Re: Is my Fluke 6071A broken, or in need of calibration?

From: Robert Baer (robertbaer_at_earthlink.net)
Date: 01/01/05 

Date: Sat, 01 Jan 2005 08:31:54 GMT

"Jerry G." wrote:
>
> If you look in the instruction booklet for your meter, they give reference
> for Fluke service in your area. They are very reasonable for their service.
> When they service the meter, they will also do a complete calibration.
>
> When they service the meter, they will give you a new warranty with the
> service. It is also possible to have an extended warranty plan with many of
> their models.
>
> We have been using Fluke meters for many years, and found them to be very
> accurate over time, and have had great satisfaction with their service and
> calibration.
>
> --
>
> Jerry G.
> =====
>
> "Torin Walker" <torinwalker@rogers.com> wrote in message
> news:4uWdnRBpZOvLIEjcRVn-1w@rogers.com...
> > Greetings;
> >
> > I've been using my Fluke 6071A for a few years with success up until
> > yesterday. I turn it on very infrequently, and before yesterday, the last
> > time I turned it on was probably well over a year ago. Now when I power it
> > on it goes through the usual power-on test but completes with:
> >
> > 607 1 1360
> >
> > I presume the middle display that normally shows frequency is displaying
> the
> > model number, and where the amplitude is displayed, the 1360 is an error
> > code. There is no output*, and two indicators, AMPL and UNCAL are flashing
> > regardless of what I set the unit to. If I hold the INTERROGATE button,
> the
> > rightmost display shows:
> >
> > 004
> >
> > (I can get a blob of a signal in the lower 50 - 100Mhz, if I tune the
> > generator there, but it looks like a deformed speed bump, not a peak as I
> > would expect.) Otherwise, nothing I do changes the error. It simply
> doesn't
> > work as it should.
> >
> > If you own a Fluke 6071A of your own and have a manual, can you please
> check
> > it and tell me what the hell is wrong with mine? I'd hate to have to send
> it
> > in for repair or calibration without knowing why.
> >
> > If you know or work for a calibration service in the Toronto or nearby
> area,
> > please tell me what you can do for me.
> >
> > Finally, I'd be glad to send you a couple of bucks if you'd kindly
> photocopy
> > your manual(s) for me, or sell me ones you don't want/need.
> >
> >
> > Torin...
> >
> >

  Ages ago (20 years+) when i worked in the calibration lab at Ford Aero
Space, we got about 20 brand new Fluke DVMs (small bench models) to
calibrate.
  *All* of them were an order of magnitude !better! than the specs.
  Six months later, we found that they still were that good.
  Too bad the government contracts demanded a worst case 6 month cal
cycle; these were so good that a 2 year cycle (or "never") would be good
enough.