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Bench multimeter
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Anding:
Hello,

I'm torn between the Silgent SDM3045X and SDM3055 bench multimeters.  I read in another post that the 3045X is fanless (hence silent!), but the specs tell me that the 3055 has a much better range at low voltages (200mV threshold rather than 600mV). 

No annoying noise is important or I just won't use it, but - for reference - my Rigol MSO5104 is quiet enough for me.  How much noise does the 3055 make in comparison?

600mV seems a high threshold, maybe too high for reliably checking the bias on transistors, hence my interest in the mid-range option.  The price difference between the two will not affect the decision on this occasion.

Also, any other competing units I should consider at this level?

Many thanks for your thoughts!
Kibabalu:
Hi,

I'm using the SDM3065X and I'm quite satisfied with it. I bought it, because I 'needed' the 6 and ½ digits.

I don't see the benefit of buying a 4 and ½ Digit bench multimeter compared to buying a handheld one. They are much cheaper and more practical.

Thus, skip the SDM3045X and go for the SDM3055!
Kleinstein:
AFAIK in China there is no SDM3045, but a SDM3055E instead: essentially the same hardware but with software essentially like the 3055. From the HW side the 3045 and 3055 are very similar - mainly lower grade parts (especially the HV divider) with the 3045 but in theory the same ranges. The 3045 is more like an afterthough with odd ranges not directly reflecting the hardware side. As a result there is additional range switching with the 3045 that can cause problems.
With the very similar HW side and essentially the same power consumption it should be OK to disable the fan in the 3055: this will however effect the temperature distribution and thus void the calibration. The time for warm up to a stable state also gets longer.

The SDM3045 still offers 4 wire ohm mode, that handheld meters usually don't have. For longer time use (especially to log data to the PC) the mains supply is also a plus with a bench meter.
slavoy:
If price isn't an issue, there's no point even considering the SDM3045 as it has a lower specification. I have an SDM3065X (very similar in terms of functionality to 3055) and the fan noise is about the same as my Rigol DS1054Z. You need fans to distribute heat evenly across the board to ensure the stability of the measurements.
alm:

--- Quote from: slavoy on June 25, 2023, 04:10:27 pm ---You need fans to distribute heat evenly across the board to ensure the stability of the measurements.

--- End quote ---
There are plenty 6.5 digit (and better) meters without a fan (like the venerable HP 34401A). It's just a matter of thermal management: how much heat the instrument produces and how the engineers decided to get rid of the heat. Actually if you watch Dave's video about the HP 3457A tear down, you'll find him saying the instrument does not have a fan because the air currents would introduce thermal gradients. You can also find good 6.5+ digit meters with a fan, though.
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