Fieldpiece sc680 Review - Why I would Avoid
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- Опубліковано 13 вер 2024
- I recently picked up the new fieldpiece sc680 in order to review, and have found a few reasons why I would recommend that you avoid it.
The Sc680 multimeter is fieldpieces latest top of the line multimeter, but I have noticed several features lacking as well as one glaring problem.
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As great as the sc680 sounds on paper I did find a few glaring faults with this meter. The first complaint with the meter is its size, It is BIG. The SC680 measures in at 18.5 x 4 x 3.5 inches which is quite a bit larger than any other multimeter I can recall off of the top of my head. Comparing it to my Fluke 902fc at 4.2 x 2.4 x 10.8 inches, the sc680 dwarfs it. You may find it difficult to fit this meter in your tool pack due to its height.
Although the unit does have wireless capability, it is not as useful as I had hoped. At this time, it is not supported with measure quick, ( rumors are that it is in the works to be added as a supported device) but it does operate with the Fieldpiece Joblink App. My complaint is with how this integrates into the app. There is no way to use the temperature readings in the refrigerant portion of the app. It would be extremely helpful if Fieldpiece would allow the temperature readings to be used along with the pressure probes to take unit super-heat and sub-cool measurements on larger pipes than the temp clamp probes allow.
I guess I had assumed this would have been the case, but found that I was unable to get it to function that way in the Job Link app. Hopefully, once the meter is supported by measure quick, this feature will be added.
My next complaint is a major con. I found that when taking amp readings with wireless on my readings were inaccurate. I compared it with several other meters to confirm this. With conductor in the amp clamp and wireless off, the meter reads 0 amps, as soon as you turn wireless on, the meter begins to read anywhere from .5 - 2.5 amps and 10-20v. I again verified this alongside other meters as well as on a VFD. When wireless was off the meter read the amp draw of 8.8 amps which coincided with the display on my VFD and another meter, but as soon as wireless was turned on, the meter began reading 10.8 amps.
I then tested this problem in the 600 aac range and found that when the wireless feature was turned on the meter began to read up to 15 amps higher than the true reading. Having your amp draw readings being over 20% off is a big deal, especially when the whole point of wireless is to ensure accurate amp readings by being able to close panels, blower doors, etc.
Another gripe that I found while using this meter is the HZ measurements off of VFD’s is not as useful as I had hoped. The spec sheet on the field piece website lists the HZ range through the clamp as 10-400 HZ, but I did not find any mention of the min amp draw required to use this function.
I found that while attempting to check the frequency output of the condenser fan motors on a Trane chiller, I was unable to get the meter to read correctly. I was getting erratic readings of 0-120 Hz flashing all over the place. Once I double checked the manual to see what was going on I found that the frequency through the clamp feature has a minimum current range of 7 amps AC for 10-100 HZ, 20 amp AC for 100-400 HZ on the 100 Amp AC range, and a minimum of 25 Amps AC for 10-400 HZ on the 600 Amps AC range. If you were hoping to use the clamp HZ feature on mini-splits, this could pose a big problem.
Those are my main issues with this meter. Other minor complaints are that there does not seem to be any way to disable the constant beeping while taking voltage readings with your meter leads, and the battery life seems to be much shorter than any other meter if used.
I have the same meter (SC680) you were testing and I don't get any phantom amps when using the amp clamp and turning the wireless button on. You may have gotten a faulty meter, I would definitely contact field piece and have them send you a replacement. Hope this was helpful.
I've had the SC680 for a couple years now. I just double checked and I don't have any issue with the ghost amperage. The first meter I received had a broken clamp arm with very little use. The new one replaced under warranty has been quite solid for a couple years of everyday use. I've compared the amp reading to my Fluke 902 and the FP is definitely more accurate. LOL it's not 18" it's about 11.75". That's still a long meter, but very manageable. It works very well for fractional hp motors like draft inducers that my 902 would have trouble reading. Also, the variance in reading depending on where the conductor is positioned in the clamp is less than the 902 as well. I realize there are marks on the clamp to gain the optimized reading, but that's not always feasible.
He's bias, once he said "I grew up with or I've always used fluke" I already knew.
Used one of these for years. Switched to FLUKE 87 V MAXX, Never looked back.
Being a lite-comercial tech the Only thing I missed was the ability to check rotation. Picked up a "B&K Precision Model 302" off of Ebay. Not only does it read rotation of in coming power, but it can tell me rotation of a motor if I spinn the shaft. A time saver when settling up VFD's before the power is on.
I dont really use this feature but the FP meter isn't fast enough to read inrush current. Where the FLUKE 902 gets in sync with the ring of the inrush current to measure correctly.
The 87 reads peak, average and min voltage/current. These are very useful troubleshooting an intermittent problem. Using the optional clamp on my 87 to read amps down to 0.3 amps is very useful in low voltage circuits. You can quickly move down a circut to find the power hog.
I generally don't use auto-range, but FLUKE displays OL while FP displays 0.0 THIS CAN GET YOU KILLED.
The temp probes need to be both connected on the same sides for accurate readings. It will change readings if only one is connected. But a DVM is probably not the best choice for getting accurate temperature readings.
I own the Redfish idvm550, produced by Supco. I really like it, but I miss that fieldpiece magnet strap.
no issue with ghost amp here
Solid review. Let us know what FP says about the extra 2 amps and ghost voltage. Seems odd that they would miss that. Hopefully it’s just your meter and they replace it
That’s kinda what I was thinking it was be until I saw Adam’s comment below yours. Now I’m wondering if it’s in all of them.
Emailed Fieldpiece the video, so waiting to hear back now. I’ll definitely update. Thanks for checking it out!
Ever hear anything back about that ghosting?
Thank you so much for your review of the Fieldpiece sc680. I was on the verge of buying this unit. Thank heavens I saw your video before I pushed the buy button. I recently have bought into the Job Link system, and I think an amp prob is the only thing I don't have for my Job Link Probe system. I was desperately wanting to retire my Fluke amp clamp with this tool, since the Job Link system has proven so valuable in reducing my time in the heat, by allowing me to close my tickets so much more quickly. I was really salivating, when I saw it had dual temperature probes, and can even show the Delta T in the display! Then so very importantly, it would also replace my need to pack my megger for checking windings in ECM motors. Dude I was ready to buy one this very evening . I was going to push the buy button this very night But that was before I saw your review. So for me it's a soul crusher that a tool built primarily as an Amp Clamp fails in its primary function. I love every other field piece item I've ever bought. Sad, so sad.
Thanks for checking it out, I did reach out to Fieldpiece about the problems I was having and they sent me a new meter that did not suffer from the same issues. I posted an update video. If you scroll through the comments there were quite a few other guys that have experienced the same amp issues, and I’m not sure if they were able to get their meter replaced or not.
@@HVACToolReviewSo the problems in this video were corrected with a newer meter?
thanks for making me feel better after someone stole this meter from me
I hate thieves. Hopefully you find them and take back what's yours.
Mine has none of those issues works great. Sometimes I get weird reading with the dual temp clamps then I reset it and I’m good
Right on, glad it's working well for you!
Fieldpiece is the goat
I Just picked up the 680 and mine doesn't' show any amp draw when I activate the Wireless Readout.... You should get in touch with Fieldpiece and let them know you have a faulty Meter..... Nice review bud....
Right on, yea they ended up sending me a new meter. Replacement hasn’t had the same issue. Had a few other guys reach out to me saying theirs did the same thing, must have been an early model glitch
Check your video at the 6:38 mark. You had the meter set to the wrong setting. You were on Hz/% setting, which is meant to be used with/thru the test leads only. I can also say the the sc480 that I own does not have the "ghosting" issue with volts & amps when the wireless feature is turned ON. My screen reads all 0000 on both displays. You are correct about the Hz "thru the clamp" not reading until there is at least a 5 amp load on the circuit. I can verify that the sc56 (older meter), sc440, & the sc660 all will display a Hz reading thru the clamp with less than 1 amp of load on a circuit. Hope that info will help. 😎👍
You are correct. Good catch, meant to note that I realized I had it on the incorrect parameter after the fact. Once I set it to the correct hz through the clamp setting I got intermittent results until about 5 amps. I believe the manual stated that at least 7 amps were required to read HZ, but I think 5 is where mine started reading. That's Good to know about the sc480, I was wondering if it would have any similar issues. Either way the replacement that FP sent me no loner has the issue.
Mine works flawlessly
Thankyou much sir.... I'm a 20-year veteran in the trade I have 3 sc640's and they all work wonderfully....I was thinking about buying a few sc680s but I'm not so sure that I'm going to do that now ... However unless Maybe there's some way to calibrate and fine tune the amperage correctly in wireless mode?great review and I very much appreciate it sir....
First off, why do you have 3?? I have a fluke 179 true RMS and a testo back up meter. lol I have 3 of the same meter should not be a starting sentence. Fieldpiece is and has always been a joke to the HVAC industry. 26 year veteran here so yeeeeahhh!
Looks like you got a Lemon FP. I used one for years without any problems. Just ordered the 440 I hope it works better than your 680
I’ve had this meter for about a year now and have had no issues not even the phantom amps with wireless turned on. 🤔🤷🏾♂️
When did the 680 come out? I didn’t think it had been out for a year yet. Glad yours is working well, seems there are a few others having the same issues I was.
It’s been close to a year. I talked to Fieldpiece about it in January of last year when I had an issue with my 660. And they told me about the 680 that would be coming in the fall but it actually came in the summer I believe
Good channel by the way
Thanks man appreciate it!
I've had mine for 2 months and no problem with it, no phantom readings
I ordered this product and to my surprise when I turn it on I immediately see phantom voltages and amperages. I will return trutechtools right away and give it a second chance otherwise I will have to buy Fluke.
I wonder if SC480 has the same issues.
Bro do you know where I can purchase the swivel clamp head for the sc680 mines broke
Great review. Very thorough. I have this meter too. I am hoping FP firmware update will resolve most issues. The < 7amp Freq is a downer for sure...With so many inverters, I’m seeing, some of these deficiencies are really glaring on an otherwise well made instrument.
Yea I hope so, lot of features packed into this meter, couple tweaks could make it really great
Hey I just bought this meter, have you had any issues since you posted 2 years ago?
@@Spruce-Bug Still going strong. No issues.
I thought about getting that meter too. Good review. Right now i have the fieldpiece 640
Hopefully they work out the kinks. I think it could be a pretty awesome piece of gear if they fix a few things.
Got the sc660 it has issues to was thinking about getting this one but I think I'll pass
I had the sc660 and I sold it and bought the sc460 it’s a good meter, but I did just order the sc680 I believe all the issues are resolved now, good video
I hope that they are. The replacement they sent me seems to work fine. I still don’t like how big it is so I find that I continue to use my 902 more often, but the bugs seem to have been worked out
I see is one of the comment chains that HVAC Tool Review guy stated 2 years ago "I reached out to FP directly and they sent me a new meter, new one is not having the same issue. You should reach out to their warranty department." maybe HVAC Tool Review guy has stopped posting ! In reading all the posts on this issue, It would be fair to surmise that the multiple meters that were listed as having similar issue might have been due to manufacturer quality control issues. It would be more of a fair review for FP if HVAC Tool Review guy would come back on and clarify if this issues and if it's been totally resolved or not. The reason I'm stating this is that I am looking at purchasing the complete set of Field Piece tools that use the Job Link software system.
Hi everybody...
I am FIELDPIECE coach From Costa Rica .
SC 680 it's great!
👍
I'm getting ready to purchase this meter. Has FP corrected the issue with the ghost amps/volts? Thanks.
Quiero adquirir el 680, pero quisiera saber donde adquirirlo en costa rica
You actually admitted to being a fieldpiece coach? lol you can’t be serious or are you a bit mentally challenged?
Fluke or nothing
Great review, hopefully you’ll grow your channel soon 👍🏻
Appreciate the support!
Hey did ever get a different one? If so, what were the results? If not, what did fieldpiece say about it? My 660C does kinda the same thing with the wireless off. No near as bad though. I’ve never used it wirelessly because I don’t have and I not going to buy the transmitter. I was thinking about upgrading but after seeing this, it’s also a deal breaker for me unless the issue has been solved. Let me know. Thanks
Fieldpiece is the goat of all meters nothing better💯💯💯💯
Does the newest version of this meter still suffer from reading VFD amps below 7 amps?
I'm planning on getting the 480 because of the size. I'm glad that I read the comments too, I've had good experiences with fieldpiece support as well.
Right on, I'd like to try out the 480 as well. Let me know how you like it!
Is it possible that you can share the first few digits of the serial number on the new meter you have that’s operating correctly? I remember years ago when the SMAN gauges first came out I bought they had a issue with the gaskets going bad on the gauges and they was prone to leaking. I called Fieldpiece and they told me that the first batch of gauges they produced had these issues and they told me about the serial # beginning with (I can’t remember because it’s been years) was bad and they sent me a new one and I haven’t had any problems since.
Yea no problem. Serial on the new meter is 20020672AACB
HVAC Tool Review Thank You! I’m going to pay attention to the serial #’s when I purchase mines. And thanks for the video I’ve learned so much from it!!
Eric The Comfort Doctor Cook not a problem! Glad I could help!
I’m on my second replacement after the amp clamp has failed twice. I don’t use this meter very often and I’ve only had it about a year. Fieldpiece has been great about warranty replacements but it’s still a hassle. Thanks for the video.
I love mine. I have had no issues at all.
I was disappointed that even with the dual display I can’t get amp readings automatically while taking Voltage
I agree
My klein does.
Buen video
Casualmente quiero una de ese modelo pero ahora tengo muchas dudas
Great details!! Thanks!
My fieldpiece HS36 reads phantom voltage and amps. I'm thinking they have something bad going on with board design.
Hopefully you can contact them and they will fix it for you
@@HVACToolReview It's way out of warranty but I can still do what I need to do with it. I'm thinking about getting this one but it's making me nervous to see they still have the same issues and I want it to be fully compatible with measure quick. Is that thing even capable of receiving firmware updates?
Mine doesn't seem to be adding apps when in Wireless
Does not work with measure quick. Thank you. That’s all I needed to know.
Does the power function show volts, amps and watts simultaneously, or just watts and power factor?
Doesn’t show all simultaneously, I believe you can scroll through and see the others by hitting select to see the other parameters. I’ll try to remember to double check tomorrow and confirm with you
@@HVACToolReview thank you
I bought my meter from Tru-Tech tools and it's doing the same thing yours is doing so I emailed them and they sent me a replacement meter and my second meter still doing the same exact thing... Now I have a meter that I don't know whether to trust it or not just because it is off like that
Wow so probably not just an isolated problem. Odd that there is no other info on this, maybe most just haven’t noticed yet? Pretty unfortunate. I emailed Fieldpiece and sent them the video. We will see what they say
Adam Slape man that sucks. Now I’m a bit happier with the idvm550
Hozer Hvac I wish I went with that redfish too. Fieldpiece just released this meter Sc680 when I was going to get the redfish meter. So needless to say I brought the fieldpiece sc680 meter hoping that Jim Bergmann would incorporate this meter into measure quick to go with the fieldpiece probes
Adam Slape I’m sure they will fix it. And once it goes live with MQ it will be a solid meter
I guess we will see what happens, thanks
Great video! Liked and subscribed!
Let me know if you have experienced the same issue with the wireless amp readings
I have the sc480. No problems with wireless amp readings. I’ll bet if you contact Fieldpiece they will send you another meter.
Call FIELDPIECE INSTRUMENTS senda a mail to Tony González
REFRIGERACIÓN VILAPRIÑO I got ahold of Chris at Fieldpiece. Sent me a new meter and this one is working fine.
@@HVACToolReview update the title.... unless you would still avoid🤷🏽♂️
Ivan Hall the new meter doesn’t have the phantom voltage and amperage readings but I have experienced a few other issues since then. Every so often it seems to lock up when taking a volt reading, and will display 0v even if there is live voltage present. If I cycle it off then on it will begin reading voltage correctly. I’ve experienced too many issues in the short amount of time I’ve owned it to recommend it, which is why I have not updated the title.
Expensive it's not always better. Thrusty old Klein won't let you down 👍
I was just going to buy one. I'm glad I've seen this review, thank you so much I will hold off with my purchase.... hey maybe it's picking up 5G signal antenna!!!! :)
Haha never know! Fieldpiece actually sent me a new meter, haven’t had a chance to test it out yet, but hopefully tomorrow I’ll be able to run it through it’s paces.
@@HVACToolReview :) plz let me know once you test it.. I really would like to know if the issue will be resolved with the new one.
Thanks
Seems to work fine with the new one, maybe the early production had some issues they’ve resolved? Not sure, but glad this one works now
@@HVACToolReview Thank you, I will probably get one by the end of the month now :) Hopefully works good for me
Fluke is the standard for meters, all others are entry level
Good report nice video
Great review thank you
No problem! Thanks for checking it out
I have this issues with mine was they able to help you with your meter
Sorry for the late reply, I missed this. Yes I emailed their support and they sent me a new meter that works as it’s supposed to.
Which multimeter do you recommend for someone just getting into the trade
What is your budget? I typically always recommend the 902fc its been a solid meter, although they did just have a major recall. Just posted a video on it
@@HVACToolReview thanks
That a definite deal breaker
Yea I feel the same
Although the replacement they sent me did not have the same issues. So my I just got a lemon. I have heard from others that have experienced the same problems tho
I am not a HVAC guy, I am a Electronics Engineer and Field Systems/Network Engineer however I have almost all Fluke and a afew Klein tools. I was wondering about getting this meter as Ive had 3 people not be able to figure out the zoning AC and not get one of them to work even after they replaced parts. So figured if I can build a PCB and actually build devices and fix them and I have some electrical knowledge why can't I figure out my own AC issues. The last guys were the last straw telling me to change my ducts as it can't handle the airflow or push out air as good as the second unit. But my AC worked on those same ducts fine for alittle over a decade. Figuring its getting too hot and I need my AC so figured I get a sc680 because it has the W for Watts thinking great I don't have to do the math for Volts and Amps to get Watts. Did they ever send you a replacement? The Phantom volt and amps would drive me nuts. The size of a meter won't bother me as I carry a 20lb with 20in screen laptop not a wannabe laptop without speed, but battery lasts 19 hours I'm happy with a gaming laptop with balls even if the battery life is 2 hours. My tool bag weights about 85 lbs so its what I carry up and down stairs or ladders. Whats your opinion on the Fluke 378fc?
I wonder if the 480 does that too
Not sure, I've been trying to get my hands on a 480 to test out. The replacement 680 they sent me does not do it anymore.
@@HVACToolReview Thanks for that okay now that encourages me to purchase it.
Im using a Fieldpiece sc440 it’s pretty good, but I’ve been wanting to upgrade, been looking at the Fluke 902, i have a Fluke 87v and i love it, but it doesn’t check amperage with out an extra attachment, I have alway used Fluke and still think its the best, but Fieldpiece keeps adding all these bells and whistles lol what I would like to see is inrush between these two meters, to see which one is faster, i know the Fluke 902 doesn’t actually have inrush but it can be achieved by pressing the Min/Max it would be amazing if you could do a short video of this. Thanks !
Yea I’ve got the 87 and the 116 but it’s so much easier to have a built in amp clamp.
I’ll definitely get a video of that, should have thought to do it in my initial video of the sc680
Just so you know, Inrush & Max are not the same thing. Two totally different current "captures". Inrush only captures the 1st 100ms of current as the compressor is kicking out of the locked rotor state of start up. When a unit is starting properly, the Inrush current will be very close to the LRA rating on the data plate. MAX will be a much lower reading. 👍
I got mine a week or 2 ago and I am not impressed. I wish I could return it to johnstone supply. It didn’t read 120v today ON THE LINE SIDE of a contractor and it also messed up on a capacitor reading today 3 MFD and a fluke said 33 MFD and a south wire that’s 60 bucks ready 33MFD. If a meter messes up on me it is dead to me. Out almost 400 bucks😡🤬
Yeah that's pretty much how I feel. I've actually had it do the same thing with the line voltage readings a couple of times. I wasn't sure that's what happened, so I didn't mention it here.
Initially, I was second guessing myself thinking maybe one of the leads was just loose, second time really made me wonder wth was going on. Now it really just confirms those suspicions. Maybe message FP and return directly? They were easy to work with for me, could get a new replacement and sell it.
I stick with my fluke
@@HVACToolReview yeah might have to give FP a call I wish I would have went with the 87V max 😩
Try getting new lead's, that solved all my issues.
@@wd8557 I’ll try that out hope that resolves it
@@12pullz Keep in mind the electronics in these meter's all are the same, just like electric drill's, TV's etc. You can go on Amazon and see bad reviews for every meter out their including fluke.
Only notice a couple things, lol
I could write a book.
That amp issue was the deal breaker for me.
Sorry Bro, the problem is you bought a piece Fieldpiece. Just go back to fluke, yeah you got to have 4 meters to do the same job but you’re better off.
😂 you aren’t wrong. I stick to my Fluke meters, always reliable.
No issues with mine.
Fieldpiece engineers missed that one big time. They probably never even tested that scenario.
Yea I’m not sure how that slipped through. Pretty crazy. New meter they sent me doesn’t have the problem but I’ve heard from a few other people now that have experienced it on theirs as well
think yours is broken. Mine does not do that
Haha yea they sent me a replacement. Hasn’t had the same issues, but I’ve had other guys reach out now saying theirs does the same thing.
So……stick with my FLUKE 376…although $700
Fieldpiece 440 is way better. Also not so huge.
Not made in the USA.
Fluke is way bettet