New to Keysight 34461a:Bar meter help - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: joetorelli
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2017, 03:23:00 pm
content: I just got a 34461a and like it a lot.I am having a problem with the "Bar Meter".I can't seem to figure out how to get it to work like a null meter.If I set it up say for -5v to 0v to +5v the bar starts from the left and not the center.I have seen some pics of the meter that show the bar from the center.What am I missing?JoeT

author: janekivi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2017, 04:44:41 pm
content: You can change only scale.But bar is starting from negative infinite - nothing to change there.If you have 0V it ends at 0V mark which is bigger than negative infinite.It is only possible to choose what region from -1PV to the +1PV you seeon the display and bar is starting always from even lower value.So, at this time zero don't have any special power.

author: joetorelli
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2017, 06:34:44 pm
content: this is what I was trying to achieve.this is from the operating and service guide page 115.

author: 6thimage
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2017, 01:09:17 am
content: That image is from pre-release firmware. All released firmware have the bar starting on the left hand side, as Agilent decided it was more informative this way - otherwise you would not see a bar for a very small signal. I think this is wrong, but I rarely use it. You can always try complaining to Keysight to see if they will change it, but if you do convince them, the change won't be quick - it's been 18 months since I reported a bug in the 65/70A's data logging, but because it is only a small issue it isn't worth them releasing an update quickly for it.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2017, 07:40:30 am
content: The bar graph on the 34461A is so annoying that I am not using it at all.I have complained to Keysight about this and gave many suggestions but so far nothing has been implemented.But it has been a while for a feature filled FW release, who knows, may be we get lucky one day

author: KE5FX
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2017, 08:19:39 am
content: Can't you just use the Manual scale button and set the Low end as desired?

author: kj7e
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2017, 03:43:18 pm
content: Quote from: KE5FX on May 19, 2017, 08:19:39 amYes, but it does not change the starting point for the bar graph, it always starts off the edge of the display, very annoying. Put me on the list who would also like this updated in the next firmware to start in the center, or at least an option to have it start in the center.

author: Fgrir
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2017, 03:55:16 pm
content: When I saw the bargraph on the SDM3055 (that I briefly owned) starting on the left edge like that I thought it must be a case where they tried to copy Keysight without understanding the actual purpose. I was shocked to find out that they had actually copied it correctlyIs there anyone who actually likes the bar coming from the left edge? To my mind it is just wrong, but there must be some argument for it, right?

author: joetorelli
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2017, 04:46:53 pm
content: I agree. I think the bar should always start at zero. And there should be an offset value if I need something other than a zero point.As for not seeing the bar for a very small signal that is what scaling is for.Plus it has those huge beautiful numbers.Where I work we align deflection amps for calligraphic displays. I use a null meter all the time when I am doing board alignments to center the position of 20 turn pots. When a board comes in I don't know where the adjustments are. I have to null out about 25 pots per board. After that I know the signals are balanced and I am not fighting the other adjustments down the line. And then I can add as little correction as needed. Having a centered null meter is very handy.I thought that since this meter has been out for a while that the bugs would be ironed out by now. Life was much simpler when you just had a needle and a couple of knobs. And the only bugs were the roaches crawling around the meter.I can't believe with all the talk from Keysight about how great the user interface is, that they believe this is a good solution.