Custom firmware for old oscilloscope (ideas)  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Pcaiman
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2019, 06:42:48 am
content: Hi forum, im Pablo and have a idea/question, (sorry for the bad english), is posible make a custom firmware for the old oscilloscope? Example fluke have a automotive oscilloscope the model 98, but this model is very rare and is Hard to find. And for this, i have the question, is posible make a custom firmware with principal automotive testing mode, for the principal sensors, using a old fluke 99?

author: ebastler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2019, 06:56:08 am
content: Assuming that the hardware is identical between the Fluke 98 and the Fluke 99 (and I don't know whether it is): Yes, a modified firmware is possiblein principle. It would be seriously difficult to reverse-engineer the code and write your own version. But maybe it would be possible to extract the firmware from a '98 and load it into a '99?You should start be confirming that the two meters really are identical in hardware -- study the datasheets and manuals, try to find service manuals, for both of them.Worth a closer look, because, who wouldn't want a Fluke 98?

author: Pcaiman
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2019, 04:42:15 pm
content: Quote from: ebastler on May 12, 2019, 06:56:08 amWow i think that this job is most easy, maybe how, make a custom firmware but with upgrade functions, how hack the fluke 99, i not buy a fluke 98 because in my country dont have this equipment and in ebay dont find this tool, and really i think that fluke can open the source code in the old discount models, and anyone can make the custom firmware for special áreas.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2019, 05:20:19 pm
content: I have a Fluke 98 and I had a Fluke 98 Series II and I used them on automotive electronics for many years. They are excellent for their intended purpose, but I don't know if it would be worth the trouble to do what you are proposing. The buttons and front panel of the 98 is laid out entirely differently from the other Scopemeters. I don't know what other hardware would be different and I suspect they are very similar since the specs are similar. The bandwidth differences are due to the fact that the 98 does not use any repetitive sampling and thus 25Msamples/sec limits the bandwidth to 5MHz.Both of them regularly show up on eBay, so if you want one I'd wait for an appropriate 98 Series II with all of the accessories to come up for sale. A major part of the value of any Scopemeter, including a 98, is the high-quality custom leads and accessories that come with it.https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fluke-Scopemeter-98-Series-II-9444-900-98133-FREE-SHIPPING/283261984538?hash=item41f3badf1a:g:1wUAAOSwtilb7Z9Y

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2019, 06:15:32 pm
content: I have a Fluke 98 II also, though mine still needs some TLC. This model Scopemeter also contains many accessories. You need to evaluate what features you cannot replicate with a modern substitute to see if it's worthwhile.Even though it seems expensive buying one from Ebay is going to be far cheaper than developing software to convert over another model.

author: MarkF
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2019, 07:37:05 pm
content: LOVE the Fluke 98 song!

author: Pcaiman
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2019, 10:55:43 pm
content: Quote from: bdunham7 on May 12, 2019, 05:20:19 pm

author: Pcaiman
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2019, 10:57:33 pm
content: Quote from: Shock on May 12, 2019, 06:15:32 pmMan your scopemeter is like New, good pics

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2019, 01:04:36 am
content: No that one isn't mine it's someone elses on the forum here, my one has issues and not got around to rebuilding it. But I have the complete kit like shown in the bottom photo.

author: Pcaiman
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2019, 01:35:31 am
content: Quote from: Shock on May 13, 2019, 01:04:36 amYou plain use in automotive applications? Or is only for hobby?

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2019, 04:33:04 am
content: Quote from: Pcaiman on May 12, 2019, 10:55:43 pmThe Fluke 98 was excellent and sorely needed when it came out 25+ years ago--and it was discontinued due to the lack of availability of one of the chips (made by Phillips) not due to it no longer being useful. I prefer it to the ones from automotive test tool companies because those to me are "dumbed down", a way for mechanics with some electronics knowledge to quickly do specific diagnostic tests for common problems. So if you have an electronics background and you do want a scope for automotive work, I'm not aware of anything better. However, as the on-board diagnostic capabilities have gotten better and better over the years, I see less and less need for scopes. Imagine working on a complex body control module (say a 1990 BMW 750iL) that has some odd problem but has absolutely no scan data or any other window into its operation--just the inputs and outputs. You think it is defective, but it is a special order part and costs several thousand dollars! Well, lets just say a scope is real handy in that situation. But the equivalent car 25 years newer has extensive data that gives you a big window in--often telling you the voltages on the inputs and outputs and even validating internal and external circuits.So, if you need a scope, the Fluke 98 (either series) with all the original leads and accessories, is still a good choice, although it does have its limitations. I'm not sure how much you need one though!

author: Pcaiman
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2019, 03:12:38 pm
content: Quote from: bdunham7 on May 13, 2019, 04:33:04 amMan thanks for your complete answer, i not work with bmw, o with old cars, but need watch some ckp sensors or o2 sensor, and sometimes in the scan tool cant read, and think with a oscilloscope can make a Best work, but maybe if i can make this readings with a other scope i preffer buy other scope more común. Thanks thanks thanks