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Agilent U1251B multimeter

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Lo_tse:
Just picked up the U1251B from Active Electronic in Toronto (Canada).  The general feel of the meter was quite good.  However, the two clamshell of the meter body was only held by 3 screws on the back side.  Two in the middle (one on each side) and one near the battery compartment at the bottom end (by the middle).  I found the gap between the clamshells is fairly big and I can squeeze them closer by may be another 1 mm by hands.  I am a little disappointed at this observation.  Just curious, does anyone own this 1250 series meter and observed the same thing?  Anyway, this meter will mainly be use for DIY purpose and will not be exposed to dusty/humid industrial environments, so it should be OK.  This meter has to last me a long long time since I cannot afford another one any time soon.  Can anyone shed any light on what kind of reliability should I be expecting?

I chose this meter mainly for its higher resolution (4.5 digit) and accuracy (basic DC - 0.03%) as compare to other brands.  More importantly, the meter is on sale and Agilent is currently giving out a rebate too.  Overall, I only paid about half of the list price - a pretty good deal, I think. 

nanofrog:

--- Quote from: Lo_tse on April 11, 2012, 02:34:12 am ---...I found the gap between the clamshells is fairly big and I can squeeze them closer by may be another 1 mm by hands.  ... Just curious, does anyone own this 1250 series meter and observed the same thing?
--- End quote ---
Yes.

The battery door is expected, but my U1252B has that issue at the top/display portion as well. A bit annoying if I'm looking at it/messing with it, but doesn't cause any issues with it's operation (also indoors only) and normally doesn't bother me (focused on trying not to smoke something... :P).

Lo_tse:
Hi, Nanofrog,

Thanks for responding.  Actually, you are right, the gap at the top/display portion is quite big too (again, I can squeeze them closer with hands without too much effort)!!   Well, as you said, these should not affect performance.  I just have to take my mind off this.

I also test the continuity beep repsonse.  It is a little slow.  What I do not understand is that the "freebie DMM" that I got from Circuit Specialist delivers instant response whereas many more expensive meters "fall short" on this regard.

Have a good day!

robrenz:
Lo_tse,  I have 2 of those circuit specialist free meters and I agree the continuity beep is extremely fast. Those meters are also much more accurate than the specs. They match my Fluke 87 on everything I have compared. They are an exceptionaly good meter for the price ;D

saturation:
Its a good meter, I've had the 1252A for about a year.  My only complaints are:

I don't think the casing plastic quality is as rugged as a Fluke 87V, but I got it cheap and its more accurate in all ranges.

After 1 year the rubber coating on some parts are flaking off.

The charger died 8 months after I got it.

One range calibration was slightly off.

However its fast acquisition, higher precision and other features makes me use as my lab HH over any other DMM!  Its also as easy as the 1272a, to DIY calibrate if you are brave enough to do it, making it far easier to maintain yourself over the long term than a Fluke.  I use the Fluke and the 1272a for outdoors and travel. 

The continuity beep is not the best, but that only matters if you do such troubleshooting on a daily basis, you can always confirm by checking the LCD.  On the 1272a it also flashes the LED backlight, which is better because many times the background noise will drown out sound, and its good to get secondary feedback without actually reading the ohms scale.

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