[volt-nuts] HP3457

Tue Aug 21 23:21:44 UTC 2012

I looked at the DC specs of the 3457 and thats the same as the solartron. I am looking sub uV like the solartron. The 3457 does not have that. So I think, regarding your reactions and the price, i'd better first take a look at the solartron. Modify it a bit ( cooling-ribs on the outside, one on top above the transformer and one on the back where the regulators should be ( i'm told, not looked yet) maybe a fan blowing over the ribs.) replace the keylock with a switch ( i have not a good key, it works but not smooth) then put banana busses instead of the back nr2 input connector on the front and replace the mainsswitch to the front. ( instead of climbing on a hair to reach the switch)

I printed the service manual of the 7061 and i think I first do the tests ( psu, frequency, input current ect) i also noted my zero problem is because I shorted both inputs but i need to short the reference and front inputs. That could explain why zero often does not work ( error, zero to large or something lile that)

I bought a Keithley 2000 last year, it was comparable to the Fluke 8046 but around 400 euro cheaper. I bought it straight from Keithley including calibration. Besides that I have a keithley 196 that was just calibrated when I bought it. ( and a 199)

I was aiming for the holy grale of meters and a 3457 turns out to be a whole different beast. Someone I know bought a 3456 for 225 euro, fresh calibrated, that is 6,5 digits too. So i wondered why is a 3457 so much more expensive.

 But I better wait and save more money in the hope to find one day an affortable 3458.
One should always keep something to dream about :-)

Fred

Fred PA4TIM

Op 21 aug. 2012 om 22:06 heeft John Phillips <john.phillips0 at gmail.com> het volgende geschreven:

> you can put your 3457A into statistics mode and pick up +/- 29,999,999
> counts from the display.
> +/- 2,999,999 counts  is all you can get form the normal /live mode.
> 
> On Tue, Aug 21, 2012 at 12:52 PM, J. L. Trantham <jltran at att.net> wrote:
> 
>> Fred,
>> 
>> 700 euro seems a bit high, at least by US standards, for a 3457A.  It is a
>> good meter and I have one.  Though no longer supported, Agilent will still
>> calibrate one for $200.22, according to their website.
>> 
>> You might want to consider a Fluke 8846A.  I  have seen them sell for $900
>> new.  I don't have one but it was going to be my next addition until I got
>> a
>> 3458A.
>> 
>> What is the issue with the 7061?
>> 
>> Joe
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: volt-nuts-bounces at febo.com [mailto:volt-nuts-bounces at febo.com] On
>> Behalf Of Fred Schneider
>> Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2012 2:00 PM
>> To: volt-nuts at febo.com
>> Subject: [volt-nuts] HP3457
>> 
>> I have a solatron 7061 but i am not very impressed with it. Must I go
>> looking for an alternative or is this 7061 when i gave it a good checkup /
>> overhaul a good meter ?
>> I am offered a 3457 for 700 euro and the owner, will calibrate it (he has
>> several calibrtors, standards and a couple of 3458  meters. My intuition
>> tells me to trusts him ( and that had never let me down before))
>> 
>> But he also told it is only 7,5 digit over hpib, and has 6,5 digit display.
>> 
>> My Keithly 2000 is 6,5 digits and over RS232 i get two digits extra. I once
>> tried that, but that took me a lot of time to get it more ore less working,
>> I am not so into computers and afraid I do not get it to work.
>> 
>> Is it really better as my ( one year old 2000 ?) and better as my Solartron
>> can be ?
>> I am afraid a 3458 is outside my budget.
>> 
>> Fred
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Fred PA4TIM
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> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> John Phillips
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