WTB: Bench DMM >=5 1/2 digits (BE) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: pyroesp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2015, 09:42:27 pm
content: Hi all,I'm looking for a working bench multimeter with at least 5 digits, and if possible still calibrated.I live in Belgium so I'd like to buy one in the EU, but as long as customs and shipping prices are reasonable, I don't mind buying one from overseas.I've been looking for quite a while now on ebay but I can't seem to find what I want. The DMMs are either too expensive, too old AND expensive or customs and shipping adds like another 100$.If you happen to have one around you don't use and want to sell it, reply with the DMM model you have. Prices can be discussed in private if that's ok for you ?(edit) Specs:- DCV, ACV, DCI, ACI, resistance, freq (maybe), cap (maybe) (more is better)- accuracy of 0.1% or better for at least DCV, DCI and resistance- budget is 250eur maxCheers.PS: If it's not a calibrated unit, that's ok as long as it works well. I'm planning on buying one of those fancy DMM check from voltagestandard(dot)com.PPS: BE is 230V and I don't have a converter for US AC voltage, so a DMM with only 120V input (or whatever you USA have) is not useful to me.PPPS: If you could send me a pic or two of the meter that would be great too !

author: pelule
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2015, 09:48:29 pm
content: What function you like/need: Volt DC/AC, Current DC/AC, Ohms 2 wire/4 wire...What's the accuracy you like/need?What's your budget?

author: pyroesp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2015, 10:01:20 pm
content: Quote from: pelule on September 20, 2015, 09:48:29 pmMy bad, should have mentioned this above.So:1) DCV and ACV, DCI, ohms 2wire, freq, maybe cap too (more options the better)2) good enough for hobby stuff3) 250eur maxIf 250 is not enough for a 5 1/2 digits, then I'll take a 4 1/2 digits.Cheers

author: pelule
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2015, 10:19:44 pm
content: Still missing the requested accuracy (in % or ppm), resolution does not tell it.You may get 5 1/2 digit at low price, but with crappy accuracy.Accuracy tends to be the main cost factor.

author: pyroesp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2015, 11:03:22 pm
content: Quote from: pelule on September 20, 2015, 10:19:44 pm0.1% or better for at least DCV, DCI and resistance.EDIT:From what I've looked at on ebay, I like the Fluke 8842A, Keithley 199 or an Agilent/HP 3468B, but as long as it has at least the specs mentioned above I don't mind whose it's from.

author: OldSchoolTechCorner
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2015, 12:15:59 am
content: You maybe able to get a HP-Agilent-34401A for around $250 mark, another one worth adding to the list, just when you search on eBay hit the "Follow this search" in green and you will get a email and be notified when someone listed one again and wait. Do this with any meter you decide to go after on eBay, you may get lucky and get one cheap.

author: pyroesp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2015, 12:36:35 am
content: That one is awesome too, the problem is customs and shipping. At 250 I have to add 50$ for shipping and 50$ for customs (from what I've seen on ebay).You might think 350 for the 34401A is a bargain, and it is, but I'm trying not to spend too much.EDIT:I've added the searches to my lists of stuff I followon ebay.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2015, 02:50:49 am
content: The Fluke 884x are pretty nice. Just beware that AC measurement is an option, so if you need it, be sure that the option board is installed. Don't rely on the checkbox on the back of the unit. Ask the seller for confirmation so you have it in "writing" should the meter arrive otherwise.

author: pyroesp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2015, 03:21:07 am
content: It will most likely be used with DC voltages and currents, but the AC measurement can be useful to have.Thanks for the warning, will check with sellers if I ever want to get one of those DMM.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2015, 03:47:49 am
content: Hopefully, you can locate an HP/Agilent 34401A a lot closer to home. I have a couple and they're great machines.

author: _Wim_
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2015, 05:14:33 am
content: Add a philips (fluke) pm2525 to your search. Especially the Philips one (identical to the fluke) can go for very low prices. I have bought 2 of these, and paid 55 and 78 euro. I have a service manual available if desired. Its an older device, but still does the job...

author: pelule
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2015, 06:45:05 pm
content: As you are looking for a 51/2 digit and are asking "what to buy", I assume, you are not yet well equipped yet and thus I assume you have no real experiance in repairing a higher level analog measurement tools. If I am wrong, take my sorry and ignore my advice.Do not by a used one on ebay, if it is not a 100% trustable source. You may get a "partly" damaged tool and may even not able to detect it. Even a "used and fully functional" may have problems you do not recognize.Better to start with a "low cost" new one, even it is less in resolution and in accuracy, but it can be seen as a starter.For getting some eperiance and how "easy" a repair may be, just look to the repair section in this blog.There are also several threads here already, discussing the same question. Thus this may a good start.

author: OldSchoolTechCorner
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2015, 07:07:22 pm
content: Quote from: pelule on September 21, 2015, 06:45:05 pmWas going to bring that up earlier. Very good point and some models like the keithley even being the same model, you can get one that was produced in the 80's, or 90's with bad capacitors that leaked out over the PCB and destroyed traces and tons of hours on it and could be way out of specs. Then you could get a newer revision one with newer firmware and recent calibration and is a good score. So make sure you ask a lot of questions, age of meter, when last calibrated, firmware version when meter boots up, how many hours on it. If VFD display how bright it is? Also look for one that doesn't have a lot of wear and bright VFD display, if it a VFD display one. Best to just buy one at a dealer and get a new less resolution one, or spend the extra and save up and upgrade later if need to.If you do get one on eBay, try to find a knowledgeable seller and ask a lot questions and have them check it out and give you details. Most don't know what they are selling and assume that it power on that it fully working. You can always return it, but then you may not notice the issues right away and could be more hassle then it worth.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 21, 2015, 07:11:33 pm
content: Here is Fluke 8842A without the GPIB and AC ( 35 and 09) options. IF AC measurement isn't necessary, it is only $99 plus shipping on buy now:http://www.hakko.com/english/products/t12_t15_with_fm202.html14 day money back guarantee.

author: OldSchoolTechCorner
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2015, 07:14:52 pm
content: Quote from: gazelle on September 21, 2015, 05:06:57 pmIs a great model, I restored one, but known to have bad capacitors and other components on older revisions.

author: OldSchoolTechCorner
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2015, 07:19:15 pm
content: The fluke 8842A, it has voltage selector, great deal for price, just ask if he ship out of USA for a few buck more.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fluke-8842A-Digital-Multimeter-5-1-2-Digit-Bench-with-VFD-/181877319281?hash=item2a58bba671

author: pelule
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2015, 07:27:51 pm
content: A tip from a frequently international buyer:Contact the seller first for possible international shipment and expected shipping cost. EBAY is calculating wrong very often.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fluke-8842A-Digital-Multimeter-5-1-2-Digit-Bench-with-VFD-/181877319281?hash=item2a58bba671This seller does not offer int shipping in his offer for example, so you have to ask.You need also to take custom and VAT cost into account, in Germany f.e. VAT is 19% of price (including shipping cost) + 7% of the cost including VAT. So this +23% of price + shipping cost. Make many international buying inatractive.So my advice, look continental (in Europe) first.The Fluke 45 is a nice one, mostly cheaper than the 8840A, see Dave's tear down, presented shortly.

author: pyroesp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2015, 11:38:04 pm
content: It is true I can't say exactly what I want, never had a bench multimeter before, but I'm sick of the shitty handheld multimeter I'm using and I want something way better.I'm most definitely not looking for a meter who will fail after a few months of usage.Anyways, thanks for all the advice and ebay tips guys. I've had a few offers in PM that I'll look into.