5440B Auction Score: Sometimes you're the bat, sometimes you're the ball

[Tony_G]

I think this might be one of those times where I'm the bat. I sent my 5440B/AF into Fluke to get calibrated and they told me that there seemed to be a problem with the high voltage relays.

"Damn" I thought because getting parts was probably going to be expensive. At the same time I was thinking that I saw a not-working 5440B come up for auction. So I grabbed that just in case I needed a donor unit.

It turns out they were able to just give the relays a clean and my 5440B/AF should be available shortly with a complete manufacturer calibration.

This non-working unit was also missing it's fuse holder (I wonder why that is, my other one was also missing the holder) so I got a replacement, fixed up the filter that was pinning the fan in place and powered the unit up.

After an hour or so I checked the voltages and for 10V I'm seeing:



I might have lucked myself into another 5440B for $65 plus shipping.

I'm so chuffed, I just had to share. I'm going to leave it sitting on the bench for a few more hours (Dr Frank suggested 4 for my other unit) and then I'll run both the 5440B & 3458A through their autocal routines and measure again.

TonyG

[Vgkid]

Damn, That is some good luck. I will give you $100 for it.

[MK14]

I think you did really well. But if you tried it again, it would probably fail (you would end up with a duff one). I.e. it was a FLUKE! (*cough*).

[zlymex]

I bought my second 5440B for the same reason.
The first thing I did was to remove all the relays and clean them because some experienced repairmen told me so.

[Tony_G]

Thanks everyone - I completely agree that it was a total Fluke...

I'm not sure I really need two though - Zlymex, what are you using the two for? Did you get an B/AF or just B's?

Thanks,

TonyG

[Tony_G]

Just finished running both the 5440B and the 3458A through Autocal (warmed up for 4 hours) and here is what I get:



Unless I've calculated something wrong this looks pretty damn good given that the last time the 5440B was calibrated was 18 Aug 09. Everything is actually within spec for this value (not saying the unit is in complete calibration but just that for the output value it seems pretty good).

TonyG

[EEVblog]

Damn, would love to have one of those. Rare as hens teeth here though.

[Tony_G]

Damn, would love to have one of those. Rare as hens teeth here though.

I'd consider sending one over for Teardown Tuesday but, on a lark, I checked the shipping quote via DHL and they wanted $970 to ship to Sydney

TonyG

[Dr. Frank]

I might have lucked myself into another 5440B for $65 plus shipping.

I'm so chuffed, I just had to share. I'm going to leave it sitting on the bench for a few more hours (Dr Frank suggested 4 for my other unit) and then I'll run both the 5440B & 3458A through their autocal routines and measure again.

TonyG

TonyG,

that's absolutely unfair!

And you have to admit, I think, that you shared just to make us other guys jealous.. which you managed nicely.

So, congrats on your 2nd instrument.

Frank

[EEVblog]

I'd consider sending one over for Teardown Tuesday but, on a lark, I checked the shipping quote via DHL and they wanted $970 to ship to Sydney

Now you know why these things are unobtainium here!

[nfmax]

You poor, unfortunate fellow! Now you have two voltage standards you will never know if your DVM is accurate or not. You'll have to sell one calibrator, or get another! 

[zlymex]

I'm not sure I really need two though - Zlymex, what are you using the two for? Did you get an B/AF or just B's?

There are all just B's. I'll probably tear one down for parts, there is a pair of very good SZA263 reference and many PWW resistors to say at least.

[HighVoltage]

You got very lucky, congratulations.
The 5440B almost never show up on ebay Germany / Europe and if they do, then they are still very expensive.
Some things are just better in the USA

[Tony_G]

Now you know why these things are unobtainium here!

If I ever travel back down under for work again I might try to smuggle it over as accompanied luggage - I think we have a Pelican case that'd hold it - Can't imagine what customs would charge though...

that's absolutely unfair!

And you have to admit, I think, that you shared just to make us other guys jealous.. which you managed nicely.

It really was more a sharing of joy that I could pick up something like this for such a low value - Maybe a lot of people have been burnt on 'not working/powering up' before and just don't want to take the chance.

You poor, unfortunate fellow! Now you have two voltage standards you will never know if your DVM is accurate or not. You'll have to sell one calibrator, or get another! 

Bugger the two clock problem - Well, I did just buy a new instrument rack so there may be space...

Thanks everyone - Appreciate the kind words.

TonyG

[edavid]

If I ever travel back down under for work again I might try to smuggle it over as accompanied luggage - I think we have a Pelican case that'd hold it -

If you go over 70lb, you are supposed to pay an overweight fee of $400 or so

[TheSteve]

Damn, would love to have one of those. Rare as hens teeth here though.

I'd consider sending one over for Teardown Tuesday but, on a lark, I checked the shipping quote via DHL and they wanted $970 to ship to Sydney

TonyG

If someone has a decent discount through a company you could get the rate down to $200-300 - still quite a bit.

[klaus11]

The 5440A is discarded? as well calibrator.