[FS US] Datron 1081 7.5 digit DMM - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: eas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2019, 01:01:08 am
content: I have a Datron 1081 DMM that has been sitting idle in storage and I'd like to make sure it finds a good home.It works, and gives readings in line with those from my multiple 6.5 digit DMMs, but I've seen a few operating glitches that I was unable to successfully troubleshoot before I moved on to other projects.On a handful of occasions I left it running and returned to find the display showing gibberish and the controls are unresponsive.Measurements are usually very stable, but occasionally it's drifts around over a range of ~1% in the space of seconds to minutes. Someone suggested a cracked solder joint might be the cause, but I had trouble reproducing with cold-spray and a hair dryer so I couldn't localize itOther notes:The display is bright and legible under typical indoor lighting conditions.Electrolytic caps in the powersupply have been replaced with Nichicon caps.Calibration battery hasn't been replaced, but still is at ~3.7vI powered it up today to verify it works as expected -- it does. DC & AC voltage & current measurements of my DMM Check Plus were reasonable, as were two-wire resistance measurements.One "ear" of the top case is missing and the finish is worn.Passes self-testI have anold blog postwith some photos and observations from shortly after I took possession of the Datron.I was going to list it on eBay, but I thought I'd list it here first.I'm asking $275US + shipping, which I'd estimate to be under $100 within the continental US. I'll do my best to answer any questions.

author: toastedcrumpets
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2019, 01:44:58 am
content: That's a great price! For the others suffering GAS, will you ship outside the US?

author: maginnovision
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2019, 06:04:26 am
content: The "gibberish" is usually a poorly tuned reset circuit. If it's too "finely tuned" it will reset based on temperature which can be random "crashes" like you experienced, or unresponsive at startup(easily identified since no relays click). I'd recommend turning the pot back a tad. I think it's the pot on digital board closest to power switch. I'd offer you 100$ + shipping but I don't think that's acceptable to you. I'm not trying to lowball you either, I just can't help but make some offer, even though I absolutely don't need it(That's not even all of them).

author: eas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2019, 05:26:30 pm
content: Quote from: toastedcrumpets on August 12, 2019, 01:44:58 amI'd prefer to keep it in the US because it means fewer unknowns for me, but I'll consider it if there isn't a suitable offer from within the US.maginnovision, thanks for the tip. I'll leave it to the next owner to tackle the issue, and I'll keep your interest in mind.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2019, 09:08:47 pm
content: I would suggest a good frontal case protection, a member here had his bought Datron 4000 damaged during shipping, the two displays got smashed ...

author: maginnovision
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2019, 09:31:36 pm
content: I'd also recommend for someone to buy the Datron 1062 LS101 meter on eBay if buying this. It'll get you a better top/bottom case and some replacement parts if needed.

author: maginnovision
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2019, 08:19:41 pm
content: Increasing my bid to 160 + shipping (I have parts to refurb 1 more Datron).

author: eas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2019, 05:03:32 pm
content: Thanks for the interest. If I don't get a compelling offer here by ~Thursday or so, I may go ahead and list the Datron on ebay.

author: eas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 12:53:32 am
content: I stalled out on this earlier in the year, but it's still for sale.