Keysight 34465A vs Keithley 6550  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: jtronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2021, 12:12:10 pm
content: I would like to purchase stable 6.5 digit DMM for longer life.Feature I'm looking for1) Logging without connecting to PC, Direct to Pendrive2) Live data monitor by PC softwareI would not preferred to go with expensive calibration every year and it doesn't matter for minor drift without calibration.Which one is better without calibration?Which one is robust and stable so that I don't have to look for 10 years?In old thread I have seen many comments about DMM 6550 firmware issue but they all are old, so what is the feedback of latest firmware.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2021, 01:18:16 pm
content: You probably mean the Keithley DMM6500?Both instruments are very stable and very good for logging.I have both and they are rock solid in their calibration ,even after a few years.The touch screen of the DMM6500 is very nice and easy to use, once you have understood the concept.On the other side I like the real knobs of the Keysight 34465A as well.You can use the web interface to watch the real live data on the screen.I have no FW issues on the DMM6500

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2021, 02:19:47 pm
content: Are you a private person or a company ?Re:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/metrology/keysight-(lack-of)-calibration-other-services/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/a-broken-34470a-and-keysights-terrible-customer-service//Bingo

author: jtronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2021, 02:58:12 pm
content: @HighvoltageYes I mean DMM6550.Could you suggest which one is best out of two option? Or shall I go whichever is cheaper.What about repair cost?Pls suggest or share you experience@bingo600Company

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2021, 03:04:41 pm
content: This subject has come up several times already. I suggest to search the forum for the older threads.

author: jtronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2021, 03:07:51 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on August 25, 2021, 03:04:41 pmAs I already mention in my first post. All threads are old and they have reported firmware issue with DMM6550.At present day I just want to know which one is good to buy.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2021, 03:23:13 pm
content: Quote from: jtronix on August 25, 2021, 03:07:51 pmIMHO you can go by the remark from HighVoltage.A long time ago I bought the 34461A but nowadays I'd probably go for Keithley's counterpart because that has a slightly more modern feel to it where it comes to logging and so on.

author: Kleinstein
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2021, 03:59:29 pm
content: The is a realtively recent thread about the choice between those meters - not just the old 6500 issues thread. Things have no changes much the last year, except the KS seems to not want so sell to private. So repairs and recallibration can be a bit more limited than it was before.Anway a factory repair for these 2 meters would easy reach a region ( > $500), where one could consider a new one. A DIY repair may be slightely easier with the Keithley. How the chance for service after warranty will be is hard to tell. They may both change there mind.

author: eurofox
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 25, 2021, 04:18:25 pm
content: I'm 100% sure that you will get service/repair from one of those company's:https://www.eleshop.nl/keysight-34465a.htmlhttps://www.batronix.com/shop/multimeter/Keysight-34465A.html

author: Hydron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2021, 09:56:51 pm
content: If you want multi-channel logging, you can buy or DIY a scanner card for the DMM6500.I went for the Keithley myself, cheaper (in UK at least) and has more features than the KS. Haven't had any real FW issues in normal use, though scripting your own apps is definitely buggy, but it's not like you can do that at all on any other meters!

author: PushUp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2021, 10:11:40 am
content: Quote from: eurofox on August 25, 2021, 04:18:25 pm...and if you wanna save 80 Euro (also with 344DIGU) it is even better, to buy from Welectron:Concerning my last request to Welectron, their stock only consists of the newer anthracite colour and they will change the picture in the near future:Welectron: 1569 Eurohttps://www.welectron.com/Keysight-34465A-Tisch-MultimeterBatronix: 1649 Eurohttps://www.batronix.com/shop/multimeter/Keysight-34465A.html

author: Markus2801A
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2021, 02:25:18 pm
content: @jtronik which one did you go for?I also took theKeithley DM6500into consideration ;-)

author: jtronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2021, 02:48:34 pm
content: @MarkusAs per specs and review i’m planning to go with DMM6550. I’m waiting for demo.

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2021, 03:33:03 pm
content: Quote from: jtronix on August 27, 2021, 02:48:34 pmFor crying out loud, it isKeithley DM6500There is no such thing as Keithley DM6550...