WTB/WTT HP 34401A or something in that range - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Cloud
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2015, 06:05:31 pm
content: Hello everyoneI am looking to buy HP 34401A/3468A/8478A or some other instrument with similar characteristics. Preferably from someone in the europe. We can trade for (or we can agree to trade + my payment):Intel NUC DCCP847DYE with 64gb SanDisk SSD, 2x2Gb RAM and realtek WiFi card,PlayStation 3 Super Slim 500gb with one controller, Far Cry 2, GTA 5 and some Harry Potter Magic Spells,Old ISKRA signal generator (needs some fixing)Old ISKRA AC RMS meter (needs some fixing)Electronics tubes (contact me if you want the list of them, they are mostly for audio)ETC.Sincerly

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 02, 2015, 06:48:17 pm
content: I have this one available soon:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/hp-34401a-drift-in-the-2w-r-mode-in-the-100-ohm-range/msg482446/short story:1) Unit was calibrated and found out of tolerance in the 100 Ohm 2W, the rest was ok.2) I found myself nothing wrong in the boardThe unit is now over the ocean in a container. Once it arrives (middle January) here in Germany I will sell it. Asking 400€ + shipping.Remember it has just the 100 Ohm 2W slightly out, the rest is perfect AND calibrated. In any case for low R measurement you should always use the 4W and not the 2W anyway.

author: LabSpokane
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2015, 07:07:51 pm
content: If you can get Zucca's unit, take it.If you can't make that happen, you might consider a 34461A new. Maybe used 34401's are cheaper in Europe, but in the US, the used price on the 34401A is so high it makes no sense to me to buy one. They're at least $500 on eBay and $800!! USD from TestEquity. My understanding is that the value is because 34401A is explicitly written in as an allowable piece of test equipment in government specifications. I found it very hard to rationalize buying an unknown piece of equipment that might have been crappily repaired and/or has a VFD that's probably well near the end of its lifespan. The HP logo dates the unit to pre-1999, which to me is crazy to pay 50%+ of new money for.I just bought a 34461A, delivered, with taxes for I think $100 USD less than the 34401A goes for new.

author: Cloud
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2015, 09:09:39 pm
content: Zucca please contact me when you'll receive unit.LabSpokane 34461 costs a little too much for meAlso do you think the U3401A/U3402A can compare to 34401?

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 02, 2015, 09:17:51 pm
content: Quote from: Cloud on January 02, 2015, 09:09:39 pmNo, 6.5 digit is very important to me. If you need less, maybe

author: LabSpokane
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2015, 11:52:47 pm
content: Quote from: zucca on January 02, 2015, 09:17:51 pmI don't have an idea how it compares, unfortunately. I just think the 34401 at market prices is a bad deal if you don't know the provenance.

author: Dave
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2015, 03:00:20 am
content: I have a 3468A available, if you want it. It's clean as a whistle and I replaced its internal lithium battery in 2013. The calibration is good on all ranges and I'd be happy to reconfirm that with my calibrated 34401A.I'm asking for 140€ + shipping. PM me, if you are interested. I can also send you some pictures.

author: chickenHeadKnob
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2015, 05:31:25 am
content: Quote from: LabSpokane on January 02, 2015, 07:07:51 pmThere was much speculation in this forum on the 34461a threads that the issue of this new desirable replacement model would cause an abundance of 34401a to hit ebay and lower the price. Still waiting for this to happen! (not really - I've given up hope).

author: LabSpokane
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2015, 07:30:38 am
content: Quote from: chickenHeadKnob on January 03, 2015, 05:31:25 amSame here. I have to say that I've bought two 34461As and both times I had trouble finding one. The first one was 8 weeks lead time. I don't know if that equates to supply problems or high demand. I've quizzed the distributors and they claim that the new model is well received, so I'm assuming its demand. There's absolutely nothing wrong with the 34401, I had two at my old lab, but I sure wouldn't pay what they're asking and apparently getting for them. I think the current demand on the used market is mainly an issue of specifications and qualifications, where it's far cheaper to overpay for a used DMM than to run the bureaucratic gauntlet.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 03, 2015, 08:14:28 am
content: The have gone for under US$250 on ebay, you just have to be patient to get a good price.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hewlett-Packard-HP-agilent-6-1-2-digit-34401A-multimeter-Benchtop-desktop-Used-/161452601998?nma=true&si=S3JsPcBDgffRe%252FbW8dAQTH3d75I%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 03, 2015, 10:37:30 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on January 03, 2015, 08:14:28 amI bought 3 HP34401a from ebay in the last 12 months (price range between $300 and $500), this was my experience:1) If pass SELF TEST it doesn't mean everything is OK.2) You need a proper calibration to make sure your unit is 100% healty.3) A calibration normally costs about $100 or more.IMO if you go cheap there is a high risk to get a bad apple, so be aware. After all the pain I went through by fixing and calibrating those puppies (search "34401a" in the Repair section) I would personally never buy an uncalibrated cheap ebay unit again.Don't take it as general rule, it was just my experience.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2015, 12:45:27 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on January 03, 2015, 08:14:28 amThis unit has all 5 front receptacles in red color, therefore is most likely 20+ years old (1993 most likely)I am always surprised, that I see the older models go for almost the same price as newer models.Last summer I bought a 2 year old model 34401A with the new round knobs and new look for Euro 300 on ebaySo, good deals are sometimes available.But I would watch out for:1. Do not buy them with all 5 receptacles red (just too old)2. Get one with the Agilent Logo instead of the HP Logo3. Make sure the instrument was calibrated in the last few years4. Make sure it passes the selftest5. Make sure to look at at picture of the VFD and it is nice and bright.6. Take a good look at the pictures of the copper 4 mm receptacles and make sure they are clean (Front and back)(I bought one unit that must have been in a very bad environment and was totally corroded inside.)If the 34401A is working good, it is an awesome instrument that you will like a lot!