I own a couple of multimeters – an Extech EX330 ($60 via Amazon) and an Extech MN26 ($45 via Amazon) – and I also have a few test samples at my disposal, including a rugged Klein MM500, USA-made Klein MM5000, and a fantastic Fluke CNX 3000 ($315 via Amazon).
But these are all handheld multimeters. My usage habits are changing, and I found myself needing a benchtop multimeter.
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Selection Criteria
- Data collection and transfer abilities
- Real-time trending capabilities
- USB connectivity
- 5-1/2 or 6-1/2 digit resolution
- Measurements: DC voltage, DC current, resistance (2-wire and 4-wire), temperature (optional), continuity, and frequency (optional)
Included PC software was a strong preference, but not a must-have.
Shortlisted Options
What I liked about the Fluke multimeters is how they have a dual display capability, where the meters will show voltage AND current measurements.
Why the Agilent 34461A?
I read and watched a few reviews, and it looked like the 34461A offered everything I was looking for, and more.
What I particularly liked is how Agilent provides some good-looking free PC software AND how data could be captured off the meter display with simple screenshots. This means easier data recording and access to good-looking presentable measurements without much fuss.
Following are two screenshots taken from the DMM earlier today. The meter was set to measure the voltage output of a Bosch 18V Li-ion battery pack.
The first shows a single measurement, and the second shows voltage measurements taken over 69 seconds. The dip in voltage is when I removed one of the test leads momentarily.
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I then connected the meter to an adjustable DC power supply and connected the meter to my computer via USB. I fluctuated the voltage up and down a little bit to make the plot a little more interesting.
The PC software logs all the data and can also spit out a text file or spreadsheet.
If (when) I add another Agilent meter to the bench, the PC software can synchronize multiple signals, allowing me to plot multiple measurement signals on a single time axis.
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First Impression
There are a lot of things I like about ToolGuyd’s new Agilent 34461A digital multimeter. It has inputs in the front AND back, and I can switch between them with the press of a button. Measurement accuracy seems spot-on, the display is superb, controls are easy to follow and use, and the included test leads are quite nice. Data logging and PC connectivity is easier than I thought.
I only have four minor complaints. First, there is a tiny brown fiber stuck between the LCD display and its protective glass. It’s in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen and I know it’s there. I can’t clean it out without disassembling the meter, which I won’t do for now.
Second, the PC software could use a little tweaking. I would like to be able to change Y-axis limits easily, but there doesn’t seem to be a way. If I autoscale, my measurement trace is centered. If I select divisions manually, the trace goes to the bottom.
Third, It took me trial and error to figure out the right way to turn remote control off. (Pressing shift after turning off remote collection resumes “local” operating mode.)
Fourth and finally, I wish the meter was a little less expensive. With a list price of $1095, it’s going to take me quite a bit of time to save up for a second. Until then I’ll use a manual meter, but it would be great if I could log voltage and current measurements at the same time right now. On the bright side, build quality is rock solid. This feels like a $1000+ piece of equipment.
Overall
The 34461A is a pricey multimeter, but it offers a lot of capabilities to justify the price. Lesser-branded 6-1/2 digit meters were only slightly less expensive, and lower resolution lesser-branded meters also cost several hundred dollars each. I was not very hung up on specs, and it was the Agilent’s graphical interface and computer software that sealed the deal.
I plan on using the meter for testing everything from sensitive sensors and microcontrollers, to DC battery packs. I don’t need this multimeter, or even a benchtop meter to do so, but I chose it for the graphical display, remote operation, and data trending capabilities.
There are times when I settle on lower-featured and less-expensive equipment only to have to spend more later on. This happened again recently, actually, when I ordered a lesser power supply than I now need. If I went with the Fluke meters mentioned on my shortlist, I would probably have regretted it.
While I am still learning the ins and outs of the device, I am VERY satisfied with my purchasing decision thus far.
The Agilent meter was purchased at full retail price from Techni-Tool.
mike
These are really nice and very accurate. A few years ago when I went back to school and took some electronics courses they had these in the lab room stations.
Stuart
This model just came out in 2013, but its predecessor, the 34401A, has been around for maybe 20 years now.
When I was an undergrad back in the early 2000’s, we had old-as-dirt manual-ranging ammeters and voltmeters in most of the student labs. It wasn’t until my senior year that I had my first taste of modern equipment, and that was with a digital Tektronix oscilloscope. Ah, good memories…
Fazal Majid
Not a benchtop meter, but the Fluke’s top-of-the-line 289 is also a strong contender with logging and PC capabilities.
JG
Stuart could you do a “most bang fora buck” multimeters overview? Fluke is stupid expensive in Europe (almost twice the price on some models) and I know only about the expensive top brands.
Stuart
The EX330 is an excellent multimeter for the money and is well regarded for DC electronics applications. It’s not an RMS meter, though. If Fluke meters are too pricey in your location, you might want to look at Agilent. I haven’t tried their handheld meters yet, but they seem to be well regarded as well.
JG
Thanks mate!
Daniel
I use some Agilent multimeters at work for various things and love them. While I don’t really have a use for anything other than a handheld at home, I still wouldn’t mind having an Agilent unit.
Dave L
Be aware that if you intend to use this (or any) meter for a living, you may need to either purchase a calibrated version or have it calibrated. You may WANT it calibrated even though not required if you charge for whatever you use it for.
Dave L
Addendum:
According to this review it comes with a cal cert:
http://www.element14.com/community/roadTestReviews/1628
“Next stop is the calibration certificate: My 34461A come calibrated from Agilent Malaysia and it perform above listed spec which i will not discuss here since the precision is to be expected.”
I assume it’s good for one year.
Stuart
Agreed.
The meter is calibrated at the factory and I believe annual calibrations are recommended.
What I might do is purchase inexpensive voltage source to check the calibration against every now and then. But for what I’m looking to use the meter for, calibration won’t be necessary.
For what I intend to use the meter for, I don’t see a need to calibrate it every year. I will check its accuracy, however.
Over long term, for the price of calibration services, it would be less expensive for me to purchase a brand new meter every 4-5 years.
KeikoSan
“Over long term, for the price of calibration services, it would be less expensive for me to purchase a brand new meter every 4-5 years.”
Very green of you. And keeps Asian labor employed over a local USA business employees.
jesse
touché. LOL.
Stuart
I don’t intend to do that. I do plan to check calibration every now and then myself, and if I think the calibration is off, I’ll pay what it takes to get the meter back to spec.
But for how I intend to use the meter, annual calibration is not going to be necessary. If it becomes necessary, so be it.
Ian
I have the earlier 34410A and it’s excellent. It starts up in about 5 seconds, while I believe I read that the newer model you have takes about a minute. Since the fan is fairly loud, I often find myself turning it off and on again, so would not want that.
Stuart
The latest version of the firmware, 1.09, reduces DMM boot time from ~ 50 seconds to < 30 seconds.
The fan isn’t very loud, but there is a noticeable slightly high pitched hum. It’s one of the quietest devices of all of my test equipment.
Dave Ron Blane
At $1,000, this thing is an AMAZING bargain!
Mike
We have been purchasing Agilent (now Keysight) benchtop meters exclusively for many years now, and for the most part they have been bulletproof – until now. As noted the 34410 is excellent, but the newer models (34460 & 34461) are questionable in terms of accuracy. One was bad out of the box, and now I have one that is getting progressively worse over time (2 years). I verify the calibration of the meters at our plant (over 100 per year) so I get to see what happens over time. Normally they don’t start fading until they are 15-20 years old. Very disappointing. Perhaps the reason for the name change.
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