Best bang for the buck bench multimeter new or used what do you recommend?

[alank2]

Hi Everyone,

I've got too many handhelds and it always seems that when I want to use one at my bench that I don't have the desk space for a handheld so I'm thinking about having a bench one there I can use all the time.

What is the best bang for the buck, new or used, as far as getting a quality bench meter that will last a long time.

Thanks,

Alan

[Vgkid]

Where are you located, that will help with used meters.

[kjn4685]

Tell us the prices and y location. I would be interested.

[LaurentR]

If I translate "quality bench meter that will last a long time" by Keysight, Fluke, Keithley...,
you have basically three options:

A) New or near new. The darlings of the forum with a nice UI are the Keysight 34461A/34465A. 6.5digit, $1000-1400. Fluke's 8846A also a strong contender. Go up in price to a 7.5 (or 8.5) digit. Some 4.5 and 5.5 digit are available from these brands but they are less common. The 6.5digit seem to be the core of the market for brand bench DMMs.

B) Slightly older technology, used. You can buy a (still produced) "industry standard" HP/Agilent/Keysight 34401A for $250-400 on EBay and get a great meter. Those are very common second-hand, so you can find really nice ones at very good prices.

C) Old technology. E.g. HP3456A $100-200 on EBay.

As others have said, you need to specify your country, your budget and your needs. You can look the above up to get an idea. Based on your country, there might be other quality brands worth looking at.
Also look at the multimeter sticky: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/multimeter-spreadsheet/ as a lot of the bench DMMs new and old are listed and you won't find a better spec comparison resource.
There are also many bench DMM threads on the forum to look at once you have a few candidates in mind.

If this is too expensive, want new and are willing to go Chinese, a Rigol DM3058E ($450) or Siglent SDM3055 ($450) could do.
There are even cheaper options like on this active thread: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/vc8145-thread-it's-here-finally/

[JBaughb]

Your available money will change the answer to this question considerably but I would recommend an older HP/Agilent (3478A can be had for cheap) or Fluke (45 or 8840) multimeter from eBay. If you let us know how much you're looking to spend I am sure someone will have more specific answers for you.

Also, maybe more info about your needs or uses for the meter. If you need guaranteed accuracy, a specific resolution or certified calibration, that will alter the pricing considerably.

[max666]

I don't follow the logic. If you don't have enough desk space, then putting a bench multimeter on it will certainly not free up space?
Is one of your requirements that it has to be a small bench multimeter?

[nowlan]

Most people put bench meters on a shelf above work area. Keeps them off work space.

I dont think bang for buck implies brand new $1,000 agilent. Used or the rigol/siglent mentioned before.

[bingo600]

I'd recommend a HP/Agilent 34401 (that hasn't got a worn out VFD display)
Or a Keithley 2015 (they seem to go cheaper than the 2000's)

/Bingo

[nctnico]

I don't follow the logic. If you don't have enough desk space, then putting a bench multimeter on it will certainly not free up space?
Is one of your requirements that it has to be a small bench multimeter?

Stacking stuff frees up space. I have 2 VC8145s, a PSU and DC load stacked on top of each other. Handhelds don't stack very well; when you need more than one they clutter up the bench space.

To the OPs question: look at the Vichy / Vici VC8145. It costs less than $200 and it is a fine replacement for a 4.5 digit handheld DMM. It has a lot more features than a second hand A brand DMM.

[Wytnucls]

Another one to consider if you're on a budget and prefer to buy new, is the UNI-T UT804, which is basically a UT71D in a box. Sells for about 250$, out of Hong Kong:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNI-T-UT804-Digital-Bench-Multimeter-/131455912475?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e9b620a1b

No 4W measurements or GPIB, but it comes with USB, RS232, AC+DC and also has internal memory.

[EEVblog]

Another one to consider if you're on a budget and prefer to buy new, is the UNI-T UT804, which is basically a UT71D in a box. Sells for about 250$, out of Hong Kong:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNI-T-UT804-Digital-Bench-Multimeter-/131455912475?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e9b620a1b

A truly awful meter, don't touch it.

[BradC]

I picked up a HP3457a for the right price and I'm really happy with it. Like anything else however, my opinion is worth what you paid for it.

[JBaughb]

Another one to consider if you're on a budget and prefer to buy new, is the UNI-T UT804, which is basically a UT71D in a box. Sells for about 250$, out of Hong Kong:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNI-T-UT804-Digital-Bench-Multimeter-/131455912475?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e9b620a1b

No 4W measurements or GPIB, but it comes with USB, RS232, AC+DC and also has internal memory.

$250 would be better spent on a quality used meter versus a UNI-T. An HP 34401A can be had for that price if you spend some time waiting for a deal.

[Wytnucls]

Good second-hand Fluke, HP or Keithley machines can be expensive, depending on where the OP lives. If he resides in the USA, that's a no-brainer.
I bought a new Rigol DM3058E in Hong Kong and, with some luck, a lightly used Keithley 2000 ($290) in South Africa. Very happy with both meters.

[Smith]

It all depends on your budget and needs. I think a second handed Keithley/Fluke/Agisight is your best option in every way.
I absolutely love Keithley meters, but the Agilent 344xx meters look promissing too and the Fluke meters should be good too (never used their bench meters).

[max666]

I don't follow the logic. If you don't have enough desk space, then putting a bench multimeter on it will certainly not free up space?
Is one of your requirements that it has to be a small bench multimeter?

Stacking stuff frees up space. I have 2 VC8145s, a PSU and DC load stacked on top of each other. Handhelds don't stack very well; when you need more than one they clutter up the bench space.

To the OPs question: look at the Vichy / Vici VC8145. It costs less than $200 and it is a fine replacement for a 4.5 digit handheld DMM. It has a lot more features than a second hand A brand DMM.

Ah yes, of course. I must have been standing on the hose ... especially considering I do stack stuff myself 

[SeanB]

Time to do some repotting, I did that earlier the week, and they are enjoying the new potting soil and the extra room a lot. hopefully the seeds I also planted will actually germinate.

[eas]

Time to do some repotting, I did that earlier the week, and they are enjoying the new potting soil and the extra room a lot. hopefully the seeds I also planted will actually germinate.

Repotting is fine, if you have room for the new pots, and the plants when they take advantage of the new space. But that leaves less room for test gear...

[SeanB]

Window box.................

[xrunner]

What is the best bang for the buck, new or used, as far as getting a quality bench meter that will last a long time.

Best bang for the buck? Go to Ebay and get a used HP or Fluke. Yea I have a newish Rigol, but best bang for the buck is something like the twp HP's you see in the pic. An HP 3435 & HP 3466. Both exceptional quality meters and very good buys.

Shoot, I paid $19.99 (+ shipping) and $34.99 (+shipping) respectively for them. All they needed was some clean up and presto - you have two very nice meters for less than $100. Just monitor Ebay for a few weeks and you'll find one at a good price.

[nctnico]

I have a HP3466A as well. It has been sitting on the shelve since I have a VC8145. Those old meters lack several features which just make them less appealing to use.

[alank2]

I'm in the US.

[pascal_sweden]

Best bang for the buck? Go to Ebay and get a used HP or Fluke. Yea I have a newish Rigol, but best bang for the buck is something like the twp HP's you see in the pic. An HP 3435 & HP 3466. Both exceptional quality meters and very good buys.

Nice setup. But wouldn't it be more convenient to get a bigger bench and put the meters next to each other, in horizontal position? This way you can use shorter cables, and can look at the measurements in parallel more easily. Moreover I think that there is a limit on the amount of height you can stack these units

[xrunner]

Nice setup.

Thanks

But wouldn't it be more convenient to get a bigger bench and put the meters next to each other, in horizontal position? This way you can use shorter cables, and can look at the measurements in parallel more easily.

Yes, I need a bigger bench but I'm not willing to buy one at the moment. 

Moreover I think that there is a limit on the amount of height you can stack these units

Prolly, but I'm done stacking. 

[whipaway]

So Sorry to resurrect this thread, but I am in the same dilemma, wanting the best bang for the buck.
My criteria:
LED display
5.5 digits min
.005 basic DC accuracy
volt amps and ohm capability
No internal battery for ohms function
around $50 USD

Right now, I have a Fluke 8800A, which I paid $50.00 for, which meets almost all of the above criteria, but the only thing I don't like is the need for the internal batteries, although I would reconsider if the batteries were more easy to access, such as a battery compartment with an external door, I hate leaving batteries inside a unit for an extended period of time.
I am in the USA
Thanks in Advance!

[mtdoc]

For pure bang for buck right now, it's hard to beat one of the like new GW Instek GDM-8251As from the ITT liquidation that are currently selling on eBay. The seller has been accepting offers as low as $90.

[EEVblog]

For pure bang for buck right now, it's hard to beat one of the like new GW Instek GDM-8251As from the ITT liquidation that are currently selling on eBay. The seller has been accepting offers as low as $90.

Complete no-brainer at that price. Even $110 is a bargain.

[whipaway]

That Instek has a basic DC accuracy of 0.012%, and is a hard sell to me at the prices that they want on Ebay... And if I'm going to get another meter to complement my Fluke 8800A's 0.005% accuracy, I'd rather go in the other direction.
Are there any DMMs that are similar in functionality/accuracy to the Fluke 8800A, but without an internal battery, or else an easily accessible battery door./compartment?

[Wytnucls]

The Fluke 8800A has a basic DC accuracy of 0.01% over 90 days only.
Fluke recommends a calibration every 3 months to maintain that rating.
The Instek basic accuracy is valid for 1 year.

[Housedad]

Fluke 8800A - approx 1974
Instek 8251A- Approx 2008

Difference of 34 years. 

[Wytnucls]

The Keithley 191 may be what you're looking for:
5 1/2 digits 0.007 accuracy
No internal batteries

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Keithley-Instruments-Inc-Model-191-Digital-Multimeter-/232280737125?hash=item361502c565:g:VUAAAOSw4A5Yq2-z

[whipaway]

HI Wytnucls,
Thank for the info in the Keithley. Yes, that is the type of instrument that I am looking for. I have a Keithley 179 that I picked up for  $10, and it is a good, solid performer, so most likely any other Keithley from that era should do the trick.

[rsjsouza]

I sent you a private message with an offer for a Keithley 191. Let me know if that interests you.

[whipaway]

Sorry, I don't see any PMs.

[rsjsouza]

I resent it.

[whipaway]

So, sorry for reactivating an old thread.
My dilemma was that I was looking for a DMM that would be similar in functionality/accuracy to the Fluke 8800A, but without an internal battery, or else an easily accessible battery door./compartment?

I am surprised that no one mentioned the Fluke 8810A, same as the 8800A, but has a nice, isolated dc-dc converter replacing the internal batteries for the ohms converter board.

The 8810A is exactly what I was looking for.

Thanks for all of the advice here in the forum.
I will be stocking up on these units, plus I would like to retrofit my 8800As with the newer ohms converter board, so if anyone has spares, let me know.

Thanks again,
-Paul

[lowimpedance]

So, sorry for reactivating an old thread.
My dilemma was that I was looking for a DMM that would be similar in functionality/accuracy to the Fluke 8800A, but without an internal battery, or else an easily accessible battery door./compartment?

I am surprised that no one mentioned the Fluke 8810A, same as the 8800A, but has a nice, isolated dc-dc converter replacing the internal batteries for the ohms converter board.

The 8810A is exactly what I was looking for.

Thanks for all of the advice here in the forum.
I will be stocking up on these units, plus I would like to retrofit my 8800As with the newer ohms converter board, so if anyone has spares, let me know.
Thanks again,
-Paul

You are aware that the ohms converter and AC are options, and may be not installed. So check with any sellers that these options are installed (ie actually present and have not been removed) despite the option box being marked.
 The newer ohms pcb are quite rare beasts, good luck with the hunt.

[Pinkus]

Let me share you my thoughts of my last DMM purchase. It might help you (or others).
I ordered a Siglent SDM3045X for <300 Euro in China including UPS shipping which is a quite useful instrument for this price. It has decent quality and has 60.000 counts with 4.5 digits. Thus in the range of e.g. 3V or 5V it has the same resolution as  5.5 digit DMMs with e.g. 120.000 or 240.000 counts. Both will show e.g. 3.3000V - the 5.5 digit version will not show a digit more if the value is >1.2V or >2.4V. This is why I liked the 60.000 counts 4.5 digit Siglent. It will show the same amount of digits up to 6V.

Other reasons I chose this: My budget was 300 Euro and I knew I can sell it anytime - same functionality as the 5.5 and 6.5 digit (SDM3055X and SDM3065X) units (and maybe the 4.5 digit version can be hacked to 5.5 digits - but for me there is no need to do this). And I wanted a visible logging functionality without the need to use any PC  software or to add my scope. And Ethernet and USB / copy data/screenshots to USB were on my checklist.
I had a Rigol DM3058 before and I did not like the small and crowded display. I am getting older and like large numbers
Practically I didn't need/used the 5.5 digits of the Rigol - 4.5 digits are fine for me until the count is >50.000

What I excluded right from the beginning were these used VFL display units (Agilent, Keithley) as you never can trust the photos, and I did not want to end with a dimmed version, where I have to invest a lot of money and (more important) time to change the display unit. And I also did not want a unit with LCD display (like the older HP units) as the LCDs are slow and often difficult to read.
Of course I know, the precision of this Siglent unit will probably not match up after 10 or 20 years with a Agilent unit, but then I probably do not want the unit anymore anyway (I tend to exchange my gears after a few years). I am very pragmatic and to be honest: I do not need to measure 1 picovolt differences on a 3V systems, so I do not need 6.5 digit units.

[frozenfrogz]

Right now, I have a Fluke 8800A, which I paid $50.00 for, which meets almost all of the above criteria, but the only thing I don't like is the need for the internal batteries

Why not just retrofit a PSU?

[whipaway]

Right now, I have a Fluke 8800A, which I paid $50.00 for, which meets almost all of the above criteria, but the only thing I don't like is the need for the internal batteries

Why not just retrofit a PSU?

Yes, I have considered that option, but it is hard to find a low-cost isolated DC-DC converter with an output of 3 volts.

[nctnico]

It will probably work from 3.3V as well if it is battery powered.

[whipaway]

It will probably work from 3.3V as well if it is battery powered.

I just checked a new AA alkaline cell on my 87V, 1.68 volts, times two would give me 3.36 volts, so yes, absolutely it looks like 3.3 volts would be fine to use.
Thanks for your input.

[whipaway]

Let me share you my thoughts of my last DMM purchase. It might help you (or others).
I ordered a Siglent SDM3045X for <300 Euro in China including UPS shipping which is a quite useful instrument for this price. It has decent quality and has 60.000 counts with 4.5 digits. Thus in the range of e.g. 3V or 5V it has the same resolution as  5.5 digit DMMs with e.g. 120.000 or 240.000 counts. Both will show e.g. 3.3000V - the 5.5 digit version will not show a digit more if the value is >1.2V or >2.4V. This is why I liked the 60.000 counts 4.5 digit Siglent. It will show the same amount of digits up to 6V.

Other reasons I chose this: My budget was 300 Euro and I knew I can sell it anytime - same functionality as the 5.5 and 6.5 digit (SDM3055X and SDM3065X) units (and maybe the 4.5 digit version can be hacked to 5.5 digits - but for me there is no need to do this). And I wanted a visible logging functionality without the need to use any PC  software or to add my scope. And Ethernet and USB / copy data/screenshots to USB were on my checklist.
I had a Rigol DM3058 before and I did not like the small and crowded display. I am getting older and like large numbers
Practically I didn't need/used the 5.5 digits of the Rigol - 4.5 digits are fine for me until the count is >50.000

What I excluded right from the beginning were these used VFL display units (Agilent, Keithley) as you never can trust the photos, and I did not want to end with a dimmed version, where I have to invest a lot of money and (more important) time to change the display unit. And I also did not want a unit with LCD display (like the older HP units) as the LCDs are slow and often difficult to read.
Of course I know, the precision of this Siglent unit will probably not match up after 10 or 20 years with a Agilent unit, but then I probably do not want the unit anymore anyway (I tend to exchange my gears after a few years). I am very pragmatic and to be honest: I do not need to measure 1 picovolt differences on a 3V systems, so I do not need 6.5 digit units.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
My opinion is similar to yours, I would shy away from a meter that uses a VFD, due to dimming issues over time, and also LCD, hard to read in the dark, and overhead lights put a glare on the screen,again, making them hard to read. A(n) LED display is most certainly my choice.

Quick question about you meter: If you are able to read 3.3000 on the display, doesn't that make it a 4.75 digit unit?

[Pinkus]

Quick question about you meter: If you are able to read 3.3000 on the display, doesn't that make it a 4.75 digit unit?

You are right, some other manufacturers are using the term 4 3/4 or 4 2/3 digits for this.
I just made a screenshot for you: in 6V mode this is almost the maximum (6.5999) it shows with 4 digits after the decimal.
Thus it is even with all 5.5 digit meters with 120.000 or 240.000 (or more) counts as they have to drop one decimal when measuring more than 1.2 or 2.4 Volt, thus not showing more detail.

[whipaway]

Quick question about you meter: If you are able to read 3.3000 on the display, doesn't that make it a 4.75 digit unit?

You are right, some other manufacturers are using the term 4 3/4 or 4 2/3 digits for this.
I just made a screenshot for you: in 6V mode this is almost the maximum (6.5999) it shows with 4 digits after the decimal.
Thus it is even with all 5.5 digit meters with 120.000 or 240.000 (or more) counts as they have to drop one decimal when measuring more than 1.2 or 2.4 Volt, thus not showing more detail.

Now I see that the first digit is a 6, so that makes it a 4.8571428 digit unit    (4, 6/7).
How high does the first digit go?

[Pinkus]

The first digit will not go further than '6' (with 4 following decimals).
Thus it can officially show up to 6.0000 (in 6V mode) but in real you get a few hundred mV more, thus not before approx. 6.5 Volt (or so - I did not check in detail) it drops a decimal.
7.5V is then showing as '7.500'.