Make/Model | Digits | Count | Display | Form Factor | Avg Price | Notes |
Advantest R6441A | 4-1/2 | VFD | Benchtop | $50-$150 | ||
Advantest R6441B | 5-1/2 | VFD | Benchtop | $150-$200 | ||
Fluke 45 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/used-multimeter-buyer_s-guide/msg1143216/#msg1143216) | 4-1/2 | 30,000 | VFD | Benchtop | $150-$300 | Dual display. 5 digits available in "hi-res" mode. |
Fluke 8050A | 4-1/2 | LCD | Benchtop | $30-$50 | Released around 1979 | |
Fluke 8840A | 5-1/2 | VFD | Benchtop | $100-$200 | ||
Fluke 8842A (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/used-multimeter-buyer_s-guide/msg1271914/#msg1271914) | 5-1/2 | VFD | Benchtop | $200-$300 | ||
Fluke 8845A (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/used-multimeter-buyer_s-guide/msg1418424/#msg1418424) | 6-1/2 | Pixel VFD | Benchtop | $500-$1000 | ||
Fluke 8846A (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/used-multimeter-buyer_s-guide/msg1418424/#msg1418424) | 6-1/2 | Pixel VFD | Benchtop | $600-$1000 | ||
GW Instek GDM-8251A (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/used-multimeter-buyer_s-guide/msg1143405/#msg1143405) | 5-1/2 | 120,000 | VFD | Benchtop | $50-$150 | Lots of ITT bankruptcy surplus |
HP 34401A (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/used-multimeter-buyer_s-guide/msg1143215/#msg1143215) | 6-1/2 | 1,200,000 | VFD | Benchtop | $250-$600 | Released in 1992. (http://www.eetimes.com/author.asp?section_id=36&doc_id=1318836) Currently plentiful. Popular EEVblog choice. |
HP 3455A | 6-1/2 | LED | Rackmount | $150-$300 | Really mostly a voltmeter. Other functionality limited. | |
HP 3456A | 6-1/2 | LED | Rackmount | $200 | DVM with resistance measurement. MSRP $3800 in 1980. | |
HP 3457A (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/used-multimeter-buyer_s-guide/msg1143425/#msg1143425) | 6-1/2 | 3,000,000 | LCD | Rackmount | $200 | 7-1/2 digits available via GPIB or special controls. Another popular EEVblog choice. |
HP 3458A (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/used-multimeter-buyer_s-guide/msg1143212/#msg1143212) | 8-1/2 | 12,000,000 | Pixel VFD | Rackmount | $3k-$4k | MSRP $9750 |
HP 3468A | 5-1/2 | LCD | Benchtop | $150-$300 | ||
HP 3478A (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/used-multimeter-buyer_s-guide/msg1143438/#msg1143438) | 5-1/2 | 300,000 | LCD | Benchtop | $100-$200 | Released 1983 |
Keithley 192 | 6-1/2 | LED | Benchtop | $100-300 | Released around 1982 | |
Keithley 196 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/used-multimeter-buyer_s-guide/msg1149190/#msg1149190) | 6-1/2 | LED | Benchtop | $200-400 | Released around 1986 | |
Keithley 199 | 5-1/2 | LED | Benchtop | $100-200 | ||
Keithley 2000 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/used-multimeter-buyer_s-guide/msg1150410/#msg1150410) | 6-1/2 | 1,000,000 | VFD | Benchtop | $450-$800 | Very well regarded meter on eevblog |
Keithley 2001 | 7-1/2 | Pixel VFD | Benchtop | $800-$1600 | ||
Keithley 2002 | 8-1/2 | Pixel VFD | Benchtop | $4k-$5k | ||
Keithley 2010 | 7-1/2 | VFD | Benchtop | $1k-$2k | ||
Keithley 2015 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/used-multimeter-buyer_s-guide/msg1167222/#msg1167222) | 6-1/2 | VFD | Benchtop | $350-1k | Audio multimeter, THD measurement | |
Prema 6001 | 6 1/2 | LED | Benchtop | $500-$700 | Manual (http://www.prema.com/index.php/en/service-en/maintanance-of-measuring-instruments/item/download/149_60e505c856049a89952a4f7885b90287) | |
Solartron/Schlumberger 7061 | 7-1/2 | VFD | Rackmount | $350 | AC is RMS only. | |
Solartron/Schlumberger 7071 | 7-1/2 | VFD | Rackmount | $1300 | No current measurement. AC is RMS only. | |
Solartron/Schlumberger 7081 | 8-1/2 | VFD | Rackmount | $2500 | No current measurement. AC is RMS only. | |
Solartron/Schlumberger 7151 | 5-1/2 | LCD | Benchtop | $300-$500 | ||
Wavetek / Datron 1062 | 6-1/2 | Panaplex | Rackmount | $200-$300 | ||
Wavetek / Datron 1071 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/metrology/datron-1071-repair/) | 7-1/2 | Panaplex | Rackmount | Specifications (https://testequipment.center/Product_Documents/Datron-1071-Specifications-0E976.pdf) | ||
Wavetek / Datron 1081 | 7-1/2 | Panaplex | Rackmount | $400 | Be careful - base model 1081 is DC only. AC, Resistance and current measurement are options. (https://testequipment.center/Product_Documents/Datron-1082-Specifications-45F86.pdf) | |
Wavetek / Datron 1082 | 7-1/2 | Panaplex | Rackmount | $400-$800 | ||
Wavetek / Datron 1281 | 8-1/2 | Segment VFD + Pixel VFD | Rackmount | $2.5k-$3k |
I am just starting out but I just bought this used Fluke 8050A for $19.99 plus $9.99 (US) shipping, off ebay -- I'll have it in a few days. Fortunately it isn't the battery (-01) version so I don't have to worry about batteries. Also the LCD appears to be working. I am just wondering how accurate it'll be once I get it here and set up.
HP 3468A 5-1/2 Benchtop $150-$300 HP 3478A (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/used-multimeter-buyer's-guide/msg1143438/#msg1143438) 5-1/2 Benchtop $100-$200
Adjustment is easy anyway. All through trimpots. The procedure is described in the manual.
You got it for a good price. It's a great iconic meter. Enjoy it.
Is there an affordable tool I can buy that will act as a reference to see how accurate my meter is with respect to voltage, current & resistance?
Yep, bugger. Now we'll have to find another source of what was a great product. :rant:Is there an affordable tool I can buy that will act as a reference to see how accurate my meter is with respect to voltage, current & resistance?
It depends on your definition of affordable.
I have one of these and it is great...
http://www.voltagestandard.com/DMMCheck.html (http://www.voltagestandard.com/DMMCheck.html)
Just checked the web site and they don't appear to be supplying them anymore... Not in their on-line shop... Damn...
I have a voltage reference (Hao Qi Xin) which has served me well. (Courtesy Franky Tong)
They sell out of Hong Kong for about 20$.
Here is one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Voltage-Reference-Module-AD584kH-High-Precision-4-Channel-2-5V-7-5V-5V-10V-/271955314814?hash=item3f51ccc87e:g:L0cAAOSwPcVVywg5 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Voltage-Reference-Module-AD584kH-High-Precision-4-Channel-2-5V-7-5V-5V-10V-/271955314814?hash=item3f51ccc87e:g:L0cAAOSwPcVVywg5)
Scullcom review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zm_ZBT4t4dA&t=1213s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zm_ZBT4t4dA&t=1213s)
How much did it cost? Just curious. I see it uses an LT chip for the voltage source. Couldn't someone make up a simple circuit using a reliable voltage source chip like the LT, and share the schematic? We can then make our own? :)IIRC it was ~$ 70, but its redeeming feature was it contained a # of standards; voltage, resistance and frequency....
NEvermind, it itself needs calibrating .. lol.
How much did it cost? Just curious. I see it uses an LT chip for the voltage source. Couldn't someone make up a simple circuit using a reliable voltage source chip like the LT, and share the schematic? We can then make our own? :)IIRC it was ~$ 70, but its redeeming feature was it contained a # of standards; voltage, resistance and frequency....
NEvermind, it itself needs calibrating .. lol.
Mr B will put us right on just what it had. :popcorn:
It's $8 and the AD584L.Regarding all these cheap references on ebay, see this thread
I have a voltage reference (Hao Qi Xin) which has served me well. (Courtesy Franky Tong)
The following products have been discontinued:
Vref5-002
DMMCheck
DMMCheck Plus
The Instek GDM-8251A you mentioned is so tempting. I see one in like new condition on ebay for $120 shipped.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GW-Instek-120-000-Counts-Dual-Display-Multimeter-GDM-8251A-/291980567514 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/GW-Instek-120-000-Counts-Dual-Display-Multimeter-GDM-8251A-/291980567514)
Thinking about just getting this one. It's $8 and the AD584L. They also measure with a 6 digit calibrated multimeter, at all four voltages: 2.5, 5, 7.5 & 10V. And they share their results on the bottom on a label. All you have to do is dial in your meter to match their numbers.
Shame this wasn't on eBay UK! I might have saved a few quid/bucks. I've just purchased a HP3478A. It was clean and tidy and also described as calibrated. The photo showed a comparison with a calibrated 6.5 digit DMM. It was listed at 175GBP, but since offers were invited, I made an offer of 150GBP which was accepted, so cost to me was 165GBP shipped. Not at the cheapest end but still within the price bracket in the opening post.
The Instek listing seems to be a liquidation sale of multiple units so I would guess that they are probably being sold 'as is' or with basic power on checks performed, but but there is no harm asking the seller about the calibration. In any case its open to offers, so if you are thinking of purchasing it may be worth putting in an offer of $20-$30 below the asking price and see what happens?
Sorry but I can't comment on Instek vs HP as I have not had the opportunity to compare.
Thinking about just getting this one. It's $8 and the AD584L. They also measure with a 6 digit calibrated multimeter, at all four voltages: 2.5, 5, 7.5 & 10V. And they share their results on the bottom on a label. All you have to do is dial in your meter to match their numbers.
Beware, not all meters can be calibration adjusted that easily. They might need specific voltages and all ranges done, not just individual.
It's been a very useful device and it's too bad he is discontinuing it.
Seems like you got an excellent deal on that HP meter, especially since it has been calibrated and looks clean :) Good score! :) Regarding the calibration of these "refurbished" meters this guy is selling, I did ask, and he replied "nope".
Seems like you got an excellent deal on that HP meter, especially since it has been calibrated and looks clean :) Good score! :) Regarding the calibration of these "refurbished" meters this guy is selling, I did ask, and he replied "nope".
Yes, as suspected. If it is in good working order then you also seem to have yourself a very good deal on that Fluke 8050 as well. Flukes keep their calibration pretty well so hopefully it will be pretty accurate.
The Instek GDM-8251A you mentioned is so tempting. I see one in like new condition on ebay for $120 shipped.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GW-Instek-120-000-Counts-Dual-Display-Multimeter-GDM-8251A-/291980567514 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/GW-Instek-120-000-Counts-Dual-Display-Multimeter-GDM-8251A-/291980567514)
Title says "seller refurbished", so I suppose I should question the seller and ask if that means it has a fresh calibration. How do these compare to the HP bench meters in the $100-300 range?
In case you hadn't seen them, there are several recent threads on this meter. Several of us have purchased them. Thanks to the recent ITT bankruptcy there are a bunch of them selling at bargain prices on eBay. They have some nice features like dual display and the ability to display both voltage and current measurements (interleaved) at the same time. They are easy to calibrate - see this thread (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/gw-instek-gdm-8251a-dmm-calibration/msg1133265/#msg1133265) or other recent threads (just do a search).
IIRC it was ~$ 70, but its redeeming feature was it contained a # of standards; voltage, resistance and frequency....
Mr B will put us right on just what it had. :popcorn:
I still need to get another multimeter, a 5.5 digit one.Is a new SDM3055 outside of your budget ?
I see a bunch of these AD584 voltage reference modules on ebay for under $3
(http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/hvoAAOSwPCVX3wbw/s-l1600.jpg)
The pcb looks clean. I like it. Thing is I am guessing they don't measure them with their 6 digit calibrated meters there and record the values onto a label :) But wow these are sweet. I could design and 3d print a case for it (and share the file on thingiverse.com for people to download and print). Trick is getting it measured. Maybe my local electronics shop would measure it for me .. friends with the owner.
I could use this pcb as part of a larger, affordable, reference unit. Throw in some resistors for resistance checking. Not smart enough yet to build a current reference. But if I got help with that I could make a case that houses all three and share the CAD file with everyone on Thingiverse. Could even print out a few cases for people if I got some help with the design.
[I suppose I should create a separate thread for this.. maybe I am getting too off topic here? Sorry OP.]
rsjsouza, did you mean Keithley 197 - not 179 - was the 5 1/2 digit model (I thought the 179 was only 4 1/2)? Also, in an earlier post I think you said you got some hp3478a meters... how do you like them?Sorry, I fixed my post. I meant 191. The Keithley 197 is a more featured version with a LCD screen.
there's a really nice looking Racal Dana 5001 online now, but from what I've read on the forum it's more temperature sensitive than the 3478 (and it's less counts), and it has no gpib - not the end of the world but gpib would be fun to play with.
thanks for this great thread for finding a 5 1/2 digit meter! I'm waffling between a Keithley 197/197a or an HP 3478a...
thanks for this great thread for finding a 5 1/2 digit meter! I'm waffling between a Keithley 197/197a or an HP 3478a...
Fluke 8840A for AU$100
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fluke-8840A-Digital-BenchTop-DC-MultiMeter-5-1-2-Digit-Display-50-60-400-Hz/254385404407 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fluke-8840A-Digital-BenchTop-DC-MultiMeter-5-1-2-Digit-Display-50-60-400-Hz/254385404407)
Huh? To me it shows that it ships from Fullerton, California... With no restrictions to where I live.thanks for this great thread for finding a 5 1/2 digit meter! I'm waffling between a Keithley 197/197a or an HP 3478a...
Fluke 8840A for AU$100
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fluke-8840A-Digital-BenchTop-DC-MultiMeter-5-1-2-Digit-Display-50-60-400-Hz/254385404407 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fluke-8840A-Digital-BenchTop-DC-MultiMeter-5-1-2-Digit-Display-50-60-400-Hz/254385404407)
US$100 + Does Not Ship To United States (for once!)
As I type this my electronics noob is probably coming out since a fuse probably can't actually switch anything.Well, the fuse holder in some instruments can be rotated to engage different transformer windings for various world voltages. So you wouldn't have been far off, even if this specific instrument does it a different way.