Author Topic: Keysight handheld meters pro's and con's?  (Read 6303 times)

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Offline Mr. Scram

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Re: Keysight handheld meters pro's and con's?
« Reply #25 on: September 02, 2018, 09:25:52 pm »
That's great information to have before chucking a few quids at one of these meters. If the display goes that will always end up a bad day out. Day ruined!!  >:(
I did also think about the 87v a couple of weeks ago but i'm so glad someone pointed out it would give me no more functions than i already have. I think the Keysight meters offer something different for sure so worth having on your bench just for that.

That's another thing i can take into account when buying another meter,,,, my meters have a very easy lazy life chilling out on my bench with light work loads! No stuffed in a bag or tool box then humphed all over the place for my meters! No working in dirty harsh conditions either!  8)
What l like about the 87V is that it does relatively few things, but does them without fuss and does them well. It's quick too. It's hard to beat for some quick poking around. The U1272A offers a bit more, which can be both a boon and a drawback. Having memory or SCPI and a PC connection can be nice.
 

Offline Terry01Topic starter

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Re: Keysight handheld meters pro's and con's?
« Reply #26 on: September 03, 2018, 10:08:37 am »
I've been looking at Keysight meters now for a few days. My head hurts! I still haven't settled on one or the other. I've watched a load of YouTube reviews all weekend and they actually put you off the Keysight stuff quite a bit! Or I think they do anyways, loads of bugs and glitches and stuff like that.  :-//
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Offline rsjsouza

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Re: Keysight handheld meters pro's and con's?
« Reply #27 on: September 03, 2018, 02:06:23 pm »
I've been looking at Keysight meters now for a few days. My head hurts! I still haven't settled on one or the other. I've watched a load of YouTube reviews all weekend and they actually put you off the Keysight stuff quite a bit! Or I think they do anyways, loads of bugs and glitches and stuff like that.  :-//
Yes, that is what passionate research does to you. I am guilty of that for absolutely every "durable goods" around the house - for some, I get an ultimatum from SWMBO after a couple of days. :-DD
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Oh, the "whys" of the datasheets... The information is there not to be an axiomatic truth, but instead each speck of data must be slowly inhaled while carefully performing a deep search inside oneself to find the true metaphysical sense...
 

Offline Terry01Topic starter

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Re: Keysight handheld meters pro's and con's?
« Reply #28 on: September 03, 2018, 05:41:08 pm »
I've been looking at Keysight meters now for a few days. My head hurts! I still haven't settled on one or the other. I've watched a load of YouTube reviews all weekend and they actually put you off the Keysight stuff quite a bit! Or I think they do anyways, loads of bugs and glitches and stuff like that.  :-//
Yes, that is what passionate research does to you. I am guilty of that for absolutely every "durable goods" around the house - for some, I get an ultimatum from SWMBO after a couple of days. :-DD

Any of the other bits of test gear I have, which isn't a lot! I've either knew already what I wanted so it was just a case of ordering it or it's been an impulse buy so again, just ordering it!
This time I thought i'd research and get something good and make sure it is for sure what I definitely want, what a mistake that was! Lesson learned!

Impulse buying all the way for me now! No research or anything like that, just "BOOM", trigger pulled, and if it's not great well "too bad" at least my head won't have hurt or be due to hurt!

NO MORE RESEARCH FOR THIS CHUMP! LOL  :-+

Sparks and Smoke means i'm nearly there!
 

Offline bitseeker

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Re: Keysight handheld meters pro's and con's?
« Reply #29 on: September 03, 2018, 05:46:35 pm »
Yeah, a.k.a., analysis paralysis. |O Nevertheless, I still recommend doing the research. Just keep in mind that there is no perfect product that ticks all the boxes and has no bugs.

So, Terry, why do you want a Keysight DMM and what do you want to use it for (be as specific as possible)? Your answers to these might help us help you wade through the sea of options.

If stability and minimal bugs is a primary concern, buy models that have been out for a couple years or more. It's also good to see how well warranty claims are handled by the manufacturer.

In the case of Keysight, they simply replaced my defective meters. I'm fortunate to be within range of their courier service, so they hand deliver the replacement, which is a nice bonus.
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Offline bitseeker

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Re: Keysight handheld meters pro's and con's?
« Reply #30 on: September 03, 2018, 05:51:18 pm »
Yes, that is what passionate research does to you. I am guilty of that for absolutely every "durable goods" around the house - for some, I get an ultimatum from SWMBO after a couple of days. :-DD

LOL! Yes, it's engineering nature. :-// I actually got tired of gadgets suddenly showing up at home that I would have to return because "someone" bought it without any research. Thus, I had to declare the ultimatum, "If it plugs into the wall, uses batteries, or has a solar panel, I'll buy it for you."
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Offline rsjsouza

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Re: Keysight handheld meters pro's and con's?
« Reply #31 on: September 03, 2018, 08:34:05 pm »
Internet does that to us. Before you would do some research in whatever magazine you could get your hands (with the eventual mail order option), then you would go to one or two stores close to home and saw what was available.

If you were lucky, you could still have the option of a mail order, but that was quite involving as well (go to the post office to buy a money order, send it via mail, wait a few weeks until it arrived, hope it was not destroyed or stolen in its way back home).
Vbe - vídeo blog eletrônico http://videos.vbeletronico.com

Oh, the "whys" of the datasheets... The information is there not to be an axiomatic truth, but instead each speck of data must be slowly inhaled while carefully performing a deep search inside oneself to find the true metaphysical sense...
 

Offline VK5RC

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Re: Keysight handheld meters pro's and con's?
« Reply #32 on: September 03, 2018, 11:42:45 pm »
I recall seeing some research on consumer choice that the optimum 'choice' (in terms of consumer happiness with choice of purchase) was in the order of 4-7 or so. Too many choices, confuses not only pre purchase but reduces  after purchase satisfaction as well!
Whoah! Watch where that landed we might need it later.
 

Offline richnormand

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Re: Keysight handheld meters pro's and con's?
« Reply #33 on: September 04, 2018, 12:01:19 am »
Got a U1252B (LCD) over a year ago when they were on sale on e-bay.

Got a Agilent unit and it worked well for my needs.  Battery life was not an issue for me and most functions are programmable.
Includes a square wage generator (seldom use), temp and capacitance.

Heard of an RF issue recall from Keysight for that model. So I sent my unit to Keysight and got a Keysight unit in return with a new calibration certificate and sticker!

This replaces two of my Fluke DMMs (both still working well, less resolution).

You cant go wrong with either, just look at the best match to your needs and hunt for bargains if you have time to do so.

« Last Edit: September 04, 2018, 07:50:09 pm by richnormand »
Repair, Renew, Reuse, Recycle, Rebuild, Reduce, Recover, Repurpose, Restore, Refurbish, Recondition, Renovate
 

Offline Mr. Scram

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Re: Keysight handheld meters pro's and con's?
« Reply #34 on: September 04, 2018, 12:07:59 am »
I recall seeing some research on consumer choice that the optimum 'choice' (in terms of consumer happiness with choice of purchase) was in the order of 4-7 or so. Too many choices, confuses not only pre purchase but reduces  after purchase satisfaction as well!
The solution is not to choose and to buy all!
 

Offline rsjsouza

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Re: Keysight handheld meters pro's and con's?
« Reply #35 on: September 04, 2018, 12:10:50 am »
I recall seeing some research on consumer choice that the optimum 'choice' (in terms of consumer happiness with choice of purchase) was in the order of 4-7 or so. Too many choices, confuses not only pre purchase but reduces  after purchase satisfaction as well!
The solution is not to choose and to buy all!
TEA also does that to you... :-DD

I have more meters than I actually need, and each one is special in its own way. Not to mention the inherited gear I got from my dad...
Vbe - vídeo blog eletrônico http://videos.vbeletronico.com

Oh, the "whys" of the datasheets... The information is there not to be an axiomatic truth, but instead each speck of data must be slowly inhaled while carefully performing a deep search inside oneself to find the true metaphysical sense...
 

Offline bitseeker

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Re: Keysight handheld meters pro's and con's?
« Reply #36 on: September 04, 2018, 12:12:06 am »
Yeah, since some meters have functions that others don't, it's the only way to have all of the features for all situations. :-DD
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Offline VK5RC

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Re: Keysight handheld meters pro's and con's?
« Reply #37 on: September 04, 2018, 04:18:28 am »
The embarrassing thing is when I did that photo shoot, I only put in some of my HH DMMs. :)
PS as a back up I have bought a spare screen for my u1253b - that way it will last forever (as per Murphy)!
Whoah! Watch where that landed we might need it later.
 

Offline bitseeker

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Re: Keysight handheld meters pro's and con's?
« Reply #38 on: September 04, 2018, 05:45:33 am »
The embarrassing thing is when I did that photo shoot, I only put in some of my HH DMMs. :)
PS as a back up I have bought a spare screen for my u1253b - that way it will last forever (as per Murphy)!

Somehow, I missed your earlier post with the photo shoot (and some posts thereafter, it seems). A nice stable it is, too, even if it's abbreviated.

- Beep can be disabled more sensibly than U127x - either disable the turn on beep (leaving continuity beep still on) or disable everything. 

I didn't see that before. That turn-on beep has always annoyed me (too long and loud). I've now turned it off and what a relief it is. Thanks!
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Offline Terry01Topic starter

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Re: Keysight handheld meters pro's and con's?
« Reply #39 on: September 19, 2018, 12:20:16 pm »
I ended up getting the U1273a!  :-+

It seems a nice enough meter and is pretty easy to use, so far! It has a shed ton of features too, that's for sure! LOADS!
They are all set out in a pretty easy to follow and understand way so I've managed fine with them for now.
I ordered it at around 3pm Monday and it was delivered before 1pm Tuesday so delivery was quick, super quick! I got it for a decent price too so that was good as well.
Got it brand new for £330 delivered with 8 months factory Cal still on it. I'm happy with that.

I only have 1 problem now!

I can't decide what meter to sell/get rid off since I made myself a "promise" I wasn't going to let test equipment start to build up on my bench!

I think i'll just have to accept my weaknesses and call myself a "lying toad" and keep them all ?  :palm:

WAHAHAHAHA!  >:D
Sparks and Smoke means i'm nearly there!
 

Offline rsjsouza

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Re: Keysight handheld meters pro's and con's?
« Reply #40 on: September 19, 2018, 02:53:31 pm »
I ended up getting the U1273a!  :-+

It seems a nice enough meter and is pretty easy to use, so far! It has a shed ton of features too, that's for sure! LOADS!
They are all set out in a pretty easy to follow and understand way so I've managed fine with them for now.
I ordered it at around 3pm Monday and it was delivered before 1pm Tuesday so delivery was quick, super quick! I got it for a decent price too so that was good as well.
Got it brand new for £330 delivered with 8 months factory Cal still on it. I'm happy with that.


Congratulations on your purchase - it is an excellent meter. Were you surprised as I was with the melody tune at power on?  :-DD

If you purchased it new, you can contact Keysight and get the warranty set to the date of purchase (check here).

I only have 1 problem now!

I can't decide what meter to sell/get rid off since I made myself a "promise" I wasn't going to let test equipment start to build up on my bench!

I think i'll just have to accept my weaknesses and call myself a "lying toad" and keep them all ?  :palm:

WAHAHAHAHA!  >:D
When I got my U1273A I sold my Fluke 179 - I decided the Keysight was only marginally less sturdy than the Fluke and I would use it around the house instead (I later got a Fluke 27/FM on the cheap for that...  :palm:). Also, I didn't necessarily needed a 6000 count meter anymore and I could easily move a Fluke in the local sales website.

In your case, I would thoroughly evaluate the U1273A against your Fluke 289 - it seems to me they are quite comparable in their features.

Vbe - vídeo blog eletrônico http://videos.vbeletronico.com

Oh, the "whys" of the datasheets... The information is there not to be an axiomatic truth, but instead each speck of data must be slowly inhaled while carefully performing a deep search inside oneself to find the true metaphysical sense...
 

Offline bitseeker

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Re: Keysight handheld meters pro's and con's?
« Reply #41 on: September 19, 2018, 05:39:05 pm »
Congrats on your new DMM, Terry. I suppose you could use your U1273A indoors (where OLED excels) and the 289 outdoors. ;D
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Offline Terry01Topic starter

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Re: Keysight handheld meters pro's and con's?
« Reply #42 on: September 19, 2018, 06:23:41 pm »
I ended up getting the U1273a!  :-+

It seems a nice enough meter and is pretty easy to use, so far! It has a shed ton of features too, that's for sure! LOADS!
They are all set out in a pretty easy to follow and understand way so I've managed fine with them for now.
I ordered it at around 3pm Monday and it was delivered before 1pm Tuesday so delivery was quick, super quick! I got it for a decent price too so that was good as well.
Got it brand new for £330 delivered with 8 months factory Cal still on it. I'm happy with that.


Congratulations on your purchase - it is an excellent meter. Were you surprised as I was with the melody tune at power on?  :-DD

If you purchased it new, you can contact Keysight and get the warranty set to the date of purchase (check here).

I only have 1 problem now!

I can't decide what meter to sell/get rid off since I made myself a "promise" I wasn't going to let test equipment start to build up on my bench!

I think i'll just have to accept my weaknesses and call myself a "lying toad" and keep them all ?  :palm:

WAHAHAHAHA!  >:D
When I got my U1273A I sold my Fluke 179 - I decided the Keysight was only marginally less sturdy than the Fluke and I would use it around the house instead (I later got a Fluke 27/FM on the cheap for that...  :palm:). Also, I didn't necessarily needed a 6000 count meter anymore and I could easily move a Fluke in the local sales website.

In your case, I would thoroughly evaluate the U1273A against your Fluke 289 - it seems to me they are quite comparable in their features.

Yes the power on thing is a bit funny for sure, it definitely got my attention! Mines was promptly turned off ASAP!  :)

On the subject of "beeps" the continuity beeper is very scratchy. I don't mind though I have other Fluke meters with good latched beepers if I need to use that feature so no worries there.
Other than that I really like it. It's quick and accurate on most things so I am happy with it.
I'm sure my Flukes will do some things quicker and "vice versa" so it will get plenty use. Well for "me" I mean plenty use! My meters all get an easy laid back life.
I got the meter new from ""microleaseeurope"" so should be good to get the warranty changed to "date of purchase". Thank you very much for the heads up! I'll get onto that later tonight. Well worth sorting out if you ask me.

All in all i'm very happy with it so "Thank You" everyone for all the help.
Sparks and Smoke means i'm nearly there!
 

Offline Terry01Topic starter

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Re: Keysight handheld meters pro's and con's?
« Reply #43 on: September 19, 2018, 06:32:25 pm »
Congrats on your new DMM, Terry. I suppose you could use your U1273A indoors (where OLED excels) and the 289 outdoors. ;D

Ha Ha! Thank you very much buddy!

I'm sure i'll get lots and lots of hours of fun use from it. It'll fit in just fine to my little collection of meters so far. I've only had it a day or so but it feels like it's one of those meters that is just "nice" to use. I'll know better after a week or 2 but I think I am going to like it. I will for sure post any pro's or cons I find along the way.
The help and advice available here is invaluable for the less experienced members like myself.
Sparks and Smoke means i'm nearly there!
 

Offline Mr. Scram

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Re: Keysight handheld meters pro's and con's?
« Reply #44 on: September 19, 2018, 10:46:41 pm »
Congrats on your new DMM, Terry. I suppose you could use your U1273A indoors (where OLED excels) and the 289 outdoors. ;D
Don't forget to bring your extension cord if you run the Fluke outside. ;D
 

Offline Terry01Topic starter

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Re: Keysight handheld meters pro's and con's?
« Reply #45 on: September 19, 2018, 10:56:38 pm »
Congrats on your new DMM, Terry. I suppose you could use your U1273A indoors (where OLED excels) and the 289 outdoors. ;D
Don't forget to bring your extension cord if you run the Fluke outside. ;D

Ha Ha! I hear the U1273 is quite greedy too so I may need a cord for that also! ? ? ?

We'll see,,,,
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Offline Terry01Topic starter

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Re: Keysight handheld meters pro's and con's?
« Reply #46 on: September 26, 2018, 05:23:08 pm »
I ended up getting the U1273a!  :-+

It seems a nice enough meter and is pretty easy to use, so far! It has a shed ton of features too, that's for sure! LOADS!
They are all set out in a pretty easy to follow and understand way so I've managed fine with them for now.
I ordered it at around 3pm Monday and it was delivered before 1pm Tuesday so delivery was quick, super quick! I got it for a decent price too so that was good as well.
Got it brand new for £330 delivered with 8 months factory Cal still on it. I'm happy with that.


Congratulations on your purchase - it is an excellent meter. Were you surprised as I was with the melody tune at power on?  :-DD

If you purchased it new, you can contact Keysight and get the warranty set to the date of purchase (check here).

I only have 1 problem now!

I can't decide what meter to sell/get rid off since I made myself a "promise" I wasn't going to let test equipment start to build up on my bench!

I think i'll just have to accept my weaknesses and call myself a "lying toad" and keep them all ?  :palm:

WAHAHAHAHA!  >:D
When I got my U1273A I sold my Fluke 179 - I decided the Keysight was only marginally less sturdy than the Fluke and I would use it around the house instead (I later got a Fluke 27/FM on the cheap for that...  :palm:). Also, I didn't necessarily needed a 6000 count meter anymore and I could easily move a Fluke in the local sales website.

In your case, I would thoroughly evaluate the U1273A against your Fluke 289 - it seems to me they are quite comparable in their features.

Hey buddy, thanks for the heads up on getting the warranty set to "date of purchase", very handy indeed! I mailed them all the correct info a couple days ago and got a mail back today asking for a clearer photo of the serial number as the one I sent wasn't clear enough. The lady was very nice about asking for the serial number so I have no doubt i'll get the confirmation in a day or two that it has been done.

Thanks again!  :-+
Sparks and Smoke means i'm nearly there!
 
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