Products > Test Equipment
Fluke 289 Meter
WaveyDipole:
Gandalr_Sr, glad you got the refund. That must have been one anxious wait! One thing I read about those Keysight/Agilent meters and that has held me back is regarding the rotary knob contacts wearing prematurely compared to Fluke. I'm not sure whether this applies to a specific models or Agilent vs Keysight branded versions or more generally. The test here is on a U1231 which is at the low end:
Maybe higher end models are not so affected? he makes a point about the contacts not being lubricated, but doesn't mention whether lubrication would help to extend the longevity? The video is from 2017, so maybe things have improved in later versions? I have re-considered my purchase of a Fluke 289 in favour of an Agilent/Keysight meter so would be very interested in your observations when you unit arrives.
Incidentally I came across a used U1273 U1272A for a reasonable price. There were a couple of minor scratches on the display, but otherwise it looked clean. However, it was from overseas (far east) and comes only with basic DIY looking probes, so the purchase looks a bit risky although he claims to be a second-hand goods seller.
Gandalf_Sr:
WaveyDipole I wasn't really anxious as much as irritated but that's all in the rear view mirror now.
The 'used' U1242C arrived yesterday (although the FedEx tracking said it was still in Roseville, CA) and it looks like new including the screen protector, not a mark on it. It came in a box with a sticker on it marked "This transit case is the property of Keysight Demo. Please return it with the instrument packaged inside the case" and a Keysight Harrow UK address. but the serial number on the box matches the one on the meter.
I put batteries in it and ran it through some basic tests using my DMM Check calibrated reference and it's well within spec, I measure 0.04% for 5V DC (Spec is 0.09%). The switch seems fine, maybe a little stiff with very strong detents.
I have 3 Agilent/Keysight multimeters now:
- Agilent U1252B bought as NOS on eBay from a slightly dodgy seller who took his time shipping (sounds familiar)
- Agilent U1242B bought from the Keysight store on eBay - like new
- Keysight U1242C bought from the Keysight store on eBay - like new
Here's a couple of pics
rsjsouza:
WaveyDipole, the rotary switch test on the Agilent/Keysight meter was indeed quite worrying. However, there are a few variables that were discussed at the time that could sway the decision towards either way.
- The somewhat premature break of the Keysight was quite worrisome, but unfortunately the sample size of "one" turns this test somewhat inconclusive.
- The material used in the switch is the most troublesome - perhaps the U123x is built down to a price? I really don't think so, but unfortunately I sold my U1233A a long time ago - otherwise I would have compared it with the U1273A and the U1282A.
- The continuous rotation through the entire scale could potentially cause premature wear due to increased temperature. Joe told us he made sure the twists and turns were quite gentle and not aggressive nor too quick.
- One additional not tested scenario that could cause even extra wear on the U123x line is that it can also be turned with the thumb - this exerts horizontal forces that may wear the opposite side of the tracks faster. For that Joe would need to assemble an quite different test jig and would mean nothing for the other DMM models.
Overall, the sheer number of cycles is daunting for a regular user - after all, 50.000 switches in the lifetime of such equipment means that someone that turns it over 10 times a day without weekends would make it last for about 14 years.
--- Quote from: WaveyDipole on November 14, 2019, 01:51:29 pm ---Incidentally I came across a used U1273 for a reasonable price. There were a couple of minor scratches on the display, but otherwise it looked clean. However, it was from overseas (far east) and comes only with basic DIY looking probes, so the purchase looks a bit risky although he claims to be a second-hand goods seller.
--- End quote ---
Specifically for the U1273A, on the price I would add the possibility of requiring a new display. Keysight sells a replacement display at a very steep price but others folks around here couldn't find quite a drop-in replacement. Among the various reports here on EEVBlog, the vast majority of issues were observed in the previous generation unit U1253, but some reported issues on the U1273A. Mine is going strong for a few years used many times during the week, but it is a spoiled unit that is stored and operates exclusively on non-extreme temperature and humidity.
Gandalf_Sr:
I really like the Agilent/Keysight meters, I also have a Keysight 34461A 6.5 digit bench meter that I bought new about 4 years ago and recently had calibrated. Here's a side by side of the 3 handhelds...
Black Phoenix:
--- Quote from: Gandalf_Sr on November 14, 2019, 03:36:42 pm ---I really like the Agilent/Keysight meters, I also have a Keysight 34461A 6.5 digit bench meter that I bought new about 4 years ago and recently had calibrated. Here's a side by side of the 3 handhelds...
--- End quote ---
Cute little family. Personally I prefer the old Agilent design to the new one.
Well it looks competent, don't forget to open a new topic talking about that collection and what they can do.
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