Fluke 1664FC issues - Null - Low Batt - Err 5

[Monchichak]

First thing I did

I've not condemned it, just possibly found a quirk (non issue fault)

 

[Big jj]

Hi just joined the forum. I have a number of testers and my main one is a Fluke 1664FC. I have just tried to get the same results as you. Mine does not do that at all. My battery pack is tight in on the clip, not loose at all. I would suspect that you are getting v drop from the battery connections when drawing a bit of current from the batteries.

 

[Monchichak]

Hi Big JJ

Thanks for your input, that's interesting you're not seeing the same issue.

Batteries are in tight with good contacts but I've done experiments pushing them in tighter & purposefully causing them to be loose to see what the results are & it did not shed any light.

I've since just cracked on & used the meter & not noticed any other issues.

Hi Static Zap,
Just noticed your response a while back - good info, unit it not damaged & hasn't been dropped.

 

[gof1]

Useful information on Fluke meters, having had several and also several communications with Fluke technical.
1.) turn meter to volts press test button this will tell you voltage of batteries, from Fluke if under 7.2 volts change/charge batteries.
2.)if you have an ERR code, use the up/down buttons this will then give you the reading the meter has obtained.

 

[Monchichak]

Update:
Returned my Fluke 1664FC for calibration/repair along with a video of the consistent fault occurring.
I think it's safe to say this is a design quirk/fault.

Fluke response:

Dear Customer,
Thank you for getting in touch and letting us know about your concern with this unit.
We would like to assure you that in this instance there is no fault with the operation of the unit, and there is no concern with continuing to use this unit in its current state.
As the intermittent shorting of the connection is being made on the 250mA range, the significant intermittent fluctuation in current draw may occasionally cause a battery low message on screen.
Error 5 also correctly indicates noise, which is being simulated by the non-standard operation of the test in question.
The specification of the unit is not affected by the findings you have shown.
I hope the above covers any concerns you may have,

Regards,

Fluke Industrial Service.

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Should you get a Fluke?
Fluke service response:
Unit arrived with Fluke on 3rd for calibration/repair
4th received invoice for calibration & note saying no fault found
4th I responded with E-Mail including video of fault & requested a re-check & explanation of symptoms.
-----Silence-----
11th I requested an update
-----Silence-----
15th I requested another update
16th Fluke finally responded with an explanation

Not impressed with the service time but hey ho.

So - that clears that up.

Thanks for all your support.

Chris

 

[static zap]

Swings and roundabouts , design decision.
... I once killed a current limited bench supply , with a fast switching load .
( If you read later instructions it tells you NOT TO .. )
Lesson learnt -- RTFM , If you value your job / Wallet !
-- Nothing is ever as good as "Sales guy makes-OUT " --
... If you lucky your employer may pick up bill on the learning curve..
(Killed a record player at school once -- Not a Disco AMP ) ...
To keep things affordable compromises may be made.