FOUND (US): Any Working 6.5 Digit DMM (HP 3456A, 34401A) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: hifiguy99
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2018, 09:10:44 pm
content: Hi all,I am looking to spend $100 or so shipped for an HP 3456A if in good condition, but any accurate/precision 6.5 bench DMM will work.I am also willing to spend more if it's a newer meter, such as a 34401A. For that I would consider spending $200 or so shipped if in great condition.I could wait a few weeks for one to pop up for a reasonable price on fleabay but it never hurts to ask here

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2018, 09:30:12 pm
content: You can definitely get a 3456A for under $200.On the other hand, prices of 34401A on eBay have been rising for the past several years. Recently, they're looking like the following (not including shipping and possibly sales tax):Poor condition/parts: $100-200Moderate condition: ~$300Good condition and complete: ~$400Recently calibrated: ~$500

author: cellularmitosis
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 06, 2018, 12:37:15 am
content: $100 shipped is going to be tough for 6.5 digits.The closest available to that at the moment are three Datron 1062's which are $104.99 buy-it-now shipped. The seller has lowered the price by $5 each time they have been relisted. I've been watching them since $149.99. I'm surprised they haven't caught more attention.Keep in mind though that the 1062 is really more like a 5.5-digit meter, which happens to have an averaging mode to generate 6.5-digit output.See alsohttps://github.com/USACalClub/gear/blob/master/dmms/README.md

author: hifiguy99
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2018, 01:46:38 am
content: I mean you can't really call those three working lol.They all have some kind of error/something wrong, sold AS-IS.Might be cool to troubleshoot but I don't even have a good meter to begin with lol

author: lowimpedance
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2018, 02:14:22 am
content: Why 6.5 digit?. I think a 5.5 digit is more likely in the stated price range, for example the HP 3478a is a nice little meter and should be easy to get a good one where you are.Quote from: hifiguy99 on July 05, 2018, 09:10:44 pmA few weeks ! geez you guys have it lucky, down my way its a TE desert full of overpriced sun bleached fossils and low priced $h*t.Any thing of interest that occasionally pops up usually goes way over normal, mainly because shipping from OS kills interest very quickly there so 'buyers' try to stay local.

author: hifiguy99
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2018, 12:25:28 pm
content: I plan on working on some voltage sensitive material. Rather score a 6.5 digit now for the hell of it rather than just buying one in the future. Also looking at the sold listings on eBay, the price ranges I stated are reasonable for here in the states. I mean look at this, this is after expedited shipping AND eBay+Paypal fees. Sold yesterday.https://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-Agilent-34401A-Digital-Multimeter/123230637850?hash=item1cb11e4f1a:g:E8oAAOSwL~BbOUWror this 3456a that was sold a few days ago for a $120 ishhttps://www.ebay.com/itm/Agilent-HP-3456A-6-1-2-Digit-Digital-Multimeter-Works/113092114120?hash=item1a54d0b6c8:g:OCMAAOSwfNpbLY5QShould've kept my eye out hehe.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2018, 06:05:33 pm
content: Well, based on "I would consider spending $200 or so shipped if in great condition" for a 34401A, the one in that listing I wouldn't consider to be in great condition. So, that might be the difference.

author: hifiguy99
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2018, 07:56:21 pm
content: Well I just scored a dirty 34401a for $200 shipped.Condition is used, and not many pictures, though I have no problem cleaning it and calibrating it if it works. Or buying a $30 NOS front panel.https://www.ebay.com/itm/123235111268You're right, there doesn't seem to be any in great condition for that price, but I would call this acceptable.Thanks for the tips

author: Vgkid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2018, 08:32:39 pm
content: Assuming that was the unit you bought , it was calibrated last year , you don't have that to worry about , has the rubber bumpers(they are often missing , shoot mine is missing the front surround) , and has nothing physically missing from it. You are good to go.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2018, 10:33:14 pm
content: Quote from: hifiguy99 on July 06, 2018, 07:56:21 pmSure thing. Glad your budget allowed for some wiggle room. That's important, otherwise you'd be waiting a long while.Enjoy your new (to you) meter. I wouldn't give up my 34401A.