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Circuit Characterization.
5.0
I need to characterize a circuit over a long time period. A scope wouldn't do it due to time frame and resolution. I need to accurately measure micro volts.
The meter does all I need. 6 1/2 digits and low noise gives me the accuracy. With control over the sample period, I get even less noise.
The software is very easy to use. I'd planned to use VB.net, but may be able to just use the data logger software.
Other vendors' software seemed much harder to use.
Incline Dan on
Dec 14, 2015
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AWESOME DMM..!!
5.0
I have the older 34410A, which is a classic and it still keeps ticking and has served me well for over 12 years - but I ordered the 34461A for an upgraded test bench that I'm building - primarily due to it's HUGE display and the digital memory that it provide. Being able to see voltage readings over time, as well as a histogram of the voltage readings is hugely useful for troubleshooting (as is watching current consumption over time). This was not possible with the 34401A unless connected to a PC and having the PC do the time correlation.
The meter is typical Agilent build-quality - superb in every respect. Set-up is a breeze and the instrument is ready to go, out-of-the-box. Set-up with the PC is also easy, since all of the 34401A programs work without modification.
Is it cheap - NO, not at all. I considered the Siglent as well as the Rigol (I have 4 other Rigol instruments), but the small differential in price between the Rigol and the Agilent wasn't enough to sacrifice the build-quality, reliability or compatibility of the 34461A. My instrument purchases are made based on a 10-15 year lifespan and I know that the 34461A will serve me very well over the long term - with an instrument that I use multiple times a day.
Verified Purchase
Michael Lee on
Apr 29, 2015
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Agilent 34461A
5.0
Nice display, good documentation.
It works great for bench use and automation with a PC.
Firmware 2.08 added capacitance and limited secondary measurements.
The only thing I thought was strange is it does not timestamp readings saved from the front panel.
DAVID on
Apr 23, 2015
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Agilent 34461A
5.0
Great display, great features, great documentation
Anonymous on
Apr 13, 2015
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Agilent 34461A
5.0
Excellent screen, great features, great documentation
Anonymous on
Apr 11, 2015
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Agilent 34461A DMM - First Impressions
4.0
I've had this 6.5 digit DMM for about a week, replacing my venerable Fluke 8440A. The color LCD screen is wonderful, with large crisp clear digits and soft key labels. There's nothing comparable on the market, though I imagine this DMM will soon spawn copycat products from Rigol, Tektronix, Fluke, Keithley, etc.
This DMM has a significant learning curve if one wants to use its full capabilities. The manual (on DVD - unfortunately, no hard copy is provided, and Kinkos charged me $50 to make a copy) is 350 pages and, also unfortunately, has no service information other than instructions for replacing fuses.
There are excellent technical reviews of the 34461A on YouTube, so I won't duplicate those here. Aside from the lack of a printed manual, and a missing test probe in the accessory package, I've been pleased with my purchase. The bootup time (about 35 seconds) is a minor annoyance, the beep volume for continuity testing is too low, some of the file handling menus are cumbersome, and the display does not suppress leading zeros, but I hope Agilent will fix some of these issues with firmware updates. Note that unlike some competitors' meters, this DMM will not display two independent readings simultaneously, nor will it measure capacitance. On the other hand the graphical trend chart is a very nice feature that, e.g., makes it easy to track the drift and regulation of a power supply. The DMM costs about the same as other high-end DMMs, and while its accuracy and resolution is about the same as others in its price range, you're getting a much nicer display.
Verified Purchase
Jim Garland W8ZR on
Jun 10, 2014
Recommend to a Friend
Well worth the money
5.0
This is my first bench meter for my home lab. Previously, I had always used Fluke handheld meters and been very happy with them. I was considering this vs. the competing Rigol bench meter but I ultimately went with this due to the better display and proven brand quality. I have not been disappointed, and honestly I wonder how I got by without it until now. I use this meter daily, and it is fantastic and very easy to read in comparison to a handheld propped up on a stand. Boot-up time is a little slower than I'm used to, but not unreasonable. For bench work it's fine as usually it is ready to go long before I'm ready to start testing. 4-Wire resistance measurements are excellent, and the data logging facilities are very nice for long term stability testing.
If you invest in this meter you won't be disappointed.
Verified Purchase
granz on
Apr 28, 2014
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