Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter vs Hantek DSO5102P Digital Storage Oscilloscope 100MHz 2-Channel
Head-to-head spec comparison to help you pick the right supply for your needs.
Fluke
$189
Hantek
$189
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Spec | Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter | Hantek DSO5102P Digital Storage Oscilloscope 100MHz 2-Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 0 V | 0 V |
| Max Current | 0 A | 0 A |
| Load Regulation | 0 % | 0 % |
| Ripple & Noise | 0 mV | 0 mV |
| Programmable | No | No |
| Channels | 1 | 2 |
| Display | 6000-count backlit LCD | 7-inch 800×480 TFT |
| Interface | None | USB |
| Price | $189 | $189 |
| Rating | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Pros & Cons
Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter
Pros
- True RMS AC measurement accurate on variable-frequency drives, switch-mode supplies, and non-sinusoidal loads
- VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection built in — no accessory swap needed for quick wire tracing
- AutoVolt automatically selects AC/DC — eliminates mode errors during fast troubleshooting
- CAT III 600V / CAT IV 300V safety rating; meets IEC 61010 for industrial environments
- Backlit display readable in dim equipment racks and junction boxes
Cons
- No PC interface (USB or Bluetooth) — logging requires manual transcription or a separate logger
- Banana jack spacing is Fluke-proprietary; third-party leads with recessed plugs may not seat fully
- Resolution is 6000 counts — acceptable for most work but a 20000-count meter reads finer increments
- Price premium over equivalent-spec Uni-T or Klein meters is real; justified by build quality and support life
Hantek DSO5102P Digital Storage Oscilloscope 100MHz 2-Channel
Pros
- 100MHz bandwidth with 1GSa/s sample rate handles most hobby and moderate-speed digital signals
- 7-inch 800×480 TFT display — largest screen at this price point
- USB host + device ports: save screenshots to USB stick without a PC
- 25 automatic measurements (Vpp, frequency, rise time, duty cycle) without manual cursors
- Active community with custom firmware patches addressing UI quirks
Cons
- Trigger system requires careful configuration for complex serial protocols — no built-in serial decode
- Probe compensation adjustment is fiddly and not clearly documented in the manual
- Fan runs continuously at audible volume — not a quiet instrument
- Software update process requires USB boot; less polished than Rigol or Siglent equivalents
Our Verdicts
Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter
The Fluke 117 is the most-recommended mid-range multimeter in r/electronics for one reason: it works correctly on real-world signals. The True RMS on non-sinusoidal loads is genuinely useful, not a spec-sheet checkbox. If budget is tight, a Uni-T UT61E covers 80% of use cases at 40% of the price — but Flukes outlast careers.
Hantek DSO5102P Digital Storage Oscilloscope 100MHz 2-Channel
For a first oscilloscope under $200, the DSO5102P punches above its weight on screen size and bandwidth. Engineers needing I2C/SPI/UART decode should budget up to a Rigol DS1054Z; hobbyists measuring power supply ripple and basic waveforms will find this more than sufficient.