Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Test Equipment Calibration Certificate

This is topic Test Equipment Calibration Certificate in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Kyle Watkins (Member # 986) on 12-18-2003, 05:10 AM:

Was woundering when buying test equipment, how many of you buy the ones with the calibration certificate. I need to get a new multi meter, of couse i use nothign but a Fluke. I know Fluke meters are well made, so is it a wast to spend the extra money for the certifcate.

Kyle

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 12-18-2003, 06:39 AM:

Your Fluke meter was calibrated to National Bureau Of Standards at the factory after it was made. I would reccomend that if it is used for making daily critical adjustments that it be re-calibrated every year by your nearest Fluke authorized service station. If its just going to be used once in a while then occasional checks on a kown accurate voltage source is adaquate. Sound analyzers and other items of test gear need to be calibrated once a year or more often if the use is VERY critical.
Mark @ CLACO

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 12-18-2003, 01:22 PM:

Fluke will recalibrate them for a reasonable fee.

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 12-19-2003, 12:34 AM:

I agree, Mark. For run-of-the-mill "if something is here, what approximately is it" measuring, most testing equip can be used as purchased for a long period without calibration.

For critical application measuring/testing, the equip should be calibrated preferable every 6 months or sooner if "damaged" for example in shipping, etc.

There are many great calibration services located all over the world. Most US-based ones have direct traceability to NBS. Their service costs are very reasonable. The only thing worse than not have the proper equipment, is not being sure what you're seeing is accurate.

The original equip mfg would be my *last* choice as where to send something for calibration. I would much rather find a local trusted lab that I can take everything to rather than send stuff to 10 different and usually far-away companies.

>>> Phil

Posted by Christopher Seo (Member # 7) on 12-19-2003, 01:19 PM:

Phil,

Could you recommend some places in the SoCal area to get oscilloscopes, RTAs, multimeters, etc., calibrated? Thanks!

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 12-19-2003, 01:31 PM:

Some calibration services:

http://www.microprecision.com/electronic.php

http://www.callabmag.com/

http://www.callabmag.com/commerciallinks.html

http://www.thomasregional.com/scal/calibration/

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 12-19-2003, 05:45 PM:

Chris, John has beat me to it and already posted some good links.

I would suggest someone local so you can check them out in person to see if they meet your needs. And, build up a great working relationship over the years.

It is important that the Service also keeps current with the various companies ECOs and Service Bulletins. They should also be capable of performing any necessary repairs and upgrades.

>>> Phil