Keithley 2015 THD ebay bargain - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Mark666
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2014, 07:52:40 pm
content: Bought a new Keithley 2015 THD multimeter on ebay for £275 including delivery. I was uncertain if it would be new for that sort of money and took a chance.The meter arrived within a few days and the box was still factory sealed, although the box was a bit worse for wear. The year of manufacture was 2008 and it was manufactured in the USA. The box contained an AC signal analysis quick reference manual, CD-ROM, test leads and certificate of calibration.Having tried out various functions and making measurements it’s so fast compared to my other meters. It’s a lovely bit of kit although I don’t have any need for the audio analyser at the present time. Checked the DC voltage against my small reference box and its accurate to 0.0001v at 2.5V.It’s my best ever purchase and doubt I could have bought second hand for that sort of money.

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2014, 09:49:10 pm
content: Nice catch.I spotted that seller's 2015s too late - when they were down to the last one and had jacked the price up to £495, I managed to resist TopLoser's sale at £450 as well but succumbed to a used 2000 for a bit under £250 - only just paid so we'll see what it's like when it turns up.I don't mind that it's the 2000 rather than the 2015 - I'd never have any use for the THD measurements anyway.Obviously I can't justify it in any way shape or form at all

author: NowandZen
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2014, 10:33:21 pm
content: Quote from: Mark666 on May 31, 2014, 07:52:40 pmI bought the one listed after yours and paid £295 inc delivery for mine which arrived a few days ago. It also was a sealed, unopened box complete with all documents and probes. Manufactured 2008 with calibration certificate from same year. Mine had a european IEC lead and was factory set to 220v.Works perfectly and is awesome, what a bargain. Seems to be still available new to special order for around US$4300Some lucky person bought the first one offered by this seller for £250 inc delivery

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2014, 07:53:26 am
content: On a related note...Does anyone have any recommendations for a calibration service that won't break the bank. A lot (most?) of cal houses don't put prices on their web sites but just a "request a quote link" - I always feel that starts to fall into "If you have toaskthe price, you can't afford it" territory.There are a couple of places that advertise traceable ISO-9001 (etc) compliant cals for about £30 on ebay, has anyone used any of these?QuoteYes - possibly the seller didn't really know the value to start with.ebay seems to be quiet at the moment, probably still in the doldrums following the password debacle - might be a generally good time to grab bargains.Edit: I see they still have one but at£695slightly less of a bargain (still a reasonable price though).

author: Bryan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2014, 08:56:28 am
content: Here is a good one, but the display is a little hard to read.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Keithley-2015-Total-Harmonic-Distortion-Multimeter-/231166283545?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35d2958f19

author: NowandZen
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2014, 09:57:03 am
content: Quote from: grumpydoc on June 01, 2014, 07:53:26 amWhen I had my Fluke 8840 calibrated a few months ago I tried a couple of the sellers on ebay offering calibration for £30 or so and they only do handheld multimeters and PAT testers, not bench meters. I ended up using a company in Edinburgh and it cost £55 plus vat plus carriage both ways. Carriage was about £15 each way as had to be a a tracked and insured service. This seems to be the going rate for most Calibration companies, so it cost me £95 all in to get it calibrated.Calibrate.co.uk have their prices online, haven't used their services but they seem to be a professional outfit.http://www.calibrate.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/calibrate-price-list-v2-w.pdf

author: nowlan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2014, 10:53:15 am
content: Which seller had the new in box meters?

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2014, 10:55:43 am
content: Quote from: grumpydoc on June 01, 2014, 07:53:26 amI tried a similar service in Germany, found it also on ebay a few years ago and it was terrible experience. The Fluke RCL meter was completely out of calibration but I had a nice certificate. I got my money back and gave the RCL meter to a real Fluke calibration service and it was right on the spot, just cost a lot more.Since then I have not touched any of the low cost calibration services.You guys got all very lucky to find the Keithley at such a bargain. Congratulations.

author: Wuerstchenhund
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2014, 11:02:37 am
content: Quote from: nowlan on June 01, 2014, 10:53:15 amwww.ebay.co.uk/itm/201095123781

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2014, 01:03:38 pm
content: Quote from: NowandZen on June 01, 2014, 09:57:03 amI can't imagine many places can calibrate a 6.5 digit meter and those that do I'd expect to be charging far more than that.

author: Mark666
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2014, 02:05:32 pm
content: $4340 (£2,589.19) to order at Newark.com in the US.http://www.newark.com/keithley/2015/total-harmonic-distortion-dmm/dp/59T7535Had a card in the box to request a full printed manual, as its six years old stock I doubt they would send it to me?Does anyone know if Keighley would sell me a printed manual as it would be more useful than the pdf one supplied?The seller obviously had no idea that they cost so much new.

author: andersm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2014, 02:29:09 pm
content: Quote from: Wuerstchenhund on June 01, 2014, 11:02:37 amIt's funny to click the chain of relist links, and see the price go up every time.

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2014, 02:39:19 pm
content: QuoteIt wasn't that funny to start at £495 and click back through the re-list links to find the price goingdownevery time.

author: Dave
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2014, 02:50:12 pm
content: Sold listingsThe first one started at £250.

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2014, 03:53:09 pm
content: I'm expecting the 2000 I bought from TopLoser to arrive tomorrow. Though not quite as much of a bargain as a 2015 for £250 I expect to be pleased with it as it comes calibrated and with a warranty until August. The extra THD stuff would be fun to have but I don't think I'd use it much except to check a AWG if I ever get round to getting one of those.Quote from: grumpydoc on June 01, 2014, 07:53:26 amI've not used them but RS seem to offer reasonable prices for calibrations - I'm not sure how good they are on 6 1/2 digits but their price for bench meters is £58 + VAT with free collection and delivery.https://uk.rs-online.com/web/generalDisplay.html?id=services/calibrationI was going to use them for my 5 1/2 digit meter but as I should now have a calibrated 6 1/2 digit meter tomorrow I'll use that as a comparison instead.

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2014, 06:57:25 pm
content: QuoteI was sufficiently hacked off with their YouTube marketing video that I'm not buying from them at the moment - not a difficult decision as I never bought anything from the anywayLooks like I will be asking for quotes for calibration in the not too distant future. No real point owning such a meter without getting it calibrated. I'll post the quotes if I get enough.

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2014, 07:08:38 pm
content: Quote from: grumpydoc on June 01, 2014, 06:57:25 pmI'll be interested to know how you get on. One place that I came across in my searching was the old Plessey calibration facility:http://www.absolutecal.co.uk/index.htmlI think they'd do a good job but would probably be rather pricey. (It is one of these get a quote place.)One thing that interested me is that they state they can calibrate Voltage references to 0.34ppm for 10V. (If I ever get around to building a voltage reference it would be good to have a UK place to get it calibrated.)

author: ivaylo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2014, 02:36:47 am
content: This guy would accept offers lower than what you paid -http://www.ebay.com/itm/171346203896(not much but still, with free shipping too). Ask me how I know

author: josem
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2014, 06:51:59 am
content: Wow, what's the story with theses meters? The same seller just listed another one for at BIN £195!Was instantly bought of course, some forum lurker I'm sureBut really, seems like an incredible deal.. too incredible... umm.

author: mr.os
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2014, 06:59:07 am
content: I've got mine from here:http://www.ebay.de/itm//281252776324- Without the handle but in very good condition.The seller accepts offers that are much lower than the buy it now price (at least he has done this last year)

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2014, 07:10:54 am
content: QuoteYes, and another one at £150!.Those were described as "used" - even so wished I'd spotted them, would have been a no-brainer - but the sales must have lasted seconds

author: josem
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2014, 07:29:46 am
content: Quote from: grumpydoc on June 02, 2014, 07:10:54 amYeah, "Unit has been only lightly used and is in excellent condition." and going by the photo it is really in excellent shape.The £150 must have been a mistake, the item was immediately relisted at £195:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201100480124Still an fantastic deal considering it even includes shipping.

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2014, 07:39:07 am
content: QuoteNo, it looks like three separate sales - two at £150 last night and one at £195 this morning.I was actually looking at that seller's items on and off yesterday so slightly surprised I missed them.

author: josem
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2014, 07:50:22 am
content: Quote from: grumpydoc on June 02, 2014, 07:39:07 amYeah you're right of course, Ebay's interface was confusing me. I was tracking them as well but never saw anything pop up yesterday either, only this one this morning. Wonder if there are more coming, tempted to ask seller but don't want to seem too keen :-)

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2014, 08:53:59 am
content: Another used one bit the dust at £195 this morning, still have the new-old-stock item at £695.That one's been on for a good few days - looks like the ebay value of a "new" 2015 has been declared at somewhere between £500-700

author: NowandZen
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2014, 11:10:36 pm
content: I have a 2015 which had been rack mounted, so no handle.Does anyone know where I can get a Keithley 2000 / 2015 handle for a reasonable price?I'm in the UK but anywhere considered if postage isn't too expensive!Thanks!

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2014, 01:05:44 pm
content: QuoteMight be worth asking Keithley themselves - they say spares are available; can't say I've ever noticed a handle on ebay.My 2000 turned up and I have to say that the handle seems rubbish - I'm not surprised they break which means there are probably more handle-less Keithley DMMs than DMM-less handles looking for a home.Pleased to say it agrees very closely with my HP3478 on DCV, to within 0.001%, but if they are correct then my DMMCheck is 0.018% high (possibly the case since it hasn't been back for adjustment since I bought it two years ago).Edit: I note the ebay seller with the 2015's has now sold a dozen!

author: Rycroft
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2014, 05:25:56 am
content: Keithley sell a kit to convert a rack mount to bench. It comes with the handle, mounting ears and feet. I believe it it is called the 2000 Benchkit.

author: ivaylo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2014, 05:00:21 pm
content: The US seller who moved a bunch of 2015s seems to have disappeared. Mine was supposed to arrive by June 5th but it was never even marked shipped. Opened a case with eBay but really hope this ain't a scam (already had to fight someone this year selling a Maynuo PSU waaay cheaper...)

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2014, 05:37:32 pm
content: and £100 for me..(ordered one now, couldn't stand the pressure anymore.. )Do tell how it looks like, pictures if you can?

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2014, 06:01:58 pm
content: Quote£18 now so I assume that the one with £15 postage sold.I notice the description has subtly changed as well, it started out as "Unit has been only lightly used in a Lab and is in good condition.", then "No Handles" was added, now the phrase "only lightly" has been dropped.I googled the sellers email address and they have a web site -http://www.mercatorencore.co.uk/- looks like they specialise in decommissioning works, so they could have any number of 2015's.The address on the website is only about a mile from a previous employer of mine. Hmmm......

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2014, 06:33:25 pm
content: saw the changes in the description too, will be interresting to see what it ends up with..Hope it is somewhat in calibration still, will compare with my 34461 to see how it works, don't need supercalibration, but the should match somehow.

author: josem
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2014, 07:00:30 pm
content: I was lucky to still get one of those £195 with free shipping. It came with certification stickers from GSMobile and an Electrical Safety Test sticker also from GSMobile dated 28 Nov 2010.Calibration date stored (via Shift+Cal) was 10/20/10 with next due on 10/20/11...The packaging wasn't great but it arrived in good condition - a testament to the build quality. Gave it a good clean with foam cleaner (the display had some sticky stuff) and looks as good as new.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2014, 09:23:34 pm
content: Maybe there are no more 2015's now, now it turned up an 2306 instead...

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2014, 09:59:26 am
content: It arrived this morning - and I am less than impressed with its condition.There is mild corrosion on the metal base and when turned on with open terminals it has a high reading that ends up around 0.778V (measured on slow - on fast its impossible to see the values).The display is also pretty dim.But when I short the terminals it measures close to zero volts and on testing dc Volts (the only thing I had time for before leaving for work) it seemed ok ( a tad low) from 300mV up to 30V.I checked the last cal and it was 08/05/09 which I guess is 5 Aug 2009 not the 8 May 2009.The cal count is 10 - I don't know if it is 10 or if 10 is the maximum figure stored. This implies that the age is around turn-of-the-century 1999?I won't return it because I've already ordered replacement capacitors and a handle kit and besides I think it will be fun to try and improve it by recapping and perhaps cleaning and do any other checks within my limited capabilities.I am viewing it as a sort of restoration project which probably means I'll end up destroying it completely!

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2014, 10:38:26 am
content: Quote from: josem on June 12, 2014, 07:00:30 pmHope you notified the seller about the packaging if its not good, I'm expecting one from same seller, that is going go be delivered to Norway, hope it's well packaged..

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2014, 10:41:22 am
content: Quote from: jpb on June 13, 2014, 09:59:26 amSeems like this will be interesting.. keeping my fingers crossed for my unitQuote from: jpb on June 13, 2014, 09:59:26 amfor something that is sold as in good condition, an restoration project is not what one expect..

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2014, 11:05:50 am
content: QuoteThat, at least is to be expected - with very high input impedances the terminals charge up very quickly and can reach quite high voltages.The more interesting test is to short the inputs which should show only a few uV or less of noise in slow and medium update rates (a bit more in fast as the meter is then only 5 1/2 digits), so yours is probably OK in that regard.The display on mine was a bit dim also - there has been past discussion on rejuvinating old VFD displays (but it's a strictly at your own risk procedure).

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2014, 12:00:49 pm
content: Quote from: grumpydoc on June 13, 2014, 11:05:50 amThat is a relief to hear. I expected a few mV but 0.778V was uncomfortably near to a diode forward voltage!I'm hoping that the display improves a bit when I replace the capacitors - this seemed to happen on my Advantest, I might measure the 37V supply and see if that is a little down.It might not look quite so dim if I didn't have my much newer meter to compare it to!

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2014, 01:47:09 pm
content: Is there an capacitor kit you ordered?, or just a list of know caps?And, is there servicemanuals and stuff around?

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2014, 02:26:19 pm
content: Quote from: neslekkim on June 13, 2014, 01:47:09 pmI got the list from the service manual:http://www.tequipment.net/assets/1/26/Documents/Keithley/2015/2015_doc_2.pdfTables 6.1 and 6.2.I just ordered ones with long service life/low ESR from Farnell - I went for quite expensive good name ones on the grounds that if I'm spending a lot of time fiddling I don't want to put in cheap parts. I've also ordered myself some cotton gloves as the service manual says you should wear them when handling the boards to avoid leaving grease on the tracks. Perhaps a little over the top.I probably should have waited until I got the instrument before ordering as I had to guess at leg spacing but I'm sure I can work my way around it if I got the wrong spacing - it just won't be as neat.One thing that puzzles me is the list shows the right number of electrolytic caps for the smaller board but for the larger board there seem to be two more in the teardown photos than are on the list - I'll find out for sure when I get a chance to open mine up this weekend.

author: rolycat
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2014, 02:53:04 pm
content: I was lucky enough to catch one of these for £150, but when it arrived wrapped in nothing but a couple of layers of bubble wrap there were sinking feelings. These got stronger when it emerged sporting a badly bent rack mount bracket and some gouges in the edges of the face panel.I contacted the seller about the damage and he gave me a partial refund of £50, so the total cost was just £100 in the end.Happily the meter itself is working well - like others from this seller the VFD is getting a little dim, but it's still perfectly readable. Some minimal testing on the THD measurement feature shows that to be working too.Accuracy looks excellent, despite the abuse - I had temporary access to another 2015THD and they agreed to within a few digits on voltage, current and resistance ranges.

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2014, 03:14:00 pm
content: I bought one for £195 + £15 yesterday. In the photo it looked really clean, though I see the same photo is being used for multiple listings which is deceptive business practice IMHO.Will be interested to see what it's like when it turns up, and to compare it with my 2000 which was calibrated a couple of years ago and should still be pretty accurate.

author: rolycat
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2014, 04:30:12 pm
content: Quote from: AndyC_772 on June 13, 2014, 03:14:00 pmI had a go at the seller about that, and about the inadequate packaging - he obviously hasn't mended his ways on the listings, so it'll be interesting to see if he's packing them any better.It's a shame Kev (KJDS) has run out, he knows how to protect kit for transit and is an all-round great bloke to deal with. This new guy's prices are approaching Kev's now he's twigged how sought-after they are. The latest used one is on offer for £250 + £20 postage (and there's another new one for £695). I wonder how many more he has?

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2014, 06:15:30 pm
content: They seem to have had an odd sales strategy - start with the best for least money and gradually hike the price and move to the worst items.It's almost as if they didn't really know the value of these when they started selling - which for a company specialising in decommissioning seems odd.

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2014, 08:58:51 pm
content: They are poor at measuring low level AC current. Here's a video i made a while ago

author: Thilo78
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2014, 09:15:51 pm
content: Quote from: KJDS on June 13, 2014, 08:58:51 pmI'd think that it's some issue with the range.All VDC measurements look very similar, even spot on between the two units.Measuring the current (DCI) in mA range also gives similar values.Only in the ACA range one is off by 50%.Is this common behaviour of the 2015?Or is there a fault in the Amp range circuitry?edit: More details

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2014, 09:32:18 pm
content: Quote from: KJDS on June 13, 2014, 08:58:51 pmThanks for that.Thinking about it, the issue is the rms noise on the converter which is typically is around 100 counts on 5 1/2 digits on 1V VAC range and this then makes the noise floor on AAC around 1 mA which was the level I was trying to measure.(The noise on AAC corresponds to that on VAC between the two meters.) I presume the measurement resistor is 1 ohm.

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2014, 09:40:17 pm
content: Quote from: Thilo78 on June 13, 2014, 09:15:51 pmIf you look at the VAC with short circuit screen shots above and then look at the AAC with no connections also shown above there is a close correlation.The Keithley manual states that the typical rms VAC short-circuit noise is around 100 counts in 5 1/2 digit 1V range this is around 1mV.In the 1A range AAC the sense resistor seems to be 1 ohm so that the noise floor is then 1mA rms.So fundamentally though the resolution is 1 microAmp the noise floor is 1 mA !Edit : this is probably interesting enough for a new thread!NB from the specs the lowest range is 1A, the error specs are 0.04% of the range which is 0.4 mA but this seems inconsistent with 1mA as a noise floor.

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2014, 09:57:12 pm
content: QuoteThe spec sheet says that it is 0.1ohmsSo, 1A corresponds to the 100mV range for ACVI get 70uV of RMS noise on the 2015 (haven't checked the 2000) which means about 700uA of RMS noise on current.

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2014, 10:00:47 pm
content: Quote from: grumpydoc on June 13, 2014, 09:57:12 pmFortunately, a Fluke 25, which cost (almost) peanuts does a far better job of measuring low currents than the 2015THD

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2014, 08:36:04 pm
content: I've found a few more at the back of the storage unit, PM me if interested.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2014, 11:24:45 am
content: Got my meter now, now I wish myself some feets and handles.. The local retailer doesn't answer my emails about that..

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2014, 12:24:17 pm
content: My 2015THD arrived yesterday - wrapped in bubble wrap (no box!!), and it's clearly not the one that was in the photo. The display bezel is (slightly) damaged and it has just one rack mount ear fitted. Not impressive, really, and I won't be leaving positive feedback.But, that said: its display is clear and bright, much more so than my old 2000. And once they've warmed up, both meters agree to within a few counts on a simple DC voltage measurement, which I take as a very good sign. It announces itself as Rev B17 A02.

author: rolycat
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2014, 01:05:08 pm
content: Quote from: AndyC_772 on June 17, 2014, 12:24:17 pmIt could be worth opening a case with eBay and requesting a partial refund - as mentioned earlier I got £50 back after providing photos of the (superficial) damage.The drongo obviously doesn't care about the inadequate packaging; maybe if enough people demand refunds he'll start giving a damn.

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2014, 01:41:04 pm
content: It looks more like 'lab damage' than courier damage to me, like it's taken a knock from a tool at some point during its life. It's minor and not worth the effort of arguing IMHO.My time is not free, and in the time it would take me to gather and submit evidence to put in a claim, I could instead be doing useful work for a customer and earning more than I'd hope to win back.I just think it's dishonest to advertise one item with a photo of another, especially when the one actually being sold is (superficially) in worse condition.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2014, 01:50:53 pm
content: Quote from: AndyC_772 on June 17, 2014, 01:41:04 pmSame here, the one pictured looked practically new, mine also have an last cal date back in 2008, can be interesting to see how that turns out..

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2014, 04:04:35 pm
content: And one of the two screws under it are rusted so I cannot open it.. damn.

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2014, 05:10:07 pm
content: I'm not particularly happy with the physical state of mine at a superficial level but electrically it seems in good condition - I've done some tests on the input impedance (relative to my 2000) and it is good as well.Personally I think the price was fair, I already knew from Grumpy doc that the condition wasn't going to be brilliant cosmetically when I bought it and I certainly don't want to return it so I don't want to open a case.

author: smorphet
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 17, 2014, 05:58:23 pm
content: Mine also arrived rolled up in bubble wrap! It had a single rack ear, which was slightly bent, but I wasn't expecting rack ears at all, and perhaps it served to protect that corner of the meter. The meter itself was just a bit grubby, but has cleaned up fine. A little bit of corrosion on the rear panel appears only to be superficial. Out of cal since 2009, but everything seems to be working properly, and as far as I can determine, it is accurate.I also thought the price was fair, so left +ve feedback, but with a comment about the packaging as a warning to others.

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2014, 09:41:28 pm
content: I see that at least one hasresurfaced with a higher price tagThe seller has a nice story but co-incidentally left positive feedback for a 2015 he bought for £295 on the 29th of May from the supplier we all know and love(?).This, kiddies, is why you have separate buy and sell accounts on ebay

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2014, 02:52:46 pm
content: I've now recapped mine and succeeded in breaking one of the hex screws holding the GPIB connector (I over tightened it)I also didn't do a brilliant job on replacing the Caps - it is very hard to desolder and replace without making the traces a bit worse - fortunately I shouldn't need to do it again for 10 years or so I hope.I also was a bit impatient and ordered the caps before the instrument arrived so some of them were not quite the right physical size.I have also replaced most of the screws and tried to clean up some of the corrosion but mainly succeeded in removing the printing instead!I also found a small plastic piece rattling around inside which comes from one of two that help hold the display board in place - it had broken probably in transit. Not a great problem but annoying.Enough of the negatives - having put it back together again I was amazed to find it still works and in fact works rather well. Sadly the display is no brighter but it is readable.I have also had a play with the THD generator outputs and measured the distortion of the output at around -68dB to -70dB which is well within the -64dB spec.Here are some pictures:

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2014, 02:55:03 pm
content: Some ACV pictures(ie to look at rms converter noise)

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2014, 02:58:18 pm
content: The THD stuff :Showing the generator (sine and inverted sine) output on an oscilloscope and the THD measurement of 5 harmonics (per the spec)

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2014, 09:13:37 pm
content: Thanks to grumpydoc I now have fitted feet and a handle to go with the new display, the new screws and multiply replaced caps - so here is the final version next to my Keithley 2000:

author: andrewwong2000
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2014, 06:26:24 am
content: Just got one of these too... looking like a bargain if I can establish is mine is accurateShorting the 2 wire input and doing DCV, I'm getting about 30 counts.. or 3uV of noise. I'm thinking this is OK based on the specs.Might be talking to myself but:Doing a THD with the internal signal source, I'm getting a THD of 0.02% or -74dB (for 1kHz, 0.5v RMS). According to the specs,the unit has a distortion floor of 0.004% or -87dB, and the built-in source has a specification THD of -64dB (which is 0.063%).Therefore is that telling me I need a better signal source, to measure below 0.02% THD on my unit ?

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2014, 07:15:01 am
content: QuoteDepends on conversion rate and averaging - there's a table in the manual somewhere.

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2014, 10:17:44 am
content: Quote from: andrewwong2000 on September 22, 2014, 06:26:24 amYes, you need a better signal source to test the measurement side. I used one off e-bay - see this post for my results :https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/ebay-1khz-test-signal-for-thd-measurements-used-with-keithley-2015-thd/msg474629/#msg474629

author: crmaris
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2014, 07:54:20 pm
content: bought mine from this seller (f1power01). Very good overall condition and got it in a real bargain price!http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281252776324?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIThttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm9cCyZpOiM&feature=youtu.be

author: Signal Simon
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2014, 02:25:40 pm
content: Quote from: jpb on June 13, 2014, 09:59:26 amI've just got one, probably from the same source... After unboxing and letting it acclimatise I powered it up.The display on DCV started counting up (or should that be down?) to -1.2V, then resetting and counting again in a cycle.Cal in '05, NDUE in '08.I left it to warm up, but also connected my Fluke to the input terminals.The Fluke then showed the same reading as was on the Keithley.... which would point to some internal leakage current.Going to leave it on a few more hours - if it's no better I'm going to ask for a replacement, seen as the seller seems to have some more.Simon.

author: rolycat
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2014, 04:27:59 pm
content: Quote from: Signal Simon on November 06, 2014, 02:25:40 pmThe meter has an input impedance in excess of 10 gigohms, so it will tend to accumulate a charge without an input connection.If it's still 'counting' or has a nonzero reading with a relatively low impedance meter like a handheld Fluke connected then you may have a problem, but otherwise it sounds like normal behaviour.

author: andrija
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2014, 05:47:29 pm
content: The Keithley seems capable of measuring a bit better than specified. With Victor's ultralow distortion oscillator or with just a good soundcard, it goes to 0.001% or lower. It may not be accurate values (didn't check) but it certainly doesn't have a "noise floor" at 0.004% and will at least give an indication that you are lower than that. It looks fine for covering the 16 bit dynamic range (96-98dB). Built in oscillator is also a bit better than they spec, can't remember exactly but seems closer to -70dB rather than 64.I got this as a "poor man's" Audio Precision and it certainly works great - real time THD shows you changes as you keep fiddling with the circuit. E.g. at which output voltage your amplifier's THD goes wild. Or alternately, you use your sound card for analysis - which goes much lower - and then use Keithley for sanity check and to debuff snobs who tell you that you must spend $10k in measurement equipment to be doing anything worthwhile in audio.

author: Signal Simon
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2014, 05:51:49 pm
content: It's been a few hours now...I still get the same count to -1.2V with the inputs open, but with the inputs shorted the reading has changed from +0.0045mV to -0.0029mVConnected to the Fluke, the reading is hovering around -0.8mV, but spikes up to +60mV and -38mV can be seen over the period of a minute.Audio gen seems to work ok, THD reading connected directly is about 0.018 to 0.020%, which is a bit higher than I expected.Rack bracket screws and one of the rear panel screws are rusty, so looks like it has been stored somewhere damp.Simon.

author: Signal Simon
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2014, 07:32:52 pm
content: I've just had another watch of IanJ's YouTube video on replacing the display in the 2015THD.He has two of these meters sat side by side on the shelf and I noticed that both of them do the cyclic count-up to -1.2V.So it seems I'm worrying about nothingAndrija, you reckon I will get better results using a decent soundcard?The pain about computers and audio is grounding. And the annoying ground loops that go with them once you factor in some test kit, eg 'scope.I know the Keithley is fully isolated source/measure/ground so that's a big bonus.I think you're right though describing the Kethley as a poor man's AP. More than good enough for comms systems, but not exactly pro-audioOn to testing some amplifiers.... Time to play!Simon.

author: IanJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 06, 2014, 08:29:52 pm
content: Quote from: Signal Simon on November 06, 2014, 07:32:52 pmYes they do........but select the 100v or 1000v scale and they stay at 0vdc.Without nulling, and shorted (1mtr lead) on the mV scale I get 0.0035mV and 0.0003mV on the other.Ian.

author: Signal Simon
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2014, 10:05:38 pm
content: Thanks for the reply Ian,I left my meter powered up all day. Since I saw yours do the same as mine, I've decided it isn't faulty.I've removed the front panel and given everything a good clean and polish.The wires to the 4mm sockets just pull off, but the white wire on the Amps jack doesn't.You need to remove the fuse and then the spring and contact can be unthreaded through the bottom of the fuseholder moulding.After it's been in bits, cleaned and made to do some work, it seems to behave a lot better.The mV offset is showing 0.0015mV at the moment, but it was 0.0089mV just a few minutes ago.Given the input impedance of the unit, I think there may still be some absorbed moisture that needs to be driven out.Simon.

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2014, 10:20:34 pm
content: I've just rechecked mine and it also cycles to -1.2V on open circuit with default settings.Shorted out (just two terminals shorted) is around 0.0025mV though it varies up to about 0.0030mV so Signal Simon yours seems fine (or mine is equally broken!)I took mine apart quite a few times to change capacitors and the screen and most of the screws but I was careful to wear white cotton gloves to avoidcompromising the high impedance.

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2014, 09:55:46 pm
content: Quote from: jpb on November 06, 2014, 10:20:34 pm@jpcI have a K2015 , and haven't changed the caps yet.Do you have a list of what caps i need to get (please) ? .... I'm in a lazy mood right now/Bingo

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2014, 10:34:58 pm
content: Quote from: bingo600 on November 07, 2014, 09:55:46 pmI'm sorry I did have a list (or rather the highlighted and annotated print out from the service manual) but now I can't find it.I basically changed all the electrolytics listed under replaceable parts in section 6 of the service manual (you have to go through the lists for each board):http://exodus.poly.edu/~kurt/manuals/manuals/Keithley/KEI%202015%20Service.pdfI made the mistake of ordering the parts before my K2015 arrived and then found some of them were physically the wrong size. Also there was at least one that was on the list and not on the board (or was it the other way around).So to avoid wasting money as I did, you need to look on the board and get the exact specs from the manual. But be very careful to get both the lead spacing and the physical height correct. I replaced one on the main board with one that was a bit taller and then found it kept scraping on the lid when I tried to close things up again!Sorry not to be more helpful, it was a little while ago that I did this and my office/study/lab/library is in a state of chaos at present!