Pristine 8846A with years of Cal Data, bored, do you get something new and shiny - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: itsbiodiversity
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2020, 12:07:26 pm
content: The title says it all. I have a wonderfully, mint 8846A purchased new only 3 years ago - with perfect cal data from ISO 17025 accredited labs with MU at each calibration event. This meter has only been used to measure Temperature via 4 wire as I obtained a K2002 for the precision electrical measurements required in a metrology lab. With that in mind - I cannot help but oodle and fawn over the new features baked in to the new DMMs. I was convinced I was selling the 8846A or trading for a Keithley DMM6500. It looks awesome! I would love the ability to enter coefficients for Temperature etc. (not necessary). I have also been looking at the Agilent 34465A, which has great reviews on this site as well. I searched. I searched, and I searched. Sadly - and perhaps fortunately - I came across a multitude of posts concerning the DMM6500 firmware freezing, and other issues. I have heard no such issues with the 34465A.So - pros. What tool would you use as your "secondary" electrical measurement tool and "primary" temperature measurement tool. Is there a reason you prefer once of these three amigos (8846A, DMM6500, 34465A) over another. For specifications they are all very similar, but I have only placed my hands on the 8846A. The K2002 is superior for both measurements (and super easy to use), but I like to leave the 6.5 DMM hooked to my probes so they're always ready to go. Looking for feedback, knowledge, and conversation. Stay safe everyone.

author: Micke
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2020, 03:26:54 pm
content: At home I have FLUKE 8846A, and Agilent 34410A (which uses Digital sampling for AC just as 34465A), and at work Keysight 34465A.For ACV/ACA the 34410A and 34465A are superior to 8846A due to the Digital sampling rather than using analog conversation with RMS to DC IC.I believe DMM6500 also uses RMS to DC converter IC. But for DC, I prefer 8846A, it is ultra stable (machine full of really expensive hermetic resistor networks, and I read somewhere on this forum the LM399 reference is extra well selected and monitored during the burn-in period not weeks or months but years, true or not I do not know but I would not be surprised), during the 6 years I have had mine, I think it has drifted like 1 or 2ppm on 10VDC. But my favorite is after all 34465A, it has excellent AC performance, the GUI with histograms, trend chart etc is really great! Have not had a single problem with the 34465A since we bought it over a year ago.

author: itsbiodiversity
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2020, 04:23:53 pm
content: The 8846A is incredibly stable. That is why, even with the lack of "new" functions/features - it is still sitting here on the bench. It was my main DMM until I began testing current in situations that the 8846A is not accurate enough. The 34465A would be a step up in performance from the 8846A if my memory serves me correctly. Any experience using RTDs PRTs with the 34465A?Thanks as always for any replies. Really enjoy this board.

author: fcb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2020, 04:49:37 pm
content: 34465A over a DMM6500 anyday - we've had both the DMM6500 and DMM7510, both were glitchy.