Keysight 34465A failure and questions - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 01:12:13 am
content: My 34465a which was a pretty good meter gave me a boot failure, Keysight says it needs to be repaired. They're offering me a swap with a used meter. What they do is take your meter, repair it and give it to the next guy.They want ~$1500 for the swap, I didn't check if tax was on top of that. I do get a warranty.Is it worth it?Has anyone fixed one of these? I'd hate to have something like a three terminal regulator that cost 84 cents be the problem.Are there new meters around that could replace this for less money? I did check ebay and the 34465a is still holding a decent used price, new, Keysight wants $2.7k but I didn't check around to see if one of the supply houses has it cheaper. Keysight wants $2,200 for used 34465A's.Thanks for your time, help and thoughts.Rob

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 01:18:52 am
content: What color is the meter? The tan ones have some known issues that have been repaired. You should be able to search to find more info on here.For less than the swap cost, you can buy a new Siglent SDM4065A. Or for not too much more, you could buy a Keithley DMM6500. Both are better than the Keysight.

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 01:28:39 am
content: Thanks, my case is grey and the meter itself looks pretty close to new. I'll search to see if someone has repaired one. I'll check the keithley.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 02:19:54 am
content: Boot failure probably means you got hit by the LM3S flash memory corruption issue (ref LM3MEM#13 & LM3MEM#14).Some discussion in other posts likehttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/keysight-34465a-reliability/msg5396783/#msg5396783https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/fs-many-keysight-34465a-multimeters/msg5809989/#msg5809989Personally, if my 34465A failed I would likely buy another as I like my HPAK products and I am used to its functionality. Preferably you would want the new black model without this issue. I suspect any replacement will be one of those, or maybe an older unit with a newer PCB with a TM4C micro.The price of another 34465A has increased a lot since I bought mine, so I've acquired some used 34401As instead. The Keithley DMM6500 or Siglent SDM4065A both look worthy replacements which I would love to play with at some point.

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 02:24:52 am
content: Quote from: Kean on October 08, 2025, 02:19:54 amMy DAQ6510 has the same analog board as the DMM6500. I also have the black KS34465A, and an SDM3065X. The Keysight is my least favorite of my 6.5 digit meters. The Keithley is my favorite. Dollar for dollar, I would happily trade the KS34465A for two SDM4065As.

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 05:02:16 am
content: The 34465A is $2,000 new from all the online retailers. The higher prices are probably with options, which does specifically explain the $2,200 price for the used one being sold by Keysight.But also the used prices direct from Keysight are not so great these days. The deals were much better some years ago when they sold on eBay.I doubt Keysight does any repairs to these. Most likely just the very minimum of swapping major parts. The costs won't make sense otherwise.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 05:44:04 am
content: I paid $1,900 AUD for mine 9 years ago, that approx $1,250 USD today. They are now about $3,000 AUD, which is pretty close to the $2,000 USD list price.The functionality of the Keithley DMM6500 looks great, but their early firmware was quite bad and it seems overly complicated which puts me off. I guess I'm getting old and set in my ways.I also don't have as much confidence in Keithleys 6.5d long term accuracy compared to a HPAK, but I'm not a voltnut (and really trying not to become one), so it would be fine for my usage. It isn't like I have had my 34465A, 34972A, or K2400 SMU calibrated recently.I do occasionally cross check these plus my multiple 34970As, 34401As, 3478As, and other meters against the 34465A. If I didn't already have this abundance of meters, I would probably buy an SDM4065A or two.Funnily my latest purchases have been Siglent and Owon, but that is primarily budget driven. Anyway, I'm way off topic.

author: gamalot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 06:22:39 am
content: Quote from: Kean on October 08, 2025, 02:19:54 amI bought a 34465A from a local distributor about ten years ago, cost me 1,834.25 Aussie dollars.

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 08:42:52 am
content: Quote from: Robaroni on October 08, 2025, 01:12:13 amI've added this to thelist of failuresreported on the forum.Yes, a few folks have fixed these but difficulty of repair depends on which failure mode your unit has chosen. The simplest is a NAND corruption which can perhaps be resolved with some commands over the serial port available internally (on the display PCB). Otherwise, it could be hardware such as SPEAR processor, NAND or DRAM (all on front panel). Less likely is the LM3S on the main board but I haven't seen any successful repair reported for that.I'm not an expert on repair of these, I failed to fix minebut you might start with connecting to the RS232 serial port on the back of the display PCB and see if there is any activity. Note that port is RS232 voltage levels, not logic level. Serial port connections shownhere. If no activity and the (labelled) power supply voltages on the front panel are good, it may mean your have dead SPEAR, which needs replacement with some BGA rework.There is an informative thread on NAND corruptionhere.Summary of NAND layout and boot processhere.Also, don't be tempted to swap out the front panel with another, to see if the meter will boot. Keysight have thwarted that by storing the mainboard id in the front panel after first boot, so a new front panel will work with any unit, but then subsequently only work with that unit. Member K managed to fix that issue by wiping an encryted block of NAND:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/agilent-34461a-corrupted-flash/msg5929270/#msg5929270QuoteKeysight used to sell the front panels, but now want you to send your meter for repair.https://www.keysight.com/us/en/ecom/parts/part-detail.html/34460-66522

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 12:21:42 pm
content: Guys, thanks for all your great input.Like most of you I'm not in the instrument repair business, thankfully I still have my trusted 34401A. I had an older 34401A and sold it to buy the 65A, trouble was I missed it so much I had an ebay search in for another one and a seller had a bunch of NOS meters ( I posted the link here and many of you bought them too). The thing about the 34401A is that it boots right up when I need it for a quick measurement, as most of you know the 65A doesn't. I just checked the voltage accuracy and it's still spot on!I'm not familiar with the Siglent but I'll check it out. I only bought one thing from them years ago ( a bench electronic load), the firmware was so buggy I sent it back but the Chinese are quick studies and the Rigol DHO924S scope I picked up a couple of years ago is pretty darn good.Anyone have experience with the BK 5493C? Any good?

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 12:26:01 pm
content: If you're not planning to attempt repair of the '65, I would suggest selling it on ebay or here in the forum. It would give you couple hundred bucks (or more?) and could help someone else repair their unit. Keysight won't help us, so all we got is each other!Spares or repair $350 sounds reasonable to me.

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 01:29:52 pm
content: I will certainly offer it here first if I go that route.

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 01:38:54 pm
content: It's also interesting, we didn't use this for several months before the failure.

author: kmoonwalker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 02:46:53 pm
content: I must say that 1500 repair seems a bit high priced compared to the new unit but all depends from how much warranty they actually offer to you.In the past they charged like 60% of cost including recallibration -> this is 75%... and if + taxes then really something is odd.they are also not very common to fail from my experiencealso if you have some discount on Farnell or Mouser you can try to get new one cheper than 2k range from them - i used that trick in the past (but not always they granted the discount)

author: kmoonwalker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 02:55:30 pm
content: Quote from: Robaroni on October 08, 2025, 01:38:54 pmas with all measuring equipment - they do "like" to be powered on from time to time - I usually turn on everything that I rarely use at least once per month for 1-2 hours - this usually keeps things operational. On the other hand your one is not very old even if it would happen to be from first Keysight branded production batch still "only" over 10 years old. Had some mem problems with few Agilent and Keysight scopes but they fixed them FOC usually.

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 02:55:54 pm
content: Does Tequipment still honor the EEVblog 10%?It's helped me in the past several times - thanks Dave!

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 02:58:27 pm
content: Quote from: kmoonwalker on October 08, 2025, 02:55:30 pmThat's a good idea. Things like electronic loads don't get used everyday and then sometimes constantly for a week!I'll run my instruments today.

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 03:02:07 pm
content: Quote from: Kean on October 08, 2025, 05:44:04 amWait, are you suggesting the early firmware on any device wasn't ideal?Quote from: Robaroni on October 08, 2025, 12:21:42 pmSiglent is the best brand in the budget market, and their track record for support, bug fixes, and firmware updates is better than most brands, and especially better than Rigol.That said, some of their early firmwares were also not great. In general, their firmwares have become more polished in recent years.Quote from: kmoonwalker on October 08, 2025, 02:46:53 pmThis pricing is a Keysight feature. They quoted me something like $400 for a 3 inch semi rigid cable that you can buy for $10 on eBay.Quote from: Robaroni on October 08, 2025, 02:55:54 pmTequipment is the worst! Saelig.com is the best, and they do have a coupon code available for EEVblog.Thanks,Josh

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 03:07:46 pm
content: Quote from: KungFuJosh on October 08, 2025, 03:02:07 pmI like Saelig but they are in NY and now that I'm retired (sorta!) I gave up my tax certificate.I never had a problem with Tequipment, bought more than one instrument through them, do they still honor the 10%?

author: kmoonwalker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 03:09:24 pm
content: well they did not charged 75% for repair in the past - it would need to be kinda blown inside to justify this level...

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 03:25:40 pm
content: Quote from: kmoonwalker on October 08, 2025, 03:09:24 pmI don't think that's the issue, I think they have a new policy. Everyone gets the same quote, it's an exchange program now. What that means is that probably everyone pays what the worst case scenario repair is. They never asked for pics of my meter or its condition.

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 03:54:32 pm
content: Quote from: Robaroni on October 08, 2025, 03:07:46 pmSomebody else stated Te doesn't honor the coupon anymore. I dunno, I would never buy anything from them. The only times I ever did they either tried to scam me, or sell me used equipment as new.The only time I ever had a problem with something I got from Saelig was the manufacturer's fault, and Saelig made them fix it.

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 04:02:38 pm
content: Here's a relevant story regarding customer service. Keysight is exactly as you've seen. They charge too much and promise nothing special.Keithley also has a high flat-rate for many repairs, but still lower than Keysight. Their price also usually includes proper calibration, and will vary depending on which level of calibration you want.My DAQ6510 was purchased on eBay with a known defect. I was looking to get a price for repair from Keithley, as it was well out of warranty. Keithley said no, this is a defect from that year (2018!), and we'll fix it and calibrate it for you for free. And they did, earlier this year. Nobody else goes that far. They were under no obligation to do so, and I didn't ask them to do that. I made it clear to them that I purchased it on eBay, and was aware of the issue at the time. It made no difference; that is unmatched customer service.It's unlikely that everybody will receive that level of care, but the fact that it's even possible blew my mind. If you get in contact with the right people, it's a whole nuvva level.Thanks,Josh

author: mawyatt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 04:25:59 pm
content: Quote from: KungFuJosh on October 08, 2025, 04:02:38 pmQuite remarkable in todays environment, where the Wall St induced short term next quarter bottom line is all that matters.Hats off to KeithleyBest

author: kmoonwalker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 06:37:33 pm
content: I often said that Tek/Keithley aftersales are extremely customer satisfaction oriented and this proves that againOn the other hand to be fair towards Agilent/Keysight I had few things from coop copanies repaired via Keysight but they were first owners and it had to be proceeded in specific way that service representative contacted them so they would sent back equipment x to be serviced within some range of time and it was done.They also updated some internal parts FOC when equipment was sent just for calibration (this was paid) and we realized that after receiving a DMM or Scope with extra note attached.Problem is that Keysight owners barely ever have access or read service notes and Keysight usually gives specific range of time to return equipment to get it done and later on it is usually paid on contraire to Keithley

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2025, 12:14:45 am
content: I'm getting the Keithley DMM6500 (thanks for the tip KungFuJosh). I checked it out and it's and excellent meter, easily comparable to the 34465A if not superior. I'll keep my 34401A until it is dust, one of the best meters ever made and my daily go to for quick checks.Tek has always been one of my favorite companies, had really good luck with their scopes but this is my first Keithley although they have been in my radar for years.I'll post the the 34465A here. It's in excellent visual condition with original paperwork and box.Thanks everyone for your time and help.Rob

author: mawyatt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2025, 02:02:14 pm
content: Quote from: KungFuJosh on October 08, 2025, 04:02:38 pmThis reminds of a story from a former EE colleague. A friend engineer of his had an Audi and was thinking of trading in for another, he was having trouble with the Audi and difficulty locating an obscure part.Considering something other than another Audi, he was visiting other dealers and was in the Lexus dealership. He requested a Lexus test drive and explained the Audi part problem to the salesperson. A few days later a package arrived with the obscure Audi part from the Lexus dealership!! Guess which car he selected for his next vehicleCustomer Service & Support is part of every important purchase and shouldn't be overlooked. Keithley is stepping up while KS is falling behind it seems.Best

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2025, 02:28:08 pm
content: Whatever happened to -right to repair-?

author: AVGresponding
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2025, 05:04:07 pm
content: Quote from: Robaroni on October 16, 2025, 02:28:08 pmLocking you in to a service contract is more profitable

author: MathWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2025, 05:43:50 pm
content: I'll have to check DMM prices again, they must have gone way up. A few years ago, I didn't want to pay the extra money for new or used HPAK and Keithley 6.5D meters. But they weren't really that much more expensive than the Siglent I got.Now it would be even harder to justify modern HPAK/K for my hobby use. I want to get some more 1970-80's Keithley gear, like an Electrometer, mere-mortals can still fix a lot of stuff in them.

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 16, 2025, 06:06:24 pm
content: Quote from: MathWizard on October 16, 2025, 05:43:50 pmThey are pretty insane now. 34465a - $2800 cad, 34461a - $2200 cad. Even the U1282 handheld meter is bonkers - around $1200 CAD.Maybe that is good for selling my 34461A thoughI really wish Keysight offered better repair/support options that were not crazy priced.

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2025, 08:13:15 pm
content: If they did I would have sent it in, even for $1k it would have been worth it. I told them for what they want to send me a refurb I could almost buy a new meter. Actually I did!Still deciding what I'll do with the 34465A. I'll see how much I like the Keithley and go from there.