Fluke 70 Series replacement LCDs

[Axtman]

I wish someone would manufacturer new replacement LCDs for Fluke series multi-meters. Since these meters are several decades old, Fluke will not service them nor are OEM parts available.

I have two Fluke 77 meters that have faded screens. (Not the faded partial digits/zebra strip issue.) I believe the fading is due to long term exposure to UV light. Both are hard to read, but one is almost impossible to read. I will probably end up selling it on Ebay for parts. It's too bad because they are both in great working condition (other than the screens).

I am sure there are many other people in my position that want to keep their old Fluke meters alive and running for many more decades!

[modz786]

no incentive for manufactures to make lasting equipment or supply parts in age

but i still say older gear is far better made than current gear with more use of copper and gold everywhere

todays china copper is stranded aluminum copper plated or so it looks then try passing a few amps and see some sparkles

[robert.rozee]

have you looked at replacing the polarizing filter that is attached to the front of the LCD? i can't guarantee this will fix it, but worth a try.

a very good source of polarizing film is from the front of a discarded or broken colour LCD monitor. this requires extracting the panel from the monitor, then very carefully stripping out the front polarizing film using whatever solvents you have to hand to dissolve the adhesive. i did a 22" monitor recently, and after a couple of hours ended up with a 19" x 10" sheet - enough to last a lifetime! btw, i found the rear film was too thin to extract.

thankfully, removing the polarizing filter from the front of a small LCD like used in the fluke 77 meter is far easier, it can generally just be peeled off with due care and patience. once you have it removed, you can check if a replacement will help by viewing through a scrap of polarizing film held by hand.


cheers,
rob   :-)