New Multimeter. Keysight 34450A or 34460A - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: RobNorthen
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2020, 06:12:35 pm
content: I need a new multimeter. I have been looking at Keysight 34450A and 34460A. They are both MORE than cable enough for my needs. I do value quality over price/quality - to some extendMy needs:- They both have all the measurements req needed for me (I do simple digital projects / repairs)- Simple Hpppy use- Fast boot time- Clear dsiplay- Long life timeI'am thinking 34450A, because I value fast boot time, a bright & clear display. The 34460A seems to be Windows CE based, and have a loong boot time, and a LCD VS the 34450A OLED display. Aslo the grumpy old man inside me says " why a Windows CE based multimeter").But I also have a feeling, the 34460A might be a better quality. Really in doubt here. Seen David's video on the 34460A and a boot time (back then) of 52 secs.. ? yuck!Anyone have some good input ?Best regardsChristian

author: wizard69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2020, 09:37:24 pm
content: Quote from: RobNorthen on August 23, 2020, 06:12:35 pmWhy not other brands?QuoteDoes this really matter for a bench meter?QuoteI'm not sure why anybody would use Windows CE for a multimeter so I'm with you there. However how do you determine what any specific meter users for its operating system?QuoteI have a feeling you are buying a meter that is largely overkill for your needs. I'd just seriously look at everything on the market to get a good grip on whee the value is. That includes Keithly, B & K and the foreign manufactures. We have used an older series of HP meters at work for some time and they are fantastic meters however if I had to buy a new meter today I'd look closely at the Keithly/Tektronix offerings for the same usage today. Even so such a meter seems to be overkill for general bench use.

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 24, 2020, 09:57:55 pm
content: The OLED display on the 34450A is amazing, however I'd still go for the 34460A. It is a magnitude better DMM, the boot time is around 30 seconds with the current firmware.

author: maginnovision
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2020, 10:18:08 pm
content: If you want a nice display the hmc8012 might work and has fast boot.

author: MadTux
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2020, 11:34:12 pm
content: Or Keithley 2000/2015/2010, or HPAK 34401A, all without Windoze and startup in less than 10s.

author: umbro
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2020, 06:10:36 am
content: Quote from: TheSteve on August 24, 2020, 09:57:55 pmYes, display is brigth and big. Overall i like it. "however I'd still go for the 34460A" i second that

author: PushUp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2020, 07:05:12 pm
content: You should consider spending at least +150,12 € in order to buy a Keysight 34461A, as you get 8 reasons, which are worth paying for the extra sum:Keysight 34460A > 979,66 €https://www.welectron.com/Keysight-34460A-Benchtop-MultimeterKeysight 34461A > 1129,78 €https://www.welectron.com/Keysight-34461A-Benchtop-Multimeter

author: ercapoccia
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2020, 08:16:06 pm
content: IMHO It is silly considering WinCE in a embedded device a cons or a pro. It is completely transparent to the user and it is just for the GUI. It is widely used with no issue in automotive industry, industrial automation industry. It is more the adequate for a DMMI'd consider the 34461A over the 34460A.I don't like the 34450A display. It seems outdated with no graph and trends.

author: PushUp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2020, 09:13:02 pm
content: In addition to the 8 reasons from above...As the Keysight 34460A does not contain the "Keysight 34138A Multimeter Test Lead Kit" (worth 30 €https://www.welectron.com/Keysight-34138A-Multimeter-Test-Lead-Kit) and not an usb cable (worth 3-5 €), the +150,12 € extra cost for the Keysight 34461A is definitely the better deal!

author: BitWrangler1001
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2020, 10:02:06 pm
content: Not sure why wouldn't buy dmm6500 for that price range ?

author: Dubbie
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 26, 2020, 10:08:00 pm
content: I use the trend chart all the time with mine. It's very useful and I wouldnt buy a bench meter without one.

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2020, 12:05:46 am
content: Quote from: PushUp on August 26, 2020, 07:05:12 pm+1

author: KaneTW
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2020, 01:01:11 am
content: Consider the Keithley DMM6500. It's what I went with. IMO better price/performance.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2020, 09:47:02 am
content: Any Windows Ce based stuff need to pay some license fee to M$oft ....