[Test-Equipment] Wanted: HP 34401A meter or similar

[Gary Schafer]

Doug Shields wrote:
> Hello all,
>      I am looking for a very good 5 1/2 or 6 1/2 digit multimeter.  I am
> somewhat familiar with the HP 34401A and I would like a meter that is
> similar to that - in capability at least.  I am open to suggestions of
> meters to look for, (reasonably priced) offers, and general information.
> Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks.
> 
> Doug W4DAS


Hi Doug,

That is probably going to be a rather expensive meter but a darn nice one.

I would suggest you look at the fluke 8840A. It is 5 1/2 digits, .005%. 
You want to actually get the 8840AF model as it has the ac rms board 
standard in it. The plain A does not and you have to get it with option 
9 for the ac board. I have one here. Pretty nice. You can get them for 
around $100.00 area or so.

Also a very good dvm is the HP 3456A. They can be had for $100.00 to 
$150.00 range. It is 6 1/2 digit, .0024%. It was the industry standard a 
few years back. It is bigger than the fluke though. Strictly a bench 
meter but very accurate. I have one of those too.

The HP 3455A is similar, better AC converter. It goes up to 1 mhz. But 
the overall accuracy is not quite as good as the 3456A, .005%. Still a 
nice meter and can be had a little cheaper than the 3456A.

The Fluke 8506A or 8505A is about equivalent to the HP 3456A also. The 
8502A has a few less features and is a little older but also an 
excellent buy, under $100.00. Also very accurate. These are all 6 1/2 
digit. With the flukes you have to get the options for ohms and AC as 
they were not standard. They also made an average reading ac converter 
and a true rms reading converter. Have to be careful as to which one you 
are getting.

You can look on Tuckers web site and look up the specs on most of this 
stuff. He has an abbreviated spec sheet on most popular meters.

73
Gary  K4FMX