Update 6/1/2015:I now have confirmation from a number of users that the new version of the 86B is compatible with RoastLogger. I have no information related to the Victor 86C but it is probable that it has also been changed in the same way and should still be compatible with RoastLogger.
Update 5/1/2015:
Since the original post on this subject (see below) another RoastLogger user has purchased a new version of the 86B and has advised that his works fine with RoastLogger. It is probable, therefore, that the previous user had purchased a faulty multimeter.
I currently only have these two reports regarding the new version. Anyone considering purchasing these multimeters should take this into account. If anyone else does purchase one of the new versions please email me to confirm that it works or otherwise so that I can advise other prospective purchasers. My email address is provided in the
feedback section of the RoastLogger website.
Original post:A RoastLogger user has recently purchased a Victor 86B multimeter and advises that the manufacturer has recently changed the specification. Previously these devices communicated via USB HID and were optically isolated from the computer. The new device is still designated as 86B but is no longer optically isolated from the computer and now communicates by RS232 serial not USB HID.
The new devices will, therefore, NOT work with RoastLogger.I have no information related to the Victor 86C but it may be prudent to assume that it has also been changed.
Anyone considering purchasing either of these multimeters for use with RoastLogger should ensure that they purchase the old USB HID version. The following photos show the difference in the cable and the connector:
Old USB HID version using optical isolation. Note the large plastic connector housing the optical isolation and HID communication chip (these versions have always had RS232 stamped into the casing although they communicate by USB HID
):
The new version
which will not work with RoastLogger. Note this uses a standard USB cable: