Fluke 199C scopemeter repair

[feedback.loop]

Yes, I will make a good photo once I get it. I dropped them a message and they did confirm that it comes with connector and flat flex cable. Looks like is the same guy that is behind http://scopemeterrepair.com/

Have you received this replacement part? I would love to see what it actually looks like. Thanks.

[Ferrum]

feedback.loop thanks for your work!
Your work helped me a lot and greatly simplified the installation of new batteries.

[EHT]

I'm still wondering if anyone has had to attempt replacement of the backlight or entire LCD. I see that the repair site listed above want $400 for a USED one, obviously not economically viable and may not last long anyway.

[Ferrum]

Collected manuals and diagrams for you

https://mega.nz/folder/tJBRABrS#F_W2j4ED2dR7qS0YI_zkxw


https://www.manualslib.com/products/Fluke-Scopemeter-199c-2783159.html

[timeandfrequency]

Many thanks feedback.loop for your comprehensive work on repairing Scopemeters.


***** How to retrieve the actual serial number of your Scopemeter *****

Context
I could not upgrade the firmware of my Fluke Scopemeter 199C because it once went to Fluke for repair/upgrade. They must have changed the motherboard. The number on the sticker (located at the rear of the device) did no longer match with the actual serial number of the motherboard. On the latter, I could not locate any sticker with a valid serial number.


How to?
So I wiretapped the serial connection to get the actual serial number of the motherboard.
Details on how to proceed are provided in the attached 7z file.



Enjoy

[Jo08]

Hello
I changed my keyboard for one ordered on Aliexpresse, the new keyboard is shipped quickly, well protected by a polystyrene box.
The quality seems inferior to the original fluke keyboard, but everything works perfectly again.
https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/1005004649936018.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2fra
Thanks to feedback.loop for his help

[asis]

@timeandfrequency

Why is it so difficult?
Scope -> ON
OC4USB/PM9080 & COM: 1200;N;1;8;N.
QI 11 (QI_space_11)-QUERY INSTRUMENT        =    S/N

[timeandfrequency]

Hi asis,

Why is it so difficult?
[...]

Because I asked a few guys who repair scopemeters on how to proceed to catch the serial number, and nobody raised the idea of using ASCII commands to query the unit.
On my side, I actually use the scopemeter for its usual purpose, as an oscilloscope, without having any in-depth knowledge of its guts.

My aim was only to update the firmware and I was stuck because of a motherboard change. So, I did it my way, in a couple of hours, and succeeded. Then, I shared my experience.

Now, I'm glad to learn that an easier way exists, by just sending an 'ID' query  to the unit. And for sure, your trick will be really helpful to other forum members.

[feedback.loop]

Hi asis,
do you know how to change the serial number?

[asis]

Hi feedback.loop,

As far as I understand, the serial number is programmed into the D-ASIC OTP ROM area at the production stage.
UHM Universal Host Mask checks it.
There is a DEBUG X3510 connector, but I haven't explored it.

[feedback.loop]

Hi feedback.loop,

As far as I understand, the serial number is programmed into the D-ASIC OTP ROM area at the production stage.
UHM Universal Host Mask checks it.
There is a DEBUG X3510 connector, but I haven't explored it.

Why it is also in the flash memory? Why in two places? Why the scopemeter works fine with a memory module from some other scopemeter (except calibration won't work, as I understand)

[Assafl]

Why it is also in the flash memory? Why in two places? Why the scopemeter works fine with a memory module from some other scopemeter (except calibration won't work, as I understand)

I don't know why they kept the serial itself in two places but the ROM is where (I think) they kept the model type (192, 196 or 199). The serial number is then linked to the type (so that certain serial numbers are/aren't allowed to get certain updates - and the user doesn't get a free BW or feature update).

It was mentioned in one of the longer form service manuals that when the main board is not available except to service center as they have to program the device type in the board. I know that some of the Scopemeter repair shops do a model updates so maybe that ROM is rewritable? Or they use a hacked firmware (like the Bushealth firmware).
   

[feedback.loop]

I would love to know how to tweak the content of the flash to make the serial number there match the scopemeter (SN on the back cover). Suppose we have a scopemeter with a missing module. How can we produce a proper replacement from a copy of a module from another scope?

[asis]

Hi feedback loop,

You just need to try to change the serial number in the dump and write it to any module you have.
In what addresses and chips - I already showed you.
You will probably need to find a place and recalculate the checksum.
The serial number can be taken from the photos posted on EBAY.
And, the QI_11 request will let you understand where it was read from.

[rauldm]

Someone know if is possible upgrade Fluke 123 to 125? similar to 199c to 225c, Regards.
PD My 199C is now 225C.

[flukeandhp]

Hi feedback.loop,
I appreciate all the information you have kindly provided in this thread and in your excellent videos.
I also purchased 199C from eBay, which was cheap and did not work. It had the symptoms, which many others have seen as well. The power button only produced a beep and nothing else happened. It wasn't very clear whether the mask-ROM or the normal software ran, since the expected signal produced by the mask-ROM was not in one of the keyboard lines. I was getting ready to ask if I could obtain a new FLASH/RAM board from you, but the problem turned out to be that the keyboard cable was not properly working or attached to its connector.  Anyone with the same symptoms that is one of the first things you should check.

[professor_jonny]

HI

I have a 199c and it was dropped and it no longer operates.

upon opening it the memory module was not seated correclty and the red wire was broken off the battery.

I have repaired the battery and it just does a short beep when plugging in the battery or if you press the power button, is this indication of the memory module being faulty/ corrupt ?

I have tried to fit a new battery but still just the short beep sadly , I have access to another unit but I'm not keen to swap the module over and test the faulty unit if it some how messes or breaks the other unit.

Can I hot swap and boot with a working module and flash a new image with the firmware update tool or something?.

[asis]

Hi,

Do you have a PM9080 or OC4USB communication cable?

[professor_jonny]

Yes I have the optical usb interface cable cable.

[asis]

Hi,
Move the RAM module to a working ScopeMeter after inspecting it first.
Plug in the power adapter and battery.

Fulfill the conditions described in SM RAM Test (page 20-21).
If you get a value of "zero" the module is OK.

Turn on ScopeMeter in normal mode - should work.

Move the RAM to the non-working SCOP and repeat the procedure.
I advise you to download the circuit and check all the base voltages.
Service Manual for Fluke 192/196/199 ScopeMeter.

[professor_jonny]

I currently dont have access to the other meter it is in use but i get no respones from terminal command ID in the faulty unit.

I'm sure the com port is correct and settings are good, I can test with the other meter when it is back it is in one of the other sparky's van

[willinsau]

This works: https://xdevs.com/doc/Fluke/19x_2xxC_Scopemeter/fw_V804_225C_for_199C/
[/quote]

The links looks doesnot work. Do someone succeeded before help to teach how to do this?

Regards,

[feedback.loop]

I believe I used this flash tool before to upgrade version 7+ to the latest 8.04 plus bushealth option.

[willinsau]

I believe I used this flash tool before to upgrade version 7+ to the latest 8.04 plus bushealth option.

So appreciate!

[djsb]

What software can be used to communicate with the fluke 199c via its optical interface? Thanks.