With smartphones now an integral part of our daily lives, it was only a matter of time before this technology was integrated with test equipment. On 2nd June 2014, Fluke launched Connect™, a test & measurement system with wireless capability and an app to capture and share the data.
We are used to accessing nearly everything through our smartphones, bank accounts, email, everything is accessible 24 hours a day. With Fluke Connect™ your measurement data is transmitted to your smartphone and uploaded to a secure cloud account, giving you 24/7 access to your data. We review the new system and give you a full breakdown of its capability.
What is Fluke Connect™?
The Fluke Connect™ system uses Bluetooth low energy wireless communication built-in to a range of new test meters. These communicate with a smartphone app or PC software.
The app is free to download and once you register, you will receive 5GB free secure cloud storage. Any measurement data captured by the app is automatically uploaded to the cloud.
Fluke Connect™ enabled test meters currently include:
- 400A AC Data-logging Current Clamp with Inrush
- 2500A AC Data-logging Flexi Current Clamp
- 1000V AC Data-logging Voltage Tester
- 1000V DC Data-logging Voltage Tester
- -200°C to +1372°C Data-logging Thermometer
- 600A AC / 1000A DC Current Data-logger
- Thermal Imaging Cameras
- True RMS Multimeter
- PC USB Dongle
Data-logging meters are capable of storing up to 65,000 results, with a logging interval from 1 second to 1 hour. The meters will run for 400 hours on a single set of batteries, giving you just over two weeks of continuous data.
The True RMS multimeter can operate as a master or a slave. This means it can receive and display data from other Fluke Connectâ„¢ enabled meters, or transmit its own measurement data to the app or PC software.
Software for a PC or Laptop is free to download, although you will need the USB dongle to communicate with the wireless test meters. The Software enables setup, download and programming of the individual test meters.
How does it work?
First, you need to download the app, which is freely available from the App Store and Google Play. Once installed, you register for an account and you’re ready to start.
Each test meter has a dedicated button to activate the wireless transmitter and the app will then auto-discover any active meters. Measurement data from the meter is transmitted to the smartphone in real-time. Each meter is auto-assigned an ID number which can be renamed in the app and up to 20 individual meters can be connected simultaneously.
A number of other options are available in the app, including team setup, meter setup, data-logging, data sharing and video / phone calling for getting advice from other team members.
Safer working with Fluke Connect™
With this wireless system, measurements can be taken from a safe distance, even in hard to reach areas. The signal is good for 20 meters with direct line of sight, this reduces with equipment or walls in the way. Meters can be locked inside a cabinet & measurements made at a safe distance.
How good is the signal?
Connection speed is reasonable but it does take a few seconds to connect with the app and to display the data on screen. The transmission of data is very quick once connected, readings on the app update almost as soon as the meter.
The signal was maintained at just over 20 meters with direct line of sight. We also tested the signal by connecting the 400A Clamp to our three phase supply. With the clamp inside the metal cabinet, we were still able to read the measurement from 5m away.
What does the app do?
The app does more than just let you see the measurement data from a distance. You have control over the test meters for setup, logging and download.
Data-logging made simple
The logging interval and duration can all be setup from your phone as can starting & stopping the logging process. The amount of available memory is displayed and any logged data can also be downloaded directly to your smartphone.
Once downloaded, you can clear the memory on the meter via the app, leaving it free for the next logging period.
Capture digital images
The app can use the digital camera on your smartphone to add images to your reports, ideal for showing where measurements are being taken.
Trend monitoring in real time
A record function is available for trend monitoring via the app. Voice and text annotations can then be added to the saved data. Data can be emailed from the app as a text, jpeg or csv file.
In addition any thermal images captured can be sent in the Fluke is2 format or as a jpeg. Copies of data captured can be sent directly to your own email as well.
Communicate with multiple team members
The app gives you the ability to add team members to your account. When data is captured on the app, it’s automatically uploaded to the cloud and all team members can see the information.
You have the ability to call any team member from within the app. This feature means you can get a second opinion fast, without having to move back and forth between the data and the call.
View measurement history
With data stored in the cloud, it’s easy for you to access historical measurements anywhere. This information can be extremely useful when analysing problems on site or producing maintenance reports off site.
Work with thermal images
Any thermal image captured from a Fluke camera can be viewed and edited on the app. Images can also be shared amongst anyone in your team and historical data viewed for comparison analysis.
Compatible thermal cameras are the Fluke Ti90, Ti95, Ti100, Ti105, Ti110, Ti200, Ti300, Ti400 and TiR versions of these.
Users with existing Fluke thermal cameras can purchase a wireless SD card that will enable them to communicate with the Fluke Connect system.
Present the data to your clients
With Fluke Connect™ it’s easy to present the data to your clients, either as a printed report or simply by showing them the data on your smartphone in real time.
Measurement and logged data can be downloaded as a .csv file and easily combined into a report.
Simple single & three phase monitoring
Basic current data-loggers are something we hire out regularly. Often customers simply want to measure the load so they can expand on an existing system. Buying these new can be costly, but with Fluke Connect™ you can measure current on single or three phases at a fraction of the cost.
With the clamps connected, you can assign them to L1, L2 & L3 as required and start your logging for up to 16 days. On completion, all data can be downloaded as a .csv file and the consumption report produced for your client.
How will this system benefit you?
By using this system you’ll work faster, safer and share information with your team better than ever before. Gone are the days of writing measurements down and waiting until you get back to the office before making a decision. You can instantly consult with members of your team and use video calling if needed to show any problem areas with your phone’s camera.
Maintenance programs are made easy with quick access to historical data. You can tell if problems are starting to occur and schedule in timely maintenance, presenting results to clients to clearly show them any issues.
Closing Comments
This system is a leap forward for test & measurement, representing real innovation in the industry. There are a good number of Fluke Connect™ enabled testers available now, with more to come including a vibration meter, process multimeter and adapters to upgrade other existing Fluke meters.
The app is still in the early stages of release and will likely see a few updates in the months to come, however in its current form it is relatively stable and works well on the iPhone. The Android version seems to have a few small bugs. One problem we found is seeing the list of team members when signed in. Also the help section gives you the contact details for Fluke in America, as opposed to the UK. There are no options to change user location settings, this would be a good idea for future releases.
Another feature that would be good to see on the app is a battery life indicator for the connected meters, so you can see how much power there is before you start recording.
The system is competitively priced and won’t blow your budget. As an example, the standard 400A AC Clamp is only £112 + VAT, you’d be hard pushed to find a data-logging clamp meter at that price elsewhere.
Overall the quality and reliability of this system is good and backed with a 3 year warranty. The applications for these testers are numerous and we’re sure that anyone involved in test & inspection will find the system useful.
For more information about the Connect system, including demonstration videos, visit the Fluke Connect™ section on our website, or call us on 01923 442244.