Fluke 123B ScopeMeter under $1999 (in 2024)
Searching for a reliable and rugged oscilloscope to help with industrial electrical and electro-mechanical equipment troubleshooting and maintenance? We’ve been testing out the Fluke 123B Industrial ScopeMeter, we are indeed impressed!
Don’t forget to also peruse our oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and other electronics lab tools.
This handheld oscilloscope features two 5,000-count true-rms digital multimeters, as well as a 20 MHz bandwidth oscilloscope for high-precision readings. Additionally, the meter and scope data logger allows you to capture and store readings for future analysis.
Fluke 123B ScopeMeter
Pros
- Provides clear and detailed waveform viewing.
- Ensures extended operation without frequent recharging.
- Easy navigation and operation for efficient use.
- Robust build quality as expected from FLUKE.
Cons
- May lack some advanced functions found in benchtop oscilloscopes.
- May not support higher frequency signals for certain applications.
- May require time to fully understand all features.
- May restrict the length of captured waveforms.
The Fluke 123B also comes with advanced shielded test leads for oscilloscope, resistance, and continuity measurements, making it a versatile tool for a variety of applications.
While we found the Fluke 123B to be a bit pricier than some of its competitors (which is always the case with Fluke, given its top-notch quality), we believe the quality and performance make it worth the investment for the serious technician. Not for newbies.
Overview of the Fluke 123B Industrial ScopeMeter
We recently had the opportunity to test out the Fluke 123B Industrial ScopeMeter, and we were impressed with its rugged design and versatility. This hand-held oscilloscope is specifically designed for troubleshooting and maintenance of industrial electrical and electro-mechanical equipment.
One of the standout features of the Fluke 123B is its two 5,000-count true-rms digital multimeters, which are incredibly useful for taking accurate measurements. The oscilloscope also has a bandwidth of 20 MHz and a meter and scope recorder, making it a powerful tool for diagnosing issues.
The Fluke 123B comes with shielded test leads for oscilloscope, resistance, and continuity measurements, which is a nice touch. We found the clear screen to be a definite upgrade over previous models, and the battery life was better than expected.
While we did encounter some minor issues, such as outdated firmware and missing components, overall, we were very satisfied with the Fluke 123B Industrial ScopeMeter and would recommend it to anyone in need of a reliable and versatile oscilloscope. Also please note that other versions of the Fluke 123B is also available such as the Fluke 124B and Fluke 125B that have superior specifications.
Rugged Oscilloscope Design
This is the best handheld scope that the Oscilloscope Pros team has ever tested. The Fluke 123B Industrial ScopeMeter’s rugged design is very serious and feels top quality. The device is built to withstand harsh industrial environments, making it a reliable tool for troubleshooting and maintenance. The oscilloscope’s durable casing protects it from accidental drops and bumps, while the shielded test leads ensure accurate measurements in noisy electrical environments.
Additionally, the device’s compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around, which is especially useful for technicians who need to move from one location to another. The Fluke 123B also features two 5,000-count true-rms digital multimeters, which provide accurate readings of voltage, current, and resistance.
Digital Multimeter Integration
This feature allowed us to take advantage of the ScopeMeter’s advanced measurement capabilities while still being able to use our preferred digital multimeter for basic measurements. The integration process was seamless and we were able to easily switch between the two tools without any issues.
We appreciated the added convenience of being able to use both tools simultaneously, which allowed us to save time and increase our productivity. Additionally, the integration feature helped us to reduce the amount of equipment we needed to carry on job sites, which was a huge plus.
Oscilloscope Bandwidth
When it comes to choosing an oscilloscope, one of the most important factors to consider is its bandwidth. Bandwidth refers to the range of frequencies that an oscilloscope can accurately measure. The Fluke 123B Industrial ScopeMeter hand-held Oscilloscope has a bandwidth of 20 MHz, which makes it suitable for a wide range of industrial and scientific applications. Other versions such as the Fluke 124B and Fluke 125B have over 40MHz bandwidth.
With a bandwidth of 20 MHz, the Fluke 123B can accurately measure signals with frequencies up to 20 million cycles per second. This makes it ideal for troubleshooting electronic circuits, measuring motor drives, and analyzing power quality. The two input channels of the Fluke 123B also make it easy to compare signals and identify anomalies.
Meter and Scope Recorder Functionality
With two input channels and a 20 MHz bandwidth, it’s perfect for troubleshooting and maintenance of industrial electrical and electro-mechanical equipment. The meter has two 5,000-count true-rms digital multimeters, which make it easy to take accurate measurements.
The scope recorder function is also very useful. It allows us to record and replay up to 30 waveforms, which is great for analyzing complex signals. The shielded test leads for oscilloscope, resistance, and continuity measurements are also a nice touch.
Fluke 123B Ease of Use
Using the Fluke 123B Industrial ScopeMeter is a breeze. Its interface is intuitive, and we were able to navigate through its settings without any problems. The device’s large and clear screen made it easy to read and analyze the data we collected. We were also pleased with its long battery life, which allowed us to use it for extended periods without having to worry about running out of power.
While we did not encounter any major difficulties while using the Fluke 123B, we did find that it took a little time to get used to some of its options and settings, especially if you are used to an older model. However, once we got familiar with the device, we were able to use it with ease.
Customer Reviews
We checked the Amazon reviews and observed that the majority of customers like the device’s clear and large screen, which made it easy to read measurements. Users also noted that the battery life exceeded their expectations, allowing them to use the device for extended periods without needing to recharge.
Some users did note that the device was somewhat difficult to use at first (not surprising for a complex piece of hardware), but they quickly adapted to the new settings and options. A few users were disappointed that the amp clamp was not included in the kit, despite being shown in the product photo, but overall, they were happy with the device’s performance.
In general, customers found the Fluke 123B Industrial ScopeMeter to be a great investment, despite its higher price point. Its quality and performance were praised, making it a reliable tool for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Reviewer Final Comments
After extensively testing the Fluke 123B Industrial ScopeMeter, we can happily say that this is a top-of-the-line handheld oscilloscope. The device boasts a clear and beautiful screen that makes it easy to read the measurements. The battery life is also impressive and exceeded our expectations.
It is a bit pricier than some of its competitors, but we believe that the quality and performance of the Fluke 123B make it worth the investment. It is clear that Fluke has put a lot of effort into designing and manufacturing this device (like nearly all of its products), and we believe it will serve pro users very well. For the newbies, we suggest you pass on this and purchase a cheaper handheld oscilloscope like those we have reviewed in the past.
