Anyone got a Philips multimeter PM2525, PM2535, PM2534 etc? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: inaxeon
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2023, 07:42:26 pm
content: Anyone got one of these? And more specifically, the RS-232 communications module option PM9190? They appear to be extremely rare.Picture here:https://www.woutersenwouters.be/sites/default/files/styles/product_detail/public/product_pictures/PM%202525%20B.jpg?itok=gEwBXvAcIf so, a photograph of it would be highly appreciated!

author: abeyer
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2023, 09:24:51 pm
content: I have a 2535, though just looked and don't have the serial port (never really thought about it as the '35 had GPIB buiilt-in and I'd not even really noticed the panel for an expansion card)I could possibly get pictures later, if that's useful without the serial, but would help to know what you're looking for, if so.

author: inaxeon
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2023, 09:10:00 am
content: I assume that is the version which has the PM9191 GPIB interface combined into the mainboard? No need to send a picture, but... You are saying this unit also has the serial option slot?

author: wn1fju
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2023, 05:43:24 pm
content: I have a PM2525 but, alas, it does not have any communications ports on the back panel, only a plastic cutout where something could populate the space.But that's OK with me. Because I find the non-backlit display nearly impossible to read, the power switch inconveniently placed on the back panel, the 4-wire ohms function needlessly having to use the probe socket, the horrendous calibration procedure which needs to be done at two different temperatures, the rather bland specs, and especially the internal function selection switch which is run by a motor to be an example of how not to design a multimeter. Of all the dozens and dozens of 4-1/2 to 5-1/2 digit DMMs I've come across over the years, this one is my least favorite.All my personal opinion. Some people may not agree. That's OK.

author: abeyer
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2023, 06:12:35 am
content: Quote from: inaxeon on September 19, 2023, 09:10:00 amI'll qualify this with the fact that I've never actually opened up the case (picked it up on ebay as-is, expecting to have a repair project, but it just worked when I plugged it in.)But, yeah, that's what it looks like from the outside. The GPIB is clearly integrated into the device and not a removable module as the connector is attached directly onto the back panel. There isalsoa blank plastic filler panel above that covering a space that seems to be the same size and shape as the picture of the serial card you linked above.

author: abeyer
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2023, 06:19:12 am
content: Quote from: wn1fju on September 19, 2023, 05:43:24 pmyup, have felt all that painQuote from: wn1fju on September 19, 2023, 05:43:24 pmand glad I haven't worried about that one

author: jchw4
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2023, 01:27:59 pm
content: Quote from: wn1fju on September 19, 2023, 05:43:24 pmCould you (or somebody) show a photo of the magical "especially the internal function selection switch which is run by a motor" ?I would love to see this but probably do not want to buy it

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2023, 02:36:45 pm
content: some teardown here :https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/philips_multimeter_pm2525_01.html#

author: abeyer
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2023, 06:34:56 am
content: Quote from: jchw4 on September 21, 2023, 01:27:59 pmThere's some passable diagrams and pictures in the service manual for the 2525: it looks like it's pretty much a rotary mode selector like you'd find on a handheld meter but with a gear to drive it rather than a knob. Also note I _don't_ think the 34 or 35 use that at all, it was just the 2525.

author: GigaJoe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2023, 09:56:39 pm
content: i have PM2534on the back EE09( com port) , label system21sticker: (if it means something)PM 2534/0239447 025 34023

author: Warhawk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2023, 09:59:30 pm
content: Quote from: wn1fju on September 19, 2023, 05:43:24 pmWhat a fantastic description. I too have one. To be honest. I want to keep it as a rarity. Even the noises it makes when you change the mode... Brilliant.

author: inaxeon
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2023, 12:08:20 pm
content: Cheers for the replies all. Main reason I was looking for it is because it was used in Philips professional television equipment, in some cases there is no way to configure it without the module and frankly I find the GPIB interface to be a pain in the backside.I have managed to obtain the schematic and the code from the MCU/EPROM of the GPIB option (PM8547 a.ka. PM9191) -if- anyone is interested, but it sounds like there ain't a lot of love for this instrument.https://github.com/inaxeon/PTV_Preservation/tree/main/PM5644/PM8547