Fluke 289 vs Agilent 34450A - Any Reason To Keep The Benchtop? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: ben_r_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2017, 11:06:00 pm
content: I'm doing a bit of back and forth here and would like whatever insight and opinions you guys could offer.I have both the Fluke 289 and Agilent 34450A (with both software upgrades) DMMs. Their spec sheets are here respectively:LINKandLINKMy question is: I have been thinking of selling the Agilent 34450A because unless I'm missing something the Fluke 289 seems to be about equal spec-wise. I don't mind it being a handheld unit and am not attached to the Agilent being a benchtop model. So what I'm trying to decide is, is it worth it to me to keep the Agilent 34450A when I have a potential buyer for it at only a few bucks less than I paid for it? Are there some advantages to the Agilent that I'd be losing?Thanks in advance.

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 12:34:00 am
content: Agilent 34450 has one more digit of resolution and better accuracy (0,015% vs 0.025% DCV, 0,2% vs 0.4% ACV), 4-Wire resistance measurement etc..Spec wise, it is definitely better specced multimeter.. But they are different types of multimeter. Agilent is entry level lab type and Fluke is top of the line handheld for field use..They are meant for slightly different use, and are made for that..If you think Fluke precision is good enough (it probably is, if you don't have specific need for specific precision) and you like it and use it all the time, then maybe you really don't need Agilent..Sell it for good price, and use money to buy something else you will use...I personally would sell the Fluke and buy cheaper handheld DMM for general troubleshooting and have a really precise one for times when I need it.. But that is me and the way I think and work..You need to do what works for you.Regards

author: Jester
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 03:48:10 am
content: I do the vast majority of my electronics work at my bench and felt like I was forever changing batteries on my hand held DMM's. I purchased enough used bench DMM's that I very rarely turn on my hand held DMM's anymore. Not to mention the performance of the 34401A's I use are better than Fluke 87's and the display is much easier on the eye.Summary I'm a lazy dude that does not like to be inconvienced to constantly change batteries at inopportune times.YMMV

author: mmagin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 04:59:58 am
content: Quote from: Jester on January 06, 2017, 03:48:10 amSame here (2 5.5 digit bench meters, 1 6.5 digit, 1 handheld 3.5 digit), though my better bench meters are from the non-backlit LCD era of HP, so the one I use for a lot of casual use is a Racal-Dana 5001 with nice bright red LEDsIn a handheld DMM, I don't find myself wanting more than the Fluke 179 I bought 15 years ago. But I don't find myself using a handheld DMM for more than household electrical work, checking batteries, and casual debugging of devices in-situ. But I can certainly understand the market for high-end handheld DMMs (sophisticated work on large immovable equipment, datalogging to debug intermittent problems, etc.)

author: georges80
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 05:55:02 am
content: The agilent bench meter likely has a MUCH faster display update/sampling rate than the 289.Whether you keep the agilent or not really depends on whether you need its capabilities. Seems like both meters likely have features that you haven't yet (maybe ever) needed... but that's no excuse to not have more toyscheers,george.

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 06:11:59 am
content: The 34450a does have an epic display on it.

author: ben_r_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 04:30:59 pm
content: Thanks for all the input guys. You guys are making me lean more towards keeping both now. Ha. Originally the plan was to sell the Agilent 34450A to put the money towards the new KeySight 34465A (LINK) while they were including the free upgrades. But it looks like the upgrades promotion ended at the end of the year and the looks like the price has gone up. I'd still like to upgrade but for how often I actually get to use my equipment it just isnt worth the additional $640 and no upgrades.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 04:43:13 pm
content: Quote from: Jester on January 06, 2017, 03:48:10 amSame here!

author: ben_r_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 04:47:59 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on January 06, 2017, 04:43:13 pmYea, on that note I have to say I have never had a problem with my Fluke 289's battery life. I use Eneloops in it and it seems to last forever. Wish it could run off of 4 AAs instead of 6 AAs and I wish they would have put an external power supply input on it anyway, but it's never really been a problem for me.

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 06:37:37 pm
content: Quote from: ben_r_ on January 06, 2017, 04:47:59 pmHaving to use batteries is a negative for me though I suppose it is handy if you have a power cut. I would second keeping both - I think you need at least two meters if only to measure say power or input and output voltages.I have three bench supplies and only a very cheap and old DVM that I don't really use.I think this is similar to the workstation vs laptop computer debate. I have a workstation rather than a laptop because I don't need to be portable and the workstation is much more bang for the buck and easier to repair or upgrade. Similarly, I do my electronics on a bench rather than in the field so I don't need a portable meter so I prefer to have more accuracy/resolution for the money by having bench meters.

author: PA4TIM
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 07:57:31 pm
content: My daily drivers are an Agilent U1252A handheld and a Keithley 2000. If I had to keep one it would be the Keithley. But only one meter is no option for me. Not only to measure more things at the same time but also in case one fails (I have more benchmeters as digital handhelds)

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 11:24:54 pm
content: @ben_r_I also have more bench meters than handheld. Bench meters are generally faster, have more resolution, better accuracy, more capability (e.g., 4-wire measurements). Plus, not having to worry about running out of power during a long capture session (assuming the line power doesn't disappear, of course) is a clear bonus.However, if you find that you rarely or never notice a difference between using a handheld and bench meter, then you could sell the bench meter to buy another handheld (it's good to have 2+ DMMs) and something else for your lab (LCR/ESR meter?). I certainly wouldn't recommend upgrading the bench meter if you already find that even the handheld is good enough (i.e., the current bench meter isn't a limiting factor).

author: Assafl
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2017, 04:21:17 pm
content: One of the reasons to keep 2 is to tell if one has strayed and is giving wrong readings.Having 2 tells you at least one is strayed, but not which one is wrong. You'll need 3 to tell which one...

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2017, 07:01:32 pm
content: Quote from: Assafl on January 07, 2017, 04:21:17 pmWhat happened if the 3rd one result is in between those 2 ?

author: Assafl
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2017, 12:47:52 am
content: Quote from: BravoV on January 07, 2017, 07:01:32 pmThen you need more digits.

author: ben_r_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2017, 05:31:00 pm
content: Yea, you guys convinced me. I bailed on selling it to the potential buyer and am going to keep both. I dont want to have only one DMM to rely on and I wont have the money or need to upgrade the bench meter anytime soon, so I suppose I should just stick with what I have. Thanks for the input guys. Always such helpful advice and info on this site. Best engineering forum on the net IMO!

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2017, 03:13:20 am
content: Sounds like a good plan, Ben. Enjoy your meters, but beware -- they have a tendency to multiply over time.

author: FlyingHacker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2017, 04:04:18 am
content: Quote from: bitseeker on January 09, 2017, 03:13:20 amNo,doubt. I just ordered one of those Keysight U1252B meters off eBay. Hard not to at that price.I generally prefer bench meters, though. No worry about batteries.

author: ben_r_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2017, 06:04:37 pm
content: Quote from: FlyingHacker on January 09, 2017, 04:04:18 amYoure referring to that seller that is letting them go for $200 plus shipping ($21 for me) via Best Offer? While that is a nice meter I think Id rather spend a bit less and get something like a Fluke 116 to use as a more mobile/portable DMM. The U1252B just seems like it would be a big bulky, pain to carry around meter like my 289 can be. Plus the battery life on the U1252B isnt anywhere near any of the Flukes and I personally dont like the idea of having to recharge my DMM. Especially with an internal Ni-Mh battery. Maybe if the run time were longer and the internal battery were Li-Ion.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2017, 10:19:27 pm
content: The U1252B is smaller than the newer U1282A, but it's still a largish meter. Mine came with a standard 8.4V NiMH battery (i.e., same shape and connector as an alkaline 9V). The meter can also use 7.2V ones. So, it's not built-in. You can recharge it outside the meter too, if you like. Anyway, just wanted to clarify.

author: ben_r_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2017, 10:26:42 pm
content: Quote from: bitseeker on January 10, 2017, 10:19:27 pmGotcha. That does make it better regarding the battery, I didnt realize that.

author: FlyingHacker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2017, 01:21:03 pm
content: You can also use non-rechargeables in the Agilent if you prefer.It is much more of a meter than the Fluke 117. I have far too many meters as is... a ton of bench meters, and then a Fluke 27, 87V, a pair of Data Precision 248 portables, and now this Agilent/Keysight. Not to mention a bunch of analog meters, both Simpson and Triplett, plus VTVMs, including Triplett's 631, a VOM/battery powered VTVM.Meters are addictive, especially if you mainly buy used ones. You can get a lot of meter for the money.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2017, 06:58:53 pm
content: Quote from: FlyingHacker on January 12, 2017, 01:21:03 pmI resemble that remark.Fortunately (?), other members have even more than we do. So, I don't feel too bad.