Hidden button/pad Fluke 87V - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: blackbird
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2015, 03:30:42 pm
content: Hello everybody,Recently I've bought myself a high-end dmm as an addition to some of my cheap dmm's. In the spirit of Dave saying: "Don't turn it on, take it apart", I've opened my Fluke to see what's inside. I do not have to mention how well it is build as there are many good reviews written for this dmm.There is however one thing which raised a question, what is the purpose of the hidden pad shown on the photo.Thnx,

author: Excavatoree
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2015, 04:47:56 pm
content: Because it isn't present on the earlier versions, I'd guess it's for calibration. I'm sure someone who knows will be along shortly to confirm or deny that.

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2015, 05:30:36 pm
content: Quote from: blackbird on February 24, 2015, 03:30:42 pmWell, activate it and tell us what happens.

author: blackbird
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2015, 06:25:31 pm
content: Quote from: xrunner on February 24, 2015, 05:30:36 pmBefore my initial message I've tried to activate it, while the meter was powered on and during power on. To my untrained (fluke)eye there was no response or anything different to see.After reassembling the meter, it was still functioning like before (as far as I can tell)

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2015, 06:41:37 pm
content: I wouldn't recommend pressing hidden buttons that may or may not be for calibration, myself.

author: blackbird
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2015, 06:47:09 pm
content: The calibration procedure can be performed without opening the case. Therefore I guess this does not void my calibration, if it does it is my bad luck.

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2015, 06:51:47 pm
content: Quote from: blackbird on February 24, 2015, 06:47:09 pmIt might have to be activated in conjunction with another button, or even several other onesat the same timein order to get it do do whatever it does. However, as c4757p said, I wouldn't do it unless I was damn sure what it did. (that's why I put the devil smiley on my post)

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2015, 07:00:30 pm
content: Probably for another model .....another blanked off function.The 15B has 2 hidden pads that are used in the 17B.

author: blackbird
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2015, 07:03:30 pm
content: xrunner, I did understand the meaning of your smiley.Sometimes you have to take a little gamble. Yet, I'm a bit hesitant to activate the hidden button in combination with other buttons. Not until it is clear what the function of this button is.Maybe the hidden button on the 87V could be an extra function on a future 87-VI which is already on the 87V PCB ??

author: KGB
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2015, 07:22:26 pm
content: The calibration manual helps you:

author: German_EE
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2015, 07:27:15 pm
content: This meter will self destruct in 3.....2.....1......

author: blackbird
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2015, 07:39:21 pm
content: Ah, so the mystery is solved, it is just the password reset button, thanks KGB. I'm glad the prediction of German_EE was a false one