CONNECTING A FLUKE 1735 TO A WINDOWS 11 PC
Even long after being first introduced, the Fluke 1735 continues to be a valuable part of many users’ jobs. Despite no longer being made, many units continue to work just as well as they did originally.
However, the world of personal computers has changed quite a bit in the nearly 20 years since the 1735 was first introduced. As such, special steps are typically needed to make sure they can be connected to modern PCs, especially those running Windows 11 and beyond.
Gathered here is all the information needed to troubleshoot a PC connection for a Fluke 1735, as well as links to other articles that go into more detail on certain topics.
HOW TO INSTALL USB DRIVERS
The earliest 1735 models included an RS232 serial port connection, while later models include a Mini-USB port. The first step is finding out which version you have, since the details for installing drivers will be different for each version.
RS232 drivers
If you are using an adapter to convert from the original RS232 serial port to USB, you will need drivers that match the make and model of that adapter.
The original drivers provided by Fluke for 1735 kits that included an adapter do not support modern 64-Bit operating systems. Because of this, you will need to source a modern RS232 to USB adapter, and the drivers will need to be provided by the manufacturer of that adapter.
Mini-USB drivers
The necessary drivers for the Mini-USB connection are available for download, and have multiple different ways of being installed. You will need Admin Privileges on the PC to complete either method:
Installer Method
The easiest method is to download our 1735 Driver Installer. Running Fluke1735_345_drivers.exe will automatically install the drivers.
If an error message indicates that the drivers were not installed correctly, or if the yellow warning symbol continues to appear in the device manager, proceed to the “COMMON TROUBLE WITH DRIVERS” section.
Manual Method
If you choose, you may also download our 1735 Manual Driver Files.
They are downloaded as a .zip file. You will need to extract the “F345_1735_WHQL_USB_driver” folder from the .zip file and save it to your PC.
You will then find need to find the device in Device Manager. It should be located in the “Universal Serial Bus controllers” category, listed as F1735 USB Converter. It should have a little yellow warning symbol, indicating that the drivers are not properly installed.
Right click on the device and select “Update Driver” (or, if needed, “Properties” and then you can find the [Update Driver] button in the Driver tab).
Select the “Browse my computer for drivers” option.
You will then select “Browse”, and navigate to the location on your PC where you saved the “F345_1735_WHQL_USB_driver” folder. In the below example, it was saved in the “Downloads” folder.
Select the “F345_1735_WHQL_USB_driver” folder specifically, NOT the amd64 or i386 folders inside it. Select [OK], and make sure "Included subfolders" is checked YES. This will ensure all the files and folders are considered during the driver install.
Finish by selecting [Next]. If an error message indicates that the drivers were not installed correctly, or if the yellow warning symbol does not disappear, proceed to the “COMMON TROUBLE WITH DRIVERS” section.
COMMON TROUBLE WITH DRIVERS
Memory Integrity
The drivers for a number of Fluke products (the 1735’s drivers, especially) are blocked by a Windows 10 and 11 security feature called Memory Integrity, found in the Core Isolation settings. One way to notice if this might be the case is if a message phrased along the lines of “A windows security feature has prevented a driver from loading” appears when trying to install the drivers.
Unfortunately, the only way to proceed with the driver install is to disable the Memory Integrity feature. We recommend consulting with your IT department before making any changes to your PC’s security settings.
ARTICLE: Disabling Memory Integrity
Once disabled (and the PC rebooted), the drivers will likely finish installing. If not, simply restart the chosen method, and this time they’ll finish correctly.
Intel Active Management Technology
In device manager, some users may find that they have a device called "Intel(R) Active Management Technology – SOL" in their Ports (COM & LPT) category. This device conflicts with communication between the PC and a number of Fluke products. If the drivers appear to have successfully installed, but the software still does not recognize the Fluke instrument, disable this device.
WHAT SOFTWARE SHOULD I USE?
The software needed to interact with the 1735 can be found on our Fluke 1735 Three-Phase Power Logger Software and Firmware webpage.
There is more than one option to use for software, and the correct one to use will be determined by which firmware the 1735 has. Using a software version mismatched with the 1735’s firmware version can result in corrupted or incorrect data, and the only solution is to download again with the correct software.
PowerLog Classic 4.6 is used if your 1735 has a firmware of v1.10.
PowerLog 4.0.2 is used if your 1735 has a firmware of v1.09 or lower. PowerLog 4.0.2 is able to be used on Windows 11, but is blocked from installing by default. We have a separate article on how to successfully install this version onto a modern PC:
ARTICLE: How to Install PowerLog 4.0.2
How to check your 1735’s firmware
With your 1735 powered on, press the [ESC/MENU] button on the right side of the device. Use the arrow pad to navigate the cursor to the “Instrument Setup” option, and press the [ENTER/SAVE SCREEN] button.
Next, select the “Version & Calibration” option. Firmware is listed in the second line on-screen.
How to update your 1735’s firmware
A separate article covers updating a 1735’s firmware, but it is VERY IMPORTANT to keep in mind that a firmware update will WIPE THE DEVICE’S MEMORY. Do not update if you have data on the 1735 you are not willing to lose!
ARTICLE: How to update your 1735's firmware
If you have data that you need to complete your project still on the 1735, and you are on firmware v1.09 or lower, it is better to use the PowerLog 4.0.2 software to download and interact with your data in the meantime instead. Once your current project is complete and you are ready to move on, only then do we recommend updating the firmware.
COMMUNICATING WITH THE SOFTWARE
Once all drivers are installed and communication issues are resolved, you’re ready to download data!
A drop down menu is seen in the top-left corner of the software. If using a RS232 to USB adapter, the device will likely show up as “COM_” (COM3 in the below example).
If using a Mini-USB cord, the device will show up as "FLUKE-1735".
If nothing appears in the drop down menu, confirm the steps in “COMMON TROUBLE WITH DRIVERS” have been taken.
Also worth noting is the device won’t appear if the 1735 is in the middle of recording, or if there is no data saved to the unit.
Once connected, you can click on the Download Data button, gather your measurements, and get to work!