PMEL Forum

K Sections => K1/8 - DC/Low Frequency => Topic started by: Hawaii596 on 10-02-2012 -- 15:56:47

Title: Fluke 8846A Firmware Update Problems
Post by: Hawaii596 on 10-02-2012 -- 15:56:47
I'm trying to do the firmware update on a Fluke 8846A using the SW from Fluke.  I connect to ethernet, assign an IP address to the DMM, and connect to the same router as the PC.  I load the SW and try to connect to the DMM with the SW but it doesn't work.  I even did a PING and can talk see the DMM on the network.  So my IP is correct.  I do a telnet command to the IP address with the prescribed 3490 port #, and it says it can't connect.  I do a telnet to the IP address with no port #, and it connects, shows me the host name of the fluke meter and asks for a login.  I don't know what to put in the login.  I tried typing a variety of things including the factory default password "FLUKE884X" then it asks for a password.  But I can't type any passwords (or at least no echo to terminal).

So I see that I am connecting on the internet, but it seems like there may be a problem with the port number.  Maybe security in my internet at work is blocking port #'s or something.  I tried a variety of subnet mask values and default gateway values, but no luck.  I turn the DMM off and try a PING, and it times out (nothing there).  And with DMM on, I get 0% lost (100% make it through) on the PING.  So I am pretty definitely connecting.  Some more complex internet protocols are just a little over my head.

Any help appreciated.
Title: Re: Fluke 8846A Firmware Update Problems
Post by: dminesinger on 10-02-2012 -- 20:05:08
Always best to use a stand alone computer with no anti-virus software or firewall and a crossover cable for your connection.

While on Kwaj. Had to build a special computer without all the Government/Army firewalls on it to do upgrades. It was never allowed to connect to the network.
Title: Re: Fluke 8846A Firmware Update Problems
Post by: John Treekiller on 10-03-2012 -- 05:48:33
We've been going through a similar problem with a Tegam 1830A Power Meter.  We also use a non-network computer for the calibration.  The manufacturer recommended a default gateway on the computer of 0.0.0.0 when doing the 1830A, maybe that would help in your case, hope so.
John Treekiller
Title: Re: Fluke 8846A Firmware Update Problems
Post by: Hawaii596 on 10-03-2012 -- 06:14:32
Thanks both of you for the inputs.  Does anyone know which pins to cross over to make a null LAN cable.  Am I correct that it is kind of like making a null modem serial cable, only with a CAT5 cable?  We have a bunch of CAT5 cables around.  I could just strip back insulation and swap TX and RX wires if that is the case.  I'll try looking it up on Al Gore's interweb when I get to work to see what the pinouts are, and make one.

Speaking of Tegams, I also have a Tegam system - one of my other projects coming up.  Maybe more on that later.
Title: Re: Fluke 8846A Firmware Update Problems
Post by: jimmyc on 10-03-2012 -- 07:17:03
http://wiringwizard.com/primer/cables/cat5/#crossedVsStraight
Title: Re: Fluke 8846A Firmware Update Problems
Post by: Squidley on 10-03-2012 -- 09:26:13
What firmware update? I have a large number of 8845's and 8846's in my cue. I did not see anything about an update on the website.   :? :|
Title: Re: Fluke 8846A Firmware Update Problems
Post by: Hawaii596 on 10-03-2012 -- 10:21:13
My 8846A is older, and has very old firmware. There is definitely firmware updates which I had to search around to locate.  They were not to be found on the U.S. site.  I found them on the .EU Fluke website.  It is their firmware update package.  I'm not sure why its not on the U.S. site.
Title: Re: Fluke 8846A Firmware Update Problems
Post by: measure on 10-03-2012 -- 10:45:41
I have been told that the 8845A/46A firmware CANNOT be updated by the user; it must be returned to Fluke. I was also told that the availability of the firmware on the EU site was in error. Perhaps a quick call to Fluke can confirm or deny.
Title: Re: Fluke 8846A Firmware Update Problems
Post by: jimmyc on 10-03-2012 -- 12:19:35
the fluke site states it is user downloadable.
"Everett, Wash. - Fluke Corporation has announced a user-downloadable firmware upgrade for the Fluke 8845A/8846A Precision Digital Multimeters that delivers even more functionality and value from these powerful instruments."
Title: Re: Fluke 8846A Firmware Update Problems
Post by: measure on 10-03-2012 -- 15:43:55
I have spoken with Fluke. It seems that it USED TO BE available for user upgrade on their website, but was pulled due to a few customers being unable to 'wake up' the instrument following the upgrade process. If the firmware is still on the site, it is a mistake (maybe that's why Hawaii596 only found it on the EU site), I was told.