Modern version of Vichy VC8145 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: ziplock9000
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2016, 06:14:51 am
content: I was just ready to purchase this in the UK as it offers a decent accuracy/price range for a slightly above beginner bench DMM when I noticed the logging/control software was Windows 2000/XP only and only via RS232.Are there any other comparable bench DMM's that work on Windows 10/8/7 in the UK?I'm assuming an RS232 to USB converter would work.Thanks.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2016, 11:23:09 am
content: Just try the software on a newer Windows version. The chance is 99.999% that is works because Windows is supposed to be backwards compatible.

author: ziplock9000
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2016, 12:39:23 am
content: Quote from: nctnico on December 22, 2016, 11:23:09 amWindows is very often not backwards compatible, especially when drivers are involved (which I doubt in this case). I want to know this for sure before purchase.

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2016, 01:34:31 am
content: The drivers would be totally down to your RS232-USB adapter or motherboard RS232 port and not the DMM itself. There should be no reason the proprietary Windows software won't work on 7/8/10 if it has access to a COM port. Worst case is to right click the .exe and set compatibility mode for Windows XP.However, proprietary software is shit as generally you can't use it with your other instruments easily like you would with proper bench meters using VISA or such.I'm pretty sure the VC8145 protocol has been reverse engineered already? I foundthis linkbut it doesn't work right now. I'm a little surprised it's not on sigrok already either?IIRC there is no useful SCPI command/response to the protocol it is purely a passive one way broadcast over serial, much like other handheld multimeters with a PC interface.If I had one I would reverse the protocol for fun but the price tag is way too much when you can get a real bench meter (used) like a 6.5 digit Keithley 2000/2015 or HP/Agilent 34401A for a $100 more. Don't forget the VC8145 will be pretty much worthless on the second hand market, so perhaps a $150-$200 loss, while the proper 6.5 digit bench meter will retain its value and indeed could be sold at a small profit!(I would go for the Keithley as it works with RS232 - the 34401A needs a pricey GPIB adaptor)

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2016, 08:20:19 am
content: Quote from: Macbeth on December 23, 2016, 01:34:31 amPerhaps but the VC8145 has several features (capacitance, instant continuity beeper, big backlit display, dual measurement, 20A current range for example) which the old DMMs don't have. Before buying the VC8145 I looked into old DMMs as well.OTOH I agree the software isn't much. As usual it is to show that the communication is working.

author: ziplock9000
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2016, 12:52:43 pm
content: Quote from: Macbeth on December 23, 2016, 01:34:31 amThanks for the info. Unfortunately those meters you mention are considerably more expensive, even more so when you consider the import costs to the UK (£700 or £415 v £118) Unless you have a good source?

author: ziplock9000
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2016, 02:07:58 pm
content: Well I went for the Vichy. I ordered one from eBay for £118. It has excellent functionality and quite good count/accuracy for the price. I dont need a 6 1/2 meter.......yetSome kind bloke has even written some software that works with it.http://www.26th.net/public/projects/vc8145/Does anyone has any other links to software tools that can compliment this meter? Thanks.

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2016, 08:20:15 pm
content: Unfortunately the link to the protocol decode doesn't work, but all the source code is available and so anyone who knows a little bit of C and, say, Python could re-reverse engineer it.Then you could use your meter with theEEVBlog Voltnuts logging platform with a Raspberry PiEnjoy your meter anyway!I recall there are some mods to make it better (things like display backlight timeout and stuff which seem absurd for a bench meter)

author: ziplock9000
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2016, 08:00:57 am
content: Quote from: Macbeth on December 29, 2016, 08:20:15 pmThanks mate. Although the Vichy is not high end meter, It's still a step up from my Fluke 37. All I need to do now is upgrade my analog scope to a Rigol DS1054Z.. "upgrade" is possibly the wrong word.. "compliment" is maybe better.

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2016, 09:21:38 pm
content: Quote from: ziplock9000 on December 30, 2016, 08:00:57 amI agree. Despite all the hate for vector CRO scopes there is something magical about them. Indeed I have a penchant for old vector based cathode ray stuff like the Atari arcade games, Asteroids, Tempest, Battlezone, etc. Having a Z input on your scope and switching it into X/Y mode is something no modern LCD/TFT scope can provide.Of course the fact that my old boat anchor needs a forklift to drag it around vs the plastic handle on my Hantek MSO5102D that could be placed in my girlfriend's handbag, and why it's in the spare room and covered in dust and cobwebs... I know one day I will use all of it's 20MHz - but I just want to fix its trigger problem for now. I've tracked down the service manuals and all... It's just on the backburner...PS. Go for a DS1054Z vs my Hantek trash. That way you don't have to justify the double upgrade IYSWM