Blue ESR Meter "F6" Error

[vyliam]

Hey everyone,

I have been trying to figure out this error. I have not been able to calibrate the unit, not getting anything from the test resistors. Running the self diagnostics give me the F6 error code. I have at this time de-soldered the components checked the resistors, and verified that everything has been put into place. Re-soldered the components listed under the F6 code. Maybe everyone here might be able to stop a misplaced component or point me to test some thing.

I have followed the leads on the board and tested with an ohm meter to see if there are any breaks, but non found. I have pictures located on my web site, you can view them here http://www.comshyft.com/ESRMeter/ . The I have the photos split up into two folders for the front and back side of the board.

I am just stuck at this point and I am trying to avoid the expense of sending it into Anatek. I was working with their tech support, who was stuck on solder whiskers or a bridged lead. After I posted the pictures and sent them a link they jumped to it can be troubleshooted. I figured I would check here with you guys and see what options I may have.

Thank you in advance.

[Krankshaft]

Re: Blue ESR Meter "F6" Error

Did you put the calibration POTs in the right places?

They are two different values one for the low battery warning and the other for resistance calibration.

[vyliam]

Re: Blue ESR Meter "F6" Error

I have both of the POTs in their correct location. The 201 (middle right hand side) and the 103 (middle bottom side), both are in their center position. You should be able to see it in this picture http://www.comshyft.com/ESRMeter/fro...d/PICT0164.JPG.

[Radio Fox]

Re: Blue ESR Meter "F6" Error

You have R13 & R30 transposed.

R13 (100k) = brown black yellow
R30 (100R) = brown black brown

[vyliam]

Re: Blue ESR Meter "F6" Error

Thank you Radio Fox. I switched those resistors, great find, the unit now tests fine with ".8.8". Calibrated now and all is working. Thank you again.

[Krankshaft]

Re: Blue ESR Meter "F6" Error

Resistor problem yet again as I suspected .

If you have difficulty determining the color bands measure the resistor with a DMM to verify before installation.

[vyliam]

Re: Blue ESR Meter "F6" Error

Yes, I did use a DMM . I didn't pay attention to color bands and didn't know that there was a difference between 100R and 100K. But now that its worked out I will pay closer attention in the future. Great learning experience for me. Thanks again everyone.

[Toasty]

Re: Blue ESR Meter "F6" Error

Why is the picture now missing? I wish you would upload to forum for future reference.

[vyliam]

Re: Blue ESR Meter "F6" Error

The pictures are still on my site. I can upload to the form if you would like. Oh, the reason for the picture not linking correctly is the security I enabled in CPANEL to prevent bandwidth theft. If you go http://www.comshyft.com/ESRMeter/ you should be able to view all the files I uploaded I don't plan on taking them down anytime soon.

Front side of board: http://www.comshyft.com/ESRMeter/fro...%20of%20board/

Back side of board: http://www.comshyft.com/ESRMeter/bac...%20of%20board/

[vyliam]

Re: Blue ESR Meter "F6" Error

Missed the time I could edit the previous post. Here are two main photos of the back and front so they can live here. Images were reduced to fit image size, and file size limits.

[Bob Parker]

Re: Blue ESR Meter "F6" Error

You have R13 & R30 transposed.

R13 (100k) = brown black yellow
R30 (100R) = brown black brown

Quick message for Radio Fox.... due to various reasons, for many weeks I haven't been looking closely at this forum or the one on the Anatek Corp website until today.

THANK YOU enormously for helping people to get their Blue ESR meters working. I really appreciate the effort you're making and your correct diagnoses of their problems. Also thanks to Krankshaft and others who've been making helpful suggestions. All much appreciated!

I'll try to pay more attention to these forums from now on.

[Radio Fox]

Re: Blue ESR Meter "F6" Error

Quick message for Radio Fox.... due to various reasons, for many weeks I haven't been looking closely at this forum or the one on the Anatek Corp website until today.

THANK YOU enormously for helping people to get their Blue ESR meters working. I really appreciate the effort you're making and your correct diagnoses of their problems. Also thanks to Krankshaft and others who've been making helpful suggestions. All much appreciated!

I'll try to pay more attention to these forums from now on.

Hi Bob. Thanks for the above post.

No doubt you've been thanked many times over the years, but I think this is the first time you have posted since I became a member. So can I just take the oppertunity to add my thanks for designing such a helpful piece of test gear. Cheers.

[Bob Parker]

Re: Blue ESR Meter "F6" Error

Hi Bob. Thanks for the above post.

No doubt you've been thanked many times over the years, but I think this is the first time you have posted since I became a member. So can I just take the oppertunity to add my thanks for designing such a helpful piece of test gear. Cheers.

Hi again,

I only designed the ESR meter for doing my own repairs back in the 1990s. I'm amazed that it's become so well known in its various forms and I'm very happy that it's useful to you and others who are trying to track down those troublesome electrolytic capacitors.

Thanks,
Bob

[Krankshaft]

Re: Blue ESR Meter "F6" Error

For future reference 100R means 100 ohms, 100K (Kiloohms) means 100,000 ohms (one hundred thousand), and 100M (Megaohms) would be 100,000,000 ohms (one hundred million).

I love my ESR meter and scooped it up from Anatek right after it went back into production in 07.

Saved me alot of work on the first 27" CRT it fixed I tracked down about 20 under 100uf bad caps. No outward signs of failure but their ESR was high and they made the TVs micro go wonky.

[xclusiveplayer]

Re: Blue ESR Meter "F6" Error

My meter doesn't zero out like it supposed to when I short the leads together. What may be wrong? Every is correctly in place.

[Krankshaft]

Re: Blue ESR Meter "F6" Error

It isn't automatic you are pressing the power button after shorting right?

[xclusiveplayer]

Re: Blue ESR Meter "F6" Error

Works now thanks.

[Krankshaft]

Re: Blue ESR Meter "F6" Error

No problem.

When the leads are shorted the power button zeroes the meter when they are apart it's a power button.

[Bob Parker]

Re: Blue ESR Meter "F6" Error

No problem.

When the leads are shorted the power button zeroes the meter when they are apart it's a power button.

That's a good explanation - thanks!

[sds]

Re: Blue ESR Meter "F6" Error

Thank you very much.