Locating a connector - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2012, 08:35:25 pm
content: Well i need to fix my Fluke 199C again, this time the old flaw of bad connector came to haunt me again. I already repaired it quite many times but im tired of dissasembling and pulling the motherboard out to fix it.There is no logo or marking on the connector i cant find an exact replacement. Fluke suggests changing the motherboard which would cost approximately as 2 new Owon ScopeMetersSomebody recognize this connector or its manufacturer?

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2012, 08:45:06 pm
content: It is a standard ( if there is such a thing) power connector? Can you not find a similar size unit and transplant it, though the barrel and pin may be different. You can then replace the cable plug to match the new socket.

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2012, 08:08:17 am
content: Unfortunately i have not managed to find anything similiar. This connector has plastic parts that hold it in place not to break the fragile PCB while inserting a plug. Also it features o-rings on three places to prevent any dust or water enter the instrument. The plug forms the final barrier that no dust or water can pass.The construction is quite demanding it is not a regular jack. I have even not managed to find any jack that has same diameter pin.I guess i will try to spend the night under microscope again.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2012, 06:22:31 pm
content: A bodge but workable is to get a short cable with a socket on it, and seal it into the case so the socket is outside. You connect the cable end on the inside and use a matching plug outside. Not the nicest looking having a short floppy cable outside, but cheap and easy to replace.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2012, 06:47:28 pm
content: In the past I have had a similar problem with custom power connectors.On more than one occasion I have managed to install a smaller power connector socket within the old shell of the OEM socket. It can be sealed into the old case with a decent adhesive resin. I cannot judge the size of the connector in your picture so this suggestion may be of no help at all.ebay would be my other option. Its amazing what can be found in the way of custom laptop connectors that appear there. The Fluke socket is rarer though so again, my suggestion may not help.You could also try finding a friendly Fluke service agent and ask him/her to take pity on you and rob a decent connector from a U/S PCB. It's worked for me in the past.....think about trying international Fluke repair agents as well..... some are more friendly than others.Finally, as a last ditch, I would try writing a suitably complimentary letter or email to Fluke head Office customer services advising them of your pride in owning such a good piece of Fluke equipment..... but that the experience is being spoilt by the poor quality of the power socket. Then ask if they would consider arranging the supply of a replacement socket in the spirit of the renowned excellent Fluke customer support.It may sound a little crawly and possibly sucking up to Fluke CS, but I have had good results from companies after sending a polite letter and some appropriate compliments regarding their products. Always worth a try. Fluke CS are not your enemy, they are sometimes restricted in what they are allowed to do.... but....if they like you and/or your attitude, they will sometimes go the extra mile and ask a technician to help.Good luckAurora

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2012, 06:31:46 am
content: I can confirm that Fluke is great but they like to stay in their "window".They allready offered me the mainboard and even at lower price than they pay to Fluke just to make the customer happy but its again too much. I managed to spend few hours infront microscope, epoxy all the cracks, insert a new center pin and reuse it one more time. I will post photos later since i now have a photos of complete insides so im going to submit a teardown

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2012, 03:56:57 pm
content: Here is a bit more of geek porn...

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2012, 03:58:29 pm
content: Some more

author: AntiProtonBoy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2012, 04:14:36 pm
content: Interesting board layout in the last set.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 13, 2012, 04:28:39 pm
content: Nicely layed out board. The last pictures clearly show the two isolated channels and DMM inputs, all with what looks like both optical and magnetic coupling. They probably use a similar scheme that Tektronix uses in for example the TPS2000 with opto-couplers for the lower frequencies and transformers for the higher frequencies. I wonder why they used all those through-hole caps in the input circuit, voltage rating? I wouldn't expect anything with a high capacitance there.