Victor 70C multimeter, a good idea or an accident waiting to happen? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2014, 04:39:46 am
content: Victor has released a strange range selector, reminiscent of the old Fluke slide spring selectors.Safety is certainly not one of their strong points, but how would you avoid an inadvertent A/mA range selection with the probes in the wrong jacks?Is there even a way to make it safe, without a prohibitively expensive interlock system?

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 16, 2014, 04:48:09 am
content: I don't see anything inherently wrong with this design. t might be a bit easier to select the wrong function but it isn't that hard to make the wrong selection with a dial if you are not paying attention.I would like to review one or see a review before forming an opinion.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2014, 04:58:52 am
content: It is CAT II rated only.Are the Chinese manufacturers being truthful now?Actually, I see the meter has been around for a couple of years already. I thought it was a new design.Here is the manual if anybody is interested:http://dlnmh9ip6v2uc.cloudfront.net/datasheets/Tools/601e-070c-000a.pdf

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2014, 07:19:34 am
content: Franky pointed out this forum in another post so I saw this picture of the 70C.http://bbs.38hot.net/thread-73348-1-1.htmlIt looks like it has 3 PTCs, a relay?, one glass fuse and one ceramic fuse.PS. I did find that Chinese forum earlier in a google picture search, but I'm surprised at how much Fluke, HP/Agilent discussions are ongoing. If only the translations were better, I might learn a lot more.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2014, 07:57:13 am
content: I found a much nicer internal shot athttp://bbs.mydigit.cn/read.php?tid=282294&page=2PS. That website is really slow especially when loading pictures (like 9600 baud modem slow) and Chrome eats up a lot of RAM loading.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 16, 2014, 08:27:02 am
content: Quote from: Wytnucls on March 16, 2014, 04:39:46 amHuh?The current jacks are separate, just like most meters, what difference does it make if it has a push buttons or a knob?

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2014, 09:18:27 am
content: Yes, brain fart. Forgot that the probe leads were in separate A/mA sockets.The only downside then, is that the usual mechanical selector switch gives you a better idea of what mode the meter is in. But safety is not affected.

author: Rick Law
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2014, 04:33:28 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 16, 2014, 08:27:02 amActually, I prefer push button over a turning knob. Itfeelsmore durable. The turning knob will wear by friction. Each time I turn these knob type thing, I know I am using mechanical force to force a little ball bearing type thing or spring-leaf over a mechanical hump into the next indentation into the material. It is a matter of time before that hump is flattened by the repeated travel of the ball or spring.Granted, the push button may be driving a relay which too will wear, and the rubber housing of the push button may harden and break off over time. While it may not be more durable but it feels more durable.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 17, 2014, 02:44:39 am
content: Glass fuses...... When the Chinese manufacturers get it through their heads that he rest of the world cares they might change. But why change when the Chinese market and the Indian market of 3 billon plus don't care?