Author Topic: Agilent - Discontinued Handeld Meters (Read 11416 times)

Docholiday · « **on:** October 12, 2015, 05:10:33 pm »

Well, today I went to make a purchase online to TEquipment after saving my money to buy a new meter. Lord and behold the following meters are discontinued; U1253B, U1252B, U1251B, U1242B and maybe the U1401B. Now this explains Agilent's new promotion dated August 1 - Feb 29, 2016 buy two and get one free.

ArcticGeek · « **Reply #1 on:** October 12, 2015, 07:46:13 pm »

That's interesting indeed. All of these meters are still listed on Allied Electronics and Newark's websites. Did they happen to mention a replacement model coming?

I will say this - if Keysight/Agilent could combine the accuracy and 50,000 count capability of the U1252B with the ergonomic feel and the nice features of the U1272A, they would have a SUPER meter.

5ky · « **Reply #2 on:** October 12, 2015, 09:21:36 pm »

Quote from: ArcticGeek on October 12, 2015, 07:46:13 pm

That's interesting indeed. All of these meters are still listed on Allied Electronics and Newark's websites. Did they happen to mention a replacement model coming?

I will say this - if Keysight/Agilent could combine the accuracy and 50,000 count capability of the U1252B with the ergonomic feel and the nice features of the U1272A, they would have a SUPER meter.

Along with the ability to mix touch-hold with datalogging like the u1272a/b. It's silly the cheaper meter has better data logging than the flagship. I'm really excited to see what they'll replace those with.

Wait, those are all the OLED models OP listed....are they keeping the LCD ones? I've read a lot about people having issues with those agilent/keysight OLED displays, I wonder if there's a connection.

Docholiday · « **Reply #3 on:** October 12, 2015, 09:47:08 pm »

The only OLED is the U1253B, the rest are back lit LCD. I think I will wait another month and see what Agilent is going offer. But I suspect nothing will come until this promo is over to give ample time for its dealers to get rid of stock and for Agilent to get rid of its own distribution stock as well.

Perhaps we will start seeing some teaser media later in the year.

Docholiday · « **Reply #4 on:** October 12, 2015, 09:58:37 pm »

Got a reply from TEquipment - told there is a 4-5 week wait and will ship ARO (After Receipt of Order). Which in my experience means that it will ship direct from distribution channel (Agilent/Keysight). As I see no other indicators from TEquipment that stock will be replenished only that the meters are discontinued.

Perhaps, what may happen and here is a long shot. Maybe just a re-branding of the name from Agilent to Keysight.

ArcticGeek · « **Reply #5 on:** October 13, 2015, 02:34:01 am »

The rebranding has already happened, because if you purchase a U1251B U1252B or U1272A today it will come with the Keysight logo on it.

Regardless of what happens, I think this could mean good bargains for the home hobbyists. I can foresee fire sales and/or stock reduction sales later this year or early next year to get rid of old stock.

nowlan · « **Reply #6 on:** October 13, 2015, 02:54:26 am »

First I heard of the buy 2 get 1 promo.
http://www.keysight.com/main/editorial.jspx?cc=AU&lc=eng&id=2622527

http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/5992-0973EN.pdf?id=2629914
Availability:United States of America, Canada, Latin America, Korea, Singapore, and Australia

Docholiday · « **Reply #7 on:** October 13, 2015, 03:07:23 am »

Me too! Found it by accident while researching these meters. I went on the TEquipment site to place my order and verify the promo. Only to discover the meters were discontinued. That led to other online suppliers that had the meters in stock. After talking with TEquipment I decided to just sit and wait and see what happens next with Agilent. I have my Keysight 34465A and my trust worthy Sperry hand held. So, I am going to wait and not jump the gun as they say in America. However, the U1401B is awful tempting.

ocw · « **Reply #8 on:** October 13, 2015, 03:31:12 am »

The might be a similar early exit for the 34401A as well. From http://www.keysight.com/en/pd-1000001295:epsg:pro-pn-34401A/digital-multimeter-6-digit :
Product [34401A] will be discontinued: 01 December 2016

5ky · « **Reply #9 on:** October 13, 2015, 03:46:14 am »

Quote from: Docholiday on October 12, 2015, 09:47:08 pm

The only OLED is the U1253B, the rest are back lit LCD. I think I will wait another month and see what Agilent is going offer. But I suspect nothing will come until this promo is over to give ample time for its dealers to get rid of stock and for Agilent to get rid of its own distribution stock as well.

Perhaps we will start seeing some teaser media later in the year.

I stand corrected. I need to stop relying on my horrible memory.

Hmmm..... new models maybe? They're already shipping the new stuff with keysight branding. (my clamp meter is branded keysight, but my 1253B came with both--the box was agilent but the meter had a keysight sticker over the agilent one--it looked bad so I peeled it off)

VK5RC · « **Reply #10 on:** October 13, 2015, 10:19:19 am »

Interesting to note, happy u1253b (quite old) owner here, no fade! Hopefully the replacement will be interesting. I really like OLED, I reach for my oled meter over lcd.

EEVblog · « **Reply #11 on:** October 13, 2015, 11:49:35 am »

Quote from: ArcticGeek on October 12, 2015, 07:46:13 pm

That's interesting indeed. All of these meters are still listed on Allied Electronics and Newark's websites. Did they happen to mention a replacement model coming?

There is absolutely no truth to the rumor that someone has one

EEVblog · « **Reply #12 on:** October 13, 2015, 11:53:01 am »

Quote from: Docholiday on October 12, 2015, 05:10:33 pm

Well, today I went to make a purchase online to TEquipment after saving my money to buy a new meter. Lord and behold the following meters are discontinued; U1253B, U1252B, U1251B, U1242B and maybe the U1401B.

Not surprising, as these are the old Escort designs.
Still very good meters, if if they are going at a bargain price could be well worth it.

Docholiday · « **Reply #13 on:** October 13, 2015, 12:16:26 pm »

The bargin price is you buy two meters and you get one free from Keysight direct after you register the other two online. The third free meter will be equal or lessor value of the two. Your call on thst one when you register.

I suppose you could sell the third one to offset your cost.

Docholiday · « **Reply #14 on:** October 13, 2015, 12:27:24 pm »

I too really like the OLED look but the longevity (OLED) and battery life of 4 hours on a good dsy in the vacuum of space plus you cannot buy the OLED screen is what holds me back. I wonder how easily one could replace the screen on the 1253B if Keysight would sell the screen?

EEVblog · « **Reply #15 on:** October 15, 2015, 04:20:52 am »

Just had this lying around.

lowimpedance · « **Reply #16 on:** October 15, 2015, 04:29:20 am »

Quote from: EEVblog on October 15, 2015, 04:20:52 am

Just had this lying around.

Thats a bit boring..... what about a pic of the other side ?.

crispy_tofu · « **Reply #17 on:** October 15, 2015, 05:34:08 am »

Quote from: lowimpedance on October 15, 2015, 04:29:20 am

Quote from: EEVblog on October 15, 2015, 04:20:52 am
Just had this lying around.
Thats a bit boring..... what about a pic of the other side ?.

Yes please

hayatepilot · « **Reply #18 on:** October 15, 2015, 06:41:39 am »

Quote from: EEVblog on October 15, 2015, 04:20:52 am

Just had this lying around.

Are you allowed to review/teardown it?

Give us something.

Greetings

EEVblog · « **Reply #19 on:** October 15, 2015, 07:19:11 am »

Quote from: hayatepilot on October 15, 2015, 06:41:39 am

Give us something.

It's a nice orange colour. Must have lots of vitamin C.

VK5RC · « **Reply #20 on:** October 15, 2015, 08:00:46 am »

Tantalising! Mmmmmmmmmm.

nowlan · « **Reply #21 on:** October 15, 2015, 09:05:18 am »

boo 5517 prefix are lasers. Doesnt sound right.

rickselectricalprojects · « **Reply #22 on:** October 15, 2015, 09:30:56 am »

isnt agilent now keysight?
if so why are they ceasing production on some meters?

VK5RC · « **Reply #23 on:** October 15, 2015, 09:36:39 am »

Isn't "5517" the seventeenth week of 1960+55=2015?
I thought for the electronics division the change in name was all that occurred , models need "refreshing" to keep sales I suspect.

EEVblog · « **Reply #24 on:** October 15, 2015, 09:57:58 am »

Quote from: rickselectricalprojects on October 15, 2015, 09:30:56 am

if so why are they ceasing production on some meters?

Because they are old designs they inherited when they bought Escort.

VK5RC · « **Reply #25 on:** October 17, 2015, 10:20:38 am »

I don't have a U1272 to look at directly but the rear of the 'sneak' photo looks like quite a different moulding from photos on the Keysight website, I suspect quite a different shape from the U127x models but I shall have to wait

crispy_tofu · « **Reply #26 on:** October 17, 2015, 10:38:25 am »

I have a sneaking suspicion that the meter is made of plastic.

nanofrog · « **Reply #27 on:** November 08, 2015, 08:14:17 am »

Let's see here...

A certain orange colored box (and hint)...
S/N starts with MY (= made in Malaysia)...
The plastic component in the photo appears to be the same IR port pattern as is on the back of my U1252B...

I'd guess a new model of ~~Agilent~~ Keysight handheld meter.

crispy_tofu · « **Reply #28 on:** November 08, 2015, 08:21:54 am »

Eek, can't wait until Dave reviews it/uploads the video or when the embargo is lifted

EEVblog · « **Reply #29 on:** November 08, 2015, 08:27:06 am »

Quote from: crispy_tofu on November 08, 2015, 08:21:54 am

Eek, can't wait until Dave reviews it/uploads the video or when the embargo is lifted

I no longer have it.
It was a beta unit they now don't want shown and wanted back.
They haven't sent me the latest ones yet.
So unless they get here tomorrow, meh...

Docholiday · « **Reply #30 on:** November 08, 2015, 03:59:41 pm »

Did you get a chance at all to check it out? Maybe run through some tests?

nowlan · « **Reply #31 on:** November 09, 2015, 02:41:12 am »

I just want to know if there is any sanity in buying 2 3 low end keysight meters. Would rather they just slash 33-50% off the price.

EEVblog · « **Reply #32 on:** November 09, 2015, 02:45:11 am »

Quote from: Docholiday on November 08, 2015, 03:59:41 pm

Did you get a chance at all to check it out? Maybe run through some tests?

I opened it of course, but forget the details. Looked decent IIRC. And the water sealing is done pretty well, it's IP67 which is a big new thing for them.
Didn't get a chance to really test it because I knew I would do that for the review before release, but then they suddenly wanted it back.

Docholiday · « **Reply #33 on:** November 09, 2015, 04:20:32 pm »

I am hoping they are going to release during the holidays, but it looks doubtful. Based on the promotion lasting until Febuary 2016. I will just hold on to my money until then or at least try to.


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Author Topic: Agilent - Discontinued Handeld Meters (Read 11416 times)

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