fluke 123 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: R_G_B_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2013, 06:31:11 pm
content: Got a fluke 123. Does anyone know Where I can get a cheap charger.What is the voltage and polarity specifications.Also Where can I get a cheap case?Thanks

author: turbo!
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2013, 06:37:48 pm
content: Quote from: R_G_B_ on November 13, 2013, 06:31:11 pmAccording to Google, its just a 4 cell 2Ah NiCd. You can safely push 200mA for 16 hours for full charge, or use a charger used by RC hobby people directly to the battery.

author: R_G_B_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2013, 07:13:42 pm
content: Wall charger? D.C adapter is what I mean.Thanks

author: ron
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2013, 08:07:34 pm
content: 15V 300mA center neg / shield posIt has an odd connector

author: R_G_B_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2013, 08:24:04 pm
content: Thanks for that Ron.

author: Reboot
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2013, 11:13:48 pm
content: There are 2 versions of the 123. Versions with firmware 1.xx have NiCd Batteries. Versions with 2.xx firmware have NiMH batteries. The chargers are the same for both, but be aware if you have to replace battery.Ron is right about the center negative, watch out almost all bricks are center pos. If you buy an aftermarket charger, make sure it is electrically isolated from the mains (usually indicated by a 2 pin mains plug instead of 3). Otherwise you cannot make floating measurements with it plugged in.The 2 channels on the 123 are NOT isolated from each other, they share a common ground. Keep that in mind when measuring signals with different grounds.

author: R_G_B_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2013, 09:52:54 am
content: Its a version 2 software it has a ni-mh battery.Can you update the software on these ?

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 14, 2013, 10:13:01 am
content: Quote from: Reboot on November 13, 2013, 11:13:48 pmAlso note that it's unsafe to make floating measurements to voltages higher than the connector and power cord is rated for. Most likely substantially less than mains voltages if it's an aftermarket charger.

author: R_G_B_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2013, 10:42:10 am
content: Just looked at the battery cover its says Ni-cad yet the battery inside is NI-mhThe software version is version 1.08.This is the first edition of the scope 123 I take it?

author: Reboot
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2013, 01:16:22 am
content: Yes, same as I have. I think your firmware is up to date as well. The updates are on the fluke website but you have to have the serial cable to update it.It kinda sounds like someone put the wrong battery in your scope. The charging circuit in the scope is gonna fry it.

author: ron
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2013, 05:33:19 pm
content: Quote from: Reboot on November 15, 2013, 01:16:22 amSome of the early FW can't be updated. When Fluke changed to NiMH they they issued new FW that lengthened the charge/discharge cycle of the batt refresh function. NiMH batteries work in older scopes. If you want to refresh, just drain battery in scope until it turns off then recharge it for about 6 hrs.

author: qno
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2013, 08:30:02 pm
content: To do an update of the software you have to increase the supply voltage.It should be somewhere on the web.

author: ron
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2013, 09:08:20 pm
content: Quote from: qno on November 15, 2013, 08:30:02 pmHuh?? What are you talking about? I've updated at least a dozen 12x scopemeters old and new. All with the same PM8907/808 15V adapter/charger.

author: Cones
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2013, 09:18:26 pm
content: Hi,The Fluke 123 detects the battery type by a resistor value in the pack.See this link :-https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/fluke-123-scopemeter-and-battery-replacement/msg304318/#msg304318HTHMark

author: R_G_B_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2013, 11:01:23 pm
content: I found a din 45323 plug.http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=350835699177If I can find a 15v universal ac adapter should do the job I hope?

author: R_G_B_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2013, 11:25:46 pm
content: I also found this link:http://eleif.net/sm120/#sm123