ITTSB.EU Blog Forum

Multimeter | Clamp meter | Insulation Resistance Tester | Panel Meter | Oscilloscopes | Test leads & Accessories | Software Updates => Bench-top multimeter => Topic started by: Kiriakos GR on January 16, 2019, 10:06:10 AM

Title: History facts Tektronix DMM4050 & Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit warranty / repair 2019
Post by: Kiriakos GR on January 16, 2019, 10:06:10 AM
Today under the microscope of ITTSB Blog this is technology in use and whereabouts of Tektronix DMM 4050 & Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit benchtop multimeters (identical internally) .

For us which we use high-resolution multimeter in the sector of freelancer troubleshooter and not at somewhat of automated test system inside of R&D laboratory, we care for measuring detail which this will verify mostly accuracy specification of passive and active electronic components.

Nowadays low-cost voltage reference chips and precision resistors they are much more popular due their lower price in comparison with the past (10~15 years ago).

Therefore while pricing of precision electronic components this is constantly reduced from the other hand digital meters produced by the use of them still remaining highly priced.

The question which bothers me now is what our money actually buying when they pay for a Tektronix DMM 4050 or a Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit benchtop multimeters?
Most published specification this is 0.0025% accuracy for DC.

Both of these DMM history this is now known mostly by close inspection of their PCB and dates which their last software updates (firmware) where released.
Its not guesswork to say today that PCB design and electronic parts in use this is work of 2002, PCB mass production date this is 2004.
Product release date the year of 2005~6, last software update this was made at 2010, since then up to 2019 this is considered as finished product.

 
Tektronix DMM 4050 documentation does not deliver repair and service instructions.
Fluke 8846A documentation it does deliver repair and service instructions.

Because of high retail price both products did not gain wide acceptance, and if I am now writing these lines, this is because I am exploring both meters of what actually worth as used and out of warranty.
 
Tektronix among Fluke and Keithley they have now the same Boss, none of them over the years invested in European soil about having spare parts availability specifically for European consumers and market. 

While I do consider Fluke 8846A next big thing after Fluke 8842A, I am puzzled to deliver a positive vote, because no one ever reviewed this meter according my high standards and neither there is a safety net or promise for spare parts availability over time.
Neither in the market of used meters any wise consumer will accepts the fact that his purchase will be sort lived due poor or zero spare parts availability.     
We people working with electronics repairs and using multimeter, it is our job and nature about repairing things, therefore we always should make decisions by taking in mind the larger picture this including product performance and Repairability.

Industry producing bench-top multimeter it walks with extremely slow steps, even so I am now started worrying if different methods of A/D converter filtering will increase gap of comparison in a voltage reference between older and modern produced measuring instrument.

For example a Fluke 8842A within 2018 this measured my 10V voltage reference at 10.0001V, few weeks later a fresh calibrated Fluke 8846A this measured my voltage reference and it confirmed 180uV lower than 8842A, I did use Trimming Output Voltage circuit of LT1021-10 so to get nearer to 8846A cal at 10.00001 V.
 

While I do not hold all answers, I do consider year of 2019 as game changer, and I will advice people whom are also puzzled as I do, them to demonstrate patience.
The market of used meters always will be there if the near future does not deliver products tailored to our needs or if Newest Models they are offered at unreasonable pricing.
Title: Re: Fluke 8846A Everett, Washington. Press Release
Post by: Kiriakos GR on February 16, 2019, 10:03:36 AM
For the collectors of history facts  :)  I just discovered  last trace of Fluke 8846A  Press Release  ( at Google, this Fluke page this is now deleted / removed.)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New Fluke 8845A and 8846A Precision Digital Multimeters Combine ...


origin-www.fluke.com/fluke/.../press/New+Fluke+8845A+and+8846A+Precision+Digital...

Sep 11, 2006 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ...
The Fluke 8845A and 8846A have 14 measurement functions, extending the capability ... Everett, Washington.  Press Releases (page removed).. 


From the other hand, TEK press release this is still on-line, with date  October 5, 2009, and I have kept a copy.
Title: Tektronix DMM4050 DMM4040 Calibration cost in Europe by TEK EMEA 2/2019
Post by: Kiriakos GR on February 21, 2019, 10:52:18 AM
I am now officially Owner of a used DMM4050.  8)
While I am expecting delivery in Greece from Italy, I did pull Tektronix strings so to find out history logs about my DMM background, and I did.

It was bought first in Feb-2013 from TEK Europe.
Therefore up to date in 2019 this is just 6 years old hardware and I am very happy about that.   :)

Serial number verification was made due TEK UK, and later on they passed to me a suggestion about pricing quotation for a fresh CAL certificate.
I did accept receiving such quotation, now about me using the service or not ? this is a decision which I will consider in a later time.
   
 
Title: History facts Tektronix DMM4050 & Fluke 8846A hardware updates over time
Post by: Kiriakos GR on February 22, 2019, 09:48:34 PM
I just came across a fresh produced Certificate of Compliance of Fluke Corporation, this dated at 27-07-2016 for CSA (North America compliance).
Among the recorded Product Certification History list,  there is mentioned and even a few slight product design changes.  ;)

27-07-2016  Update report 1837899 (Fluke 8845A 8846A Tektronix DMM4040 DMM4050) to replace Thermometrics (brand)  PTC with Ampron PTC in critical components list. (CRR 2016-05 #2)

22-03-2013 Update Report 1837899 (8845A, 8846A, DMM4040, DMM4050) to change transformer manufacturer (split inspection factory).

26-06-2009 Update to Report 1837899 to include Models Tektronix DMM4040,Tektronix DMM4050.

02-08-2007 Bench DMM (C/US).  (8845A, 8846A )
Title: History facts Tektronix DMM4050 & Fluke 8846A latest Firmware 2019
Post by: Kiriakos GR on February 22, 2019, 09:55:11 PM
Today I got a response at Tektronix forum relative to Tektronix DMM 4050 (Fluke 8846A) latest Firmware.
Feel free checking attached picture.
Title: HP, Agilent, Keysight, 34401A VS Fluke 8846A (DMM4050 ) this battle it is ended
Post by: Kiriakos GR on February 26, 2019, 10:46:09 PM
The fate of a Blogger this is to be the creator of entire of his content.  :)
No matter of how I searched on the web, I did no find a quality written comparison of ( HP, Agilent, Keysight,) 34401A VS Fluke 8846A (DMM4050 ).

Since today, here it is my own  ;)
Now I need to clarify that any serious buyer he should never use feelings but facts and the facts here screaming by them self's.
Even so, the true winner here it is not the 8846A but the DMM4050 because TEK followed a different path regarding  supported data-logging software.

I did more than eight months of market research, I did download and test any available software provided with 6 1/2 multimeter from all manufacturers.
My box this is Windows XP Pro 32bit,  T&M industry with headquarters in the USA, they receive first bad influence from Microsoft poor product planing and discontinued decisions.

The world of 6 1/2 multimeter this is a bitch, lots of hidden information, lots of small secrets, lots of imperfect products which they must be sold.
Any way, use my tips and do your own homework because in the end of the day, you might be luckier about settling down and be happy with less.
Ignorance is bliss especially for hobbyists, but not an option for us working professionally.
       
Soon I will find out of how close I got over my mark,  by percentage I get always close to 97 % success regarding expectations, if I got 100% then I was truly lucky, because nothing made by humans this is that perfect.  ;) 
Title: ITTSB Blog 2/2019: TEK DMM4050 (8846A) 6.5 digit, Used multimeter Unboxing !!
Post by: Kiriakos GR on March 04, 2019, 12:02:48 AM
I am posting these pictures as informative material for our visitors.

Personally I am now in a celebrating mode. ;)
This is most famous DMM4050 at Google search for pictures results, ;D because Test S.r.l (this based in Perugia – Italy), this was having it listed for several months at their website and also at their eBay account.
I did contact directly Test S.r.l and we manage to close this sale at a much lower price, at about ¼ of the price if this were new with VAT.

This serial number was tracked by TEK Europe, factory calibration was made January 2013 and this sold February 2013 in Europe.
I got it February 2019, this is a six years old device, and now it age it is an added plus speaking of electronic components stability. 8)
As soon I got it out of the box here in Greece, this received special care and love among a few scratches removal.
Internal electronics inspection, banana plugs inspection, Front – Rear Inputs switch inspection, Dot matrix VFD inspection, and I did tested all it functions regarding measurements’ precision other than ACA.
First feature that amazed me, this is the Standard Deviation statistics, you can see the unseen when evaluating a DC voltage reference, or the output of a function generator up to 1.2 MHz in the rich resolutions of 6 ½ counts.
I have never see a multimeter measuring so fast a large capacitors (100.000 uF) neither this having so extended number of measuring ranges, unthinkably low burden voltage, and be a speed demon in every test.
Three VFD display brightness settings, Sleep mode this further preserving Dot matrix display life cycle, among with entire components selection be a marriage of made in USA and of Made in Japan parts and product design.
 
Not because now I own one but the soul of 8846A can not be compared at all with a 34401A or similar.
There are no apples to apples comparison here, because simply this 8846A simile to a digital camera made for a demanding professional photographer, and only such a person it can appreciates and pay for it features.
 
Generally speaking, it is understandable of why high-end equipment's they do not gain praise from vast majority of people, their pricing works as discouraging factor from be fully discovered even in the regard of products specifications’.

To clarify I will say that in recent years, there is lots of bad influence from specific people which promote them self’s a multimeter repairs Guru within internet, they do playing with voltage reference chips and fill people minds with garbage thoughts regarding multimeter Repairability as buying factor.

No they are not idiots, they are smart and they do fishing for other idiots so to use them as customers.
It is on the news that such DMM repairs Guru (with out email and physical address) they are unable to repair an 8846A and similar, yes this is not an FM radio made at past century. :P
Neither a hobbyist nor middle ranked in electronic repairs qualifying to do such repairs of their own.
Therefore the Repairability myth this is now busted by my own GREEK hammer.
Title: Re: History facts Tektronix DMM4050 & Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit warranty / repair 2019
Post by: Kiriakos GR on March 17, 2019, 05:34:38 PM
This is not a product review, but I am writing these lines so Truth to be restored.

Originally you are assuming that this is a 6 1/2 DMM,  then you are enjoying 7 1/2 resolution on screen,  few minutes later and if you do own quality voltage references ( many and not just one), you are discovering that this little beast it can measure (or sense) down to 1,5 micro-volt at SD field  (standard deviation = last digits repeatable fluctuation). 
1 micro-volt measurement this is a job for 8 1/2 multimeter and nothing less than that.  :)

After playing around with several data-logging software my fear came true  ;D ;D ;D (Check the attachment)
 
If this beast was equally stable compared to FLUKE 8508A regarding ppm stability, then this class of 6 1/2 digits DMM it would be our freshest metrologists class multimeter.  ;D

By completing today approximately 20 days of research (actual tests), I have to admit that my research regarding buying decision, this indeed helped me to steer in the correct direction, but the real thing this is more rich regarding expectations.
This is a true microscope for DC voltage measurements and comparisons.  8)
Resistance measurements are close enough to 7 1/2 HIOKI RM3542A (Both set at 10 Ohm range and then higher) for apples to apples comparison, with test samples at 0.005% tolerance.
The greater number of measuring range in every function, this is a invaluable if you care for precision.
I am now up to discover the last myth, this talking about that these multimeter has lowest burden voltage at current measurement on planet earth.  ;)

Now feel free asking your questions or add your own comments.
 
Title: Tektronix DMM4050 Programming Experience - MAESURE.VI - NI LabView Project
Post by: Kiriakos GR on March 19, 2019, 09:02:20 AM
This message aiming mostly software developers target group.

The information below this is shared notes of a Chinese person which did some experiments with Lab-View before nine years ago.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tektronix DMM4050 Programming Experience

Tektronix DMM4050 programming, use experience
Refer to the DMM4040 and DMM4050 Digital Multimeter Programmer Manual for
details .
The simple acquisition procedure is described in the document " Optimization
System Speed for I/O Operation " ( page 6 ).
##################################################
########################### #####################
*cls # This clears all error prior to initiating readings
Conf:volt:dc 0.1 # Set the DC range to manual and 100 mV.
Volt:dc:nplc 0.02 # Set the NPLC to faster reading rate 4 1/2 digits.
Zero:auto 0 # Turn Autozero off.
Trig:sour imm # Set immediate trigger.
Trig:del 0 # Set trigger delay to zero.
Trig:coun 1 # Set trigger count to one or specify a larger number.
Disoff off # Turn display off. This may slightly improve reading rate.
Syst:rem # Put the DMM4050 in remote. Only needed for RS-232 or Ethernet
#(required for READ? or MEAS?)
Samp:coun 100 # Set the sample count from 1 to 5000.

:INIT; *OPC? returns 1 indicating that the measurements have been taken and are ready to be transferred to the computer by using the :FETCH? command.

The network interface of the DMM4050 does not support automatic TX/RX polarity conversion.
Pay attention to the connection mode of the network cable.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Entire PDF with more details about this MAESURE.VI project it is available to download below. 
The document it is translated from Chinese to English due web translation, beware for syntax errors.   
Title: Re: History facts Tektronix DMM4050 & Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit warranty / repair 2019
Post by: Kiriakos GR on March 20, 2019, 12:18:27 AM
Using tools of the enemy so you to explore your own DMM, this increases further the FUN Factor  ;D ;D
Title: Re: History facts Tektronix DMM4050 & Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit warranty / repair 2019
Post by: Kiriakos GR on March 21, 2019, 02:11:15 PM
By using a third party data loggers software I did succeed gaining more understanding regarding Histogram analysis.

Basically, Histogram at 8846A and of all it brothers, this seems as a toy because it is missing the information of measuring range per its Column.
Due my own testing, I am now aware of minimum measuring range that such a Column can have.

This DMM it has true resolution of 8 1/2 digits,  at Histogram mode,  measured values are limited to 6 1/2 digits resolution, but these Columns it does include 8 1/2 resolution information, and also Standard Deviation measurement this is the only open window so to review 8 1/2 digits resolution of this DMM.

HISTO - GRAM  this is a GREEK definition ( HISTORY + GRAMI ) = ( History + straight line)  = History recorded by straight lines.

It is possible these two pictures bellow to help your understanding, a little more, if you see a Histogram this be rotated at it Time Axis.

In a ideal world, it is possible a voltage reference to demonstrate just a 1uV of fluctuation within 500 taken samples, in such a scenario Histogram will present a single Column
Title: SCHURTER KG10 or KG10.6101.151 ( IEC C14 ) Power entry module review
Post by: Kiriakos GR on March 27, 2019, 06:18:11 PM
SCHURTER KG10 or  KG10.6101.151 ( IEC C14 ) this is the full description of this  Power entry module without line filter at the back of these DMM.

Originally I thought to research and discover my options, in case which I will need to replace this power switch.

My search started with keywords KG10, then I did realize that this is a SCHURTER product, and after of several hours of additional research, I did the final discovery that SCHURTER does not offer replacement part of single power switch for this module.

Instead they try selling entire power entry module at high price due a few retail channels to any one seeking just one.

KG 10 in quantity of 1000 it will cost you 3.5 Euro.
While build quality of KG10 this is upon high standards, neither it silver plated Mains voltage switch and neither it build quality of fuse drawer alone, these can justify 20 euro retail price, when a made in PRC  IEC C14  plug and switch this has a cost of 1.5 euro shipped.

SCHURTER this brand thinks as supplier for industry customers, it does follow certifications, and within 2016 ~ 17 they do deliver newer KG10 with improved fireproof housing.

I did a product sample request to SCHURTER, among other details which I wish to inspect, I need to make contacts resistance measurement at totally unused product, so to become aware of absolute lowest values.

Below it is my KG10 (parts and details).   :)

Regarding voltage compatibility within EU, in the question of using 220 or 240V setting, the answer it is not that clear.
Over voltage this is considered anything above 220V +6% but even so this is not considered as decision factor.
Practically selection of 220V setting this will serve better speaking of tolerances at under voltage condition, and for this reason alone it is recommended using 220V transformer input tap.
Title: Re: SCHURTER KG10 or KG10.6101.151 ( IEC C14 ) Power entry module review
Post by: Kiriakos GR on April 01, 2019, 12:30:25 PM
I have good news to share  :)

SCHURTER HQ Lead Qualifier, accepted my sample request and product this is shipped today with TNT economy.

Therefore my very own exploration of KG10 quality standards by the use of highest quality Milliohm Meter  RM3542A (https://www.hioki.com/en/products/detail/?product_key=6364)
(from HIOKI Japan) this will happen soon.    8)
Title: Re: SCHURTER KG10 or KG10.6101.151 ( IEC C14 ) Power entry module review
Post by: Kiriakos GR on April 08, 2019, 01:18:21 PM
Did you known that Switzerland this is NOT EUROPE ? 
Even so there is a hidden LAW this aloud Duty-Free if your item worth less than 4.5 EUR, this is equal to a chocolate bar from not a famous brand  :P

Lesson learned, even for free samples from Switzerland,  be aware of 30 EUR customs clearance Fee, in case that your item does not qualify as Duty Free.

In conclusion this project came close to get canceled because of importation fee, but after explaining to local authorities product value and details, their positive decision this now aloud this project to be continued and completed.  :)   
 
Title: Re: SCHURTER KG10 or KG10.6101.151 ( IEC C14 ) Power entry module review
Post by: Kiriakos GR on April 09, 2019, 09:01:03 PM
As first I wish to thanks Schurter for this product sample.   :)

My very own afterthought for requesting such a sample was for me to discover switch contacts resistance of a 100% healthy switch and also to perform a second inspection  measurement, this be usable by a troubleshooter , so him to be able to make a judgment of this module health status.

Most usual thing and thought, this is people buying also a used DMM, while we all pay attention to inspect a used multimeter in the regard of measurements’ accuracy, exterior product condition, most ones never think that mains power switch condition this has great importance too.

An mains power switch with issues, this can be the cause so sparks at contacts area to appear, such a sparking event it can influence power supply stability, and a multimeter or Oscilloscope this introducing noise when it does measurements’.

From my experiences, a failing power switch this be in the input of a pulsing power supply, it will introduce noticeable noise at DCV rails these feeding an oscilloscope.
Review of known clean Test waveforms will become a challenge, because all waveforms on screen will now appear with noise. 

Now the same failing power switch, if this feeding an classic transformer it would not demonstrate fast to notice side-effects, but eventually sparking will increase temperature and the danger of starting a fire.
But among possibilities there is and another one, some people discovered that while their benchtop multimeter was on soft-power mode (VFD was OFF), when them returned the next day, the meter was turned on.
If Mains voltage did not interrupted due power company issues, then the power switch it self, this started failing.
 
DMM4050, 4040, 8845A & 8846A all using analog DCV regulation among with switching power supply for the VFD Dot matrix display,  now increased noise at the side of switching power supply, this it could possibly increase noise floor at mV measurements and or other issues.

Therefore and in conclusion, a good inspection of power switch condition this will save you the day.
     
At specific Schurter power module, power switch this is permanently attached and soldered, in my review I could hardly find clean copper area so to place my Kelvin clips directly at power switch leads.
Even so I did manage to get a good repeatable measurement, and now I am aware that contacts resistance this is 0.5 milliohm.   
 
My second mission was less difficult, I did select most easily accessible area for Kelvin clips installation, and now this new 3 milliohm measurement this is what every one can use as comparison point.

From today any troubleshooter and visitor of ITTSB blog, he may perform two measurements’ and discover health status of this power switch.
First test lead it should be placed over IEC plug pin, and the second test lead it should touch center pad of fuse holder.
Then just repeat this test with second active IEC plug pin and relative fuse holder pad.
Such an inspection it is now possible with out taking off DMM case, and by this way you may find the truth by not destroying calibration sticker at the bottom of the DMM.

ITTSB Blog and me in person, I am original content creator, this translates that you are receivers of worthy information that you may use and make money.
Therefore feel free using donation links, and demonstrate you appreciation to my Blog with actions.
 
Regarding Schurter this is a very reliable products maker, but most retail customers can hardly find reasonably priced goods because all three web-shop distributors and their international sales partners, they acting very hostile regarding retail prices.
I did find KG10 this priced at 23 EUR for a single unit, and shipping pricing will add another 18 EUR at least, this makes a total of 41 EUR which I will describe as severe violation of anything called as reasonable price tag.
Title: Re: History facts Tektronix DMM4050 & Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit warranty / repair 2019
Post by: Kiriakos GR on April 12, 2019, 09:08:59 AM
Due this message I wish to inform any troubleshooter taking seriously contacts resistance measurements,  that he may also read my article  Best multimeter for DPST Rocker Switch contacts resistance?   (https://www.ittsb.eu/forum/index.php?topic=1438.0)

Title: Re: History facts Tektronix DMM4050 & Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit warranty / repair 2019
Post by: Kiriakos GR on April 12, 2019, 10:37:33 AM
Here I will present an issue relative to DMM4050 display Filter  tint and brightness.
I am researching for two months by asking Fluke factory and Tektronix about the date that production factory this stop using Blue Tint VFD filter?

Blue Tint VFD filter this is unreasonably dark, a poor product design and decision of Tektronix which this ended approximately at April 2013, since then and after any newer produced models they carry a Green Tint VFD filter.

Green Tint VFD filter this is what FLUKE DMM models using from the start.
My very own used DMM4050 this production of January 2013, this arrived with Blue Tint VFD filter, immediately I did notice how terrible this is regarding reduced brightness at not acceptable, even under using only in-door lights (at night).

It is unfortunate that FLUKE and Tektronix both do not recognize their old mistake.
Reasonable response would be a newer produced Green Tint VFD filter to be sent free of charge as replacement at any customer whom considers earlier Blue Tint VFD filter as problematic.

While both companies they did not deliver answers in my question, I did discover the truth by my self after cooperating with another ITTSB blog member whom he did sent me pictures of his own DMM4050, this is two months newer production from my own DMM4050.
 
FLUKE were kind to inform me of recent inventory spare-parts codes, which they can deliver to consumers’  (TEK branded parts).

3476886   4050-2014,LENS 
3476939   4040-8003,FRONT PANEL DECAL 

3476988    4020-2010,FRONT BOOT
3476963    4020-2008,HANDLE

S1 - 8846A-8001,KEYPAD 2454042

944277    FILTER PART ,FILTER,LINE,PART,FUSE DRWR W/SHRT BAR
944272    FILTER PART ,FILTER,LINE,PART,VOLTAGE SELECTOR


Since begging of April 2019, I am now trying to discover how prepared Tektronix Europe this is at handling such spare parts requests.
a) Are they keeping any stock of spare parts in Europe?
b) Are they aware of spare parts codes and pricing?

Head office of entire Europe this is in Poland.
Mr. Maciej Holubowicz he is in charge, we did exchange emails, and now I expecting for final answers.
Title: Re: History facts Tektronix DMM4050 & Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit warranty / repair 2019
Post by: Kiriakos GR on April 15, 2019, 12:27:13 PM
If some one advice’s you to read complete user manual of your new DMM this is because there is no other way of you to get truly familiarized with it. 

I will not give free fish but I will motivate ITTSB Blog readers to connect Trigger I/O output with nothing less than a workhorse oscilloscope, and then you will be able to verify measurement per second execution or also this described as measurement rate.
Its one completed measurement this delivers a confirmation Trigger signal.
By measuring in the unit of time total amount of confirmations, you are now able to verify measurement rate.

Testing process this is identical as when we inspect oscilloscope frame rate Wfms/s.
Sum of completed waveforms they are measured by the use of a frequency counter.

The only limitation here this is limited ability of oscilloscope it self at capturing lower signals than 2Hz update rate, but this is nothing major as obstacle, you may use oscilloscope memory so this to record slower signals and measure the update rate on screen with out expecting frequency counter this to deliver the measurement.

First oscilloscope screenshot this is single Trigger I/O pulse, other screenshots these are my tests under DCV measurements’ under specific NPLC.

Title: Re: History facts Tektronix DMM4050 & Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit warranty / repair
Post by: Andrew-88 on April 18, 2019, 09:30:45 AM
I am now officially Owner of a used DMM4050.  8)

Hi Kiriakos, congratulations for getting your BeNcH tOp DMM  :) 8)
It is obvious that wile specific DMM hardware this is according to your own high standards (or close enough), your smile was traumatized by discovering poor customer support performance offered by Tektronix.

From purchase date of your used DMM, that is two months of ownership so far, you did a great job at finding of what Tektronix this hiding under the carpet:
DMM4000 series with out software, a dark unusable Lens were installed at older produced DMM and Tektronix customer support this looks unprepared to handle a single spare part purchase request.

I think that all eyes are over your activities right now.
In the end of the day if Tektronix wants to join list of brands with appalling customer service, neither you can stop them.
Title: Re: History facts Tektronix DMM4050 & Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit warranty / repair
Post by: Kiriakos GR on April 18, 2019, 12:12:16 PM

Hi Kiriakos, congratulations for getting your BeNcH tOp DMM  :) 8)

Thanks mate !

I did count my own buying decision over several factors, one of them was trouble free purchase of spare parts related to aesthetics improvements.
Either in new products or used ones, accidents happen,  you may need a knob or a filter? or to replace the handle.
 
Yes my smile this is temporarily traumatized, because I have feelings for my tools,  other than great performers they should have acceptable appearance.
For my third U1272A which I got it used from UK end of 2018, purchasing from Keysight Partner in Greece of a new top cover with knob this was not difficult.
This month I am expecting delivery. 

In the positive side of things, I never had before a DMM this be capable for Volt and Ampere measurements at the same time either.  8)   
   
Title: Re: History facts Tektronix DMM4050 & Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit warranty / repair 2019
Post by: Kiriakos GR on April 19, 2019, 12:18:11 PM
I have a note to share, especially for owners of 8846A within EU.
They can purchase a New Lens if they ever need it, at the cost of 12.50 EUR plus VAT of their country.
This information came to me from fresh appointed distributor of Fluke in Greece.
Part code 2454074   

Regarding Tektronix, soon I am going to receive price list of available spare parts for DMM4050, Lens, Front Boot, Handle, Banana inputs decal and Keyboard.
 

Today I did also receive tracking code of my Keysight parts for U1272A, Greek orthodox Passover holidays is on the way, therefore nothing moves at high speed. :)
Title: Re: History facts Tektronix DMM4050 & Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit warranty / repair 2019
Post by: Kiriakos GR on May 09, 2019, 09:38:28 AM
This message it is official reply of
Tektronix / Keithley Europe regarding spare parts and repairs about their products.


Originally I did start my research, so to discover necessary spare parts codes so to order them from Tektronix / Keithley Europe.
We are talking here about cheap consumables (plastic handle, rubber boot, a rubber keyboard), the small things which easily may get damaged or get lost.

After two months time and several emails exchange with Tektronix / Keithley-Europe, the outcome this is an unorthodox reply.

Tektronix / Keithley Europe this has internal policy and this is not supplying a single spare part at consumer hands.
Tektronix / Keithley Europe, Product support team this has the expectation that its customer with a broken plastic handle, he will ship the instrument from Greece to Germany, him paying double shipping cost (send & return) ,  and total bill this including spare part value and labor fee.


While such policies they do find me against them, and personally I would never give my euro coin buying new equipment's from such brands, by these news I do feel happy.
I feel happy because with such policies those causing despair at current Tektronix / Keithley customers base, these people (customers) in their desperation they are now forced to settle for less (speaking of reselling value) on eBay or elsewhere regarding used equipment's.


In the past three years Tektronix / Keithley this replaced two presidents, and a third one just take over in April 2019, now it seems that no one was capable to foresee impact of their own decisions (company strategy) regarding influence of their planning in the market of used equipment which this is not under their control.
Title: Re: History facts Tektronix DMM4050 & Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit warranty / repair 2019
Post by: Kiriakos GR on July 10, 2019, 07:49:38 PM
These days I made good use of another SMART-trick that Fluke 8846A this is capable of.  :)

At memory menu you may store current configuration (user selection of range and impedance) and also set this as default power on configuration.

I am currently testing a Lithium battery pack of 6S configuration with BMS (25.2V).
By using 8846A -> store current configuration -> DCV range 100V and high impedance ,  I manage to keep auto-range out of the game, and measurements of 3V or 25V they are speed-ed up.
As long I am working with this specific project I will keep this boot-profile which this helps greatly my productivity !  ;)



 
Title: Tektronix DMM4050 DMM4040 & Fluke 8846A 8845A firmware update experience
Post by: Kiriakos GR on July 16, 2019, 09:54:26 AM
I was forced to steal images from Asian forum and compose these two images.  :)
While on these DMM firmware development this ended 10 years ago, and no one will make use of posted information, even so this is a rare experience for us owning such DMM.

Fluke 8846/8845 Firmware documentation helped me to clarify that DMM with 100mA current input this is previews product than 23 August 2007.
 
Title: Re: History facts Tektronix DMM4050 & Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit warranty / repair 2019
Post by: Kiriakos GR on January 12, 2020, 09:22:07 PM
ITTSB Blog has DOUBLE GOOD NEWS to share within the beginning of 2020    8)

First good news comes from FLUKE as they include 8845A & 8846A in their German 2020~2021 Product catalog.
This translates that specific products will not declared EOL  any time soon, and also that FLUKE will maintain available stock of relative spare parts.

Second in the line of good news this is that I did motivate a Japanese software developer and together we will cooperate within 2020 in the development of software support of 884X multimeter due RS-232 so this to operate with a FREE Data logging software which this previously was supporting only portable multimeter.  :)
Within 2018~2019 we did cooperated again about improvements in favor of BRYMEN BM869 and it 500.000 counts support.   

My work as beta tester starts approximately at the end of January.

 
 
Title: Re: History facts Tektronix DMM4050 & Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit warranty / repair 2019
Post by: Kiriakos GR on March 08, 2020, 11:58:48 AM
In case that anyone think getting TEK parts from UK and he is outside of it, the screenshot below this it does answer the question. 

And now imagine that this unreasonable Tektronix policy, this is active the entire period, that UK it was within European Union.
And therefore Tektronix this violates FREE TRADE policy within EU

I am not in the mood using legal actions against Tektronix because I have better things to do,  them be more productive and more helpful to my own self.
But regarding Tektronix: They did dig their own grave by their own hands and fall inside.

The UK seller : He simply following such unreasonable policies because his Wallet Size this has a Higher Value than making  European customers happy.
Title: Re: History facts Tektronix DMM4050 & Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit warranty / repair 2019
Post by: Kiriakos GR on March 09, 2020, 07:20:11 PM
This time I am exploring LAN Chip in use at 8846A,  it is interesting that it can handle 137 meters long cable, I am assuming at 10BASE-TX  :)
Title: Re: History facts Tektronix DMM4050 & Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit warranty / repair 2019
Post by: Kiriakos GR on March 24, 2020, 08:38:42 PM
Thanks to Fluke Calibration I got the information of RS232 Port Chip in use at 8846A   :)

http://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/max3232.pdf

MAX3232 this is a product released at January 2000 and PDF this is lastly revised at June 2017.
Title: Re: History facts Tektronix DMM4050 & Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit warranty / repair 2019
Post by: Kiriakos GR on May 05, 2020, 09:43:11 PM
End of April I made my self a gift for my upcoming birthday at 10 of May, this is the ordering of replacement FLUKE 8846A VFD class alone.
This is just the glass including dot active elements and its one driven by it own driver chip this be also enclosed within the glass.

I am also planning a few more part upgrades, but I will announce them later on.   8)
Title: Re: History facts Tektronix DMM4050 & Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit warranty / repair 2019
Post by: Kiriakos GR on May 08, 2020, 08:43:32 PM
8 of May 2020. 
I did made and pay my FLUKE parts order, so my multimeter to be restored regarding aesthetics and rubber keypad in to as NEW condition.
Spare Parts arrival it might take several weeks to be delivered at FLUKE authorized seller in Greece.

But I do not care about shipping delay, my multimeter will regain it FLUKE identity and I will leave behind  the worst experience ever that is to be a TEKTRONIX customer.   :)
Title: Re: History facts Tektronix DMM4050 & Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit warranty / repair 2019
Post by: cluca1969 on May 17, 2020, 10:05:44 PM
I'm glad to hear some news from you regarding your Fluke benchtop. I hope they reach you as soon as possible.
Title: Re: History facts Tektronix DMM4050 & Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit warranty / repair 2019
Post by: Kiriakos GR on May 17, 2020, 11:20:14 PM
I'm glad to hear some news from you regarding your Fluke benchtop. I hope they reach you as soon as possible.

You may expect a first class demonstration of all parts on arrival.   ;)

Title: Re: History facts Tektronix DMM4050 & Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit warranty / repair 2019
Post by: cluca1969 on May 18, 2020, 06:06:49 PM
I'm sure that's going to happen.
Title: Re: History facts Tektronix DMM4050 & Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit warranty / repair 2019
Post by: Kiriakos GR on May 23, 2020, 07:38:15 PM
Quick update ... Part order of  VFD class module from Japan this arrived 22 of May (after 18 days) at Noritake EU (Germany) and 22 of May this is reshipped to Greece with UPS carrier.   :)

I am now assuming that this Japan to Germany journey this required less travel time,  but some sort of delay added due German customs and clearance.
Title: Re: History facts Tektronix DMM4050 & Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit warranty / repair 2019
Post by: cluca1969 on May 23, 2020, 07:58:00 PM
Nice to hear fresh news from you. I hope you receive them as soon as possible.
Title: Re: History facts Fluke 8846A - Noritake Japan VFD display arrival to Greece
Post by: Kiriakos GR on May 29, 2020, 12:04:12 PM
One oversized box arrived today at ITTSB Blog headquarters  :)

Prior opening the box I got a few souvenirs so to share with our readers.
First impression so far, Noritake Japan this taking very seriously the SAFE transport of their VFD' Glass parts .   
Title: Re: Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit - spare parts arrival - pictures !!
Post by: Kiriakos GR on June 11, 2020, 01:11:07 PM
This reply it is for our viewers to watch mostly and enjoy the pictures.  :) 

The upcoming reply will be about 8846A VS DMM4050  front Plastic window ( Sun Light Filtering performance ) ...   ;)
Title: Re: Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit - spare parts arrival - pictures !!
Post by: cluca1969 on June 11, 2020, 07:55:36 PM
Congratulations, you finally successful to put them together.
Title: Re: Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit - spare parts arrival - pictures !!
Post by: Kiriakos GR on June 11, 2020, 08:40:47 PM
Congratulations, you finally successful to put them together.

I bet that I am, after all these multiple adventures which I did pass thru  :)
But this will be a next week project.

Right now I am happy mostly  about the FLUKE Lens and it better behavior about this stealing less light from the VFD active element.
https://www.ittsb.eu/forum/index.php?topic=1501.msg3922#msg3922 (https://www.ittsb.eu/forum/index.php?topic=1501.msg3922#msg3922)   

Title: 26 June 2020 - NEW Fluke 8846A - GR ( Revision ) Available at ITTSB Blog
Post by: Kiriakos GR on June 26, 2020, 03:46:52 PM
Today I have the same feelings as with someone owning a unique revision of a Car   8)

The NEW Fluke 8846A-GR this is a fact and only Kiriakos own it. 
Naturally the best moment of this adventure were of me activating the VFD Display Test utility in a bright new VFD module.
100% Pass  ;)

This sparkling 8846A-GR in combination with the latest developed data logging software, that ITTSB Blog offer at it front page, this is now a Game Changer setup for high precision measurements among with data collection and analysis.
https://www.ittsb.eu/TsDMMViewer-Data-Logger-2020-Japan&Greece.html   
Title: Re: 26 June 2020 - NEW Fluke 8846A - GR ( Revision ) Available at ITTSB Blog
Post by: cluca1969 on June 26, 2020, 04:16:43 PM
Congratulations !!!
Title: Re: 26 June 2020 - NEW Fluke 8846A - GR ( Revision ) Available at ITTSB Blog
Post by: Kiriakos GR on June 26, 2020, 04:41:28 PM
Congratulations !!!

Thanks !!  :)
Title: Re: History facts Tektronix DMM4050 & Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit warranty / repair 2019
Post by: Andrew-88 on July 14, 2020, 01:39:33 PM
Does this translates that you are now a FLUKE benchtop fan-Boy again ....  as you were at 2011 by having restore a bunch of past century Fluke 80xx series ?   ;D
Title: Re: History facts Tektronix DMM4050 & Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit warranty / repair 2019
Post by: Kiriakos GR on July 15, 2020, 08:36:49 PM
Does this translates that you are now a FLUKE benchtop fan-Boy again ....  as you were at 2011 by having restore a bunch of past century Fluke 80xx series ?   ;D

Glorious past memories  :)  Back then those benchtop DMM restoration projects, they helped me about establishing PR even with Keysight and I did received their proposal relative of me writing a product review about their U1272A.

Nowadays I am a Fan-boy of my self, and of my own skills which I did developed due the use of quality multimeter and oscilloscope (lots of practice). :) 
Title: Re: History facts Tektronix DMM4050 & Fluke 8846A 6.5 digit warranty / repair 2019
Post by: Andrew-88 on July 15, 2020, 09:09:03 PM
Either way Congratulations !  :)
All your insistence and devotion to the cause it did deliver again admirable results.

Many people find comfort at staying all their lives as an average performer, you are a bright exception and a carrier of the Greek flag too.  8)