Help choosing between these 3 budget Bench Multimeters - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: theaustindixon
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2018, 03:06:19 pm
content: I am setting up a home lab on a tight budget (I'm a programmer who is starting to dabble with Arduinos and the like). I want to find a usable bench multimeter < $50. I've poked around on the used market and come up with three options:Fluke 8000aHP 3435ASimpson 464Any thoughts on which of these you would pick over the others? (I'm also looking for a decent budget Logic Probe if you care to throw up any suggestions.)Thanks!

author: 001
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2018, 04:02:00 pm
content: All of them are too old but HP is bestSo what actual working condition is?

author: theaustindixon
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2018, 04:20:15 pm
content: Supposedly all three are tested to be fully functioning and calibrated.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2018, 05:09:46 pm
content: I'd put the HP3466A (4.5 digits) on the list as well. I used to own one a long time ago and paid something like $30 for it from Ebay.

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2018, 05:59:48 pm
content: The hp.

author: umbro
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2018, 07:12:44 pm
content: YesHP3466A is better choise.

author: 001
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2018, 08:15:53 pm
content: offtopCan You saywhat reason to use manual range, no-TRMS, no-CAT rated, 40 years old gear?

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2018, 09:19:25 pm
content: I wouldn't bother with a bench meter at that pricepoint, you're gonna get similar performance and more features out of a modern handheld meter. If you really want the nostalgia or form factor, maybe.... but I don't see it as a compelling choice for the money.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2018, 09:30:57 pm
content: The 8000A was my first digital meter. You couldn't give me one today. The fact you are considering buying one and you are in the USA, I would just get one or two free HF meters. You can always get a better meter later on if you need it.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2018, 09:32:29 pm
content: Quote from: DaJMasta on December 01, 2018, 09:19:25 pmIt is a good choice. The reason I bought the 3466A is because it never runs out of batteries, it has a LED display which is easy to read and you can stack other equipment on top. I got fed up with hand held meters which cluttered the desk and needed specific angles in order to be readable. I never use handheld meters for development work. Sure I moved on the newer bench meters in the mean time but the requirements didn't change.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2018, 09:33:22 pm
content: Quote from: DaJMasta on December 01, 2018, 09:19:25 pmI would have a look at a HP3466A it is very good meter, I have one and can vouch for it and they hold their calibration very well for years.

author: GregDunn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2018, 10:02:25 pm
content: You can get a Fluke 8600A for next to nothing these days and it's superior to the 8000A; separate common for current measurement and auto-ranging, plus repair is easy with many "parts units" available. Avoid the battery-operated version - it's sort of an ugly hack on the line powered version.Bench and handheld meters are very different beasts for different uses; I use bench meters when I need them turned on for hours at a stretch and display readability is essential (on my shelf at eye level). Handheld meters take up bench space and are more useful when you are away from the work area and no line power is available.

author: 001
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2018, 09:00:00 am
content: Does 8000 series still good? it is not simple fix it now

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2018, 10:43:30 am
content: Don't touch the 8000A.HP 3435A gets my vote out of that list.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 03, 2018, 01:44:36 pm
content: Quote from: Specmaster on December 01, 2018, 09:33:22 pmI have a couple of them myself. They did very well with my DMM Check +. All the readings are well withing spec except for ACI which I don't really see a need for and they are not that far off spec. Unfortunately, I don't see one on evilBay currently for anywhere near $50 working.

author: theaustindixon
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2018, 01:55:47 pm
content: Thanks for the suggestions. I bought theHP 3435A. Fingers crossed that it's still in spec when I receive it.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2018, 01:56:59 pm
content: As mentioned before, the HP3466A would be my choice (not on your list) as it is like the HP3435A but with 4.5 digits but if you can't stretch your budget to that then the next best is HP3435A.