Fluke 8506A- What would be a fair price? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: tatel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2024, 06:00:52 pm
content: Looking to buy a Fluke 8506A for AC volts. I see wildly varying prices en eBay, say, from about $300 to $4500.I guess $300 ones would be probably junk, but asking for $4500 looks crazy?I would like to get some owner opinion about the right price range.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2024, 07:43:07 pm
content: I never located a company that would align one and calibrate, no mater the cost.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/some-old-school-instruments-showing-how-its-done-(hp-3325a-and-fluke-8506a)/

author: tatel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2024, 11:41:24 am
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on November 24, 2024, 07:43:07 pmIf I'm getting it right, a guy would go for one in the lower range, isn't it? And be ready to fiddle...

author: Roehrenonkel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2024, 01:28:16 pm
content: Hi tatel,wouldn't pay more than 300,-.It's old, heavy and hot!But it's build like a safe.And it has 7.5 digits (only in 20V-dc range).Good luck

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2024, 08:25:26 pm
content: Quote from: tatel on November 25, 2024, 11:41:24 amConsidering the product has been out of production for decades, no parts available, no alignment, no calibration (maybe a sticker company out there), is it worth anything to you? Assuming seller offers no warranty or returns, can you willing to just give them your cash? Do you have the skills and equipment to repair it? If custom parts are bad, are you prepared to buy a second unit for parts?When buying used equipment, refurbished = cleaned, working = no smoke when turned on. Typical comments like "we don't have the expertise to check it" don't concern me. I get worried when they say "we had our techs look at it..." Red Flag!!! Last thing I want is some wannabe opening up precision equipment.It's like the people who write me asking for the "best" meter. Best is how YOU define it and fair is what YOU are willing to pay.7.5 digit Keysight with GPIB, extended warranty and three year calibration is USD 5,523.00.https://www.keysight.com/us/en/product/34470A/digital-multimeter-7-5-digit-truevolt-dmm.html6.5 digit is about $2000 USD.https://www.keysight.com/us/en/product/34465A/digital-multimeter-6-5-digit-truevolt-dmm.htmlI bought my 34401A brand new from Hewlett Packard when it first came out and its been a rock star. It's over 30 years old now and cost me about $1000. I had it in for calibration, plus report one time. I think that was about $150. Say $1200 w/tax and shipping, or $40/year cost of ownership. I would have no problems buying another new Keysight.

author: tatel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2024, 11:16:36 pm
content: Quote from: Roehrenonkel on November 25, 2024, 01:28:16 pmI guess I'll have to get it from the US so that will be perhaps not an easy task.Quote from: joeqsmith on November 25, 2024, 08:25:26 pmYep. I think it could be worth something. And quite some more in work/parts/time/whatever, I guess. I got last year a 3456A for 250, shipped. It seems I got lucky. I could try and wait for a bargain, or I could pay some more than 250, hoping to get one in similar condition than 3456A, "pronto". I don't "need" it. Just a hobbyist. We will see.QuoteWell, after reading the thread you pointed to, I'm not willing to pay $300 for a dead one. Nor $4500 for one of these from alltest. I can't really picture myself resurrecting one of these from a dumpster. I can't even picture myself finding one of these for free. Looking for a "used" one, meaning it turns on and seems to work. That could be a nice springboard. I'm absolutely not in a hurry.QuoteI have been looking at 34465A. At that price range, there would have to be some real need, so I would go for a new one. But, being a hobbyist, that's not really my thing. B869s is more than I need. I have it as a current, accurate device that can be sent to a lab for cal/adjust. Anything over that is just insane lust. The Bible tells us the flesh is weak I add, mine is weaker.It would be nice to get a "working" 8506A for, say, less than $450, shipped. Is that a pie in the sky?

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2024, 02:15:46 am
content: Quote from: tatel on November 25, 2024, 11:16:36 pmI wouldn't be surprised to find shipping from USA to be more than half that. So, you're looking for a good working one for say $200. Plus someone willing to ship it.Does that seem pie in the sky to you?

author: tatel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2024, 10:05:16 am
content: It looks barely possible to me. Either I'll have to wait for a bargain, or to reckon my flesh is getting even weaker, or I'll have to live without it. Not the end of the world in any case.Anyway, even if I was looking more about how much should one expect to pay, depending on the condition, this has been quite clarifying, so thank you very much.

author: AVGresponding
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2024, 12:22:20 pm
content: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/296838472056

author: m k
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2024, 01:32:34 pm
content: Tank like construction, but inner plastic parts are brittle.So for bad shipping a cargo plane goes through heavy weather and only few modules are present when brittle module slot holders are off.

author: tatel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2024, 01:42:59 pm
content: Thank you very much for the head-up, but I already know quite a bit about this one.Please see@joeqsmithdefinition, some posts before, about what "refurbished" means. This one was even below that, but of course seller said "it works perfectly". It suddenly turned out, Ohms were not working "since last time it was turned on some months ago".Since they have increased the price, perhaps they have fixed it now. If any of you are interested in it, please go ahead. You'll probably be offered to close the deal outside eBay. Happy I didn't. You have been warned. It could be good enough for a guy skilled in repairs.Even if it's new price still falls where I would be comfortable, I really hate people with too bold a face. I wouldn't even take an elevator with this people. This one isn't for me, period. I'll have to wait, I guess. But thank you anyway.

author: tatel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2024, 01:48:52 pm
content: Quote from: m k on November 26, 2024, 01:32:34 pmYeah, it looks, to get one of these on decent condition is not an easy task. But I already knew it, so no complaints here. I hope it will be just a matter of patience.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2024, 02:12:29 pm
content: Quote from: m k on November 26, 2024, 01:32:34 pmHaving had one apart and seeing how many of the rails had been replaced over the years, I'm not sure how to pack one to survive that trip. If you pull it apart and pack everything separate, you assume the person buying has enough skills to reassemble it. That alone would seem like a deal breaker if you were selling it as working. Maybe some sort of injection foam to lock it together in a cardboard box, then place that into a wooden box. Cost would end up being more than the OP wants to pay.

author: dietert1
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2024, 03:41:14 pm
content: It makes a difference whether one wants an instrument to do certain measurements (e.g. urgent fix of automated industrial setup) or one wants to learn something by studying it. Maybe that can explain the large price span. We have two 8502A units (a predecessor). Unless you have a bus extender, they are a bit difficult for maintenance. Some test points are accessible, but everything is pretty tight inside.https://www.rosenkranz-elektronik.com/en/measuring-device/130438/8506aThey offer with warranty and their price seems to be average.Regards, Dieter

author: tatel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2024, 04:04:26 pm
content: Good to finally have an idea about how much one of these would cost with warranty. Thank you very much.

author: AVGresponding
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2024, 04:57:47 pm
content: Quote from: tatel on November 26, 2024, 01:42:59 pmIn this instance, it doesn't matter what Joe, I, or you think "seller refurbished" means. Ebay defines what it means in this case, and if the item doesn't meet the criteria, "The item has been restored to working order by the eBay seller or a third party. This means the item was inspected, cleaned, and repaired tofull working orderandis in excellent condition", it's perfect grounds for requesting a partial refund. Ebaywillside withyouon that,always.Worst case scenario, seller cuts off their nose to spite their face and accepts a return for a full refund (postage at their expense).

author: Roehrenonkel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2024, 05:26:28 pm
content: Hi tatel,Rosenkranz is open to offers (worked for me).But i guess they will not sell it for 300,- Euros.I have a 8506A-CT with broken Thermal-converter.As soon as i get a 8.5-digit meter i'll get rid of the Fluke.You need a good rack for it (~12kg)!Ciao4now

author: tatel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2024, 05:29:08 pm
content: Quote from: AVGresponding on November 26, 2024, 04:57:47 pm100% agree. It looks, seller also agrees. At least I think so, because when I just said to him about the same you say now, he just refunded me without asking, before sending the device to me...Even if they fixed it, I can't trust them anymore (not that I trusted them so much before) and I very doubt it's in "excellent condition" now. From the emails I received, they did nothing but to turn it on and check there were no apparent errors.Of course getting a refurbished 8506A for less than €300 had to be too good to be true, so I did close the deal inside eBay, not outside as suggested by them.That's the reason I asked for orientation about prices to begin with.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2024, 05:39:29 pm
content: Quote from: AVGresponding on November 26, 2024, 04:57:47 pmIn my experience, sellers often have no way to fully test what they are selling. Especially as we start looking at higher end equipment. They may feel it is working because they ran a few simple tests, but in my experience it is rare to get anything used that is actually 100% functional.One way to avoid problems, negotiate seller shipping the product to the factory and have them calibrate. If they find a problem, seller covers all costs for repairs and shipping. If no problems are found, buyer pays for the calibration and shipping costs. Old equipment, like this Fluke, I think you are SOL. The factory won't service it, and as I mentioned, I am not aware of a company that will, that I would trust.Personally, I have no problem trying to do the repairs myself but even this can be problematic. You have to somehow build trust between seller and buyer. Getting them to understand you are not some wannabe hack that is going to destroy their equipment and then want a refund takes time. Normally, I will not even remove a screw unless the seller agrees to it. I will send as much information as possible to show the problem. It's always worked out and I have had sellers provide me with parts to do the repairs (lots of custom parts in high end equipment).Buying used junk is always a gamble and adventure.

author: tatel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2024, 05:49:16 pm
content: Quote from: Roehrenonkel on November 26, 2024, 05:26:28 pmYeah, I also guess it won't happen.. Anyway, information about rosenkranz from @dieter1 and you are quite useful to me. I really was at a loss after that Italian fiasco. At least now I have something to compare against. Thank you very much.QuoteToo bad. Sorry to hear that. It must have been disappointing to you. At least it's what I'm interested in. If I got it right, CT models are the most difficult to get replacement modules? I'll have to look for some documentation on these CT devices.QuoteI wish you good luck on that. Should I be able to get a thermal transfer module replacement, I could be interested. Please let me know.QuoteNo problem, I purchased a couple boat anchors in the last months, so the rack/cupboard I'm planning will be able to cope with all

author: dietert1
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2024, 05:57:56 pm
content: I remember renewing most of the caps in our two instruments. Don't know whether that would be included for "seller refurbished".If one wants meaningful measurements, a more recent instrument is recommended. Both our Keithley 2700 and 3706 were a very positive surprise at about 500 € and 1100 €. I think the 3706 is the most stable instrument we have and compares well to 8.5 digit meters that cost much more. It got binding posts on the front panel and a scanner plugin.Regards, Dieter

author: m k
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2024, 06:05:41 pm
content: Quote from: dietert1 on November 26, 2024, 03:41:14 pmI've always wondered how that warranty thing works.Radwell warranties practically everything, no matter how fringe.

author: tatel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2024, 06:21:11 pm
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on November 26, 2024, 05:39:29 pmI not just 100% agree on that, but actually do about the same as you, with similar resultsQuoteThat's a good part of the fun IMO

author: AVGresponding
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2024, 06:43:15 pm
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on November 26, 2024, 05:39:29 pmYeah, there's a lot of room for give and take, if you can build some trust with the seller. The confrontational route is the lazy way, in many respects, but as a reaction to the (imo) equally lazy description, it may be justifiable. I'd argue "seller refurbished" would be a more difficult thing to defend than "used", in the event of a buyer discovering issues after the fact, and certainly if there's faults listed up front, or it hasn't been completely tested (whatever the reason), it makes a nonsense of the description. At that point, it really should be listed as "parts only/not working".Quote from: tatel on November 26, 2024, 06:21:11 pmI reckon we can all agree on that!

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2024, 08:02:07 pm
content: While I find most sellers are not technical, they are not out to try and screw buyers over. If it's a high dollar item, I will contact the seller long before making an offer, if just to get a feel for if I think I can work with them.It's not uncommon that a seller will offer some sort of warranty, or trial period for high end equipment. Normally this has been enough time to fully inspect the equipment. I have had sellers extend this time if we are working through a problem.QuoteReading stories from sellers dealing with buyers who steal parts, swap bad parts for good.... I'm not sure if sellers can even leave feedback on buyers anymore. It doesn't make buying used equipment any easier. Trying to explain you are not some beginner, know it all, wannabe to someone who has been burned may take some doing..

author: tatel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2024, 11:14:31 am
content: Well it looks my flesh is even weaker than I thought.Just ordered another 8506A from the US. I have to say, Joe was right and I had to pay more than 450 bucks, It was offered to me as "used, good working" for $299.99. After shipping and VAT, it sets me 460 eurobucks back.After delivered, we will see it it's really in the advertised condition...Thank you all

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2024, 12:39:08 pm
content: Quote from: tatel on November 28, 2024, 11:14:31 amI stopped looking at test equipment from the US altogether.Half the items say it's a 1000 bucks to ship it. Other half is a gamble. Even when you get a working one, they are going to send you import tax, shipping, tax on shipping, import tax handling fee, tax on import tax handling fee, vat on import tax, VAT on VAT on VAT, and all kinds of extra fees that make it not worthwhile in the end.If you can afford to buy and restore old equipment like this Fluke, very nice. Let us know how it goes.

author: tatel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2024, 12:54:11 pm
content: Quote from: tszaboo on November 28, 2024, 12:39:08 pmYeah, one should expect to add at least 50% of the price for shipping and taxes. Sometimes less, but usually more. And it has to be under EIS (from the US) or GSP (from the UK) otherwise it's a no-no right off the bat. (Edit: even so, it is often not worthwhile). Western couriers are just pirates.I even set an account with a reshipper, but I found it wasn't really cheaper. At least for that device. (Edit: Systron-Donner M107) Obviously eBay gets better rates due to shipping volume.QuoteI'll do.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2024, 04:25:56 pm
content: Quote from: tatel on November 28, 2024, 11:14:31 amYou are not alone.Post a few photos of the unpacking and removing the covers. My advice, don't just plug it in until after a full inspection and make sure you get the AC input selected first.There's been a few posts here about people buying items from the USA and smoking them once they connect them to 220.

author: tatel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2024, 08:01:40 pm
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on November 28, 2024, 04:25:56 pmYeah, I'll do. I guess I will also need to change the fuse...

author: m k
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2024, 09:25:55 am
content: Somebody fluent with 3D-models should draw a replacement for module slots.Dual part something instead of snap-in type, if soft plastic as a printing material is not possible.Module lock part is fine.Quote from: Roehrenonkel on November 26, 2024, 05:26:28 pmLet us know when the time comes.

author: tatel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2024, 10:58:29 am
content: It turns eBay managed to get my 8506A lost. They have just refunded me.After two consecutive fiascos I'm just giving about it.Disappointing crap.

author: Roehrenonkel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2024, 11:30:36 am
content: Hi tatel,i'm so sorry to hear that ebay messed up your christmas.At least you have avoided the import-tax/fees-hassle this way......if you see it positive.Ciao4now

author: tatel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2024, 11:49:51 am
content: Yeah, something is something, as a bald man said after finding a comb.Ebay is asking me about casting my vote for that purchase...

author: garrettm
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2024, 05:11:20 am
content: I have bought over 5 of these Fluke DMMs, both 8505A and 8506A as well as one CT model from the U.S.A.F. All of them were less than 150 USD and some were as low as 80 USD with shipping included... Out of all of them, only one was a "parts unit" with a bad Controller module.Paying more than $250 for a non CT model is a waste (the CT units have a bunch of modifications to lower noise and, for the 8506A, extend the input range of the AC voltage measurement). The 850xA are large, heavy, can have annoying transformer noise, and are very slow with the averaging mode on. The 100mV range is also pretty bad--noisy and quite drifty as these do not have an auto-zero circuit. Honestly, there are a lot better vintage meters from Schlumberger and a few other European TE manufacturers that would likely be cheaper for you to buy in the EU.I keep my 8506A since it is an interesting anomaly using Flukes recirculating remainder ADC and custom thermal converter IC. I also have an HP 3456A (circa 39th week 1990) that I keep because its so stable.All that said, the 8505/6A have pretty good 10V and 1kV DC ranges. The 100V range could have been improved greatly by adding an extra tap on the custom laser trimmed divider network that was added to later units. But Fluke decided not to do that, which was pretty dumb, considering they ended up using a PLD to control the relays. The FW wouldn't have needed to be updated--the GAL26CV12B could have correctly set the gain for the newer cards and be backwards compatible with old FW. Then there are improvements to the Active Filter that could have been done to improve the LSD. But...it is what it is: a decent vintage DMM if you can get a good deal (<150 USD with GPIB/Serial and Ohms/Current Shunt modules). The AC performance isn't really that important, as it is unlikely that you can get it calibrated for a reasonable price. And I have no doubt that every one of these meters sold on the second-hand market is out of calibration on the AC ranges.

author: garrettm
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2024, 05:19:47 am
content: Here are some photos of the newer DC Signal Conditioner and associated documentation. Some of the documentation is wrong: e.g. /10 for 100V range and /100 for 1kV range. These are really /64 *10 and /64 *1, as shown in the "range tests".

author: m k
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2024, 04:23:13 pm
content: Bottom of wide edge contact has a manufactured dent, can you say what it is?Some module types have them and some don't.Seems to be some sort of an identification for non regular use.For other versions,8502AT has the same Thermal TRMS module as 8506A.Even newer than pictured conditioner (881722) appears in 8505A errata.Can we expect that there is also 8505C version?Older pictured conditioner is at least a 3rd version.8502A has obviously the original, after that it is a bit hazy.8505A and 8506A manuals have different schematics, but same part numbers.2nd version has CR6 pairing CR5.3rd version is adding two IC control lines.So that 3rd or newer conditioner version can limit suitable software versions.I must check what conditioner my test subject has, it has accepted all software.

author: tatel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2025, 07:56:00 pm
content: OK, I think I got itEbay bid 89 USD. After shipping and taxes about 280 USD. 0 USD tariffs 6.0.5 FW, options 25AAfter a fast check using DMMCeck it doesn't look too bad.I repackaged it again, I'll have another look at it after getting back to family's home, in about probably a couple weeks.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2025, 02:17:47 pm
content: Quote from: tatel on May 13, 2025, 07:56:00 pmCongratulations finding a basically working meter at a decent price. I'm not surprised by the shipping costs.

author: tatel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2025, 03:59:48 pm
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on May 14, 2025, 02:17:47 pmThank you very much. Shipping for the one that got lost on Christmas was about 83 USD. For this one, 148 USD. One has to pay 21% VAT over item price+shipping. At least EIS doesn't charge any customs paperwork fees.All in all, i paid 460 € for the lost one, and 260 € for the italian fiasco, that didn't have GPIB, and it turned out, not-working Ohms. So it seems i got quite lucky getting finally this one.I'm really pleased AC volts seem to be in spec or very near it. Measurement was at 21.5ºC after 4 hours warm-up. DMMCheck and B869s were bought about 2 years ago. DC volts and ohms seem to be worse. I hope to adjust them at home will be feasible. I didn't open it, but it didn't sound like a rattlesnake while unboxing.After getting back to the shop i will inspect it and will go with performance test.

author: dipsocket
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 21, 2025, 05:55:44 am
content: Quote from: garrettm on December 29, 2024, 05:11:20 amCould you mention anything about the "lower noise" modifications? I obtained an 8506A/CT manual, and it states that, besides the high voltage modifications, firmware, and some additional testing, the modules are the same (manual 8506A/CT-130 rev 0 page 9 after note 3). I was not able to locate an 8505A/CT manual, but I am guessing that there are multiple CT model variations.

author: tatel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2025, 07:17:21 am
content: Quote from: dipsocket on May 21, 2025, 05:55:44 amI have been looking for that manual, Where did you get it?

author: tatel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2025, 07:22:10 pm
content: As requested, there are some pics with the cover removed. It looks like I'm in for a funny ride?