What is the next best thing to a Agilent 3458A?

USMCPMEL · 06-20-2012 -- 13:59:26

I may be needing a new meter for the lab and I was wondering what else is out there? I have seen the new Flukes and I am thinking there has to be something better than that accuracy wise that is not gonna cost you the bank like the 3458A does???

RFCAL · 06-20-2012 -- 14:40:25

The 34410A might be your best bet. I do not think there is anything better than the 3458A for the price. The new Fluke meters are triple the cost of a 3458A

USMCPMEL · 06-20-2012 -- 15:11:09

I was looking for something in between a 34401 and a 3458. I want better accuracy than the 34401 and less cost than a 3458. What are these new Fluke meters which you speak of???

metrologygeek · 06-20-2012 -- 15:21:59

Depending on your measurement range of interest the Agilent 34420A is a pretty good one. When I saw the subject line my immediate thought was: "An Agilent 3458A/002". I think the Fluke 8508 is the meter of which they speak, but as with any Danaher'ed company, be on the lookout for specmanship with it...

Rocket · 06-20-2012 -- 16:55:15

Have you considered the Keithley 2001? Runs about $4,200...
http://www.keithley.com/products/dcac/dmm/highper/?mn=2001

beadwork · 06-21-2012 -- 05:42:18

Fluke 8508A-01 is the way to go.....

USMCPMEL · 06-21-2012 -- 09:11:53

Quote from: metrologygeek on 06-20-2012 -- 15:21:59
Depending on your measurement range of interest the Agilent 34420A is a pretty good one. When I saw the subject line my immediate thought was: "An Agilent 3458A/002". I think the Fluke 8508 is the meter of which they speak, but as with any Danaher'ed company, be on the lookout for specmanship with it...

Can you please tell me what "specmanship" is??

USMCPMEL · 06-21-2012 -- 09:14:08

Does anyone know the price of these 2 meters?
Fluke 8508A-01 Agilent 34420A

USMCPMEL · 06-21-2012 -- 09:15:32

Also how do there specs compare? I think I am going to look into the Kiethley meter $4000 seems pretty reasonable depending on it's specs.

CalLabSolutions · 06-21-2012 -- 10:33:49

Quote from: USMCPMEL on 06-20-2012 -- 13:59:26
I may be needing a new meter for the lab and I was wondering what else is out there? I have seen the new Flukes and I am thinking there has to be something better than that accuracy wise that is not gonna cost you the bank like the 3458A does???

There is nothing that can replace the 3458A! For one it is the only meter on the market that can be used as a supper accurate digitizer. And for traceability, Agilent will repair them to the component, no board swapping and loss of all your historical data.

There are a lot of good meters out there, but none as reliable and as feature packed as the 3458A. 34410A, 34420A ad the Fluke 8508A are all good meters, but pound for pound 3458A is still king of the hill. I really like it when an instrument can stand the test of time.

USMC kalibrater · 06-21-2012 -- 10:50:41

Pound for Pound Dollar for Dollar
http://us.flukecal.com/products/data-acquisition-and-test-equipment/bench-multimeters/8845a8846a-65-digit-precision-multime
This has my vote. We recently got a 46 here and it is a nice meter!

jimmyc · 06-21-2012 -- 10:51:29

if you need the accy of an 8508 or the 3458, then break out the check book. there are plenty of 6 1/2 digit multimeters out there that will meet 99% of what you need. the 8846 by fluke, 34401/34410/34411...by agilent. http://cp.literature.agilent.com/litweb/pdf/5989-4038EN.pdf
the Agilent 34420A is a micro-ohm meter but its around $4K new. 8508 around 13K in fedlog. the 2001 is only 7 1/2 digits so comparing it to 8 1/2 digit meters is not really a comparison. the 2002 is 8 1/2 digits and costs Price: $5,660.00. http://www.keithley.com/products/dcac/dmm/highper/?mn=2002

USMC kalibrater · 06-21-2012 -- 10:52:41

with respect to an in between a 34401 and 3458 that is...
3458A is still the shizzzzzzzz

CalLabSolutions · 06-21-2012 -- 11:01:15

If you are looking for High Accuracy at a lot cost, I have heard from a couple of my customers Transmille is making some very good meters.

http://www.transmille.co.uk/8000_multi_menu.htm

I was there when a customer was evaluating one. They unboxed it and it came up to 5ppm of thier 10V cell within 20 min.

metrologygeek · 06-21-2012 -- 12:05:04

QuoteQuote from: metrologygeek on Yesterday at 13:21:59
Depending on your measurement range of interest the Agilent 34420A is a pretty good one. When I saw the subject line my immediate thought was: "An Agilent 3458A/002". I think the Fluke 8508 is the meter of which they speak, but as with any Danaher'ed company, be on the lookout for specmanship with it...
QuoteCan you please tell me what "specmanship" is??

"Specmanship" is jargon that's often used in the field of testing to mean the manipulation of data to improve the specifications of a product or process beyond what it is capable of achieving except under uniquely controlled conditions. Or for more money. Or under some other very special circumstances.