FSHP/Agilent 34401a 6.5 digit multimeters - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2015, 05:16:05 pm
content: I've got a pile of these to sell.£300 for a bare unit, £310 for one with the rack mount lugs, £325 for one with the front and rear bumpers and £350 for one with the pouch with leads and user manual.Prices include VAT, can remove that if applicable.Shipping £10 UK, £20 to Western EU and a bit more for further afield.

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 15, 2015, 05:17:42 pm
content: Wow! Nice price too.I already have 3 of them, otherwise...

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2015, 06:45:12 pm
content: How long since calibration on those?

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2015, 07:24:06 pm
content: I have far too many of these already otherwise I would buy one.Really nice collection btw.

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2015, 07:43:26 pm
content: Quote from: neslekkim on July 15, 2015, 06:45:12 pmThere are two with cal stickers which say cal'd in 2007, two with 2013 and the rest are unlabelled.

author: dadler
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 15, 2015, 08:28:50 pm
content: Most sellers charge more for the ones that are badged as Agilent vs HP. Not sure if it's an age or perceived value thing.You seem to be considering them all equivalent?

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2015, 09:21:49 pm
content: Quote from: dadler on July 15, 2015, 08:28:50 pmUsually the older HP models with all red insulators are going for around 100 Euro less on ebay Germany, compared to the Agilent branded versions. But then I have also met one guy, who only buys the older HP branded models, because he claims they are more stable.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2015, 10:01:18 pm
content: Quote from: HighVoltage on July 15, 2015, 09:21:49 pmyou can make a quick buck off that guy. The later fw changed the sampling speed default to fast so they look more jittery. if you change the default they behave identical.

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2015, 10:18:28 pm
content: I've not given a huge thought to pricing these, but the ones with bumpers are generally Agilent with a more recent cal, so they are priced a bit more expensive.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 15, 2015, 10:20:16 pm
content: hoping my money comes in to get one of those this week.... been told by our govt it is being restarted.

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2015, 05:18:45 am
content: Ooh I fancied one of these, or a Keithley. Recently got a 2015 from Korea for £235 all in. I have absolutely no need of any more 6.5 digits. Oh no...

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2015, 09:21:57 am
content: Quote from: free_electron on July 15, 2015, 10:01:18 pmHow interesting, I was not aware of this fact but it explains what this guy was after.I still have one of these really old models (1991?) and never updated the fw may be that has a default slow sampling rate, I will check that out. Interestingly, this very old model is extremely stable and passes calibration every year without any problems.I think these meters are a must have for every serious lab. And getting them for such a low price now like £300 here from KJDS is remarkable. And since all schematics are available, they can be repaired, if something goes wrong.

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 16, 2015, 11:37:50 am
content: Quote from: HighVoltage on July 16, 2015, 09:21:57 amwhoa... is it possible to update the firmware?... mmmmm

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2015, 01:53:16 pm
content: Quote from: zucca on July 16, 2015, 11:37:50 amYes, it is in EEPROM. I came across a site once where the different versions were listed but it seems I can not find it right now. Years ago, before I repaired the 34401A myself, I had one repaired and calibrated. The cal lab dumped a new fw in to EEPROM. It worked well, even with the front panel fw not updated.

author: lostboy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2015, 01:54:46 pm
content: If you are UK based RS Components will calibrate (test & adjust if necessary) these for £60 Inc pickup & return delivery (price from last Nov). This to RS in house standard, UKAS cert is extra. I felt it was a worthwhile investment having bought a 2nd hand instrument of unknown provenance to validate what is now my reference meter for hobbyist use. I presume this is competitively priced because they have invested in an automated set up given the volume of instruments they handle.Chris

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 16, 2015, 02:26:42 pm
content: Quote from: HighVoltage on July 16, 2015, 01:53:16 pmNice... I think I will try to read/dump the chip out. It should work without desoldering it... I hope.

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2015, 02:55:12 pm
content: Most in the picture have sold, but I've just picked up some more from the storage unit. Anyone else want one?

author: Andy Watson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2015, 03:57:31 pm
content: Just spent the morning playing with mine. Nice bright display - practically as new. Big thumbs-up to Mr KJDS.

author: deephaven
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2015, 04:04:46 pm
content: Quote from: Andy Watson on July 21, 2015, 03:57:31 pmI got one from Mr KJDS too. Thumbs up from me as well

author: JJalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 22, 2015, 08:31:15 am
content: Quote from: KJDS on July 21, 2015, 02:55:12 pmOhh, its so tempting!!! Do you have any Agilent-branded ones, with bumpers left?BR Jonas

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2015, 08:36:48 am
content: Quote from: JJalling on July 22, 2015, 08:31:15 amI'll go back down the storage unit later and see what's still there, those I brought back at the weekend have now gone.

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2015, 04:41:51 pm
content: Quote from: JJalling on July 22, 2015, 08:31:15 amJonasI can only recommend the 34401A.I was lucky to get one for 3K dkk on DBA a few years ago.It was brand new in Box, had less than 5 "On hours"It's my favourite bench meter, and is used a lot more often than my 3458A./Bingo

author: JJalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 22, 2015, 06:36:29 pm
content: Quote from: bingo600 on July 22, 2015, 04:41:51 pmIn DBA - wow, never thought of looking there! I've been wanting a 34401a for a long time now - I have a couple at work and it's a great meter!/Jonas

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2015, 07:12:09 pm
content: I've just tested the remainder of the pile.I've got ten good ones, all of which are HP, and mostly cal'd in 2013, though measurements agree well with the ones cal'd in 2006.All but one have bumpers and handles, and I've still got one pouch that vecros on top with manual and leads.£315 each for those with 2013 cal, £300 for earlier cals and I'll knock a bit more off if you don't want the bumpers and handle.£10 uk shipping, £20 western EU, elsewhere at cost, just ask, but I can remove the VAT if they are going outside the UK or within the EU if you have a valid VAT number.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2015, 08:07:11 pm
content: Got mine today, looks good, very very good packaging

author: plesa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2015, 03:44:47 pm
content: Today arrived as described in really good shape. It is unit made in 2000 and assembled in US. Bumpers and cover cleaned. Input socket cleaned with Deoxit D100L/Kontakt 61.Display cover has some scratches, so I ordered new one 34401-49321 for 12 USD.Firmware 10-05-02.

author: pascal_sweden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2015, 11:13:17 pm
content: What is the origin of these multimeters? Is it military surplus?Based on the origin, have they been intensively used in their last destination up to recently?If not, have they been stored for a long time in a dry warehouse with proper climate control?Do these units have a battery inside, which needs to be changed to prevent corrosion?Do you provide DOA warranty or any other kind of warranty?Where to order a new display cover?

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2015, 07:18:51 pm
content: Quote from: pascal_sweden on August 01, 2015, 11:13:17 pmI have no idea how they have been previously used or stored however there are no signs of any water damage or any corrosion inside and most have far fewer dents and scratches on the cases than a lot of other equipment I've seen of similar age. I believe that there is an internal battery on these, however I'll leave it someone more familiar with these to state what is and isn't affected if the battery fails.

author: plesa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2015, 07:36:38 pm
content: My meter has been purchased with Agilent 3 years calibration contract and last calibration was in 2013. So It has good calibration history (58 calibrations).It does not looks like daily used, It is more like used only few times, the display segments are not dim at all.The cover I ordered directly from Keysight.I like fact that it is fan less instrument. If you do not need temperature,capacitance measurement or fast readout it is best bench meter.As far as I known there is no battery inside.

author: Andreas
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2015, 05:53:29 am
content: Quote from: plesa on August 02, 2015, 07:36:38 pmCalibration constants are stored in EEPROM:http://www.keysight.com/upload/cmc_upload/All/34401A_Mem_external.pdfWith best regardsAndreas

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2015, 08:16:34 am
content: Quote from: Andreas on August 03, 2015, 05:53:29 amWhat an interesting document, I had not seen it before.Thanks, Andreas!

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2015, 09:01:29 am
content: I took apart my 34401 because I wanted to clean the cover a little bit, and of course, because of curiosity..It doesn't exist dust at all inside it, only thing that shows that it ever have been used is the bumpers (the usual collecting of dirt), but that's it. Even the display looks like it have been having the plastic-foil until very recently. And the display is very clear and sharp.The unit is from 2000.

author: plesa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2015, 09:23:54 am
content: My unit is also clean inside, it is benefit of fanless instruments.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 03, 2015, 09:25:08 am
content: Kev always describes his kit honestly, he has never let me down and helps me behind the scenes as they say. To be honest anyone who thinks that they are going to get ( for example ) 20 year old kit at 20 year old prices in as new condition is being unrealistic. I don't care if it was kept in a barn prior to him getting hold of it, if it works or can be easily repaired with help on here ( and there are plenty of good people willing to do that ) and is cheap enough then its a good deal. Hell even new kit comes with problems these days.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 03, 2015, 09:56:09 am
content: I just bought one of these ... Excited is not the word. A decent bench meter at last. My world is at peace

author: ElectroIrradiator
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2015, 10:11:37 am
content: Here is the 34401A that I recently bought from KJDS' pile.- The meter had a bit of sticker residue and general 'grubbiness' from handling, which cleaned off easily enough with a bit of TLC.- There are two groups of scratches on the bottom, behind the front bumper, which appear to have come from resting the instrument on a pair of metallic supports.- The probes came in an original and still sealed HP accessory plastic bag, which I had to cut open to take the photo. The protective tip covers are perfectly supple and serviceable, despite having turned a bit yellow from age.- VFD is now the brightest in my lab (though that may not say too much, as much of my gear is 'well loved'...).- Manuals and paperwork appear to be completely unused/never read. The bent corners of the manual are due to storing it in the accessory pouch (not protographed).- Calibration expired in March 2014, and the instrument was under Agilent(!) warranty until 2003. My unit has Agilent calibration seals in place on a few of the rear chassis screws.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 03, 2015, 10:24:54 am
content: Nice score electro, see Kev is a nice guy, if it wasn't for him and Ian on here I would not be able to afford the stuff i have got from them elsewhere or have what I do to let me do what work I need to. Mainly because I do not leave my home and I have very little income so save up for things, I make nothing from what I repair and tend to fix things as favours to other tenants for going to the shops for me etc. The odd few scratches or knocks on kit do not bother me if it works as intended, that is a nice set you got there.Even though it is their livelihood or sideline and they need to make a small profit, if any, the world is a better place for such people. They will never please everyone all the time, there will always be one or two who want old as new and pristine, but at least you know what you are buying and it's condition prior to buying. My next stop is going to be Franky's sales at some point I think.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2015, 11:02:29 am
content: Quote from: ElectroIrradiator on August 03, 2015, 10:11:37 amYou bought the one with the pouch?, I guess you are the only one with accessories.

author: ElectroIrradiator
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2015, 11:15:18 am
content: Quote from: neslekkim on August 03, 2015, 11:02:29 amI cannot say whether mine was the only one with a pouch, but according to Kev it is the instrument on the right hand side of his photo at the top of this thread. You can see the pouch on top of the instrument, in front of the microscope.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2015, 11:50:19 am
content: Quote from: ElectroIrradiator on August 03, 2015, 11:15:18 amCool, I took too long time to decide, so I was on batch 2 or 3..

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2015, 12:29:31 pm
content: Quote from: ElectroIrradiator on August 03, 2015, 11:15:18 amIt wasn't the only one with the pouch, I think I had three, but yours probably had the contents in the best condition.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2015, 01:43:59 pm
content: Quote from: plesa on August 03, 2015, 09:23:54 amNot always!I bought one 34401A many years ago on ebay and it must have been in some dirty factory. The inside was full of dirt and I mean full of filthy sticky bad kind of dirt that you could not just blow out. I was able to return the instrument to the seller. So there are definitely some dirty 34401A instruments around.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 04, 2015, 03:06:02 pm
content: Mine came today as I said elsewhere. Well pleased except for one thing, I have no space on my bench to put itHey Tautech, doesn't it look prettier than a Siglent Sig Gen .... meh. Maybe soon I will get one of those.

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 04, 2015, 03:13:46 pm
content: Quote from: Deathwish on August 04, 2015, 03:06:02 pmWhen I attach the mains to my PSU inputs I always attach the green/yellow earth wire as well as the blue neutral and brown live. I know the Welsh are trying to be more manly then us Sassenachs by missing the earth connection but it's an extra safety precaution.I wouldn't dream of zapping my DP832 with some 13A 240V flex without the earth connected.Perhaps the magic smoke is not as spectacular?

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 04, 2015, 03:17:21 pm
content: I always leave the earth wire connected, sod being manly when it comes to electricity and my kit.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 04, 2015, 03:46:09 pm
content: Quote from: Deathwish on August 04, 2015, 03:06:02 pmIt's gorgeous Death, just like the CRO below it.How many power cycles Death, don't tell me, you know where to post it.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 05, 2015, 08:49:01 am
content: Is there a PCMCIA type Gpib card with lead for these about ?.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2015, 08:53:42 am
content: Quote from: Deathwish on August 05, 2015, 08:49:01 amWhy pcmcia?, wouldn't usb be better?I guess I need something like that also, but I think I want something along the lines of usb

author: plesa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2015, 09:00:17 am
content: Quote from: Deathwish on August 05, 2015, 08:49:01 amWhy not use USB-GPIBhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/261397671097I suppose it will be cheaper and easy to use than PCMCIA. Or Go for Prologic GPIB-USB v6GPIB-USB Controller 6.0for almost same price.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 05, 2015, 09:03:31 am
content: I just thought a pcmcia card would be cheaper apart from my having a laptop and lack of free USB ports.

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2015, 09:09:33 am
content: Quote from: Deathwish on August 05, 2015, 09:03:31 amDo you really need GPIB? Get a cheap RS232-USB lead and a cheap USB HUB. I've got all my instruments plugged in using a 7 port hub, USBTMC and RS232-USB. All of them work great using NI-VISA.Much cheaper than archaic GPIB.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 05, 2015, 09:10:43 am
content: Quote from: Macbeth on August 05, 2015, 09:09:33 amok will give that a whirl.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2015, 09:22:07 am
content: Quote from: Deathwish on August 05, 2015, 09:03:31 amYou have an very old laptop if you have pcmcia, the newer laptops have other formfactor on these cards, so I cannot use my old pcmcia card anymore, but an usb cable is still compatible.. and there are usb hubs..

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2015, 09:24:16 am
content: Quote from: Macbeth on August 05, 2015, 09:09:33 amOk, so one can do everything on rs232 also?If so it's an no brainer.I have usb connected to my 34461a, but also want to connect my 34401a, and, I have an keithley 2015 i also want to connect, but forgot if that one have rs232.

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2015, 09:56:04 am
content: My Keithley 2015 works great using RS232. A nice bonus is Keithley provide an IVI-COM driver for it and it is so much easier to play with in C#.NET, VB, Excel, etc than using SCPI.The Keithley can do RS232 at 19,200 baud. I think the 34401A is 9,600 baud. So either is much slower than GPIB. Like I can "only" read 100 times a second or so instead of 1000/sec. If I needed to sample at those rates I would use the meters trigger and internal memory and then read it over serial after the event.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 05, 2015, 09:58:34 am
content: I have never used gpib before, never had any kit that used it, so its new territory for me, I have just ordered the rs232 to usb connector though.

author: plesa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2015, 10:01:37 am
content: GPIB is much faster than RS232, but it depends on your usage. I prefer GPIB in case there is no Ethernet or USB. Also there is Prologix GPIB -Ethernet , but I have no experience with this alternative.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 05, 2015, 10:03:25 am
content: Quote from: plesa on August 05, 2015, 10:01:37 amI don't see my usage being very demanding on speed, I work slowly. So RS232 may be better till I get the bit between my teeth as they say.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2015, 10:28:39 am
content: Quote from: Deathwish on August 05, 2015, 10:03:25 amNot with these at least, I guess?, but with 34410a it might be an issue, if you want to log at full speed?

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 05, 2015, 10:29:19 am
content: Quote from: neslekkim on August 05, 2015, 10:28:39 amOk.

author: plesa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2015, 10:38:49 am
content: Quote from: neslekkim on August 05, 2015, 10:28:39 am34401A maximal speed is 1000 reading/s which is RS232 maximum.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2015, 10:54:27 am
content: Quote from: plesa on August 05, 2015, 09:00:17 amDo they clone/fake these also?, I checked Farnell, and what a horror, that price was almost 5 times the price of the ebay one, and checking around, i find some used ones a bit cheaper, but are they ok?There are also some compatible ones, but wonder if they are fully compatible..

author: plesa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2015, 10:59:03 am
content: I do not think so, few members purchased it. It looks like they needs to sold old Agilent inventory. It is strange that I did not see it with other accesories.I'm unisin NI GPIB-USB adapter, but I will aslo buy some spare from good old Agilent.The price is similar to Prologix.

author: philipz
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2015, 03:04:03 pm
content: Quote from: neslekkim on August 05, 2015, 10:54:27 amI buy from this seller few mounts ago and want to confirm that adapter is original Agilent in very good condition. Even the purchase was very close to Christmas adapter arrive for less than a 3 weeks. If someone want to buy I recommend this seller.

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2015, 06:47:48 pm
content: I've still got a few of these left if anyone else is interested.

author: Docholiday
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2015, 10:48:26 pm
content: I sent you a PM..Thanks,Nicholas

author: neopticus
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2015, 07:44:37 pm
content: PM Sent. Thank you!

author: neopticus
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 08:33:37 pm
content: Received today the 34401A! (After a bit of extra waiting since UPS tried to deliver it for the 4th day in the row. They don't seem to call even if they have the recipients phone number, unless explicitly demanded by contacting their customer service)Anyway, the device came in excellent condition and cal is almost spot on! Also love the Fluke leads!Thanks, Kev!