PCB build quality and high voltage protection of the Fluke. Be careful probing a high voltage source from that amp with the proster, less expensive meters are often basically accurate, but if ya slip using the Fluke it will absorb it and the protection devices will prevent a major incident. With the Proster improperly applied high voltage in the wrong range will blow up the meter in your hand.
I just saw your video, I think you showed some points very well. The difference between cheap and expensive meters it not precision for a new meter, most cheap meters are very precise. Fluke meters have a very simple user interface (289 excluded) and stays precise for many years, they are very robust i.e. diode testing a mains outlet will not damage the meter. With a cheap meter you get more functions and usual about the same precision (At least for a couple of years), but do not try to use it in a industrial setting! I have written more than 100 multimeter reviews, both cheap and expensive and for many applications cheap works fine. I will admit that I prefer the more expensive models, but some of them have many issues!
Cool test, I also have this meter, your results made me happy. Just a note with your diode test with the vc99, when the screen said '0.295' you said '0.2395'. So although you said the diode test result was inaccurate, it was almost dead on.
When measuring 500v in an amp, I would choose the fluke purely from a safety perspective. For measuring little components or biasing an amp, yep, any old cheap multimeter will do.
Yes, most cheap multimeters are pretty accurate. The big difference is the safety factor of making a mistake switching the range switch when measuring a 500v circuit. A Fluke will take the abuse where the cheap one will be toast. Watch Joe Smiths channel on his multimeter torture tests and safety factors of cheap to quality meters. Fluke and Brymen meters were the most robust meters he tested. Running them up over 10kv of transients while switching the function rotary switch. The cheap meters just smoked. Flukes and Brymens would take over 12kv and if they did fail it was a simple clamping diode or something simple. Cheap meters would arc the traces and blow them right off. Fluke and Brymen have big heavy HRC fuses over little glass fuses. Brymen meters are very reasonable in price. My Brymen BM869S has a dual display and more features than my Fluke 189 that cost 3 times as much when new. For low voltage stuff cheap meters are fine. When testing a 500V tube amp I want a safe meter. An extra 100 bucks is worth my safety.
Good probes do indeed make all the difference. They affect measurements and sensitivity in a very palpable way. I own literally dozens of multimeters and, even though I only use one at a time (I like to collect them), I bought quality probes to all of them.
For me ill choose the more expensive instrument especially from a well known brand...a good brand is reliable and protects the unit if you accidentally set it wrong. In my field i need a reliable instrument in detecting troubles i tried sanwa, kyoritsu, hioki and fluke as well which i prove to be reliable and comfortable to use cant imagine hows troubleshooting using cheap instrument
Hi Ryan. I just purchased a fluke 179 to use at work as it was the cheapest option I could find to reliably test ac millivolts for tape deck repair. Previously I had been using a leader lmv-186 and was sick of the ambiguity of analog metering for work that really needs to be precise. In the past I have had cheap meters literally explode when being used on the wrong setting so be very careful! Hope you are keeping well!
Hey Tom! Congrats on your purchase! Makes sense why the cheap ones might not have all the safety features one would assume. I'm saving up for a good one ☺️ I hope you're doing well too!
I think for electronics work with low voltages just so there’s meter accuracy, it’s fine. I do electrical work, and wouldn’t consider a cheap meter for safety reasons.
@@frankhoxsey1177 surf green or Jade Pearl with maple fretboard? Surf Green is a Tom Delonge strat with a single Humbucker invader pickup and single volume control (so raw and simple. My best playing strat) and the Jade Pearl is a 2013 American Standard with stock Fat 50s and "relic" pickguard. It's my second best playing strat but my #1 in terms of all round flexibility :-)
Still doing research. He's changed a bunch of times throughout the years so need to figure out appropriate buckets. Also if I get anything wrong I'll be burned at the stake so want to make sure I'm accurate as reasonably possible. Stay tuned :-)
Just saw it now and I am wondering why the Proster VC99 is allowed to be in the USA market? It clearly violates the Fluke trademark of dark gray on yellow color scheme.
which one do you trust more??? hope you were sarcastic. it's a bloody 350€ Fluke build for professional service technicians and industry electricians... compare the proster against some cheap UNI-T
In my experience cheap multimeters nowadays are usually precise. They're not well-built internally nor are resistant to transients or user mistakes though.
I have a friend who lost a finger of his hand 2 years ago by using cheap testers that do not comply with safety regulations. This tester exploded in his hand. There is a fluke model 107 that costs $ 125 cheap to be a fluke but at least I am sure that that tester is not going to explode.
Ok ,i have a chalenge for you : Adjust both meters on DC and try to messure AC then you will understand the difference between a 350 $ multimeter and 35 $ one .Oh yes and just to avoid an accident stand clear from the cheap one - it will catch fire. Think about your family and loved ones before you trust your life on an 35$ multimeter becouse it takes one mistake with electricity .... The price difference is not about accuracy ,its about safety but you obviously have no clue.
Hi Irena. I'm interested in learning more. Can you please share a personal experience you have or an article that indicates the unit is unsafe? I would like to take that in consideration in an updated video if possible. Also, please be kind and have a great day.
@@TheToneGeek ruclips.net/video/OEoazQ1zuUM/видео.html And please stay safe electricity is no joke .Leave those cheap meters becouse the diference between a 350 USD Fluke 179 and a $35 Proster VC99 is life and death.
@@irenapopova5065 I understand but the video you referenced is a different model so I don't think we can draw a conclusion the Proster will behave the same way.
Only until something go wrong with it and they don’t want to know you. We had 3 179’s the screens are faulty and they won’t fix them, same with Fluke 1735, and Fluke 1653 B.
Nice video. But to be fair, in this video you’re really just comparing your Proster meter’s readings to the accuracy of a quality calibrated Fluke meter. Nothing more. Note also the Capacitance resolution is 1nf, so you shouldn’t expect to read pf.
Cheap meters almost always have inferior or non-existent protection circuits and limited or no blast shielding. Anyone with even the most basic understanding of electronics can pop the cover off and take a look inside and immediately recognize why they should run far, far away from those cheap meters, especially ones with no independent testing and certification.
Nice review, but you have wayyyyyyyyy too many ads! It made me quit watching half way through. Wait till your channel get bigger first, then put ads, cus it discourage people like me to sub.
The biggest difference comes when you look inside at the PCB build quality and high voltage protection of the Fluke. Be careful probing a high voltage source from that amp with the proster, less expensive meters are often basically accurate, but if ya slip using the Fluke it will absorb it and the protection devices will prevent a major incident. With the Proster improperly applied high voltage in the wrong range will blow up the meter in your hand.
I just saw your video, I think you showed some points very well.
The difference between cheap and expensive meters it not precision for a new meter, most cheap meters are very precise. Fluke meters have a very simple user interface (289 excluded) and stays precise for many years, they are very robust i.e. diode testing a mains outlet will not damage the meter. With a cheap meter you get more functions and usual about the same precision (At least for a couple of years), but do not try to use it in a industrial setting!
I have written more than 100 multimeter reviews, both cheap and expensive and for many applications cheap works fine. I will admit that I prefer the more expensive models, but some of them have many issues!
I think the same, cheap multimeters start with issues in a short time.
Cheers
Every cheap multimeter I've bought over the years, started out fine, but degraded and/or outright died on me in less than 2 years of regular use.
Cool test, I also have this meter, your results made me happy.
Just a note with your diode test with the vc99, when the screen said '0.295' you said '0.2395'. So although you said the diode test result was inaccurate, it was almost dead on.
Ahh!! Something about hitting the record button makes me drop a few IQ points lol. I'll add that in the description. Glad you found the video useful!
Yea, I noticed the number error as soon as I saw it. You really should update the video ending about your opinion of the cheap meter,
Put the Proster on Ohm and messure AC voltage then do the same with the Fluke ,you will know the difference :)
That's right
When measuring 500v in an amp, I would choose the fluke purely from a safety perspective. For measuring little components or biasing an amp, yep, any old cheap multimeter will do.
Check the Cat rating . Fluke will be a Cat 3 or 4, cheap multimeter’s will be Cat 2 or less
Yes, most cheap multimeters are pretty accurate. The big difference is the safety factor of making a mistake switching the range switch when measuring a 500v circuit. A Fluke will take the abuse where the cheap one will be toast. Watch Joe Smiths channel on his multimeter torture tests and safety factors of cheap to quality meters. Fluke and Brymen meters were the most robust meters he tested. Running them up over 10kv of transients while switching the function rotary switch. The cheap meters just smoked. Flukes and Brymens would take over 12kv and if they did fail it was a simple clamping diode or something simple. Cheap meters would arc the traces and blow them right off. Fluke and Brymen have big heavy HRC fuses over little glass fuses. Brymen meters are very reasonable in price. My Brymen BM869S has a dual display and more features than my Fluke 189 that cost 3 times as much when new. For low voltage stuff cheap meters are fine. When testing a 500V tube amp I want a safe meter. An extra 100 bucks is worth my safety.
Even if someone has an expensive fluke the Proster would be a great thing to have around too, lots of times when multiple meters come in handy
agreed!!!
I find generally 4-5 meters on the bench about enough for most measurements.
Good probes do indeed make all the difference. They affect measurements and sensitivity in a very palpable way. I own literally dozens of multimeters and, even though I only use one at a time (I like to collect them), I bought quality probes to all of them.
Nice!! Thank you for sharing
For me ill choose the more expensive instrument especially from a well known brand...a good brand is reliable and protects the unit if you accidentally set it wrong. In my field i need a reliable instrument in detecting troubles i tried sanwa, kyoritsu, hioki and fluke as well which i prove to be reliable and comfortable to use cant imagine hows troubleshooting using cheap instrument
Where did you get the .2395 on the klone diode????
You are correct. Both had almost identical readings. I never saw .2395 either.
Hi Ryan. I just purchased a fluke 179 to use at work as it was the cheapest option I could find to reliably test ac millivolts for tape deck repair. Previously I had been using a leader lmv-186 and was sick of the ambiguity of analog metering for work that really needs to be precise. In the past I have had cheap meters literally explode when being used on the wrong setting so be very careful! Hope you are keeping well!
Hey Tom! Congrats on your purchase! Makes sense why the cheap ones might not have all the safety features one would assume. I'm saving up for a good one ☺️ I hope you're doing well too!
I think for electronics work with low voltages just so there’s meter accuracy, it’s fine. I do electrical work, and wouldn’t consider a cheap meter for safety reasons.
One thing to be careful of with cheap multimeters is what measurement you get when the meter’s battery is starting to go flat.
Please help me my multimeter is mixed on I removed the 9v battery. thank you
Man! This makes me feel good about my cheap multi meter!
Ha!! I kept saying the wrong thing out loud so pay attention to the numbers on the screen. It's amazing how good the inexpensive Amazon one was!
@@TheToneGeek BTW... The green strat on your wall was making me drool.
@@frankhoxsey1177 surf green or Jade Pearl with maple fretboard? Surf Green is a Tom Delonge strat with a single Humbucker invader pickup and single volume control (so raw and simple. My best playing strat) and the Jade Pearl is a 2013 American Standard with stock Fat 50s and "relic" pickguard. It's my second best playing strat but my #1 in terms of all round flexibility :-)
@@frankhoxsey1177 forgot to say thank you!
@@TheToneGeek I'm looking at the Jade green because of the maple fretboard. I'm a big maple fretboard guy
Any update on the John Mayer pedal board/signal flow history video?
Still doing research. He's changed a bunch of times throughout the years so need to figure out appropriate buckets. Also if I get anything wrong I'll be burned at the stake so want to make sure I'm accurate as reasonably possible. Stay tuned :-)
The Tone Geek Thanks for the update. I’m looking forward to it.
Just saw it now and I am wondering why the Proster VC99 is allowed to be in the USA market? It clearly violates the Fluke trademark of dark gray on yellow color scheme.
Who's provide warranty and quality
is proster ok apt maintenance lets say
Are there any guitar cables you consider better than others?
Indeed!! Anything Mogami is my new go-to. Durable and low loss amzn.to/2DKTk2I
True RMS meters are noticeably better when measuring AC. I’ve seen flukes last 15 years, you would be replacing that proster a few times.
What's the difference between $100 guitar and $1000 one? A guitar is a guitar, right?
i’m sure he would have some stuff to say about that ;) don’t buy plastic trash, buy a fluke and support a u.s. company.
I only use Fluke meters when i have to work with high voltages, take care of yourself and don't use that crappy in tube amps.
which one do you trust more??? hope you were sarcastic. it's a bloody 350€ Fluke build for professional service technicians and industry electricians... compare the proster against some cheap UNI-T
In my experience cheap multimeters nowadays are usually precise. They're not well-built internally nor are resistant to transients or user mistakes though.
@@camurgo nor do they last very long. I've never had one last more than 2 years of regular use before it was pretty far off or died altogether.
I have a friend who lost a finger of his hand 2 years ago by using cheap testers that do not comply with safety regulations. This tester exploded in his hand. There is a fluke model 107 that costs $ 125 cheap to be a fluke but at least I am sure that that tester is not going to explode.
Picofarad range is the MUST for electronics.
I did not find any practical difference (even in diode drop voltage).
The real difference is that the cheap crap dmm is unsafe and can exploit, in fluke you can trust in high voltage.
Fluke is the best if you want to save yourself and your equipment’s from catastrophe !
Ok ,i have a chalenge for you :
Adjust both meters on DC and try to messure AC then you will understand the difference between a 350 $ multimeter and 35 $ one .Oh yes and just to avoid an accident stand clear from the cheap one - it will catch fire. Think about your family and loved ones before you trust your life on an 35$ multimeter becouse it takes one mistake with electricity .... The price difference is not about accuracy ,its about safety but you obviously have no clue.
Hi Irena. I'm interested in learning more. Can you please share a personal experience you have or an article that indicates the unit is unsafe? I would like to take that in consideration in an updated video if possible. Also, please be kind and have a great day.
@@TheToneGeek ruclips.net/video/OEoazQ1zuUM/видео.html
And please stay safe electricity is no joke .Leave those cheap meters becouse the diference between a 350 USD Fluke 179 and a $35 Proster VC99 is life and death.
@@irenapopova5065 I understand but the video you referenced is a different model so I don't think we can draw a conclusion the Proster will behave the same way.
Did you mentioned that Fluke has lifetime warranty?! I think that says it all...
Whose lifetime?
Only until something go wrong with it and they don’t want to know you. We had 3 179’s the screens are faulty and they won’t fix them, same with Fluke 1735, and Fluke 1653 B.
Very Helpful
Nice video. But to be fair, in this video you’re really just comparing your Proster meter’s readings to the accuracy of a quality calibrated Fluke meter. Nothing more. Note also the Capacitance resolution is 1nf, so you shouldn’t expect to read pf.
What about safety ?????
Not sure I follow...
Cheap meters almost always have inferior or non-existent protection circuits and limited or no blast shielding. Anyone with even the most basic understanding of electronics can pop the cover off and take a look inside and immediately recognize why they should run far, far away from those cheap meters, especially ones with no independent testing and certification.
Looks like buying the real one, is to be cool, like the rest of the electricians. Gotta fit in.
they're both yellow with gray trim, so they must be more or less the same. Fluke really should stop copying Proster.
😂😂😂
those 2 DMM are not comparable, end of discusion
Cheap multimeters nowadays are usually precise. They're not well-built internally nor are resistant to transients or user mistakes though.
Nice review, but you have wayyyyyyyyy too many ads! It made me quit watching half way through. Wait till your channel get bigger first, then put ads, cus it discourage people like me to sub.
Couldn't you afford 2 pairs of probes?