[Test-Equipment] Bench meter recommendation?

[Miles B. Anderson, K2CBY]

I disagree with the most recent post cautioning against used test equipment.

About three years ago I bought a used HP 3478A on e-bay and managed to pay
only about $125 for it including postage. I've used it ever since and
couldn't ask for a better meter. It's probably off cal on the last digit,
but even so it's way more accurate than anything else I have in the shop.

3487As seem to go on forever, and the labs that replace them do so because
they are switching to automated test equipment rather than because of
defects. They are also in good supply and cheap at the price.

There are only three cautions: (1) Make sure it passes self-test. (2) Make
sure the display shows all parts of all digits. (3) Make sure nobody has
tried to recalibrate it without proper facilities -- the "Calibration Void"
sticker on the bottom right front panel should be intact.

Miles Anderson, K2CBY
16 Round Pond Ln
Sag Harbor, NY 11963
k2cby at optonline.net