Brymen 257S lost calibration data - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Sjokolade
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2015, 04:48:41 pm
content: Turned on my 257s today and noticed the low battery warning, the meter turned itself on/off a few times so I replaced the both batteries.Display now shows a 'C_Er' error for a second or two every time I turn meter on.As the meter has been mostly unused I tought the low battery warning was weird, got my old fluke 12 and both batteries measure 1.5V.Putting back the old batteries meter works as normal except the 'C_Er' error.Brymens manual saysQuoteBought it from Tme 1.1.2015 - sent them a mail and hope the warrany covers calibration error.Anyway to rescue it without shipping it abroad ?

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2015, 05:19:15 pm
content: That meter is obviously defective and TME should replace it at their expense. Hurry up as the warranty expires after 12 months.Might be worth contacting Brymen if TME plays hardball.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 20, 2015, 06:48:38 pm
content: I agree with Wytnucls. Get it replaced. It should not have lost its calibration data like that. TME should replace it.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 20, 2015, 09:53:43 pm
content: Very that it lost it's cal data, never heard of that happening before, and this is a very popular meter.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 20, 2015, 10:00:36 pm
content: Yeah, the number of times I have heard of someone having a problem with a Brymen in 5 years, twice now maybe?

author: Sjokolade
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2015, 12:44:22 pm
content: Did a few tests comparing against my old Fluke 12. If other ranges is out of specification I don't know.QuoteForgot to say that the low battery warning was flickering on/off for about 3-5 seconds before the meter turned itself on/off a few times.Waiting for a reply from Tme, also sent Brymen a mail regarding the problem - guess I will have a reply sometime next week.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2015, 09:26:13 pm
content: Quote from: Sjokolade on November 21, 2015, 12:44:22 pmMy second Fluke meter was a Fluke 12. I bought it from the original owner in near mint condition. Even though, on paper, the specs aren't great (see attached), mine is within +/- 1mV of my other meters that have 0.05% + 1 specs.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2015, 09:42:28 pm
content: Quote from: Sjokolade on November 21, 2015, 12:44:22 pmYou probably did this all already, but if your Chinese ref standard is correct at 2.49939, then the Brymen showing 2.521 is out of specification.Brymen BM257S spec is 0.2% +3d in all DCV ranges.2.49939 x 0.002 = 0.004998782.49939 + 0.00499878 = 2.50438878 => 2.504 + 3 digits = 2.507 (high end bound)----If your Chinese ref standard is correct at 5.00143, then the Brymen showing 5.045 is out of specification.Brymen BM257S spec is 0.2% +3d in all DCV ranges.5.00143 x 0.002 = 0.010002865.00143 + 0.01000286 = 5.01143286 => 5.011 + 3 digits = 5.014 (high end bound)----So it looks like your 6V range is out of spec.The interesting question for Brymen is how the meter knows there is a Calibration error? Maybe during bootup, the main IC can't read the calibration constants/offsets and thus reports calibration error?

author: Sjokolade
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2015, 10:05:11 pm
content: Hehe my old Fluke 12 still performs great except for the morning sickness of the zebra stripes.When I got my Brymen I also tested it against fluke 12 and the chinese ref standard - as new it was off just as it is now.I know the 257s is a popular meter with very good quality and in the right price range for novices like me but I was hoping for a meter that would last longer then 11 months and I'm sure most actually do.Thanks for the math retiredcaps, I had not done my math earlier.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2015, 10:55:07 pm
content: Quote from: Sjokolade on November 21, 2015, 10:05:11 pmCommon problem on older Fluke 80 series I (original). For a possible fix on your 12, seehttp://mrmodemhead.com/blog/fluke-8x-faded-lcd/QuoteThen you got a meter out of spec straight from the factory. If I recall correctly, Martin's review of the Amprobe AM-160 (another Brymen meter just rebadged) was also out of spec.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2015, 11:22:53 pm
content: The AM-160 in Martin's video is definitely out of calibration.According to the AM-160 manual, the spec for the 50V DC range and below is 0.02% + 2D. Note: Martin incorrectly states the specs in his video. See manual for confirmation of the 0.02% + 2 digit.http://content.amprobe.com/manualsA/AM-140-A_AM-160-A_DMM_Manual.pdfIn Martin's video, it shows 5.0021 for the 5.0000 range (12:05).5.0000 x 1.0002 = 5.0010 + 2 digits = 5.0012 (upper bound). Martin's AM-160 is 9 counts out.In Martin's video, it shows 1.5007 for the 1.5000 range (11:50 - Martin is incorrect in saying the 1.5007 is in spec).1.5000 x 1.0002 = 1.5003 + 2 digits = 1.5005 (upper bound). Martin's AM-160 is 2 counts out.So again, it looks like the 5V range and below are out of calibration, brand new out of the box.

author: mikerj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2015, 02:33:19 pm
content: Quote from: retiredcaps on November 21, 2015, 09:42:28 pmI'd suspect that cal values are stored with a checksum, and if the checksum fails you get a warning. Just wondering if oxidised battery contacts caused the initial symptoms (turning itself on and off) and the micro inside had a fit and wiped over some NV data? Not a great design if this is the case.

author: Sjokolade
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2015, 03:55:57 pm
content: Strange thing is that batteries seems fine now, no more low battery warning using the original batteries - no leakage and contacts seems to be just fine. I would think that when you get a low battery warning they last for several hours more and not like mine meter that turned off a few seconds after warning was flickering on/off.

author: Sjokolade
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2015, 05:01:53 pm
content: Heard back from Brymen today.Quote

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2015, 06:08:36 pm
content: Quote from: Sjokolade on November 23, 2015, 05:01:53 pmI would have expected the wording to sayPlease contact the agent for thewarrantyservice.

author: Sjokolade
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2015, 06:11:35 pm
content: Hehe me too, if I have to get it calibrated every 11 months the Brymen 257s is going to be the most expensive meter ever.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2015, 06:47:04 pm
content: Maybe reply back to Brymen explaining that you bought it in Jan 2015 and that you expect it to be fixed under warranty.

author: Sjokolade
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2015, 07:00:01 pm
content: I did, explained that it was only 11 months old and asked if the calibration service is for free and linked to this thread.Since I live in Norway I have to ship it to Tme in Poland I have to pay at least ~35Us$ one way, I don't think Tme will pay for postage for calibration service.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2015, 07:41:48 pm
content: Quote from: Sjokolade on November 23, 2015, 07:00:01 pmThat is one of the drawbacks of buying online despite the length of the warranty. Shipping from the seller to the buyer might be heavily subsidized (like China) or a business write-off/expense/tax deduction for companies, but for consumers/buyers, we have to pay the full cost.You probably want to send it with a tracking number + insurance so that if it gets lost, you have some refund?If shipping costs too much, you can try to DIY calibrate as Martin did in a follow up video.

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 24, 2015, 12:21:22 am
content: Just skimmed this thread, but I've had excellent response just from emailing Brymen.You have nothing to lose from flicking them a few lines.

author: Sjokolade
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2015, 03:08:58 pm
content: Mail from Brymen today.QuotePerfect, Thanks to Brymen for warranty clarification and fast reply - my meter meet the requirements of their warranty terms.Heard nothing from Tme yet, will update thread when they reply.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2015, 05:30:50 pm
content: Calibration is not good enough. The meter is faulty and should be replaced.You shouldn't have to send the meter back to TME, unless they need it for defect investigation, at their own cost.Original invoice, with serial number, including pictures of your meter showing the fault should be enough evidence to get a replacement.

author: Sjokolade
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2015, 10:05:14 pm
content: Quote from: Wytnucls on November 24, 2015, 05:30:50 pmI dont think I can argue with them for not shipping it to them if I want to have it fixed, I guess they have to try to fix it before they eventually can replace it.I wish I didn't have to send the meter back as shipping both ways perhaps will be close to 70$, as I paid around 105$-110$ for the meter it won't be worth it. I'll rather invest that 70$ + more to buy a Fluke locally, should it fail the shop by law here in Norway has to pay postage both ways if it should fail.Mail from Tme today.QuoteAnd my replyQuote

author: Sjokolade
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2015, 08:02:22 pm
content: Still no reply from Tme regarding postage for the mail above , I also sent a mail a week or two after the initial mail but still no reply from them.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2015, 11:33:29 pm
content: Quote from: Sjokolade on December 28, 2015, 08:02:22 pmSome feedback here on eevblog wrt to TME after sales support mirrors your findings. That is, they are quick to take your money when you buy a product, but poor to follow up on any issues (after sales support).

author: Sjokolade
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2015, 09:19:06 pm
content: Two days ago I had to contact Brymen again as Tme is not responding to my emails.QuoteAs always Brymen replies are fast.QuoteThe Polish Brymen importer contacts me.QuoteQuoteSeems as this is not the first BM257s with the same problem as mine.When he means 'W' function position he means ohm, perhaps a font/gmail problem.QuoteOne positive outcome, 'C_Er' is not shown again even if the meter never enters calibration mode, display never show '000.0?' - see my dropbox videolink down below.QuoteAnd I was right about the life expectancy, tonight I got another fault-autorange and continuity failes - see dropbox video link.https://www.dropbox.com/sh/lav3ojfcivxs4q7/AAAWT3Pi07DhRyXHtvkmuSN8a?dl=0I'm sending the meter back even if postage is costly but I'm happy Biall Sp. z o.o. pays return postage to me, sofar these guys seems serious and comparing them to Tme would not be fair.I can't understand why Tme is allowed to sell Brymen when there is no support whatsoever, I feel it brings the Brymen name unnecessary shame.I 'X' out names and phone numbers in the mails above.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2015, 10:59:14 pm
content: Quote from: Sjokolade on December 30, 2015, 09:19:06 pmHmm, I must count to 100 before replying about how useless "middle man" supposedly value added resellers are. Otherwise, this will completely derail your thread with the number of stories I have. Even now, I can feel the rant building up inside.Hopefully, TME get less business in the future for their inactions and lack of after sales support.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2015, 11:10:46 pm
content: Quote from: Sjokolade on December 30, 2015, 09:19:06 pmBefore you send it back, try entering calibration mode again. I noticed in your video that you keep holding the two buttons long after turning the knob to resistance, only releasing the buttonsafterthe display has completed the all-segments test and has switched to zero. Look at how mjlorton does it, he releases the buttonsimmediatelyafter turning the knob, releasing them while the display is still doing the all-segments test:It may be that you need to press the buttons, turn the knob, and release the buttons all within one second. (In fact, I doubt it matters how long you hold the buttonsbeforeyou turn the knob, since it's likely not powered at all.)

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 01:49:22 am
content: Now that the information has been made public, I can confirm that this is the correct procedure for entering calibration mode. You need only press the "Select" and "Hold" buttons long enough for the display to initiate. You must turn the selector to OHMS while holding these keys. Holding them longer is not a problem and the meter should enter calibration mode even if you hold them till all zeros show. Turn the meter back off once you have started calibration mode. Do not try to calibrate it without proper references and knowledge.

author: Sjokolade
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 01:01:46 pm
content: Your both right and I realize now that the meter does enter calibration mode - I guess thats the why the calibration error now is gone but as the autorange and continuity failed I will send it back and also get it calibrated.Thanks guys.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 04:15:53 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on December 31, 2015, 01:49:22 amWhichprocedure is correct? From the two videos we've got, it certainly looks as though holding the buttons until zerosdoesn'twork. Maybe it depends on the exact model, but it certainly appears that switching to ohms and releasing the buttons must happen within one second.

author: Sjokolade
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 04:38:41 pm
content: Holding "Select" and "Hold" buttons and turning the selector to ohms and when display initiate count to one and release buttons works just as fine as holding "Select" and "Hold" buttons and turning the selector to ohms and holding buttons longer - both options will take you to calibration mode - I was looking for display to show 250.00ohms as mjlorton meter does but the 257s should show 000.0ohm in calibration mode.

author: Sjokolade
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2016, 01:26:22 pm
content: I sent my meter back to Biall Sp. z o.o in january and they calibrated it and had it delivered to my door 10 days later - thats fast turnaround time. I payed 15$ to ship it to them and they paid for postage to me.I have been using it for a few months now and it's like a new meter, look at these measurements.Thanks to Wojciech at Biall Sp. z o.o and Gary Wang at Brymen for helping me out.If it matters to anyone I never heard anything back from Tme.

author: dav
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2016, 11:26:26 am
content: Quote from: Sjokolade on November 20, 2015, 04:48:41 pmQuote from: Sjokolade on November 21, 2015, 12:44:22 pmSame happened to me a few days ago.I tried to remove the "C_Er" startup message without success (I can enter calibration mode, but turning off and then on, the multimeter still shows that message).Moreover, I also have "C_Er" message when entering in calibration mode.

author: ru_tash
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2016, 07:40:14 am
content: May be someone knows procedure to calibrate "Resistance measurement" function? Device always adding +2 or +3 last digits to all (except 000.0 Ohm and 00.00 MOhm) ranges of resistance measurements, it is quite annoying. I know this fit to the specs but I believe my BM252s can do better.

author: GAVER
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 29, 2019, 05:11:05 pm
content: 1) Turn Rotary Knob to "OFF" position.2) Press and hold "SELECT" and "HOLD" buttons, and then turn "Rotary Switch" from "OFF" to "" function position within one second.3) "000.0" is displayed4) Input 000.0, press "SELECT" and then "REL" buttons simultaneously5) Wait till reading is stable, press "SELECT" and then “HOLD” buttons simultaneously.6) “300.0” is displayed7) Input 300.0, press "SELECT" and then "REL" buttons simultaneouslyWait till reading is stable, press "SELECT" and then “HOLD” buttons simultaneously.9) “3.000k” is displayed10) Input 3.000k, press "SELECT" and then "REL" buttons simultaneously11) Wait till reading is stable, press "SELECT" and then “HOLD” buttons simultaneously.12) “30.00k” is displayed13) Input 30.00k, press "SELECT" and then "REL" buttons simultaneously14) Wait till reading is stable, press "SELECT" and then “HOLD” buttons simultaneously.15) “300.0k” is displayed16) Input 300.0k, press "SELECT" and then "REL" buttons simultaneously17) Wait till reading is stable, press "SELECT" and then “HOLD” buttons simultaneously.18) “3.000M” is displayed19) Input 3.000M, press "SELECT" and then "REL" buttons simultaneously20) Wait till reading is stable, press "SELECT" and then “HOLD” buttons simultaneously.21) “30.00M” is displayed22) Input 29.80M, press "SELECT" and then "REL" buttons simultaneously23) Wait till reading is stable, press "SELECT" and then “HOLD” buttons simultaneously.24) Turn to OFF to terminate the calibrationAttached is the procedures to calibrate BM257 resistance function. If the problem of your unit is only for 600 OHM range, you may turn meter off right after proceeding with "Procedure 8th". Please be careful. Wrong calibration operation may lead to ..... .

author: GAVER
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 29, 2019, 05:46:29 pm
content: Technical support Brymen is very good, feel free to contact

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2023, 11:40:06 pm
content: Quote from: Sjokolade on November 20, 2015, 04:48:41 pmHow often does this calibration error appear on BM257s?? How many people have experienced this? Does it appear even at other Brymen multimeters?I have a BM829s from 2016 and there are no problems.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 11, 2023, 11:36:48 am
content: Quote from: Hydrawerk on August 05, 2023, 11:40:06 pmI have never had a report of a calibration issue on any BM235 or BM786

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2023, 03:09:33 pm
content: Thank you. It was probably a (rare?) problem back in 2015 and does not appear today.

author: HackedFridgeMagnet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 29, 2024, 02:54:02 am
content: Got the C-Er message on my Brymen 257. I'm not sure when it started as the meter was recently returned to me.it doesn't measure AC volts, stays blank looking like autoranging when measuring 415V ac.even on fix ranged mode it say OL. I can't trust it.So i guess its going in the bin.Probably NV memory i guess.Even though I am from Australia i purchased this meter from TME poland around 2015. must have been a bad batch.ps. Brymen 789 works fine and is my favourite meter, and was also purchased from TME maybe 4 years ago.