[volt-nuts] HP 3458A

[Marv Gozum @ JHN]

$3k is sweet.  I've tracked 3458a on eBay for 2 years and the lowest 
I've seen it sell for is $1k, today its typically $2-3K, if not 
working.  Replacement board costs vary.  The Loveland metrology cal 
alone is over $1,000 IIRC.


Here's an old chat we had about the 3458a, this is when Dick was just 
putting his 3458a together:

http://www.ko4bb.com/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=test_equipment:hp_3458a_precision_digital_multimeter



At 10:54 AM 8/5/2011, Roy Phillips wrote:
>Dick
>Re: HP 3458A
>Please can you advise me on the replacement ROM board - what is the 
>cost ?, where did you  purchase it from. Can it be obtained in the 
>UK ?  Is it a straight swap, or does it have to be installed and 
>re-calibrated by Agilent ?
>Best regards
>Roy
>
>
>--------------------------------------------------
>From: "Dick Moore" <richiem at hughes.net>
>Sent: Thursday, August 04, 2011 8:11 PM
>To: <volt-nuts at febo.com>
>Subject: Re: [volt-nuts] HP 3458A
>
>>Hi John -- I bought a 3458A (standard version -- not high stability 
>>reference) on fleaBay and for me that worked out well -- I replaced 
>>the bad display board and upgraded the ROM board (to the current 
>>one with the "snap-cap" back-up batteries on top of the ROMs), then 
>>sent it to Loveland for cal. I've got about $3k in it total, and it 
>>works very well. So if you're willing to invest in some parts, you 
>>could save some money buying used versus buying new -- but then it 
>>won't have that "new car" smell.....
>>
>>With the exception of upgrades like the Fluke version of the 3458 
>>(note that the Fluke 8508 is actually an upgraded Datron 1281, not 
>>an upgraded 3458), I doubt we'll see a performance improvement (or 
>>a 9-1/2 digit machine) anytime soon.
>>
>>As a used buy, it's still the best deal in town for my money 
>>because, unlike the other 8-1/2 digit meters out there, it is still 
>>fully supported by the maker.
>>
>>Good luck!
>
>Best Wishes,
>
>
>Marv Gozum
>Philadelphia