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Fluke 233 Meter Review - Important Follow-up

Zad

I have had my Fluke 233 just over 4 months now, over which time it has  had pretty light use. Which is why what I am about to say is a bit of a  surprise.

In my review I wrote:

Batteries.  400  hours  estimated life is  excellent. That probably works out at 3 to 4  years  usage for me. But,  when they go, it does mean potentially 5  batteries  have to be replaced.

I have used it for maybe 5 hours use  at the outside, and not at all for the past month or so (sadly, my  engineering has mostly been on paper or PC recently). That doesn't sound  much, but it adds up to quite a few voltage and resistance  measurements.Anyway, I came to use my Fluke 233 today and this met me:

 

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd237/Zadpics/FlatBattery.jpg

 

Pretty much running on empty! Removing the remote head results in a BATT  warning and no measurements are possible. If I am going to be  installing a new set of 5 batteries every 4 months then it becomes a very expensive meter! I had thought that using high energy density AA  cells was a good idea (the cells it came with were brand new Duracells  with a very long use-by date), but maybe Fluke are covering up some  nasty quiescent current use. Swapping out the batteries allowed me to test  the off-load voltages, which were all around 0.95-0.96 Volts, so that rules out a rogue cell failure. My investigations with my trusty Fluke 77 (battery age 4 years) revealed the following:

Body power consumption, power ON = 3 to 6mA
Body power consumption, power OFF = 0.9 to 1.1mA
Display unit, power ON = 3 to 3.6mA
Display unit, power OFF = 1mA

 

Looking at http://www1.duracell.com/oem/Pdf/new/MX1500_US_UL.pdf the nominal capacity for <5mW drain is 1600 to 2300mAh (to 1 volt). 2300mAh at 1mA, is 95.8 days...

 

You  will note that an "on" life of 3mA is 766 hours, and 6mA is 383 hours,  which averages close to the specified taget of "around 400 hours".  Presuming you use your meter 24 hours a day, and don't actually switch  it off...

 

Given the recently found RF vulnerability in the Fluke 87 V, it does   make me wonder if Fluke are taking their eye off the ball. It surely cannot be right that a   meter eats a set of 5 cells in 4 months, especially given such light   usage. This is certainly not the sort of meter to leave in your tool case, because chances are that the batteries will be flat when you need it.

 

If any other Fluke 233 owners have experienced any similar failures, please let me know!

 

If any Fluke reps see this: Is there a known fault with the 233? Because this does look like a bit of a killer design issue.

 

Mike

Parents

  • Hello Mike and everyone else who wrote about the problem with the Fluke 233 using up batteries.   I contacted Fluke and they also know about the issue.  It is underwarranty and they will either fix your meter or give you a new one and a free calibration as well.   Contact them, give them the serial number of the unit and they will tell you where to send it.   I sent my to Everett, WA.

     

    Also, I want to let everyone know.  I service and sell Fluke hand held test equipment.  I live in Elkhart, IN, USA.   Let me know if I can be of service

     

    Best Regards,

    Perry

  • in reply to Former Member

    Hi folks new here

    Fluke 23 for 28 years

     

     

    Thanks Perry,  I've also emailed Fluke re battery life.

    I have also gone to rechargables Nimh, will probably end up with the more expensive eneloops to minimise self discharge.

     

    ====

     

    A couple of points that would be good and may assist with the Fluke 233 mk2

     

    1. If I walk out of range with the head in my pocket, say to the bathroom once back in range I have to reattach the head for it to read again. I havn't gotten around to figuring how long / far I have before the link is lost.

     

    2. Wish it had the faster updating bar graph along the bottom of the display as I use this for checking speaker output from audio devices alot. This would save me having to carry two meters.

     

    3. When the magnetic clip is attached the head is a hassle to remove and re fit. I've tried re configuring the strap velcro.

     

    4. When I select auto off disabled, I'm unable to figure out how to also select backlight to stay on.

     

    5. If longer battery life is not a easy option without it getting crazy expensive then a inductive charge mat / holster would be ok for me.

            As a plug and socket with dust cap to eventually fall off then foul up or my screwdriver jiggle into and short out as my meter can get dirty.

            e.g like my Braun toothbrush would be just fine.

     

    Still a great product as it saves me a man, I'm still feeling the lucky vibe image

     

    Regards

     

    Don NZ

     

    =========

  • in reply to Former Member

    Thanks Perry

     

    I'd like to know,

      How long would I expect my two batteries ( tx and rx ) to last if my meter is post 138xx  say fresh Duracells ?

    Is this the same for a repaired / replaced meter ?

     

    And more from a point of interest, 

    Why would both batteries fail at the same time as per above photo, 

    as I would have expected the rx would use less power ? or do both consume battery capacity at exactly same average rate hence 3 and 2 cells ?

    Is this the same post 138xx meter ?

    If I hold down yellow function button while turning on,  around 2 oclock I get rf and ir screens, any ideas what this is telling me ?

     

     

     

    Regards

    Don

    New Zealand

     

    ================================

     

    Message was edited by: Don NZ

  • in reply to Former Member

    Hey Don,

     

    I found that typical battery life is 400 hours using alkaline batteries.   I also found the note below that should be helpful in extending battery life.

     

    Also, the mode for 138xxx and below turns the meter all the way off after the battery gets to low.  Originally, the meter did not turn off and completely drained the batteries and caused them to leak in the battery compartment.

     

    I hope this helps.

     

    Regards,

     

    Perry

     

     

     

    On page 13, replace the Battery Saver section with the following: Battery SaverTM(Sleep Mode)

     

    The Meter powers-down (Sleep mode) if there is no function change, range change, or button push for 20 minutes. The lowest power drain occurs when the display module is docked with the Meter base. When the display is docked and the Meter is in sleep mode or off, a power drain continues from intermittent communication between the radios.

     

    To wake up the Meter, push a button or turn the function switch.

     

    To disable the Sleep mode, hold down the g button while turning the Meter on. The Sleep mode is always disabled in the MIN MAX AVG mode.

     

    To optimize battery life, it is recommended one battery be removed from the meter base and display for extended periods of storage or intermittent use.

     

     

    Sent from my iPad

  • in reply to Former Member

    Hi Perry,

     

    I've asked Fluke by email a question regarding this issue but still no answer. My 233 is a 1131xxxx.

    If you know a specific contact email which can be useful in this case please let me know.

    Probably is just a firmware update regarding the 430 low power mode.

     

    Thanks,

    Dan

  • in reply to danteo

    Dan,

     

    I sent my email to ukservicedesk@fluke.com late Thursday night. Nothing heard back yet, but these things can take time to get passed around to the right people.

     

    My serial number is 1131xxxx too.

     

    Mike.

  • in reply to danteo

    Dan,

     

    I am not sure where you are located.   The best way I find to get service

    is to use Fluke's web site and set up an on line RMA.   Indicate the meter

    is underwarranty and expain the problem with with the meter killing

    batteries.  Also, be sure to request calibration it's free with repair in

    this case.   Actually the only cost you should have it shipping the meter

    to Fluke  and that is it.

     

    Let me know if you need anything more.

     

    Best Regards,

    Perry

  • in reply to Former Member

    Thanks for the support Perry

     

    It inspires confidence in a product when after sales service happens.

     

    Regards Don

  • in reply to Former Member

    Hi Perry,

     

    I live in Italy, and maybe the local Fluke CS is in vacation now image.

    I will wait for an answer.

     

    Thanks,

    Dan

  • in reply to Zad

    Still no reply from UK Fluke Service here.

     

    Mike

  • in reply to Zad

    I got a reply, I was sent to a local Fluke partner.

    I didn't send the meter because I'm using it and I don't konw exactly how long it takes the whole process.

  • in reply to Former Member

    Hi Perry,

    Thanks for sharing with us that there is a software fix for the battery drain issue.

    I am still not quite clear after reading your message below what fluke has done to solve this issue.

    You mentioned that "Also, the mode for 138xxx and below turns the meter all the way off after the battery get to low." Should it be 138xxx and above turns the meter all the way off after the battery get to low?

    Is this specifically the fix?

     

    Also, I'm confused by the following "The lowest power drain occurs when the display module is docked with the Meter base. When the display is docked and the Meter is in sleep mode or off, a power drain continues from intermittent communication between the radios."

    Is Fluke trying to tell us to enable or disable sleep mode in order to not let the batteries drain?

     

    Finally and if you don't mind, I'm assuming you already have a unit with the fix. How did you estimate the battery life to be 400 hours? That's presumably several years worth of battery life. This is a sincere question and I am not challenging you.

    Thanks for your help.

     

    ============================================================================================

     

     

    "I found that typical battery life is 400 hours using alkaline batteries.   I also found the note below that should be helpful in extending battery life.

     

    Also, the mode for 138xxx and below turns the meter all the way off after the battery gets to low.  Originally, the meter did not turn off and completely drained the batteries and caused them to leak in the battery compartment.

     

    I hope this helps.

     

    Regards,

     

    Perry

     

     

     

    On page 13, replace the Battery Saver section with the following: Battery SaverTM(Sleep Mode)

     

    The Meter powers-down (Sleep mode) if there is no function change, range change, or button push for 20 minutes. The lowest power drain occurs when the display module is docked with the Meter base. When the display is docked and the Meter is in sleep mode or off, a power drain continues from intermittent communication between the radios.

     

    To wake up the Meter, push a button or turn the function switch.

     

    To disable the Sleep mode, hold down the g button while turning the Meter on. The Sleep mode is always disabled in the MIN MAX AVG mode.

     

    To optimize battery life, it is recommended one battery be removed from the meter base and display for extended periods of storage or intermittent use. "

Reply
  • in reply to Former Member

    Hi Perry,

    Thanks for sharing with us that there is a software fix for the battery drain issue.

    I am still not quite clear after reading your message below what fluke has done to solve this issue.

    You mentioned that "Also, the mode for 138xxx and below turns the meter all the way off after the battery get to low." Should it be 138xxx and above turns the meter all the way off after the battery get to low?

    Is this specifically the fix?

     

    Also, I'm confused by the following "The lowest power drain occurs when the display module is docked with the Meter base. When the display is docked and the Meter is in sleep mode or off, a power drain continues from intermittent communication between the radios."

    Is Fluke trying to tell us to enable or disable sleep mode in order to not let the batteries drain?

     

    Finally and if you don't mind, I'm assuming you already have a unit with the fix. How did you estimate the battery life to be 400 hours? That's presumably several years worth of battery life. This is a sincere question and I am not challenging you.

    Thanks for your help.

     

    ============================================================================================

     

     

    "I found that typical battery life is 400 hours using alkaline batteries.   I also found the note below that should be helpful in extending battery life.

     

    Also, the mode for 138xxx and below turns the meter all the way off after the battery gets to low.  Originally, the meter did not turn off and completely drained the batteries and caused them to leak in the battery compartment.

     

    I hope this helps.

     

    Regards,

     

    Perry

     

     

     

    On page 13, replace the Battery Saver section with the following: Battery SaverTM(Sleep Mode)

     

    The Meter powers-down (Sleep mode) if there is no function change, range change, or button push for 20 minutes. The lowest power drain occurs when the display module is docked with the Meter base. When the display is docked and the Meter is in sleep mode or off, a power drain continues from intermittent communication between the radios.

     

    To wake up the Meter, push a button or turn the function switch.

     

    To disable the Sleep mode, hold down the g button while turning the Meter on. The Sleep mode is always disabled in the MIN MAX AVG mode.

     

    To optimize battery life, it is recommended one battery be removed from the meter base and display for extended periods of storage or intermittent use. "

Children
  • in reply to Former Member

    Thank you for the follow up note.   I must have been tired when I wrote the post.  The battery drain

    problem has been fixed by Fluke.  It was not a software fix, it was a firmware fix.   The fix was

    was implemented with serial number 138xxxxx.

     

    If you have a Fluke 233 with a lower serial number, I suggest contacting Fluke and seeing if they

    will fix your meter and apply the update.   I personally have been very pleased with Fluke and the

    products they make and the services they provide.

     

    Please let me know if I can be of help.

     

    Best Regards,

    Perry

  • in reply to Former Member

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