Electronics > Metrology

cheapest effective DMM 6+1/2 digit metrology with VXI/LAN ?

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Hella_Wini22:
I'd like to fundametnally update my miserable chinesium $20 DMM to with some desktop model that could be used for serious measuerements.

Unfortunately, I'm constantly on a shoestring bugdet, so I have to aggressively search for various shortcuts, which often include some DIY work.

I'd like to automate my measurements and do it over several/many  points, which means using VXI protocol, LAN and some kind of switch matrix.

Even cheapest DMM sources ( SIglent, Rigol) that I could find charge substantially for extensions that are little more than cheap PCB with a couple of relays, which I can do myself for peanuts.

So far, I have narrowed it down to 2 choices that seem to satisfy my minimums:
  * Rigol DM3068 for €699
  * Siglent SDM3065X for €672

Have I overlooked something ? IS there a third, cheaper option, worth looking at ? 🙄

janoc:
Get a used HP/Agilent HP34401A.

These can be had even for 200€ on eBay if you get lucky, in a good shape, often even with still valid calibration. Maybe the display will be needing replacement (the VFDs tend to be faded after years of service in various measurement racks) but there are aftermarket ones on eBay too. I did swap mine for one of those, works just fine. Big bonus is that these are pretty well documented, service manuals are available - and the meters are designed to be serviced and repaired, even though they are normally extremely reliable and well built.

It doesn't have LAN but has GPIB and RS232, so you can easily build your own network solution by adding a small dongle and automate the measurements.

Hella_Wini22:
I need LAN for galvanic insulation.
Also I might not always have USB at hand at the measurement place or the ability to run the SW.

Also used gear is another category with its own risks and rewards, which I would rather not pursue at this point, if there is another option.
Less than €700 for a new instrument with warranty, support etc ain't that bad.

voltsandjolts:
The inguard/outguard gives you galvanic iso. No need for ethernet for that.

janoc:

--- Quote from: Hella_Wini22 on September 07, 2024, 05:34:18 pm ---I need LAN for galvanic insulation.
Also I might not always have USB at hand at the measurement place or the ability to run the SW.

--- End quote ---

There are USB isolators available, as are there RS232 or GPIB to ethernet dongles.


--- Quote from: Hella_Wini22 on September 07, 2024, 05:34:18 pm ---Also used gear is another category with its own risks and rewards, which I would rather not pursue at this point, if there is another option.
Less than €700 for a new instrument with warranty, support etc ain't that bad.

--- End quote ---

Well, you have said you are on a shoestring budget  :-// In that case warranty and support are not something one would care about as long the meter can be fixed and calibration still obtained.

If you have the 700€ for a new instrument then go with those you have picked, you aren't going to get a good new instrument in this category for less, IMO.

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