Author Archives: modemhead

About modemhead

Fixologist and multimeter junkie.

How To Remove the Knob on a Fluke 170-series DMM

Posted on January 13, 2013 by modemhead

Fluke 170-series rotary switch knobs can be removed for cleaning and/or lubrication.  The area under the knob can collect dirt and gunk, which will lead to rough operation and possibly even damage to the end stops.  But it may not … Continue reading →

Posted in How-To | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Fluke 77-IV Copper Corrosion

Posted on January 6, 2013 by modemhead

The fourth generation of the classic Fluke 77 shares the same basic design and circuit board as the rest of the 170-series (175, 177, 179).  Apparently a common problem with these circuit boards is the appearance of a white powdery … Continue reading →

Posted in Repair | Tagged , , , | 46 Comments

Inside a Multimeter Fuse

Posted on December 29, 2012 by modemhead

Ever wonder what’s inside those expensive multimeter fuses?  This is a Bussmann DMM-B-11A fuse used in many popular late-model DMMs for the 10A current range.  The arc-quenching sand filler and glass fiber-reinforced melamine tube gives it a high rupture capacity … Continue reading →

Posted in Gear | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Fluke 8020A LCD Replacement

Posted on December 28, 2012 by modemhead

Fluke introduced the 8020A in the late 1970s as its first handheld DMM.  These 3½-digit, 2000-count models can still be found on the used market, and can still be very useable, if they’re in working condition.  Unfortunately though, LCD problems … Continue reading →

Posted in Repair | Tagged , , , | 51 Comments

Beckman Industrial HD110 Multimeter

Posted on December 16, 2012 by modemhead

This 3½-digit 2000 count manual-ranging heavy-duty multimeter is an interesting example of mid-80s technology.  With an impressive safety-yellow thick sturdy o-ring and gasket-sealed case, it looks like it could survive a drop test with the only damages being to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Repair, Teardown | Tagged , | 96 Comments

Fluke 83 DMM Repair

Posted on December 9, 2012 by modemhead

The Fluke 83 Multimeter is part of the 80-series that was introduced in the very late 80s.  This unit is the lowest model in the line-up and has a basic DC accuracy of 0.3%.  It does not have an RMS … Continue reading →

Posted in Repair | Tagged , , | 89 Comments