New Agilent or Deal on Fluke...help! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: UnknownVertigo
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2014, 09:36:10 pm
content: I was planning to buy the Agilent but then saw $700 for the 8845A/SU. I'm not really sure of what the /SU part of the model denotes but if the base unit is the 8845A this seems like a steal. Thoughts?

author: Mavro
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2014, 09:48:53 pm
content: I'm in the same boat... thoughts?

author: cidcorp
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 10, 2014, 09:52:50 pm
content: Just took it off digikey site:http://www.digikey.com/catalog/en/partgroup/8845a-120v-and-8845a-su-120v/224958845A 120V includes:TL71 Test Lead Set, Premium DMM, LCI Line Cord, USB to RS232 Cable Adapter, Statement of Calibration Practices, WEEE Information Sheet, Warranty Information, Programmer, Users and Service Manuals (CD-ROM) FlukeView Forms – Basic for 8845/88468845A/SU 120V includes:FlukeView Forms Software Upgrade, USB to RS232 Cable AdapterSo I think S for the software upgrade and U for the USB adapter.

author: Mavro
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2014, 09:57:55 pm
content: Quote from: cidcorp on February 10, 2014, 09:52:50 pmMakes sense -- so it's basically no test leads. It seems like the Agilent 34461A is still worth the extra money.

author: UnknownVertigo
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2014, 10:10:19 pm
content: Quote from: cidcorp on February 10, 2014, 09:52:50 pmhmmm, If you click along further:http://www.digikey.com/product-search/en?mpart=8845A%2FSU%20120V&vendor=614look at this price! 8845A/SU = $1,285 (and no test leads?) what makes this more $$ than the base 8845A which is $1,065?Now look at this:http://www.amazon.com/Fluke-8845A-SU-120V-Multimeter/dp/B000VRCT74/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392070064&sr=8-1&keywords=fluke+8845a%2Fsu$700 for a brand new 8845A/SU? Even if I buy the Fluke TL81A test lead set at $124 then it's about $825 all in vs $1095 for the Agilent.Is there $270 worth of difference between the two? That's almost enough $ to buy a 87 V!

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2014, 11:58:13 pm
content: The 8845/SUdoes include a set of TL71 test leads, same as the 8845. Text on Fluke's site states "Also Included" when looking at the /SU version.Here(click on the "Included" tab).I like the Agilent better, but given the price difference you found, it may be too hard to ignore.But before pulling the trigger on either, give some Agilent retailers a call, and see what they can do on pricing. Most will discount, so it's certainly worth a try IMHO.Good luck.

author: nowlan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 01:58:23 am
content: I am surprised about 120v. Region lock =(

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 04:33:44 am
content: The screen on the Agilent is easily worth the extra money.

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 05:17:30 am
content: Depending on where you live fluke are giving free stuff with purchases. Not exactly a deal maker but beats a poke in the eye.If you spend between$500 - $1199.99 Choose one giftModel/Gift MSRPFluke 62 MAX infrared Thermometer $99.95Cabela's GiftCard $100.00Fluke 414D Laser Distance Meter $129.95Fluke T5-600 Electrical Tester $109.95http://en-us.fluke.com/products/contests-and-promotions/multi-lead-the-team.html

author: Mavro
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 05:56:05 am
content: I believe that promotion expired:Terms and Conditions: Gift with purchase is available for all purchases of a "Qualifying Fluke Purchase" made from an authorized Fluke distributor in the United States or Canada between September 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013.Too bad Agilent doesn't offer any promotions...

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 06:03:35 am
content: Quote from: Mavro on February 11, 2014, 05:56:05 amYou're right. I forgot "What the big print giveth the small print taketh away."

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 10:17:24 am
content: woha, checked the prices here in Norway, $1059 for the Agilent, $1528 for the Fluke 8845/su excluding 25% tax.Is the Fluke really worth it?, I think i would be going for the Agilent.

author: Frost
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 11:43:24 am
content: Quote from: neslekkim on February 11, 2014, 10:17:24 amThe same here in germany.And to the question, definitely not!

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 02:40:13 pm
content: Quote from: Frost on February 11, 2014, 11:43:24 amI pretty much agree that it isn't worth it, the 34461 just seems . plus, eventually you'll need to replace the VFD screenQuote from: UnknownVertigo on February 10, 2014, 10:10:19 pmSU comes with the software upgrade for flukeview forms basic (which you get with the A) to their Pro/whatevercrapname version, with slightly more features etc. pretty sure it's more validation or QC type stuff. (researcher, so I could be wrong about the usefulness of the beefier version of flukeview forms.)

author: UnknownVertigo
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 05:38:12 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on February 10, 2014, 11:58:13 pmI now see that the /SU comes with everything the base 8845a ships with + Upgraded Software and USB cable (thanks nanofrog and cidcorp).It looks like the Agilent is emerging as the winner despite a $585 discount on the Fluke. I have to say I'm surprised. Nonetheless, it's why I posted instead of pulling the trigger on a whim.I'm awaiting a quote on the Agilent. Let's hope it's been around long enough for them to feel they can offer a little discount!Thanks everyone!

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 07:43:15 pm
content: Quote from: UnknownVertigo on February 11, 2014, 05:38:12 pmYou're welcome.Quote from: UnknownVertigo on February 11, 2014, 05:38:12 pmMavrois also looking, and AFAIK, the lowest he found thus far is $1033 shipped. If you can't meet or beat that calling around, you could ask if he'll post the link or PM it to you.Good luck on your hunt to get one of these lovely beasts.

author: amiq
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 08:08:23 pm
content: The 8845A is a known good design with no known flaws. The 34461A may or may not be a good meter. FWIW the old 34401A radiates noise via the test leads (from AFAIKT the display drive) which can disturb sensitive circuitry under test. The latest Keithley meters (for example the damn expensive 2401 sourcemeter) also suffers from EMI issues in that it is much too sensitive to RF pickup - in my lab just touching the test lead can change the display several percent. The 8845A doesn't have either of these flaws. I haven't tested a 34461A so can't comment on it.

author: UnknownVertigo
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2014, 09:14:04 pm
content: $1,018 + shipping is best I've come across for the Agilent. I placed the order but added a few additional goodies which surely added quite a bit to the size and weight of the package. I really couldn't say whether this would have officially beat $1,033 or not; but it's close! I bought from TestEquity.