LCD out of Focus

[Modern Garage]

I have this Fluke meter that I've barely used and noticed yesterday that the display is hard to read from above but clear as can be from the control end. I don't know much about digital displays so I'm hoping someone can tell me if there is an easy repair for this or does it need a new display assy?
Joe

 

[Fly YX]

Is it cold where you have the dmm. If it is let it set in a heated area for a few hours. Assuming the batteries aregood

 

[dogdog]

Conditions like weak battery or oxidation contact points (those dielectric rubber feet ones or what not calls ) on the LCD modules... Not sure if they sell the display assembly separately. You should try call the manufacture and ask them... at least for me, sometimes cleaning the contact with the proper electrical cleaner works... but that means disassembly the meter. void warranty, and risk never getting it back...

I remember seeing one of the DeoxIT spray claims to fix those rubber pad problems.

Think it's this one.
https://www.microcenter.com/product/469530/caig-laboratories-deoxit-fader-f5-spray

 

[macgee]

Will first suggest changing out the 9v battery if you haven't done that already?

Now a days the battery that comes with it are not so good and can drain when sitting for a long time.

 

[theoldwizard1]

(Sarcasm) Operator error. Fluke meters are perfect !

 

[jayemm]

My guess it's not a defective display and just the nature of that display which Fluke uses on some of their meters. I have a Fluke 115 that is the same way with a narrow vertical viewing angle. That has been a common complaint about Fluke displays that's been voiced on different websites dealing with electric or electronics. The display could be brighter also. I have a cheap $20 meter that has a brighter and easier to read display than my $140 Fluke. Rather disappointing really.

 

[Citation]

While the newer Flukes like the 115 and the 87-5 I had, have disappointing view angles, the older models are often quite good (my 87-3, 73-3). My guess is the LCD connector needs to be cleaned.
Check out this blog post on the subject.
http://mrmodemhead.com/blog/fluke-8x-faded-lcd/

 

[dogdog]

(Sarcasm) Operator error. Fluke meters are perfect !

LOL would be more funnier if you have taken out the "(Sarcasm)" Part... lots of "people" will be jumping off their chair and grabbing pitch forks.

 

[Modern Garage]

The battery is old but seemed functional. I'll check that first and then move on to the repair linked by Citation if needed.
Thanks everyone!
Joe

 

[ddawg16]

The 87 is a good meter....

If the temp is below 60, I can see (pun intended) looking like that.

Personally....just change the angle.

FYI....I have a Fluke 179....its NOT a cheap meter.....I have a similar issue.

So....go have a beer.....all is good

 

[Indexmill]

If that meter is new, and for what it cost, make sure the meter is not fucked-up. Don't take it apart if it is new. Try the battery and the temp thing. Otherwise, call Fluke.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

Warranty ??? If none of the above suggestions don’t work. Contact Fluke.

 

[Citation]

Warranty ??? If none of the above suggestions don’t work. Contact Fluke.

That's a first generation 87 (pre CAT rating). Unless Fluke had a lifetime warranty that isn't under warranty. It's likely near 30 years old, possibly as old as 32. The model came out in 1988. The 87-4 came out in something like 1999.

The OP's example is in excellent condition so it would be easy to assume it's much newer.

 

[Packard V8]

FWIW, there's a youTube video for everything, including one on how to clean the contacts for the LCD on the Fluke. I tried it and it fixed the problem.

jack vines,

 

[engineer2]

Most LCDs are designed for a 6:00 viewing angle, meaning you look up at it from an angle. What you are seeing is normal, but as said, try a new battery and then make sure there is no corrosion at the LCD connections.

 

[Citation]

Most LCDs are designed for a 6:00 viewing angle, meaning you look up at it from an angle. What you are seeing is normal, but as said, try a new battery and then make sure there is no corrosion at the LCD connections.

I'm almost certain Fluke has a low battery indicator. If it's not on then the battery isn't low (or the LCD screen isn't showing it). Fluke meters generally very easy on their batteries.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

That's a first generation 87 (pre CAT rating). Unless Fluke had a lifetime warranty that isn't under warranty. It's likely near 30 years old, possibly as old as 32. The model came out in 1988. The 87-4 came out in something like 1999.

The OP's example is in excellent condition so it would be easy to assume it's much newer.

Wow! I guess I haven’t looked at a replacement for my old 77 series. I have 2 of the 77s and they work fine. Except when I forget to turn them off and I kill the battery.
This is a stock photo but exactly like mine.

 

[jmarkwolf]

Wow! I guess I haven’t looked at a replacement for my old 77 series. I have 2 of the 77s and they work fine. Except when I forget to turn them off and I kill the battery.
This is a stock photo but exactly like mine.

Got two of those myself, love 'em.

 

[jayemm]

Most LCDs are designed for a 6:00 viewing angle, meaning you look up at it from an angle. What you are seeing is normal, but as said, try a new battery and then make sure there is no corrosion at the LCD connections.

you had me with the 6:00 viewing angle.Had to look this up.
https://newhavendisplay.com/appnotes/LCDinfo/viewing_angles.php

 

[Citation]

Wow! I guess I haven’t looked at a replacement for my old 77 series. I have 2 of the 77s and they work fine. Except when I forget to turn them off and I kill the battery.
This is a stock photo but exactly like mine.

I had a similar 73-3. Basic yet very robust meter. I didn't like the single button used to access both range and touch hold. However, I really liked the very easy to read display. Great contrast (better than the newer Fluke meters I've used).

 

[PWC Repair]

Guys, I've run into this when repairing LCD screens on watercraft displays. You can buy polarizer film pretty cheap for small pieces. Some displays like the standard 90 or 180 turn of the film BUT some others have much more contrast with the film turned at a 45. If it's really bothersome to you, take it apart and replace the film on the glass at an angle for best contrast.

 

[tapered-pin]

it's made to read from below easier because that's most often how it's used/positioned..