What multimeter would you love to try (buy)? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: zaoka
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2013, 11:15:37 pm
content: What multimeter would you love to try (buy)?I would love to try HIOKI DT4282, Sanwa PC710 and Gossen Metrawatt MetraHit 25S.I own several meters and somehow always find something that I dont like with it.For example Agilent U1272A I dont like that beeping every time its turned on or if exiting sleep mode. Also I hate that dark and hard to see display. Switch has that cheap feeling...Fluke 87V, i dont like capacitance mode, when testing over 1000uF it keeps jumping and usually measure 20% higher that if I test the same capacitor with other meters I have.HIOKI 3805-50 I love, it has perfect display contrast, stable capacitance reading, fast bargraph, probably the best rotary switch feeling that I ever tried, its very fast with DC... everything except battery life. Battery lifetime is for guiness records.What meter would you like to try and what you dont like with your current multimeter?

author: Rick Law
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2013, 01:43:02 am
content: Must it be a production model?I love a 8 digit DMM that is easy to use. As easy as pocket size DMM today - pull it out, turn it on, take a measurement, stuff it back into the pocket.But, that doesn't exist.If I must choose from the production models, I would choose the HP3478A. Good, durable, and not outrageous in price.As to what I like/dislike with my current DMM:(I am ignoring my older dmm's and focus on my new tool: the UT-61E, I have two RadioShack pocket DMM, and a cheap DT830 that I use mainly as a voltmeter/ampmeter connected to my power supply.)What I like about my DMM (UT61E):- It does most of what I need better then I need them to be. (+-1%, 2%, or even 3% is adequate.)- It repaired my vanity. With my three old DMM's, when my wife's car wouldn't start, I cannot even tell what the car-battery voltage was between the three of them. My vanity was hurt. I can't have that.- Cheap - Since I don't really absolutely need a new DMM, I hate feeling guilty spending on it each time I turn the darn thing on.What I don't like about my DMM (UT61E):- Too big.- Too jumpy. When my hand gets close, it causes enough interference (EM/static electricity) that causes the last digit to move a notch or two. A piece of aluminum foil will fix that (I tried, and it did).- mA/uA measurement is there for decoration only. This is one I could use that the meter doesn't do well on.- I wish it has two channels. I like to measure more than one thing at a time. My excuse for buying the meter was: I was suspecting my PSU on my home server. I sure like to be able to monitor 3.3v, 5v, and 12v in one go. If the meter has two channels, I can monitor the three voltages and see which one dipped when the server hiccups. With just one channel, I have to do it twice.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2013, 02:23:21 am
content: Gossen Ultra (Drantez in the US).The idea of having a 6.5 digit handheld that can do 4 wire resistance measurements is very tempting to save space. Unfortunately, it's not likely to happen given the cost.

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2013, 02:28:13 am
content: A Fluke 8508A just because I've never used one in person. Have used a 3458a though.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2013, 04:22:41 am
content: I want to try a Vichy VC87. I want to know why people paying nearly $90 to $100 for a Vichy 97 dressed up with VSD feature.http://offer.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewBidsLogin&_trksid=p2047675.l2564&rt=nc&item=120883863204

author: cyr
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2013, 05:35:21 am
content: Quote from: Fsck on March 27, 2013, 02:28:13 amThe opposite for me, we have a 8508A at work but I've never seen a 3458a in real life. Would be nice to try one (or better yet, own one).

author: madshaman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2013, 06:14:10 am
content: Quote from: Rick Law on March 27, 2013, 01:43:02 amI have three of these now, and they are pretty sweet. I also have an HP3457A, which is just awesome. If you're ever considering going eBay hunting for a meter like this though, I *highly* recommend going for a Keithley 196, this is by far my favourite of all my meters, it could be my personal taste, but it is just the sexiest thing.I'd like to try an E series Gossen Metrahit or 30M, probably kick the crap out of my Brymens.

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2013, 07:34:17 am
content: The one I want to buy is a 3457a, though hoping for a cheap one to pop up on ebay.

author: madshaman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2013, 04:35:15 pm
content: Quote from: Fsck on March 27, 2013, 07:34:17 amIt's a really nice meter, you won't have buyer's remorse for sure; although that last digit isn't that useful unless you go to some lengths in your measurement setup. Both the Keithley and HP meters I have all integrated nicely over GPIB using a budget usb-gpib controller from prologix.

author: Excavatoree
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2013, 05:04:24 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on March 27, 2013, 02:23:21 amSame, here.

author: Homer J Simpson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2013, 10:51:12 pm
content: Fluke 289

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2013, 12:00:46 am
content: Quote from: Fsck on March 27, 2013, 07:34:17 amDammm you guyzz .....I just went off and bought a 3457A on the 'bayeevblog is killing me ... or rather my budget/Bingo

author: madshaman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2013, 12:21:54 am
content: Quote from: bingo600 on April 02, 2013, 12:00:46 amI find the only tool I've ever regretted buying is one that isn't a good tool; that's not the case here for sure, enjoy!

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2013, 12:34:38 am
content: A brymen 869 and a lcr meter

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2013, 03:02:46 am
content: A Keithley 197A, Agilent's current 8 digit multimeter, Fluke 87V (never had a chance to try it), Keithley's range of obsolete handheld DMMs, Tektronix 465's integrated DMM, rare Tektronix handheld meters and 80's HP stuff. Oh and I would love to own a Keithley 2001.Oh, and a full collection of Keithley multimeters from the 170 and 190 (191 through 197A) series.

author: madshaman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2013, 03:18:55 am
content: I've heard the new Keithley 2000 series meters tend to suicide. See whacks of them (and the version with distortion analyser) on eBay. Any veracity to this?

author: cyr
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2013, 08:07:46 am
content: Bad (leaking) caps does seem to be common on early 2001:s at least, some examples:http://www.xdevs.com/projects/kei2001/repository/show/photosand mine:http://elektronikforumet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=64940My case wasn't terminal...Since that particular problem is bad caps, any meter made during the same time (early 90:s) might have the same caps and the same problem I guess - but later ones should have it corrected.

author: MetraCollector
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2013, 09:28:15 am
content: My great dream was to own HP 34401A and now ... I have one on my bench.I definitely wish for HP 3458A.

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 28, 2013, 02:30:10 am
content: Quote from: ivan747 on April 02, 2013, 03:02:46 amDefinitely agree with you on Keithley's. I grabbed one 197 for work and it's a fine instrument to measure really low values. Do you know of any comparison table of Keithely models in that range? Or maybe even going back to model 160

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2013, 03:11:46 am
content: This is probably dumb, but why are they called 3478a, 3456a, 3457a, 3458a, 34401a, etc when there isn't a model terminated with any other letter?I know some of the programmable PSUs with LCD 'a' models were updated with VFDs as a 'b' model..Do they just terminate with 'a' by by default convention just in case they *might* revise the model later? If so, why not just start with an unterminated, and then revise with an "a". think ncc-1701, ncc-1701a... so nerdy.

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2013, 06:41:43 am
content: I have received my 3457A , and replaced the Mains line filter , so it's running now.The bench collection now consists of a :HP 3478AAgilent 34401Aand my two latest ...Keithley 2015-THD (was calibrated in May-2011)HP 3457ATo complete the collection ... :I'd love to try out a Agilent 3458A (for a couple of decades)Any offers ??But that's not within budgetI have a Beiming USB GPIB adapter , but had to replace it with anAgilent 82357B USB / GPIB Interface High-Speed USB adapter , as the Beiming wasn't supported by linux-gpib. And i'm 90% linux based.I got a decent "Best Offer" price here : 'Bay # 251249929253And it included DHL Express Shipping/Bingo

author: chickenHeadKnob
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2013, 07:58:10 am
content: Quote from: bingo600 on April 28, 2013, 06:41:43 amHello bingoHow would you rate the Keithley vs the 34401? Sort of have my eye on those two but can only afford one. In particular which one do you like better in the low ranges of Ohms/V/A.

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2013, 08:47:34 am
content: Quote from: chickenHeadKnob on April 28, 2013, 07:58:10 amThe keithley is quite new to me (3 weeks or so) , but i like it.It seems easier to use than the 34401A (less menus) .I haven't tried it on Ohms or A yet , since i was waiting for my 3457A , and now for some 0.05% reference resistors. Then i'll do a comparison of the 3 meters.If i had to chose just one , i'd prob. go for the 34401A.The digits are bigger , and it just feels more "pro" ...But that's just a "feeling" ....Besides that , some of the Keithleys in the Y 2001 .. (early) 2004 range has bad Caps , that can short and kill the meter.But i like the 2015 (ease of use) , and it might be my everyday meter./Bingo

author: peter.mitchell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2013, 09:19:20 am
content: I'd love to try/buy a Gossen Metrawatt Metrahit Energy M249A, I want to know why this meter is worth $1750

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 04, 2013, 09:33:11 am
content: I would buy a 34410A, it's basic and very accurate and in a no so high price range... Also a U1191A may worth 90 eur: if you have to work with mains and you don't want to broke anything expansive....

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2013, 02:39:30 pm
content: Quote from: reagle on April 28, 2013, 02:30:10 amNo comparison tables at hand, but you can make one if you download all the manuals. They are available on the official Keithley site. You just have to register.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 04, 2013, 02:57:05 pm
content: No comparison table, but some notes I made a couple of years ago based on old catalogues (available online from testmart.com after registration) of specs that were interesting to me at that time:175A: 4.5 digit, backlit LCD, datalogger (100 readings), min/max, autorange, rel, new in 1991, 0.03% basic accuracy, max. 2V in ohms (5V open circuit)175: new in 1985, 4.5 digit, discontinued in 1991197: 5.5 digit, LCD197A: 5.5 digit, backlit LCD, 0.011% basic accuracy, max. 4V in ohms192: discontinued in 1987, 6.5 digit (but not on lowest ranges or by default), LED, 0.007% basic accuracy, clumsy UI, no current, 1Gohm to 20V, max. 5V in ohms, separate jack for ohm/DCV/ACV195A: new in 1985, 5.5 digit, LED, 0.025% basic accuracy, max. 2V in ohms199: new in 1989, replaced 195A, 5.5digit, LED, 0.006% basic accuracy, misses lowest ranges compared to 195A (min. resolution 1uV DC, 1mohm), 1Gohm to 3V, max. 5.5V in ohms, no mx+b and hi/lo/pass, max. 300V196: new in 1987, 6.5 digits, LED, 0.003 basic accuracy, 1Gohm to 3V, max. 5.5V in ohms, max. 300V, offset compensated ohms (for thermal EMFs)Order is from least to most interesting (subjective ranking), meters with less than 5.5 digits or manual ranging are mostly excluded.

author: nukie
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2013, 03:08:24 pm
content: Just a note, I own a three 34401A age a few years apart, the last digit isn't as stable as Keithley 2000. Keithley 2000 is doesn't drift much once its aged. I have only one Keithley so I cannot tell for firm. But if I were to start again I would rather own three Keithley and one HP. The only problem is the Keithley 2000 doesn't have the option in the keypad menu to turn off the screen when not in use. This results in dim VFD quickly. Keithley 2000 has less electrolytic capacitors. But plenty of replacement VFD display for 34401A. Its a pity the 2001 are rebadged Taiwanese models.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 04, 2013, 09:31:25 pm
content: The 2001 is the 2000's big brother. You're confusing the 2001 with the 2100.

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2013, 11:31:59 pm
content: Thanks for the list Alm. The 175A seems like a good purchase. I also like the 197, I can find it selling for $100 sometimes. I like it more than the HP 3478A because it just looks so simple and nice. It also matches the 191 I got(0.007% accuracy and 5.5 digit, but apart from that, not much else. Only DC and ohms.)

author: ben_r_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2013, 11:47:32 pm
content: Already own the handheld I wanted (the 289) next is to upgrade my benchtop from the u3401a that I have to the new 34450A. I actually like that display.

author: nukie
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2013, 06:26:06 am
content: Opps! Thanks for correcting my misinformation.Quote from: alm on May 04, 2013, 09:31:25 pm

author: SpectrHz
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2013, 02:41:08 pm
content: I Have been looking at the Agilent U1272A as my next DMM purchase (I currently have an Extech EX430)But I would like to try a Fluke 87V as well. Of course a Gossen Metrawatt would be awesome

author: eevblogfan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2013, 02:59:37 pm
content: any gossen or brymen ,I currently am going to put my hands on fluke 8846 ( 6 1/2 ) and some agilent(s) 34411A ( the boss told me he can give me them for X amount of job I'll do for him )the one I'de like to check is the 5.5 Digit from gossen ( perhaps 6.5 ?) and the metrawatt power ( the one dave got wich can measure V*I with common ground )

author: Felicitus
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2013, 08:20:06 pm
content: Quote from: zaoka on March 26, 2013, 11:15:37 pmI've just scored a MetraHit 25S for about 135€ including shipping, if you like, I can post a review on that once it arrives. Specs look pretty amazing. This is my first "high"-spec multimeter (I also scored a Fluke 87 for 100€ about half an hour later), I've been using cheap-ass multimeters so far (except for a Fluke 27/FM, but yeah, it's not that "high" spec I guess).cheersFelicitus

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2013, 09:14:08 pm
content: Just got the 31,000 count MetraHit 26s for slightly more. The main differences are:AC+DC instead of AC only on the 25s and a higher frequency bandwidth of 20kHz instead of 1kHz.The best meters in the discontinued Gossen MetraHit range are the 18s, 25s, 26s, 28s and 29s.

author: Dr. Frank
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2013, 10:22:00 pm
content: Since 1990-1994 @ university, using a 3458A, I ever wanted to own one.Reason , it's still the only DMM which has the complete Auto Calibration function from 10V and 10kOhm. And additionally, it's the best analog DC transfer standard, superior - in terms of linearity - over the Fluke 720A.Every other DMM, especially the long scale ones, needs elaborate calibration equipment.Good thing, this dream came true a few years ago...Frank

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 03:24:18 am
content: Thanks for the info- added to my reference stash! So far I've dealt with 197 and 172 (actually prefer the visibility of the LED display on the latter vs tiny LCD digits of 197.A new score- Keithley 130A handheld, circa 1985. Will probably do a restoration writeup on that one.Speaking of calibration- this thing has one- connect 180mV reference and turn a potentiometer till screen matches that > I realize it's not exactly a 6 digit meter, but love simplicityQuote from: alm on May 04, 2013, 02:57:05 pm

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 03:42:43 am
content: Felicitus, I picked up a Fluke 27/FM not that long ago and I love it. Also, if I am working at my bench and someone tries to break into the house, I can certainly bludgeon them to death with it.I would like to have any 6.5 or 7.5 digit meter, but they are a bit out of my price range. I will continue to work with my 27/FM and my Fluke 8840A with GPIB and option 09.

author: mrflibble
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 08:43:56 am
content: I'd love a 3458A, but those are a wee bit too expensive for me. So instead I recently bought a 3478A which I quite like.And in the not too distant future I'll probably get an UT61E.To answer the original question: I would love to try/buy a 3458A.

author: PA4TIM
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 09:13:38 am
content: I have 0ver 30 meters so my wishlist is rather small and limmited to the mighty, but to expensive for me HP-3458 (this kind of meter I want in 100% shape and with full calibration history and then it will be very expensive. Even defect they are expensive.My most used meter is the Agilent U1252A. But I do not use many functions, I have plenty ways to measure capacitance the right way so no clue how the Agilent does that. I have several counters and generators so never used those function. What I like is the resolution, how well it stays within specs, the double display mode, the speed and how it is build , range switch, housing size, easy to read display, etc )My most used allround bench meter is a Keithley 2000. There is nothing I do not like about that. Bought it new a few years ago and it is still spot on, easy to use, fast, many functions. I only miss a AC+DC rms mode but my Agilent, Solartron (7,5 digit) and Prema (7,5 digit) have that mode. But the TRMS converter in the 2000 is very good (even better as the specs)One meter I would like to have is the Keithley 2450 SMU and a Keithly pA meter

author: echen1024
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 03:32:56 pm
content: Probably a 3458A from Agilent. The WaveTek 1281 and the Keithley 2002 look nice as well.