Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter vs Riden RD6018 Programmable Bench Power Supply 60V 18A
Head-to-head spec comparison to help you pick the right supply for your needs.
Fluke
$189
Riden
$139
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Spec | Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter | Riden RD6018 Programmable Bench Power Supply 60V 18A |
|---|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 0 V | 60 V |
| Max Current | 0 A | 18 A |
| Load Regulation | 0 % | 0.05 % |
| Ripple & Noise | 0 mV | 50 mV |
| Programmable | No | Yes |
| Channels | 1 | 1 |
| Display | 6000-count backlit LCD | Color TFT |
| Interface | None | WiFi (Modbus) + USB |
| Price | $189 | $139 |
| Rating | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 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
Riden RD6018 Programmable Bench Power Supply 60V 18A
Pros
- 60V / 18A (1080W) covers ham radio transceiver and amplifier power requirements at a fraction of comparable commercial supplies
- Color TFT display shows V, A, W, and input voltage simultaneously
- WiFi-enabled with open Modbus protocol; integrates into home lab automation without proprietary software
- Ripple measured at <50mV even at full load — acceptable for RF and audio applications
- Open-source firmware ecosystem; community maintains active feature branches
Cons
- Requires external 60V AC-DC transformer (not included) — total cost rises to ~$200 with a suitable Meanwell brick
- Initial firmware setup requires reading documentation — not appropriate for first-time users
- No galvanic isolation — cannot float the output for differential measurements
- At full 18A load, heat dissipation is significant; requires clearance for airflow
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.
Riden RD6018 Programmable Bench Power Supply 60V 18A
The RD6018 is the power-dense pick for engineers and ham radio operators who outgrew 30V/5A supplies. The WiFi Modbus integration is the differentiator — no other supply at this price offers open-protocol remote control. Budget ~$60 extra for a suitable AC-DC brick.