New Agilent 34401A meter  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2020, 10:41:27 pm
content: That's not a typo! I bought a new 34401A December 2020 from ebay NOS (new old stock). Here's the back story:Longer ago then I'd like to remember I bought a used 34401A with a couple of weak segments but in really good physical shape. In the package was the 4 wire kelvin leads also which are not cheap from Keysight. It cost me $550, I changed out the display. I forgot what new meters were going for at the time but used without the extra leads were going for about what I paid for it. A few years later I got a really good deal on a 34410A meter thinking I was moving up in my instruments and sold the 34401A for what I paid for it, keeping the extra leads. While it was an upgrade there were things I didn't like at all about it, the fan whine really bugged me especially when it was on all day taking in data. I bit the bullet and lived with it lodging my complaints with Agilent at the time.Awhile after I bought it the 34461A came out and I finally bought the 34465A - a great meter with low fan noise BUT it takes a very log time to come on. I usually shut it off when I'm not taking in data even though Keysight probably engineered it to stay on all day.Trouble is I never got over my 34401A and now I was missing it again! So I thought, "gee it's pretty old and out of production I wonder what I could get one for on ebay now?" They're still going for 4 or 5 hundred bucks in decent shape! Then I found someone selling them for $549 NOS with free shipping. I couldn't pass it up and you know what? I still love it!He had about 14 with 9 sold before me, he may still have a few more as of 12/23/20.https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Agilent-34401A-Digital-Multimeter-6-5-digits-New-in-The-Box/393044731082?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

author: isometrik
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2020, 01:08:22 am
content: Thank you for the post. I just ordered one.Merry Xmas to everyone !

author: Royalgrass
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 24, 2020, 03:16:20 am
content: I also received mine from the same seller. Kind of weird to find the manuals still shrink wrapped, and the protective plastic on the screen for such an old (2009) new instrument.

author: mawyatt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2020, 04:35:16 am
content: What would 11 years being without power due? In the very old days electrolytics dried out, but don't think that will be an issue here. What about the LM399 voltage reference, wouldn't think it should matter since they are burned in at Agilent before installing in the instrument... so already stable. The precision resistor networks, integration capacitors, how they behave with aging?Will be interesting to see how well these old/new 34401A measure compared to a newly calibrated or new meter. My experience with these 34401As is they hold their precision well, it's built in their DNA and why I have a new KS34465A instead of another brand.If I didn't already have an HP34401A, Agilent 34401A and KS34465A I would get one.Good find!!Best,

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2020, 10:34:57 am
content: Quote from: mawyatt on December 24, 2020, 04:35:16 amThanks!The first thing I did was the extended test which passed. Then I turned my TTI MX100 TP power supply and my couple year old KS34465A on for about an hour or two. At the 29V level I tested it at the 34401A was within 100uV of the 34465A which I thought was pretty darn good!

author: SVFeingold
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2020, 11:35:50 am
content: OP why did you do this to me. I have enough goddamn test equipment already...Anyway, grabbed the last one! Interested to compare it to the Keithley 2000.

author: rernexy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2020, 03:02:45 pm
content: Quote from: SVFeingold on December 24, 2020, 11:35:50 amLooks like they've still got more!Using the original link Robaroni posted I get this a page saying they've "relisted this item", and I click through to their re-listing.https://www.ebay.com/itm/393068545263

author: Hydron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2020, 05:40:23 pm
content: Damn, I thought the temptation was over, was planning on trying to pick up a 34410A but a brand new 34401A (with no noisy fan or crazy long startup time like the 34461A) could lead me astray from that goal...Does anyone have a hint as to what sort of offer is accepted?

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2020, 07:19:25 pm
content: Wow, this is painfully good!

author: NoisyBoy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2020, 11:08:11 pm
content: I am about to buy it as a third 34401A in my lab. It so happened that I wanted to show my 7 year old how to measure resistance this afternoon and had both 34401s, 61, 65 and my Old Fluke powered up. It reminds me of how much better the interface is in the 6X/7X generation, and that changed my mind.The 01 will always have a spot in my lab, in case I need silence, and quick/rough measurements, they are great. But for day to day use, the display capability in the new generation is so much better that it is hard to justify using the 01 as a primary meter. The display gives you full situational awareness of all your measuring parameters and trends, instead of a single number result.However, if getting an accurate reading is all you need, this is an exceptional deal.

author: SVFeingold
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2020, 05:12:13 am
content: Quote from: rernexy on December 24, 2020, 03:02:45 pmOh nice! Wonder where the seller got this score. Someone stumble on a pallet of new-old stock?

author: thirstybear
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 25, 2020, 05:52:31 am
content: I remember reading in another thread (I think in buy/sell/wanted) that the stock is ex US Navy. I offered $500 and accepted the counter offer of $520. The shipping to Australia is very cheap and almost covered by the $30 discount, so I’m happy and can’t wait to get it.

author: IDEngineer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2020, 06:31:39 am
content: As I mentioned in that other thread, I bought one of these and it looks absolutely brand new. Docs and leads still sealed, film still on the display, totally NIB and it's the original Agilent box too.I offered $500 and it was accepted. Couldn't be happier. Merry Christmas to me!

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2020, 02:22:39 pm
content: Quote from: NoisyBoy on December 24, 2020, 11:08:11 pmLots of times all I need is a quick accurate measurement and while I agree that the 65A outshines the 01A for versatility that I do require at times I have so much overlap in my lab that I often don't need it and the wonderful simplicity of the 01A enables me to do faster work. That's why I love it so much. Here I have this almost bullet proof meter that came out of a box after ten years in storage and it's within 100uV of my relatively new 65A without even nulling it. How do you beat that?Sure histograms are nice but I have overlap there, my electronic load outputs graphs and my scope catches glitches, it's even got a built in meter and an AWG. It's not a versatile as my 33220A but it's pretty darn good. So this meter can do 80 or 90% of what I need and if it was my only meter I would still be able do everything I do with the 65A. Would it be as nice and quick with complex stuff? No, but I don't need that everyday and even if I did there are work arounds with other instruments.The 01A is my first reach for meter, if I need more then I go to the 65A. The 65a takes ~30 seconds to boot up and has a fan, it's not irritating but it has a fan. The 01A boots in a couple of seconds and is dead quiet.Merry Christmas and happy holidays, everyone, enjoy your new meters.

author: mawyatt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2020, 11:13:53 pm
content: Quote from: Robaroni on December 25, 2020, 02:22:39 pmYou can't beat that!! You have the best of both worlds and everything in betweenThe 34401A DNA is in the 34465A, so you have the quick off the cuff, get me the right answer and only the right answer immediately, to I'll wait a little just to be absolutely sure this is the right answer, which you already knew anywayKind of reminds you of grad school and taking a final. You work the problems you knew you could work, then at the exam end spent more time reviewing the answers which you already knew were rightBest and Happy Holidays,

author: bc888
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2020, 02:59:44 pm
content: On their web site, Keysight says that counterfeits have been found on the market. Are you guys 100% sure it's genuine? (not trying to be nasty, I just want to know, good scores always make me nervous)

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2020, 04:16:10 pm
content: I checked it next to my 34465A, it's genuine. The numbers show this was specifically made for the US Navy. I was in the Navy, it was a long time ago but I recognize the NSN in the numbers. The handle is exactly the same as my 34465A and the stickers on top wouldn't be there if it was counterfeit. Things like the "Speak you mind and you could win a prize" with the Agilent logo on it. There would be no reason to put that sticker on a counterfeit.I don't have my old 34401A to compare it too but I'll bet guys with both won't be able to tell any difference. This is the real thing, even the box is original with Agilent numbers on it and wear from sitting for 10 years. The seller has good feedback and is in the US, I got my meter in two days. There is the sticker that says "made in a factory that also processes tree nuts" But otherwise nothing else stands out

author: SVFeingold
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2020, 11:14:12 pm
content: Quote from: Robaroni on December 28, 2020, 04:16:10 pmI don't know, there's a pretty good reason...stickers are cheap and that's what people expect to see on genuine meters.That said I can think of a few ways. One is to get in touch with Keysight and ask if they'll verify the SN. They might not bother responding but worst case you lose 5 minutes of your time for nothing. The other way is just to take it apart and look closely at the construction. There are countless 34401 teardowns to compare to. Unless it's a really excellent counterfeit you should be able to get some idea of whether it meets the standard expected.If you do have a known genuine 34401 meter on hand to compare to, you can look for tooling marks on injection molded or sheet metal parts. Ejector pin size/shape/location, date codes, vendor markings, etc. For sheet metal parts you can look for vestige tabs, compare things like bend radii and cutout size/shape. Of course even genuine parts can vary on all of these points over a long production run, especially if Keysight/Agilent use multiple vendors. But it's something.OTOH I've encountered counterfeits that are made better than the original product. Unlikely on test equipment but hey you never know. I would think that on the spectrum of "profitable things to counterfeit" a relatively niche, low volume, and complex product like a 15+ year old discontinued DMM would be pretty low on the list. I hope so anyway cause mine's in the mail.

author: IDEngineer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2020, 11:53:44 pm
content: I'm confident enough that unless something "comes up" I'm not going to disassemble mine. At some point a counterfeiter stops taking extra steps to fool the end user. All the docs are right. All the stickers are right. All the packaging is right. Even the labels on the test leads are included, and correct. The Navy contract paperwork is there... something nobody would have missed if absent. The calibration paperwork is there too. If this is a forgery it's an amazing degree of detail for (as SVFeingold noted) a "relatively niche, low volume, and complex product like a 15+ year old discontinued DMM". Certainly there are easier ways to make more money.

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2020, 12:08:15 am
content: Quote from: IDEngineer on December 28, 2020, 11:53:44 pmexactly! I'm very confident this is the original banana and I've had several HP, Agilent, KS instruments over the years.

author: Royalgrass
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 05, 2021, 05:28:53 am
content: I truly believe that the one I got from the seller is genuine. The serial number shows up on the Keysight website and the physically shipped certificate of calibration matches the one on the website. The document is however in a sealed envelope, which also looks very similar to the envelope I received with my recently purchased DSOX1204G (new).The manual is also very "Agilent". The first page (of the sealed) User Manual actually also states that it is specifically for the Digital Multimeter being delivered under U.S. Navy Contract number N00104-09-D-D008 and that is has been modified to comply with the requirements of that contract.Serial number also matches with the stickers and also when an *IDN? is executed.That is a lot of detail for a fake product.Other than that: it really is a nice meter and works perfectly.If you want a nice quiet quick starting up meter: this is a good one to get!

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2021, 01:47:34 pm
content: Quote from: Royalgrass on January 05, 2021, 05:28:53 amExactly my sentiments, the package even includes the original "Quick Start Guide" that came with my original 34401A years ago.Mine has been on for several days now with no problems.

author: Miti
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2021, 04:40:34 pm
content: I tried my best to justify purchasing a brand new 34401A, but with a Fluke 8845A and two HP3478A, I really couldn't find any good reason other than I love it when I have the chance to use one at work. Still looking for reasons while hoping that the stock gets exhausted so the temptation goes away.

author: bc888
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2021, 11:04:54 pm
content: Thanks for the answer. I'm in and there are still 3 left at this time.

author: gussy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2021, 12:15:02 am
content: Looks like the new listing increased the price to $559. I offered $500, they countered $545, couter-offered $530 and it was accepted.Weirdly, there were 3 left when I bought mine just then, but now there's 5 left and the price is increased to $565. I think the seller is playing with people and keeping the "available" stock low, seems to be working for people here

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2021, 12:52:46 am
content: Quote from: gussy on January 07, 2021, 12:15:02 amI see that, totally unfair. I'm not opposed to making a fair profit but he's playing with the price and the amount of product. This wasn't my intention when I brought this to my fellow eevbloggers. What I suggest is that if you read this thread and decide you want one don't buy it full price put a bid and let him know he originally sold these for $549 and don't pay over $530. As much as I love this instrument if I just found this thread I wouldn't pay over $530. I'm funny that way. Make your money but don't screw me or I'll be out the door.

author: gussy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2021, 04:01:55 am
content: Quote from: Robaroni on January 07, 2021, 12:52:46 amI agree. The reason I posted back here was so people reading this thread won't go and pay whatever the full price is. At first it seems like the seller was accepting $500 but after selling 15 of them they're probably realized they can get more.For me this was a business purchase so the +/- $50 didn't actually matter that much, but I didn't want to pay full price to raise their expectations

author: Royalgrass
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 07, 2021, 04:27:57 am
content: I got mine for $500

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2021, 05:18:18 am
content: Anyone test the accuracy on these or send one out for calibration?

author: SVFeingold
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2021, 06:41:08 am
content: Got mine today. As expected, neat little kit. The little grabber clips that come with it are pretty craptastic which is surprising for Agilent kit. The Fluke/Pomona versions are way better. Otherwise it turns on, the display is nice and bright, all the functions work. Can't speak to calibration but I don't have much reason to care yet.

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2021, 12:35:09 pm
content: Excuse the mess. This is with pro leads on the 34465A and Agilent leads on the 34401A: