34461A vs 34465A - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2020, 09:17:28 pm
content: Just checking to see if you happen to be 34465A user and you had to give up your 34465A for a 34461A what you would miss the most?Or if you are a 34461A user what features or specs on the 34465A you would most like to have?Thx

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2020, 09:43:39 pm
content: I'm going to complicate matters by adding the DMM6500 to your list.

author: MadTux
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2020, 10:55:26 pm
content: A few bits in firmware is the the only difference, as far as I know

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 10, 2020, 11:22:19 pm
content: Data log I guess.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2020, 11:24:14 pm
content: Quote from: MadTux on August 10, 2020, 10:55:26 pmThere are a number of differences listed in the datasheet, including basic DC accuracy and some additional ranges (DCI, ohms, temp), but the big thing is far faster measurement speed, not that it matters at all for bench use. Are you suggesting this is all just firmware limitations in the '61??

author: jmw
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2020, 11:52:51 pm
content: Auto-cal and ability to take thermocouple temperature readings would have been nice to have, but neither are dealbreakers considering I got mine for a great price from another forum member.

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2020, 06:22:48 am
content: 34456 is better instrument with more ranges, measurements, stability, autozero, etc..It is well worth the price difference to 34461.Seriously, download datasheet and compare..

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2020, 08:09:18 am
content: Besides many things, I would probably missSCALINGandSMOOTHINGthe most.

author: Dr. Frank
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2020, 09:34:41 am
content: The 34465A/470A have a different motherboard, than the 34461A, therefore more capabilities in hardware, not only differentiated by software!The low current ranges (DCI), which I often use, would be missed, as well as the Digitizing feature, for DCV and also for DCI.Then I often use the ACAL feature with my 34465A, to make some preliminary ppm precision evaluations on the design bench.(The real precision happens in the basement with the 3458A and other instruments)Frank

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2020, 02:09:15 am
content: Thanks for the various info and comments.Every time I think I have it narrowed down to two, the third comes back up, and then the other one comes up, and it just keeps going. Kinda fun to research and contemplate but a bench DMM has become one of the hardest pieces of test equipment to select.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2020, 02:13:13 am
content: 3x 3055 ?3045X, 3055 or 3065X ?

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2020, 02:26:53 pm
content: The choices are flawed loll

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 13, 2020, 02:31:27 pm
content: HeyElectro FanI can sell you a mint 34461A for 700€ if you want it.

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2020, 03:30:48 pm
content: Quote from: Zucca on August 13, 2020, 02:31:27 pmHi Zucca, I appreciate the offer but I first need to figure out what model I’d like to purchase. If the wheel spin lands on a 34461A and you still have it I’d be happy to get back with you on the opportunity. Thx

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2020, 03:33:27 pm
content: Quote from: coromonadalix on August 13, 2020, 02:26:53 pmNo doubt - but please tell me why (I can guess some of the reasons but I’m clearly also missing some). Thx

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2020, 06:04:18 pm
content: I've been thinking about the various replies I've received (Thanks) and I think there is a key differentiating selection criteria -enjoymentfor hobby use vsgetting the job donefor professional use. Not to say that some/many pros don't enjoy measuring and testing, but in my case it's just a hobby - so I learn (but don't earn) by measuring, hypothesizing and testing, reading/researching, and trying new projects and experiments, etc. Therefore, depending on the feedback (hobbyist vs pro), it's maybe comparing apples and oranges.As a hobbyist maximizing accuracy, resolution, or productivity doesn't have nearly as big a ROI (financially, zero for me) as it would for a professional user. Having said that, I've found that the more confidence I have in a piece of test equipment the less I doubt the results and the more I question my understanding of the results - so measurement integrity and to some extent the flexibility to make different types of measurements helps my ability to learn - which is the enjoyable part. And for whatever reason, seeing resolution (which I realize is different than accuracy) for small signals and small measurement values is kind of exciting. I've detected that even some professional voltnuts and timenuts find such measurements compelling.So part of my challenge in studying other users' sense of the tradeoffs among these models is that I think in moving from say the Siglent 3055 to the Keysight 34461A or Keithley 6500 or beyond it seems like the uses and users cross over from hobby to mostly pro. So it's sorta hard for me to gain insight from user feedback when my purposes are largely out of context for pros that seem to be the primary users of the 34461A and beyond. Nonetheless, I realize that much of the knowledge and wisdom resides in the deep end of the pool (with the pros), and that's one of the fascinating aspects of EEVblog - the ability of the hobbyists to observe and learn from the pros as well as other hobbyists.Tautech will be happy to hear that the 3055 is still a contender in my mind but I'd be happy to hear from hobbyists (and pros) who think there is a case for one of the other bench DMM contenders.Thx

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2020, 08:36:17 pm
content: Quote from: Electro Fan on August 14, 2020, 06:04:18 pmEF, you buy what you're comfortable with buddy.I've had 3055 and 3065X on my bench and I love the bright visible display most of all as like many here we age and eyesight is not what it was once.Trouble is, occasionally I run out of new stock so my own units keep getting sold.AFAICK most that get a 3055 are well satisfied with its performance yet a few that just need a bench DMM so not to keep needing batteries for a HH get the 3045X as it has no fan.YMMV

author: MathWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2020, 09:38:16 pm
content: Here's a question I keep forgetting, when is the next round of 6.5D DMM's expected from any of these companies ? Is there anything expected in under a year ?I'd love to get a used 34465A, it's just there's not many for sale, at any given time. I could get the SDM3065X in 2 months, or wait the longest, and next winter and get a new 34465A.....or get a used 1 ASAP.Ahh but then I can afford a 34401A today, and I plan to get 1 of them anyways.Someone hide my bankcard.

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2020, 10:51:33 pm
content: Yep, it’s a real consideration. 3055 is about 6? years old, 3446X is about 5? years old. On the other hand they seem to age sort of like midrange wine. Might take 2-3 years of firmware to catch up with initial specs and expectations and then they might still get better for another 2-3 years. So the current models are nicely mature and the new models might take some time to find and address the surprises. The 6500 seems like it’s kind of moving from adolescence to more stable adulthood but might be like a 20 something. Lots of metaphor and analogy mixing

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2020, 12:35:41 am
content: The 34461A was specifically targeted at users of the older 34401A who wanted a guaranteed hassle-free upgrade/swap - Keysight give that assurancehttps://www.keysight.com/us/en/assets/7018-03943/application-notes/5991-2367.pdf(you can fill the email fields with junk and then read the document).If you don't care about that compatibility then just compare them on their merits, I have used SCPI code that was written for the 34401A on my 34461A and there is a menu item in the 34461A to tell it to identify itself as a 34401A - it works.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2020, 12:41:26 am
content: Quote from: MathWizard on August 14, 2020, 09:38:16 pmNon A-brand DMMs never seem to make sense. They're not that much cheaper and things like calibration are a lot less certain. That's before getting into stability and long term support.The DMM market isn't a quickly changing one. The most recent addition was the DMM6500 and I wouldn't expect much to change anytime soon. Maybe Keysight will eventually respond or switch their lineup over to Linux but I wouldn't hold my breath. Pick from what's available now as anything else is a guessing game. It'll inevitably mean endless waiting.

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2020, 02:18:51 am
content: Ok, a decision. Now we're down to four left.34465A650034461A3055Wait Until A New Model Is Introduced (Endless Waiting)

author: ercapoccia
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2020, 03:26:51 am
content: The 34465A it's a great meter, but it costs more than the 3055 and the 6500 combined.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2020, 03:33:38 am
content: Quote from: Electro Fan on August 15, 2020, 02:18:51 amI'd scrap the 3055 for the aforementioned reasons and the 34465A for being too expensive, unless you have a specific reason to keep it on the list. Then it's between the 34461A and the DMM6500 which is a matter of personal preference. Looking at what the more expensive unit actually does or doesn't do to justify its extra cost may help.

author: MathWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2020, 04:18:51 am
content: Quote from: Mr. Scram on August 15, 2020, 12:41:26 amThere's hardly any videos on any of these, let alone an in-depth review, on youtube anyways. And there's not much that google finds either.For me, any basic model would do for my current repair/hobbyusage, so all the extra features won't mater much anyways.The DMM6500 is the middle priced, I'd get it without worry, but IDK about the touchscreen, I'm a smoker, so I have dirty tar finger'sQuote from: Gandalf_Sr on August 15, 2020, 12:35:41 amSo what was the 34410A ? This is not like the GPU market where for ages Nvidia and AMD have new top models every 1-2 years, with a 15-30% increase in performance each round. How i miss the glory days of the GPU wars, and the prices, now they've gone into the $1000-$1500 range.It's probably my lack of research, but what are the options for a new modern 6.5D DMM ?Siglent SDM3065XHPAC-3446XAKeithley/Fluke? DMM6500Rigol's modelGW-Instek iircAnd what else that's new with a big modern screen ? Shouldn't there be a few more, if not a lot more ?

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2020, 09:31:57 am
content: I only wanted one really good meter and my 34461A is it. I've had it just over 4 years and it's really nice, the screen is what's best (for my old eyes). I've had mine calibrated by Keysight last year and that cost me just $225 which I think is fair; what does Keithley charge for the calibration? It doesn't make sense to have a meter this accurate and not have it calibrated once in a while. I was advised that calibrating at the 4 year point was a good choice with relation to natural aging of the internal references; I'm no cal expert but it always comes nuts on against my DMMCheck Plus.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2020, 05:27:29 pm
content: Quote from: Gandalf_Sr on August 15, 2020, 09:31:57 amI just got a quote from Keithley Germany for 586 Euro for the DMM6500 calibration.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2020, 05:32:01 pm
content: Quote from: HighVoltage on August 15, 2020, 05:27:29 pmThat's completely ridiculous, that's the better part of a new calibrated unit. I asked in the DMM6500 thread and I think they told to expect 150 to 200 euro.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2020, 05:34:45 pm
content: That price quote was for calibration with adjustment and full certificate with all values.

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2020, 05:47:07 pm
content: Hi Gandalf_Sr,Thanks for the post. I'm a big fan of your posts and projects. Your MSO5000 Budget Logic Analyzer Probe Set Design is a great example of finding the intersection of theory and reality - making a very real and excellent result by going from research and circuit design to PCB layout/manufacturing to component population to a very nice set of working products. So when you say you can get the job done well with the 34461A your work is a great reference point. I'm still not sure if maybe spending a "few" $ more on the 34465A might be worth it (buy once, cry once) but there is no doubt the 34461A is a very strong candidate.In addition to your mighty fine credentialsyour point about $225 (including/not including shipping?) for a cal every 4 years or so is very helpful. I had been meaning to ask on the forum how long these various models are likely to go before they need a cal and how much that will cost. Would be interesting to hear from users about the costs and typical intervals on the other 3 models (3055, 6500*, and 33465A).Still haven't ruled out any of the four and I can see why owners of each are very happy with these models but I'm tilting a bit toward the KS's - but I've seen the wheel spinning for awhile and I'd like it to stop and stick on one for a week or two so I can confidently place an order for something.Thanks again for you guidance. EF----Just as I was about to hit Post I saw HighVoltage's post about 586 Euro's for a 6500 Cal. The 6500 is super cool for a bunch of reasons but I think it's in a league with dimensions that are beyond my ability to harness. If somehow I needed a second bench DMM someday I have a hunch it would/will be with something architected like the 6500 with it's superflexible software capabilities but for now I think the KS's probably can keep me busy for years with slightly less PEBCAK potential that all the software functionality (mostly very positive but with maybe a few more bluescreen/bugs due to the more features and slightly less maturity vs the KS's). I'm not at all down on the 6500, I just think it deserves stronger software skills than I can bring to the dance. The purchase price, flexibility, and performance all make it super attractive - I get it - but maybe the cal price helps me stay focused on the KS's. Just some thoughts/rationalizations. Again, it's an honor and a privilege to get input and advice from such experienced and highly capable EEVers. Thanks!

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2020, 06:38:32 pm
content: Quote from: HighVoltage on August 15, 2020, 05:34:45 pmI saw Mr. Scram's post and I'm happy to hear a 6500 cal by itself is likely less expensive than a cal with the certificate. It does seem that the cert is sometimes equal or or more expensive (and more valuable?) than the cal itself. I guess this helps keep the 6500 in the running a bit longer

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2020, 09:01:23 pm
content: For a normal calibration from Keithley you only get one single page that the instrument has passed.For a fee of about 80 Euro (I think) you can request a calibration report with all values and uncertainties.I just bought a brand new DMM7510 and it only came with one single page to explain that the instrument had passed the calibration.

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2020, 09:22:07 am
content: Quote from: HighVoltage on August 15, 2020, 05:34:45 pmThe way I ended up getting my 34461A calibrated for $225 was to buy a service contract from Keysight that costs $225 per year which is cheaper than a 1-time calibration that costs $250 ish. The receipt I got said nothing about calibration, it was for a year's support contract and their web site is very confusing on this matter.So anyway, you can buy a 1 year support contract for $225 and then, at any time during that year, you can send the meter in to Keysight (at your expense) and they will check calibration, make adjustments, and recheck after adjustment (in all likelihood done on a computer) then they will return to you (they pay shipping); one slight irritation was that I sent my 34461A in using the original box and packaging but they returned in a dodgy old box with foam in a red plastic bag packing so now I don't have the box my 34461A came inOne perfectly reasonable caveat is that, had there been something defective with my meter that made it such that adjustments would not bring it into calibration, they would have contacted me and quoted me what the cost would be to repair.

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2020, 09:27:33 am
content: EF,You're too kindbut thanks anyway. Unless there's something that the DMM6500 has that you can't live without, I would say go buy the 34461A, it's a great meter. I read somewhere that the team that designed the 34401A was re-formed to do the 34461A design and they were happy with their work.

author: mawyatt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2020, 12:59:06 pm
content: Quote from: Gandalf_Sr on August 16, 2020, 09:27:33 amI have a couple 34401As that I've repaired, one is really old ~1985 HP and other is Agilent ~2000. Just purchased a KS 34465A and you can definitely "see" the 34401A DNA in the 34465A. The 34401A have held up so well and the calibration is quite good after such a long time speaks very highly of the fundamental design and construction. I can't think of another electronic instrument, except maybe the Tektronix 2465 scopes, that have held up so well over such a long time span.So hat's off to that design teamBest,

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 16, 2020, 01:15:13 pm
content: The 34465A is a great tool but the multiplexer option in DMM6500 (combined with a simple datalogging script) is a killer feature for me.

author: JohanH
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2020, 01:43:32 pm
content: What makes me personally cringe is that modern Keysight meters are still running embedded Windows with long boot times. In the Eevblog interview their tech manager (can't remember his exact position), said that they are looking into alternatives for future meters (very interesting videos btw). But hey, if you keep it running and only do measurements, Windows shouldn't be in your way. But come on, Windows this day...

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2020, 01:52:49 pm
content: Quote from: voltsandjolts on August 16, 2020, 01:15:13 pmThat is why you need one of each !Each has their very own set of benefits and features.For some applications I really prefer the DMM6500 and for others the 34465A is much better.

author: ercapoccia
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2020, 01:54:53 pm
content: Windows embedded it is just for the UI and it is very reliable. It is not the same as the OS on a PC. I used to work as software engineer in the gas/oil field and i development many HMI and SCADA panel, windows was never a problem.

author: JohanH
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2020, 01:58:22 pm
content: Quote from: ercapoccia on August 16, 2020, 01:54:53 pmYeah, I know, it is not a problem if you don't care about the boot time.

author: mawyatt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2020, 04:05:03 pm
content: Quote from: jukk on August 16, 2020, 01:58:22 pmDidn't even know it was Windows based, It boots in ~16 seconds, so long but not too offensive.BTW I switched to Macs way back in ~2011, and never looked back. Got tired of the Windows blue screen of death, and just got a MacBook Pro, my only regret is why I put up with Windows for so longAlso don't like that KS doesn't offer some of the software on Macs, so I'll have to use a PC laptop.

author: ercapoccia
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2020, 04:26:59 pm
content: You don't need a pc laptop, you can do all you want with a VM or with boot camp you could also run windows on you mac.OSX is great but max hardware is not that good. You can kill a notebook with few drop of water and lose all you data.

author: NoisyBoy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2020, 04:39:01 pm
content: These are high precision bench meters and not a handheld DMM, if you use it for what is designed for, most users have these meters running for an hour before measurement. And in many labs, they are never turned off, so boot time is irrelevant for most of the pro buyers, which the vast majority of Keysight equipment, and 6.5 digit DMMs are designed for.If boot time is important, and you don’t care about the last couple digit being accurate to measure with a cold equipment, then 34401A is a better choice. But it would reduce it to an accurate 4.5 digit meter.

author: mawyatt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2020, 05:04:16 pm
content: Quote from: ercapoccia on August 16, 2020, 04:26:59 pmAlready have a cheap PC laptop for this kind of stuff. My old 2011 MacBook Pro is still running fine, upped the SSD with a larger one a couple years ago. Did have a really big scare with the new SDS2102X Plus scope which had a drink spilled into itWorking fine now after a good cleaningDon't want to mess with putting boot camp on the Mac, I'll just use the cheap PC. Thanks for the suggestion tho.Best,

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2020, 08:01:28 pm
content: Quote from: NoisyBoy on August 16, 2020, 04:39:01 pm+1It would seem that boot up time is nicer if faster than slower but overall it wouldn't seem to be very high on the selection criteria for a bench meter - especially a highly accurate meter.Hard to know what happens to boot up time as meters mature (maybe the firmware can be optimized to squeeze out some overhead and make the meter boot up slightly faster, or maybe new/additional feature code makes boot up time slightly slower) but based on the video reviews of the various graphical UI meters discussed here it looks like boot up time is going to range from roughly 15 seconds to 30 seconds.* As you point out, to get a bench DMM warmed up most users are likely to have the meter on for an hour or more (and maybe continuously on) so boot up time doesn't seem to be a big differentiating criteria.So unless a user makes a few measurements and turns the meter off until it's needed again for a few more measurements, and so forth, it's hard to see how 15 seconds is going to be the determining factor unless the 15 second boot up meter happens to win on all the other criteria (accuracy and other performance, functions, price, etc). Of course, leaving the meter on throughout the day then draws attention to fan noise or the lack thereof. Depends on the use case but it would seem that fast enough booting and quiet enough is good enough and then we're on to many other criteria.---*Looks like the (non-graphical UI) 34401A boots in about 2 seconds - impressive for sure - the more I research bench DMMs the more I learn - maybe this was what Descartes was searching for when he said "I think, therefore I am" - maybe he was just getting warmed up so he could then be ready to try to figure out his next bench DMM

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2020, 09:08:51 pm
content: Anyone have any insight as to how the Keysight promotions work? In particular, any way to know if/when KS might offer their memory upgrade as a promotion for the 34465A? Thx

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2020, 09:45:16 pm
content: Quote from: jukk on August 16, 2020, 01:43:32 pmIt's fine, honestly.

author: PushUp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 17, 2020, 10:36:26 am
content: Quote from: Electro Fan on August 16, 2020, 09:08:51 pmJust my pragmatical way, observing this link from time to time, till the second checkbox "Mem Upgrade" has the hook within the checkbox with 0.00 €251,71 €, the same as with the "Advanced Trigger" 0.00 €380.48€above it.https://www.welectron.com/Keysight-34465A-Benchtop-MultimeterWhen I am not mistaken, I have read in one Keysight thread, that it will be somewhere around September... In this case it was mentioned on the 2nd September in 2018 by a forum member - but who knows what Covid-19 evolves from another this time...

author: kj7e
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2020, 02:47:15 pm
content: Search around for a used 34465a, there are lots of them out there but almost impossible to find one used. There is a reason for that.The 6500 would be my choice for home experimentation and tinkering on a more advanced level. The 34465a (my go to bench DMM) would be my choice for a reasonable higher end home precision DMM that you can count on with the best support and reasonable calibration costs.The Siglents are good and have a definite place in the market, but I consider them more entry level that acts like a gateway drug leaving you wanting more. They get your foot in the door and you longing for whats next.I do think the 34465a is worth the premium over the 34461a for home metrology and experimentation, it seems to be the happy point between a really good meter and then going full TiN.

author: NoisyBoy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2020, 03:35:55 pm
content: What you read is pretty old, the 3446DIGU option is no longer available, Keysight made it part of the standard firmware in Dec 2019.Quote from: PushUp on August 17, 2020, 10:36:26 am

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2020, 03:38:45 pm
content: Quote from: kj7e on August 19, 2020, 02:47:15 pmkj7e,Thanks for the excellent summary. There is a good reason for each of these models - just depends on the user and use case(s).For a user that needs/wants to make the the budget go the furthest the 3055 is a no brainer. Might not be quite the specs and amazing support of Keysight (tautech* does his best to fend off all of Keysight but it's not quite the same as calling 1-800-KS), but the 3055 offers excellent value. Siglent has done a very good job with their DMMs, generators, scopes, and other TE. I have no doubt that you could build a great bench with their products.If I had more software skills and did a bunch of automated testing I could easily make a case that the 6500 is the way to fly. It might be the test equipment architecture of the future.But after reading all the posts I could find (some multiple times) and watching all the youtubes I could find (some multiple times), I've decided to go with the 34465A.Thanksto you and everyone for all the insights, advice, and encouragement.*if tautech ever went to work for Keysight or they made him a distributor Keysight would probably double in revenue in his region if not the world

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2020, 03:46:23 pm
content: Quote from: NoisyBoy on August 19, 2020, 03:35:55 pmYes, the digitizer option is now a standard built-in feature/function (I think maybe as of fw 3.0?) with the base 34465A product but the extra memory is still an option. I'm in the midst of researching whether a USB stick or a USB/Ethernet computer connection might be a viable alternative to adding the internal memory. Will report back as I learn more but maybe other users who are already down this path can share their experience.Edit: After doing more research I'm pretty sure (but not positive yet) that with the included BenchVue app and an ethernet connection the digitzer will run at the full 50k samples per second as long as the computer has disk storage to keep going.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2020, 04:26:37 pm
content: Quote from: Electro Fan on August 19, 2020, 03:38:45 pmNope, not interested.KS have perfectly fine reps here with decades of relationship with the mothership and wouldn't be the slightest bit interested in small fry like me.......still I do enjoy beating them on class sets of equipment.

author: NoisyBoy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2020, 05:28:04 pm
content: There is no need to buy all up front unless you want your dealer to give you a deeper discount. I bought my meter in Feb this year, I did not add the 2M memory feature until a month ago when I had a use case for it.I hope you will be just as delighted with the meter as I am. 95+% of my test gear are Agilent/Keysight, they have always taken great care of my needs for 10+ years. Whether it is calibration, product support, parts, or repair, they are absolutely superb, all these services make them cost more, but if you are not price sensitive and want professionalism, they are my #1 go-to brandI also have a Siglent AWG, I agree with you that Tautech is a godsend to the Siglent brand. He has been extra helpful in all instances, both for my questions, as well as question from other community members.For Keysight, we have Daniel.Quote from: Electro Fan on August 19, 2020, 03:46:23 pm

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2020, 06:52:17 pm
content: Quote from: NoisyBoy on August 19, 2020, 05:28:04 pm+1 on all that and Thanks!

author: WastelandTek
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2021, 06:53:30 am
content: Hey guys, Sorry to bump an old thread, but I have been saving up and I am ready to pull the trigger on a 34465A finally.My question, do folks think that the initial calibration is a worthwhile expense for a hobbyist, or would it make more sense to let the thing cook a couple years and then send it in?The cal seems to cost about $200 at the moment, but availability is spotty compared to the "un-cal'd" units.Also, the free memory upgrade is currently running till the end of the year.Thanks in advance.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2021, 09:44:19 am
content: Quote from: WastelandTek on December 06, 2021, 06:53:30 amWhen you buy the 34465A new, it is calibrated and comes with a certificate.In my experience, the 34465A is very stable in its calibration and if you are a hobbyist, you should not need extra calibration for a long time.

author: Kleinstein
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2021, 09:58:43 am
content: A new meter should come calibrated. In some cases one may have to pay extra for a special form of the certificate. For hobby use one usually does not need that extra paper work. The meter itself would usually not change.

author: WastelandTek
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2021, 03:40:53 pm
content: It seemed that should be the case. I guess I'm overthinking it in my "big ticket purchase" anxiety.Thanks guys.

author: blackdog
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2021, 05:35:42 pm
content: Hi,I tested two 34465a measuring instruments , one of my own and a loaner instrument.Mine measuring instrument in sent to the other side of the world, to the Factory in Malaysia, because i had problems with the autocal function.The autocal function of the 34465a is a joke, don't buy a 34465a just because you need this function.When you do an autocal, if the temperature remains the same, the correction that is done after performing the autocal function, disappears again after 10 to 20 minutes...I have done extensive measurements on this problem and have many pictures of it.The factory in Malaysia has also found this behavior and dismisses it with "this falls within the drift that may occur within 1 day...The loaner instrument was so stable that the autocal function was not needed at all and only made it worse.Unfortunately my instrument was not as stable but well within specifications.I no longer use the autocal and calculate the drift from the internal temperature when making precision measurements.The service from Keysight Netherland was very good, they were very helpful.The additional functions that the 34465a has such as for the temperature sensors and averaging the measured value are one of the functions that I use regularly.I hope this helps.Kind regards,Bram