Unwell Fluke 1652

[JohnW2]

Is anyone familiar with this problem? .....

My Fluke 1652 was working fine a few days ago. It's batteries were changed quite recently.

This evening, when I switch it on, I get the "LEAd" message in the display, even when leads are plugged in - so, needless to say, it won't do anything. The same happens with different lead sets, and wiggling the lead connectors about makes no difference. The display looks normal, the internal fuse is OK and the battery test indicates 8.8V.

Anything useful that anyone can say about this would be much appreciated!

Kind Regards, John

 

[EFLImpudence]

Not really, but

I've just tested mine and the 'lead' only shows when L or E is removed.

That's no help I know but

'lead' disappears when any metal (the right size - 4mm.) is inserted into the centre hole - so nothing to do with the outer shroud.
'lead' does not disappear when a piece of wood is inserted.

So, you may deduce that electrical contacts detect when the lead is in place.

 

[JohnW2]

I've just tested mine and the 'lead' only shows when L or E is removed....

Thanks, and thanks for your interest.

'lead' disappears when any metal (the right size - 4mm.) is inserted into the centre hole - so nothing to do with the outer shroud. 'lead' does not disappear when a piece of wood is inserted. So, you may deduce that electrical contacts detect when the lead is in place.

That's worth knowing, but I can't get it to go away, no matter what I insert.

I fear that it must be dead, and also that it would not be worth trying to get it mended. I suppose it's probably worth taking it apart to see if there is anything 'obvious' but I suspect that it's probably the electronic sensing of the presence of the lead, rather than anything 'mechanical' - in which case I may be having to consult my friend Mr eBay - unless you or anyone else has any other ideas.

I suppose it's done quite well. I didn't pay a lot for it (eBay again!) and it's done a good few years of good service, but it's still a bit of a pain!

Kind Regards, John

 

[EFLImpudence]

I suppose it's probably worth taking it apart

I thought you would.

to see if there is anything 'obvious' but I suspect that it's probably the electronic sensing of the presence of the lead, rather than anything 'mechanical'

Yes, I don't think it can be anything mechanical. Not like headphone sockets.
It could be a contact broken or out of place - worth a look and future knowledge.
As you say, it could be something sophisticated.

unless you or anyone else has any other ideas.

No. I've never thought about it before.

I didn't pay a lot for it (eBay again!) and it's done a good few years of good service, but it's still a bit of a pain!

Nor I. I got mine by buying two for £130 from a calibration company ??? - both with error 5 reported, which, as you know, is nothing to do with the machine. I sold the second and got my money back - plus some.

 

[JohnW2]

Yes, I don't think it can be anything mechanical. Not like headphone sockets.
It could be a contact broken or out of place - worth a look and future knowledge. As you say, it could be something sophisticated.

It would be silly not to have a look, but with very little expectation of finding anything mendable. Given that the problem arose during a few days when it was just sitting in its box (probably, in fact, at today's first 'power up') I imagine that it is probably something 'electronic'.

Nor I. I got mine by buying two for £130 from a calibration company ??? - both with error 5 reported, which, as you know, is nothing to do with the machine. I sold the second and got my money back - plus some.

I didn't do that well - there was some net cost ... but, if I recall correctly, significantly under £100.

Thanks for your interest.

Kind Regards, John

 

[flameport]

Corroded/oxidised terminal sockets?
Spray some contact cleaner in there, insert test lead and rotate.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

What could a Fluke 1652 do if no test leads were inserted that would be so hazardous to people or deleterious to the tester that it needs to know if leads have been inserted?

None of my testers refuse to play if they have no leads - am I placing myself or my equipment at risk?

Or have Fluke introduced a feature of zero benefit to anybody except themselves?

 

[JohnW2]

Corroded/oxidised terminal sockets? Spray some contact cleaner in there, insert test lead and rotate.

Thanks for your interest and suggestion but, unfortunately, that was one of the first things I tried.

Kind Regards, John

 

[JohnW2]

What could a Fluke 1652 do if no test leads were inserted that would be so hazardous to people or deleterious to the tester that it needs to know if leads have been inserted?

Interesting question, and not one I've previously ever thought of asking!

Kind Regards, John

 

[JohnW2]

... worth a look and future knowledge.

Seemingly easier aid than done - has anyone any experience of 'getting into' a Fluke MFT?

Getting the bottom cover off it straightforward enough, and the entire front panel (attached by a ribbon cable) then just lifts out. However, getting the top cover off (or, put another way, getting the PCBs and other structures out) is less obvious. There's what looks like a 'clip at the back, but releasing that isn't enough - something else is holding everything together. Anyone know how to do it?

Kind Regards, John

 

[EFLImpudence]

Haven't watched it - YET

 

[JohnW2]

Haven't watched it - YET

Thanks = I'm off to look. That still shows the situation with how far I've got so far. Watch this space for a progress report!

Kind Regards, John

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Interesting question, and not one I've previously ever thought of asking!

Try asking the maker.

It's probable that they will lie to you, but it never does one any harm to have a reminder of how much contempt some companies hold their customers in.

 

[JohnW2]

Haven't watched it - YET

OK - I've got it all apart now - as the video shows, one can't actually 'take off' the top part of the casing, one has to remove the first board, then the battery holder etc. moulding and finally the second board, and when one's done all that, one is left with just 'the top of the case'!

As expected/feared, nothing obviously wrong yet. Watch this space for updates.

Kind Regards, John

 

[EFLImpudence]

The lead sockets don't look as though you can do much to them.