HP 3456A - shold I .. should I not .. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: calin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2013, 05:30:33 pm
content: I have an option to get an HP 3456A for around 120$, quite nice condition. I like it but I wonder ... does anyone knows how these meters keep up over years. From what I read ppls around the web say is the most affordable meteorology level meter a hobbyist can buy. I rekon is more of a prize than a need for me and I know it does not do current (I have a 51/2 Fluke 8842A and other meters) but I like the idea of having a 61/2 meter in my garage lab.So, what you think .. should I go for it or stay put and save for an 3457A ?

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2013, 05:48:18 pm
content: See:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hp-3456a-vs-3457a-vs-3478a/

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2013, 08:53:36 pm
content: what does weather have to do with it ? meteorology = weather forecast. metrology = the science of measuring.hold off. the 34401's are tumbling in price ...

author: benemorius
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2013, 09:10:24 pm
content: Quote from: free_electron on July 28, 2013, 08:53:36 pmAre they? I've expected the same thing but I haven't observed it yet. On ebay they're still going for $400+ in good condition and 200-300 broken. It's been that way for years.

author: grenert
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2013, 09:17:58 pm
content: Not just the 34401's. I was able to get a 34410 for $500 (not on ebay). I think the fancy new graphic bench DMM is going to replace a lot of these.

author: Corporate666
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 28, 2013, 09:39:54 pm
content: There is a 3457A on eBay right now for $300... said to be in working condition, but missing the back panel/cover. He might even take less for it.But if the 56 isn't the one you really want, it will just take away time and $$ from the one you really do want.And are the 4401's really dropping? I keep an eye on those and they always seem to go for $$$... maybe the deals are just snapped up too quick before I have a chance.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 29, 2013, 12:56:49 am
content: In my opinion the 3456a is a superior machine to the 3457a. The 3456a lacks the current ranges, some lower ranges and some system features (eg. faster reading rate, better math, more storage, scanner option). Other advantages of the 3457a are a smaller size, lower weight and they are generally younger. The 3456a was sold as a reference multimeter with excellent transfer accuracy and linearity. The 3457a was sold as faster, more features and was cheaper. The 3456a remained in production until the 3458a was introduced.The 3456a has a nice LED display, as opposed to the lousy unlit LCD on the 3457a (same as the one on the 3468a/3478a and several other HP instruments from that age). It has better accuracy specs in some ranges (check the updated specs in the 1987 catalog, not the specs in the original manual), especially the 10 VDC range and the VAC ranges. It has 10 Gohm input impedance up to 10 V (instead of 3 V), which is very nice for 10 V voltage references. It has a maximum input voltage of 1 kV DC, instead of just 300 V.I think that $120 is an okay price for a 3456a (not great, but not terrible either). $300 for a 3457a without calibration is too much in my opinion. That's getting too close to the much nicer 34401a.

author: calin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2013, 04:53:22 am
content: Meteorology !! DOH !!!(Homer Simpson voice here)... epic fail ...of course I wanted that to come out as METROLOGYI kind of agree I think as tempting as it is I'll hold off for at least an 34401A. Yup, 300$ for an 3457 is too much ... 34401A are going now somewhere between 400 to 500$ (of course you have to buy smart). I can very easily live for a good while with my Fluke 8842A.