Vion: The World's Silliest Multimeter

[Muttley Snickers]

Vion Update #28_23/04/19
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1441579202/the-worlds-simplest-bluetooth-multimeter/updates

In Summary
They have just stated on Kickstarter that shipping of the Vion multimeters will commence at the end of this week, hopefully some user reviews will soon follow, lest we forget.   

[ebastler]

They have just stated on Kickstarter that shipping of the Vion multimeters will commence at the end of this week

And as of today, the most recent backer comment on Kickstarter is:

I don't believe it yet

[Cyberdragon]

hopefully some user reviews will soon follow

[ataradov]

Well, there is another delay (surprised?). Now there are problems with fake components from China. The new story obviously makes no logical sense.

Looks like they are running out of viable lies. So let's all chip in a bit. I think "warehouse burned down" is the next logical step.

But people in the comments are all supportive. Stockholm syndrome is strong with them.

I just noticed that they only scammed out ~$200K. Why do they even bother replying at this point?

[JackJones]

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1441579202/the-worlds-simplest-bluetooth-multimeter/posts/2502776

9260 parts were ordered via AliExpress, 9360 were ordered from a different vendor and have been functioning properly

Ordering your components from AliExpress is never a good sign!

They did post pictures of the damage, it looks like some resistors were burned.

 

I guess the transistors failed short and cooked the resistors? The larger one is connected to the collector of a high voltage PNP. I'm not sure what they're switching and why it would cause damage to the resistors though, would love to see a schematic.

[ataradov]

I guess the transistors failed short and cooked the resistors?

No need to guess, they just fried a random resistor to get a picture to justify another delay.

What is the scenario in which you find out this bug in already packaged product sitting in the shipper's warehouse?

Presumably all devices passed the test before being packaged.

[JackJones]

I wouldn't be surprised if that were true.

The transistor on the lower right hand picture looks pretty crusty. Almost like it has been handsoldered, compared to the one on the left. It doesn't seem to be sitting quite straight either..

[Muttley Snickers]

They stated back in the February update that the Vion case is "fusion bonded", I hope they have some non-destructive means to open every housing, repair the faults and stick the thing back together in accordance with the certification.   

Update #25 Extract
"1.Progress Report
1-1. FCC, J-MIC Certification Complete
1-2. CE Receipt of Certification
1-3. Mold Modification : Vion is fusion bonded according to CE certification standard. The CE certification agency in Korea has revised the mold (6th grade) under the condition that 'the product side should be 100% bonded."

[Cyberdragon]

Wow, that's even worse POS design than expected. Are those the input resistors that are a millimeter or less away from that metal button and it's contacts (on the LV side)? No way this actually passed any certs if that's the case.

Of coarse they got fake components now (not like it already wasn't just a toy made from back-ally junk), they are idiots and just keep bumbling around having fun munching money while having no real clue about anything. Meanwhile the Darwin candidates are throwing the money at them.

[EEVblog]

In Summary
They have just stated on Kickstarter that shipping of the Vion multimeters will commence at the end of this week, hopefully some user reviews will soon follow, lest we forget.   

Please tell me someone on here ordered one just for kicks 

[Muttley Snickers]

Please tell me someone on here ordered one just for kicks 

For those who are interested in getting one of these gadgets they were flogging them on Indiegogo as well at one point, I don't know if it is still the case.   

Indiegogo Campaign
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/vion-auto-detection-l-bluetooth-l-smart-multimeter#/

[PlainName]

Are those the input resistors that are a millimeter or less away from that metal button and it's contacts (on the LV side)? No way this actually passed any certs if that's the case.

The switch is probably actuated via a plastic button (don't know with this, but that's what happens on some mains plugs with smarts). That would keep the user away from danger, so wouldn't that pass certification?

[beanflying]

https://www.gofundme.com/vion-the-worlds-silliest-multimeter



Because I think we want all want to know

Four Pack to be ordered when the target hits $100 as I am not made of money but I will pickup the balance from there if there is a shortfall all in the interests of knowledge and a giggle.

Please forgive me Universe for supporting them...... 

Dave and Joe can do with them as they like, give them away use them as garden stakes feed into an industrial shredder or whatever. The reason for a pair each is it will take destructive means to peek under the hood.

No I am not in NZ and can't seem to be able to change it 

[Muttley Snickers]

Dave and Joe can do with them as they like, give them away use them as garden stakes feed into an industrial shredder or whatever. The reason for a pair each is it will take destructive means to peek under the hood.

Based on their prior history of not keeping to a promised schedule I suspect we will have plenty of time to save up and contribute to the cause. Also, I remember Joe saying that he doesn't use or own a smart phone which could be a problem if function testing of this gadget is required.

[beanflying]

Dave and Joe can do with them as they like, give them away use them as garden stakes feed into an industrial shredder or whatever. The reason for a pair each is it will take destructive means to peek under the hood.

Based on their prior history of delays and not keeping to a promised schedule I suspect we will have plenty of time to save up and contribute to the cause. Also, I remember Joe saying that he doesn't use or own a smart phone which could be a problem for function testing this gadget.

I will drop Joe a PM. Just an idea to spread the fun around and he is appropriate as I am sure he can make smoke come out with ease Even if he doesn't take it on the meters can be sent around to others interested as I have allowed a few $ for freighting. Any excess funds raised should be spent on Chocolate for Dave just because.

Jumping in the Idegogo campaign may yield meters by Christmas but which year may be the question

[Cyberdragon]

Are those the input resistors that are a millimeter or less away from that metal button and it's contacts (on the LV side)? No way this actually passed any certs if that's the case.

The switch is probably actuated via a plastic button (don't know with this, but that's what happens on some mains plugs with smarts). That would keep the user away from danger, so wouldn't that pass certification?

Small plasitic button between you and potentially 480V three phase mains (or whatever dinguses stick it into). Also, if it arcs over and shorts out internally, the arc flash would cause it to explode just like cheap dollar Chinese meters though worse due to it's pencil probe shape (much higher chance of hand loss). It could also be a button to ground so connected to the USB port.

Plus, did you see their horrid excuse for a fuse holder earlier? Oh hell no...as bean said, shock hazard.

EDIT: And smart sockets should have the HV and LV properly isolated.

[Kean]

Please tell me someone on here ordered one just for kicks 

I only backed for $1 as I really didn't want one of these but wanted to watch the train wreck.

I've left a comment asking about the "100% bonding" and how that is going to affect this rework.

[ataradov]

Well, it looks like they have missed their new deadline, and it looks like it is time for them to grab the money (whatever is left) and run.

[xrunner]

Well, it looks like they have missed their new deadline, and it looks like it is time for them to grab the money (whatever is left) and run.

[Kean]

In the latest update they say they will start shipping again this week (a year late), but they've pretty much given up on a bunch of functionality...

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1441579202/the-worlds-simplest-bluetooth-multimeter/posts/2502781

We took a gamble on upgrading the product as much as possible before sending out the rewards. However, after additional tests and experiments we have found the performance and accuracy of Vion is lower than it was initially.

If you find this to be unacceptable, then we will issue you a full refund. Please email to help@vionlab.com for the refund.

1) The maximum measurement of AC volt is up to 380V, not 500V.

2) Capacitor, inductor, diode test function and 1.5V, 3V voltage output are not available.

3. The Vion App is unstable and will be corrected soon (takes about 1 month)

1) If you do not reconnect after using a one time connection in the app, please close it completely and try again.

2) Some of the features on the iOS version are not functioning properly

3) The option menu of scope and storage function will be reinforced.

(Interesting numbering system they use in their list. I presume the second set of 3 items are sub-points of the first item 3.)

As you'd expect, lots of backers want refunds.  I wonder how that will work out...  I've seen before that Paypal doesn't work for this (they often block the Paypal account), Kickstarter can't help with refunds this late after the campaign, and most other international money transfer methods are too complex/costly.

[EEVblog]

In the latest update they say they will start shipping again this week (a year late), but they've pretty much given up on a bunch of functionality...

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1441579202/the-worlds-simplest-bluetooth-multimeter/posts/2502781

We took a gamble on upgrading the product as much as possible before sending out the rewards. However, after additional tests and experiments we have found the performance and accuracy of Vion is lower than it was initially.

If you find this to be unacceptable, then we will issue you a full refund. Please email to help@vionlab.com for the refund.

1) The maximum measurement of AC volt is up to 380V, not 500V.

2) Capacitor, inductor, diode test function and 1.5V, 3V voltage output are not available.

3. The Vion App is unstable and will be corrected soon (takes about 1 month)

1) If you do not reconnect after using a one time connection in the app, please close it completely and try again.

2) Some of the features on the iOS version are not functioning properly

3) The option menu of scope and storage function will be reinforced.

Wow, impressive list!
So it basically doesn't practically work is what they are saying.
Anyone who doesn't get a refund is a fool.

[ruffy91]

This is a Kickstarter campaign, not a preorder.. So if you spent money you trusted them to deliver what they promised.
The money collected wasn't for the finished product but for them so they could try to do what they promised.

Gesendet von meinem MI 9 mit Tapatalk

[Muttley Snickers]

Based on their recent admission this thread will now be moved to the Dodgy Products section where it probably belonged all along.   

[EEVblog]

Same update in IGG as well. No backer responses yet.
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/vion-auto-detection-l-bluetooth-l-smart-multimeter#/

The thing is, most people back these things and forget all about it and don't read updates. You can seriously just refund the dozens that see the update and want refunds and then just pocket a good lot of the money. I'm surprised they are even going to bother to ship any (though they haven't actually shipped them yet), they know the product doesn't really do what they intended.

[EEVblog]

As you'd expect, lots of backers want refunds.  I wonder how that will work out...  I've seen before that Paypal doesn't work for this (they often block the Paypal account), Kickstarter can't help with refunds this late after the campaign, and most other international money transfer methods are too complex/costly.

IIRC there was no limit on when I could refund people for the 121GW meter, and I had to for shipments that didn't make it, I think some were a year later that I refunded them.
Only problem was if their credit card had changed then it failed and I had to do it manually via PayPal.