Originally Published MPMN January/February 2009

NEED TO KNOW

Company Expands Calibration Training, Adds Forum

To keep engineers, metrologists, and diagnostic professionals informed, electronic test and measurement systems provider Fluke Corp. (Everett, WA; www.fluke.com) has released its 2009 calibration training course planner and launched a technology training Web site. The site, www.teachmefluke.com, offers online courses, seminars, and virtual demonstrations, as well as community-oriented forums and features.

For those who can’t schedule the time for classroom training in metrology and calibration (met/cal), Fluke has designed self-paced and instructor-led online courses to suit different types of schedules and learning styles. Fluke’s online courses cover such topics as met/cal database and procedure development training, precision electrical measurement, and measurement uncertainty.

The company designed the site to cater to industry professionals who view training as essential to keeping their skills sharp and to staying apprised of ever-changing technology. In addition to the Web-based courses, the site features online seminars, application notes, videos and virtual demonstrations, and other tools, including a digital library of case studies and articles.

Two features of the Web site seek to engage site users even further than through training courses. Fluke Plus is “for test tool users who want to learn more.” This tool links users to a newsletter of how-to articles, product usage details, and features like “Myth or Reality,” which answers test and measurement questions and debunks myths. Test Tool Talk, another feature on the site, is a community forum where test and measurement tool users can share questions and experiences regarding specific tools, general tool issues, types of tests, maintenance, and safety.

Although the company’s online offerings present users with new ways to interact with their field of expertise and industry community, they don’t offer the same hands-on experience that the company’s small classroom courses offer. Covering training in electrical, temperature, pressure, and flow calibration, the classroom courses are taught by experts in their respective disciplines.

The 2009 schedule consists of 16 courses offered in 50 sessions throughout the year. Combining lecture and hands-on training, the classes offer attendees opportunities to study such topics as metrology statistics, calibration lab management, and metrology and calibration (met/cal) reports and procedure writing. Advanced courses include met/cal programming techniques, principles of temperature metrology, and piston gauge metrology and effective area determination. Classes are scheduled to be held in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Texas, Utah, and Washington states, as well as Canada.

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