Fox Valley Test Equipment Repair

[mslisaj]

I have a real nice, but old Fox Valley 586 Digital VOAM that was state of the art in the 80's. It's still in nice shape and works well except the LCD display is old and I think they call it - "leaked" and has a dark patch in the center. I would love to get this fixed just because it's a good old meter. Probably realize too that the repair could be more then it's worth but I want it fixed and I think a good tech could solder a new display in IF they could get one in about 30 minutes. Any idea's?

Thanks for checking out my question and adding a response.

Lisa

 

[Plombob]

Wish I could help you. I have a Fox Valley timing light and it's been great. Works just like new and it's 30+ years old. They made good tools.

 

[mslisaj]

Hopefully I'll get lucky and find someone that knows how to fix it. As I mentioned it still works and it's my go to instrument for accuracy but I would really like to get it repaired.
Thanks for your response.

Lisa

 

[kd3pc]

you would need to identify the LCD part maker and number...then see if you can find one....

don't get your hopes up, as many 3-5 year old devices that use(d) LCD - no longer have parts available anywhere...they don't just make a lot of extras to set on the shelf.

bests

 

[mslisaj]

Thanks kd3pc for weighing in on my question. Yea, I realize that I may be whistling in the dark here but I wanted to ask the question and maybe get lucky with someone saying "oh yea, call this guy". The meter is still very usable but it would be nice to fix it just because.

Regards,

Lisa

 

[6PTsocket]

A lot depends on how "off the shelf" the meter movement is. What is on the display besides numbers? Are you planning your own repair? What is the model number? Maybe you can find a donor. New Fox Valley meters seem to be around for $46 and change. Technology is the one area that has gotten cheaper. The first Texas Instrument basic function calculator I bought was $110. Today they give away calculators with that capacity, like ball point pens. It is especially true of multimeters. The Harbor Freight freebie probably does everything your meter did, unless it was autoranging. If you pay for repairs it will definitely excede the cost of an equal or better meter because meters are cheap.

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[mslisaj]

Thanks 6PTsocket for weighing in. You're absolutely correct on all accounts. I have better meters too. But at this time in my life I can afford to fix it if I can find a shop to do it and cost isn't the object. I have a Harbor Freight close buy and when I walk through that place I am always amazed at what they have and the low cost. I'm just asking th question and maybe someone has a meter that can be a donor to repair mine.

Thanks again for you time and putting in your two cents worth. I do appreciate it.

Lisa

 

[6PTsocket]

Thanks 6PTsocket for weighing in. You're absolutely correct on all accounts. I have better meters too. But at this time in my life I can afford to fix it if I can find a shop to do it and cost isn't the object. I have a Harbor Freight close buy and when I walk through that place I am always amazed at what they have and the low cost. I'm just asking th question and maybe someone has a meter that can be a donor to repair mine.

Thanks again for you time and putting in your two cents worth. I do appreciate it.

Lisa

I finally found a picture of the 586 on Spanish ebay. Sorry did not take note of the model and features sooner. From what I could see, the display is just numbers and not some some custom display. Please correct me if I am wrong. You might have a shot at a generic replacement, but you will have to find a local electronic tech for a closer look.

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[mslisaj]

Yes you are correct. Just four numbers with a plus or minus sign and a decimal point. Pretty generic. I'm looking and thanks again for your response and help. Wish me luck. The meter still works and takes a litte interpretation to read it it but I would like to get it fixed if I can.
Thanks again,
Lisa

 

[Cope]

Fox Valley was a Matco brand during the 1990s. I don't know that they had exclusive rights or not.

 

[6PTsocket]

Yes you are correct. Just four numbers with a plus or minus sign and a decimal point. Pretty generic. I'm looking and thanks again for your response and help. Wish me luck. The meter still works and takes a litte interpretation to read it it but I would like to get it fixed if I can.
Thanks again,
Lisa

Many of those meter movements have a basic scale that reads 0 to 199.9 mv. They are generally referred to as 200mv LCD displays. The meter converts what ever units you are reading to to that. A lot of them have internal dividers to also read 2 volts and 20 volts. They are usually powered by 5 volts or 9 volts. Google 200 mv display and you will see tons of them. Hopefully yours is in there. The good news is most of them are made in China and they are dirt cheap, only a few bucks. A lot of them are also back lit but you can wire that or not. Your choice.

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