Metrix MX59HD DMM photos - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: shakalnokturn
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2020, 11:45:26 pm
content: This time I'm opening another French ASYCII handheld DMM, a Metrix MX 59HD.It's basically a lightly refreshed re-spin of the '90s MX54 multimeter, the main PCB has gone through a light of modifications and gained a couple of isolation slots near the inputs. It has also gained an ugly red wire strung across...The display PCB has also changed a little, layout is neater than on the bodged-up MX54 version, the microcontroller has changed from a rectangular to a square TQFP package.Other changes are:Case has gone from black to red.Silicone-insulated test leads are Chauvin Arnoux looking (although not marked as such) they no longer have straight bananas on the DMM side but 90° plugs instead, a shame they aren't a little taller, the protective rubber case gets in their way when fitted.No removable locking safety over the input sockets any more. (This option still exists on the similar red and rare Schlumberger T6005200 rebadge.)Specifications are identical to the older MX54 so you do get quite a bit of goodness such as 50k points, 0.05%+2 DCV accuracy, selectable 10M/1Gohm input impedance, RS232, AC+DC measurements and a very slightly less pathetic LCD sidelight.Going through my teardown photos I spotted a 1206 SMD capacitor looking out of place, disassembled the DMM once again to check, it definitely didn't look as if it belonged there, more like it was floating around and got caught on the mini-Melf solder.So, I removed it... Quality check isn't good enough, it does say "Made in France" on the back, I'm reading that as "final assembly"...Photos here:https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZJg159oy8DzHhuBU6

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2020, 02:03:13 am
content: The calibration software is free if you check the chauvin arnoux website, or simply ask them thru an email.The dmm5 plcc ic is used in other 50,000 count dmm and some bench meters like metrix mx 556 and bk 5490

author: Vince
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2021, 12:11:31 am
content: Hmmm, good to know the software is readily available !Will have to get it and build an IR serial cable to connect to my meters.I just love these old ASYC DMM's, well in particular the 53/54/56 series. Have 10 of them or so by now... just can't resist buying them. It's an addiction.. need to get treatment !In my collection I have got an MX57Ex model. The " Ex " / explosive environment model was still available up until recently, long after the 53/54/56 series had been phased out. I guess it survived because of its a special DMM, and they sold it for an extravagant amount of money. I remember seeing it on RS website 3 years ago for 1,800 Euros !I wanted one to see how much it would differ from the MX56 (on which it clearly is based, if just because of it's similar 0,025% accuracy), in such a dramatic way that it would warrant 1,800 Euros....Have not torn it apart just yet. My guess though is that it's built exactly like a regular MX56 and Metrix is just using the Ex "certification" as an excuse to quadruple the price.. quick and easy profit ! Buy maybe I am wrong, a bad mouth... will see when I get to disassemble it.Well, maybe someone has already done it on the forum, don't know...

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2021, 01:34:26 am
content: EDITNormally the "ex" casing is way stronger / tougher than regular meter casings,explosions proof/resistant in some instances, and you get some Ip xx dust / particles resistances and sometimes waterproofing ...You have the fluke Fluke 87V-Ex "red one" too loll go buy Flukes lollThe Fluke Ex still has the 10 amps range ?Definition:Intrinsically safe (I.S.) are protective methods employed in potentially explosive atmospheres. ATEX is the most stringent I.S. standard in Europe for products used in hazardous locations.

author: Vince
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2021, 09:51:01 am
content: Quote from: coromonadalix on January 31, 2021, 01:34:26 amThat's all ? No differences in the design of the electronics inside (I mean, other than the usual deletion of the 10A current range) ? How disappointing.The plastic case looks like it's made of the same plastic than a regular MX, and as for dust and water ingress, a regular MX is already pretty well sealed as it is, I can't see how they could do much better. That's why I suspect it's just a normal MX56 but tehy just slap the EX rating on it so they can sell it for several times the price !Hell, with the deletion of the 10 range it even costs them LESS to manufacture, not more !QuoteDon't like red.. my Ex is an early one, it's a bright yellow case that I like very much, not red. Red it seems were the last / most recent Ex series.I don't like the deletion of the safety cover on the jacks of the modern red HD series.. makes the meter look weird and ugly, like it misses something (and it does obviously !). I don't buy MX meters that are missing this cover because it's impossible to find used as a spare.

author: Kleinstein
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2021, 10:02:29 am
content: For an Ex rating they may have to use different MOVs and maybe use some potting in that area. The fuse for the lower current range may also need to be a special type or extra protection - with the higher current range gone there is a little space for this.Much of the higher consts is for all the paperwork and certification that is needed.

author: Vince
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2021, 10:15:31 am
content: Thanks for the info, will make sure to keep an eye open for that when I get round to opening my 57Ex...