Got an 87V, dissappointed with probes.

[aXit]

Hey guys,

So I just got an 87V (<3 ) but there's one problem, the probes.

I think they've been damaged, the black probe is perfect, down to a tiny point, but the red tip is flattened on top.

Looks to be about .5x.7mm flat surface on the top of the probe.

Surely this can't be the quality that's expected?

I'll post pics in a bit, but for now, should it be this way?


Thanks.


Cam.

[EEVblog]

No, that's not normal, someone has killed it.

Dave.

[aXit]

Sold as brand new. -_-

Seems as if the seller and I have an issue to discuss.

Thanks.

[saturation]

Post a pic please.

[aXit]

Not the best of pics, but you can see the difference.


Now, I'm starting to doubt myself, considering nudging it back into shape. At the same time that seems like a very very bad idea.

[aXit]

Another two comparing them.

[saturation]

Thanks.  Pics worth a 1000 words.

It looks used, the tip is filed down.  It also has scratches.

I've seen probes also flatten out like that during a heavy short, the tip melts little at the contact point.

[aXit]

Camera battery is dead, I'll post more tomorrow morning.

There was a meter, probes, alligator clips, thermocouple all in a egg carton-like box. Inside the main box there was a heat-wrapped manual and a few bits of paper (yet to be opened) and two other pale yellow bits of paper.

This is from memory, I'll check all that in the morning.

[aXit]

This is everything:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4994030/P1010146.JPG

There's no damage or signs of use to any other part of the meter (including the clips on the stand) and the screen protector is still on. Although there is a lot of dust, mostly sticking to the black rubber of the alligator clip, seems to be fibrous, like the packaging carton, so I'm not worried about that.

[MrPlacid]

I think you got unlucky. There is no way something like that is used, though; because even if someone used it, they aren't gonna put it on the grinder.  Someone must have missed it during the quality control check. They're only human.

If you bought it from the store, you can return it and let the store deal with the company. Or you can call up fluke and explain the situation. You can always threaten them that you're gonna return the unit . It'll be more hassle for them this way and sending you a new probe would be much easier. Of course, they're gonna be suspicious but the receipt should back your claim.

[aXit]

Bought off ebay, I'll see what I can do.

Anyone know of the materials/plating that go into the tips? I won't be grinding... But maybe squash it into shape with a vice....

[alm]

I think it's nickel plated brass, you can probably find it in the Pomona catalog (Pomona makes these, owned by the same company as Fluke), they usually specify materials in their datasheets. And I wouldn't rule out a user grinding it back to a smooth surface after arcing damaged it.

[MrPlacid]

And I wouldn't rule out a user grinding it back to a smooth surface after arcing damaged it.

I second that motion!

[Kiriakos-GR]

Hey guys,

So I just got an 87V (<3 ) but there's one problem, the probes.

Check and for an second problem ... the Fuses .. are they alive ??  ( Both )

[aXit]

Yeah, both fuses are fine, was one of the first things I checked.

I'm sure it is in new condition, it really does seem like the probe just got through quality control. I'll look into getting a replacement, or reshaping it.

I'll probably just end up keeping these to use for most things, a maybe a set like dave showed in the 189 review for my fine work.

Thanks guys.

[Kiriakos-GR]

I have an better Idea ...  let them as is ... for generic use are ok .


http://www.tequipment.net/FlukeTP88.html

[RayJones]

I have an better Idea ...  let them as is ... for generic use are ok .


http://www.tequipment.net/FlukeTP88.html

After attempting to probe a 0.5mm quad pack (testing for solder shorts) with the standard fluke probes the other day - these tips addons are just what I need.

Thanks Kiriakos, Good One 

[Mechatrommer]

no worries. but if you do? consider yourself unlucky. if returning the probe for a replacement is not feasible, just buy another probe, and... as everybody suggesting, from a reputable seller. but not certainly like the one in the picture below.

[DJPhil]

no worries. but if you do? consider yourself unlucky. if returning the probe for a replacement is not feasible, just buy another probe, and... as everybody suggesting, from a reputable seller. but not certainly like the one in the picture below.

I laughed, I've got almost the exact same thing on my bench.

Instead of soldering them I used heat shrink tubing and two different diameters of stripped wire insulation. The wire I use is bent on the end and I can slide down the wire insulation to cover both ends, so it's like a poor man's grabber probe.

Frustration begets innovation.

[Kiriakos-GR]

I have an better Idea ...  let them as is ... for generic use are ok .


http://www.tequipment.net/FlukeTP88.html

After attempting to probe a 0.5mm quad pack (testing for solder shorts) with the standard fluke probes the other day - these tips addons are just what I need.

Thanks Kiriakos, Good One  

You should Thanks my 87-5 (V)  seller (Honolulu )  

I got the DMM with them , and later on I discover and my self how useful they are ,
for the tiny stuff .
Basically every one that does mini SMT work, needs them ,
Or  Olympus cameras " hacked cables "  
 

[NiHaoMike]

I remember an article about making really thin probes. He took some sewing needles, soldered wires to them, and encased them in epoxy. Worked quite well.

[Kiriakos-GR]

I love " home made " patent's , my father was a king to that ( cars electrician, died at 1985, I was sixteen at that time )
Even so , because I started working with him, from the age of ten ... ( I was the successor of the business)  The golden rule are " perfection ".
Never build or make  something, that just works in sort term.

Cars electricians , needs the most thin and hardened leads , they need to pinch wires all the time.

The TP88 , its the most successful " ready to get " solution ,  it has hardened metal , so pressure or force its not an issue.
They are balanced ..aka centered ... isolated ... and funny enough I have see the same part from Fluke to be marketed for more than  60V 3A  =  Higher voltage !!

I believe that the most proper way for this product, so to be marketed correctly,
are to be measured , and suggested in Watts ..  

The common leads are made by soft copper ,  nothing in earth can help them,
so to maintain the sharp ends , for long time ..

The good news are the compatibility , the TP88 will hook up on any standard 2mm test leads,
and it will protect the original test leads from mechanical damage .. For ever !! ( when they are used, properly )  

    

  
  

[Mechatrommer]

I remember an article about making really thin probes. He took some sewing needles, soldered wires to them, and encased them in epoxy. Worked quite well.

this is how exactly are done by DIY'ers, and.... in the FACTORY! except in the factory, we'll have alot of room sized machineries that can do it alot neater!
you dont believe me?! crack that "factory made" probe open, take it aparght! except... the difference is, if we DIY... we can decide between durability, aestheticity, or... simplicity and "cheapobillity", for factory made... the money will decide for that

[Kiriakos-GR]

"cheapobillity"

I like that word too,  but since the time that I payed the price for my new TL71 ... this word got banned from my lexicon .

So, paying 10$ in order to protect the tip of the expensive set, it had become an need.