Why is my 30 year old HP 3456A so good? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: GhettoTronix
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 24, 2014, 03:11:46 am
content: I love my new old meter!I think it has a secret flux capacitor sauce in the electrolytics. Every time you use it, it shifts time to compensate for drift. I think this could be more powerful than even Chuck Norris. Push a few math buttons and POOF! Chuck Norris was never BORN!Behold the power and use it wisely my friends.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2014, 03:31:40 am
content: How much is that meter cost you anyway ?Remember ...

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2014, 04:21:04 am
content: Quote from: BravoV on January 24, 2014, 03:31:40 amYeah! --exchange rates suck!

author: GhettoTronix
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 24, 2014, 07:24:35 am
content: Quote from: BravoV on January 24, 2014, 03:31:40 amFeebay win for $165. Could have found one cheaper but I liked how the seller responded to my questions. I was confident that I was getting a well cared for machine so I was willing to pay more.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2014, 07:54:22 am
content: why is it so good ? two words : 'Hewlett' and 'Packard' or, in later variations one word : 'Agilent'.that is all you need to know.Those are lab grade machines. not sum-ting-wong lowest price clap it together and shove it out the door in a brown box contraptions

author: muvideo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2014, 08:11:16 am
content: AFAIK and if I remember correctly that was a Transfer Standard Grade Multimeter,the top of the line machine for HP before the 3458A. 3456A stability should be evenbetter than it's successor 3457A.Ciao!

author: SArepairman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2014, 08:17:32 am
content: I think I am going to cut a hole in my wall so I can get some of those.

author: GhettoTronix
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 24, 2014, 09:03:19 am
content: Quote from: SArepairman on January 24, 2014, 08:17:32 amYeah, it doesn't exactly fit on a bench top. I can definitely see some hole cutting in walls to make it fit where you want

author: GhettoTronix
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 24, 2014, 09:50:12 am
content: I have to admit... watching the seebeck effect count at a millionth of a volt at a time is almost erotic.I have a real question.I punched in 6 digit and put it on milli's. I'm getting four past the dot. This is like a 7th digit right? A tenth of a millionth of a volt?

author: daqq
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2014, 10:29:34 am
content: HP... erm... Agilent? Nope, Keysight stuff is one of top companies for measurement tech in the world, and they knew what they were doing and shared no expense. You've got a top of the line model of that era. For 160 USD it's great value.I've got a HP 3455A model, older than me by around 10 years. There's a good chance that it was never recalibrated, at least not in this century. When I got it to work, hooked it up to a voltage source and a 6.5 digit meter that has been just calibrated, the device was VERY well within spec - pretty much equal. The same for resistance.I took a peek inside if you want:http://www.daqq.eu/?p=577Congrats on your new toy!

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2014, 12:34:21 pm
content: Quote from: muvideo on January 24, 2014, 08:11:16 amIndeed. It is a combination of fast screen update, good screen visibility, good voltage reference, and quality construction. It is a shame, that the 3458A doesnt exist in 6 digit resolution, the 36 has worse screen IMHO, also the 37. The new 34401 and 10 is just slow, if you compare it.

author: resistor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2014, 05:16:41 pm
content: Quote from: GhettoTronix on January 24, 2014, 07:24:35 amI got an as-is one for $50 on eBay recently, but the seller knocked off $30 because I was willing to pick it up rather than making him ship it. The only issue with it ended up being a dead electrolytic in the AC power supply. Best $20 I ever spent!

author: GhettoTronix
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 24, 2014, 07:26:36 pm
content: QuoteI considered taking on one of those "as-is" machines but decided not to take the risk. I'm just a noob taking a step up to something more serious. I wanted it to work out of the box with no fuss.Doesn't mean I won't keep my eye out in the future. I would not have passed up a $20 deal either. I have one good machine to start with. Now I can learn how to fix them all! Maybe I will have a rack 10 high some day MWUAHAHAHAHA!

author: GhettoTronix
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 24, 2014, 10:10:04 pm
content: That 55 is nifty too. The removable time capsule module is the witches tits!I also looked at some 57's but settled on the 56 because of it's indestructible reputation. I prefer the LED display and it saved me a few bucks as well.

author: echen1024
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2014, 03:54:00 am
content: The only bummer is it doesn't do current. *sigh* But I suppose that's easy to add with a precision shunt...

author: quarros
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2014, 09:53:08 am
content: Quote from: echen1024 on January 25, 2014, 03:54:00 amNot to mention, it is far safer for the equipment. Less chance blowing it up in an inept moment.

author: Harvs
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2014, 12:40:56 pm
content: When you feel the need to get samples out of it into your PC have a look at this:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hp-3456a-diy-serial-read-out/It's really very easy.