Fluke 189 Meter, reading DC volts with delay. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Firetank
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2015, 05:02:26 pm
content: This Fluke 189 meter which i bought 4 years ago and i only used it few times.However i noticed that when i try to read DC volts, say from a battery which for example is 12.90 volts, my fluke goes nuts..... from cold start my fluke reads around 11.30 volts then it starts counting and reading volts up till it gets the proper reading which would be 12.90 volts. This process will take up some good minutes so to reach the proper DC battery reading.NOTE :- This happens when my meter will be switched ON from rest (off) when i need to use it.Internal batteries are new......If I leave my fluke 189 ON while reading the proper DC voltage and take off the probe from one terminal and put it back within couple of seconds, it reads only few less voltage and will read proper voltage after 4 seconds ....What the hell is wrong with it

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 05, 2015, 05:15:03 pm
content: Could me many problems, from contamination on the circuit board, some component gone bad.....If you are the original owner then Fluke should fix it for you.

author: Firetank
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2015, 07:32:21 pm
content: After watching also some YouTube vids about this meter I found one which say that a small super cap tends to corrode in these models. I opened mine and ooooppsssss.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 05, 2015, 08:31:40 pm
content: That would not cause your problem IMHO.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2015, 08:31:46 pm
content: A number of questions/suggestions.Q1) Did you buy the 189 new or used? If new, was it from an authorized Fluke dealer?Q2) Did this problem start now or was it there 4 years ago?Q3) Does this problem happen if you set your power supply voltage to 4.00V DC?Q4) Set your PSU to 12V and put the 189 into the 50V manual range mode. Does the long settle time still happen?Q5) Have you lent this meter out to someone?Q6) Have you had an "oops" moment where the 189 was set to ohms and you connected to a live/high energy circuit?Q7) Does the long settle time happen with ACV?Q8) If you measure a 1k ohm resistor, does the 189 have a long settle time problem?Q9) See this thread and measure the input protection components that I mention (PTC, fusible resistor, MOVs) in post #2 and report your results.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/fluke-89-iv-slow-settle-in-5v-range/Q10) Try resetting the 189 back to factory defaults as per instructions in the user manual.The behaviour shown in the video almost looks like the 189 is displaying the intermediate results of each sample (40 times/second) as opposed to 4 times/second. That is, 40 times/sec is the refresh rate of the analog bar graph and perhaps the 189 is mistakenly displaying each of the 40 results on the LCD.PS. The 189 does suffer from the capacitor issue, but according to Fluke, it only affects the time/date function of the meter and should have no bearing on the slow settle time you are seeing.edit: Re-enumerated with Q to show which ones are questions.

author: Firetank
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2015, 09:29:14 pm
content: Hi and thanks for the replies.1. I bought my 189 brand new but I bought it from eBay.2. When I bought it there was no issues at all. I just discovered this now.3. I did set my ps at 4 volts dc as you said and the problem is still there.4. I did the 12 v psu set and set meter manual mode 50v range problem remains the same.5. I only used my meter and never been lent to anyone.6. My 189 never been set to high energy circuit while on ohms.7. I have now discovered that when I try to read Ac mains voltage my 189 shut down.8. I have tested one ohm resistance and it worked ok.9. PTC is 1.1k, and yes the mov is infinity with other meter... Regarding the fusible resister, i am sorry pls explain better.10.I have reseted my meter to factory reset.Looks like I have a new hole in my pocket. 😓Edited by numbers to show exactly as you requested.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2015, 09:49:41 pm
content: Hmm, I ask 10 questions and get answers for only 8 of them?

author: Firetank
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2015, 09:54:42 pm
content: You are correct will answer the other tomorrow, while I thank you again. Now I am from my mobile time here is midnight and I start work in 5 hours time. Hope you understand and accept my apologies.

author: Firetank
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2015, 12:32:14 pm
content: Kindly check my earlier post as i modified it by numbers and completed all test as you requested.The only thing i did not, was the fusible resistor..... can you kindly explainThanks again for your assistance.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2015, 09:23:13 pm
content: Quote from: Firetank on July 05, 2015, 09:29:14 pm1. Ebay is not an authorized dealer. Despite you buying it brand new, I doubt you will get warranty service for free. You can try, but don't be surprised if Fluke asks for $$$ to repair it.7. Can you try measuring something that is ACV, but significantly lower voltage like a AC wall adapter?9. The fusible resistor is the green body colored circled in blue. Picture is from modemhead's website.

author: Firetank
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2015, 04:39:57 pm
content: Hi, and thank you for the pic attached about the fusible resistor, i have measured the fusible resistor and you can say its 1 K.I have connected the meter to my variac which can deliver from 0 to 300 volts AC. However the meter can read up to only 13 VAC,anything beyond that voltage the meter will shut down and will not reset back unless you take off one probe from the source.Well I will contact Fluke Europe to see what they have to say about my meter, Last time i have used my meter was about a month agoand i am sure that it was working fine.Again i thank you all for your contributions and help in this nice forum.Will update this post after Fluke will reply to my complaint.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2015, 04:56:25 pm
content: Quote from: Firetank on July 07, 2015, 04:39:57 pmI will wait until after Fluke responds before making more suggestions.

author: Firetank
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2015, 12:54:34 pm
content: First update :-Well i consider myself a bit lucky, The seller is an authorized Fluke DealerContacted Fluke Europe Service Center and Informed them with a detailed report of my Fluke problem.They replied Back that my Fluke is under Warranty and they will fix it.I was also told, that after watching the Video that i uploaded and also reading my full report of faults on my meter, the Fluke technical side replied that they hadnever came to this problem before ...... but they still want to fix it.My Fluke will be repaired under warranty, however as i insisted that i also want a full calibration too, i was told that calibration is an option and i have to pay for that.Well i agreed to pay for the calibration.My Fluke was shipped to them today by DHL.Well i want to say, that Fluke Europe were very helpful and replied very fast.

author: Kibi
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 09, 2015, 01:34:18 pm
content: Quote from: Firetank on July 09, 2015, 12:54:34 pmThat is refreshing news.I have had very poor service from Fluke UK in the past. If I have problems in the future perhaps I'll try and go via Fluke Europe instead.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2015, 05:32:40 pm
content: Quote from: Firetank on July 09, 2015, 12:54:34 pmHmm, when Fluke fixes something, they usually check calibration to ensure the meter is fixed properly. According to most people who have dealt with warranty service, they received their meter "calibrated", if necessary, for free.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2015, 06:18:38 pm
content: I suspect there's something lost in translation.Calibration involves a certificate. Checking and adjusting to ensure it's within specification (and therefore 'working') does not.

author: H.O
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2015, 07:20:18 pm
content: I don't know about all the "original owner" and "authorized seller" stuff.I found a FLUKE 75-3 in the dumpster at work. I don't remember exactly what the problem with it was but talked to FLUKE about it. They didn't ask ANYTHING about how or where I got it.They asked me to send it in for examination and IF they determined that fault on the unit wasn't caused by user error they'd repair it under their "life time warranty". However, if they determined it WAS damaged by user error I had to pay a fee for the diagnosis and for the repair if I still wanted that. I "gambled" and sent it in.As it turned out they said it was not damaged by user error but deemed it BER and asked if I'd accept a brand new 175 instead. I accepted.

author: Firetank
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2015, 11:46:49 am
content: At last here is the update :-I received my Fluke 189 meter back from repairs..... and its back to life)Ok so i will try to explain how this all went in short. Fluke asked me to send them the unit and they will fix it for free under warranty.They also told me that they carry all the expenses even the post fort and back.However i insisted that i want a Full detailed calibration with certificate and report, and they told me that this is an option so i have to pay for the calibration and also for the post fort and back due to calibration. I agreed on this and i sent my meter to Fluke.After few days i received an email that my meter entered Fluke Repair Lab. and its in the queue for repair. Last week i was told that my meter is ready and received a proforma from Fluke so i can send the money by bank transfer. (note:- the proforma states as agreed. Repairs :- parts and labor Free, but the post and calibration as agreed.) Yesterday evening i received my meter which now works as new.With the meter i received a personal CD certificate for the meter calibration such a detail report of 6 Full pages of tests and calibrations they made. (NICE Indeed), they also send they unit with fresh new batteries which i did not send with the meter due to post security.... I have to also mention that i have took off the black rubber from its back as i was afraid it might get lost (stupid me) haha they send it with a new one.....Now here comes the total price :-All repairs parts and labor by Fluke Free.Sending the unit by DHL from Malta to Neds € 65 full insured, UPS from Neds to Malta €25, Calibration Fee €110, Bank transfer charges € 30.This brings a total of € 230.The report comment from Fluke was plane and simple :- Replaced Main Board.I would like to thank Fluke Europe Center for the assistance and service. Also thanks to all here who tried to help and assist me in this forum.Note :- Fluke Malta........ I think i better say nothing... but they asked me for $$$ not on warranty

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2015, 03:17:05 am
content: Thanks for the follow up. Too bad shipping and banking fees cost so much money making the repair almost uneconomical.In your first post, you indicated in 4 years you didn't use it much. If that is going to the same for the next 4 years, I suggest you remove the batteries so they don't leak. I bought an used 187 and you can see the damage done by leaking batteries.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/fluke-187-corroded-battery-terminals-how-to-clean/

author: Firetank
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2015, 09:20:30 am
content: Quote from: Monkeh on July 09, 2015, 06:18:38 pmI fully agree with you, that is what they told me...... that the calibration is an option with certificate and this involves charges.If i did not choose the calibration option it will be total free including postage and they just do a full check that the instrument is working well in its limits.

author: Firetank
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2015, 09:36:11 am
content: @ retiredcapsYou are correct, the bank and the postal charges are too much......Regarding the batteries :- I do have other meters 2 of them are by Fluke too, that is why i do not use them all the time.However i fully agree with you that the batteries can be a pain in the neck if left in an instrument for a long period of time, but i only insert the batteries when i need to usethe instrument. Thanks for the link regarding battery damage, very informative.Ok... here is a pic of my meter, which i took this morning in my lab, connected to the same PS by Rigol which is only 2 months old.Lab temperature was 33 deg C with 60 % humidity, best i could do as in my country we have temperatures up to 40 deg C and feels 45The calibration at Fluke was done at 23 deg C with 45 % humidity.I am very satisfied with the calibration i have to say......