Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A
I agree with Joe that he is very intimately familiar with the 3458A. He said he is the young guy with the least amount of time working on these meters (approx 30+yrs). Gary told me that all repairs are done to the component level. He also said that the meters are tested to the same specs as a brand new unit. The repair process involves testing all the relays, rc networks in the ac section, etc... If I remember correctly, the calibrations are done to 24hr specs too. What you will end up with is a meter that functions as new. When it is complete, you can purchase up to a 5 yr service plan. I am not sure about any cosmetic issues though. Agilent probably won't replace covers because they look worn. It is probably best to ask first before sending in your meter. I like my gear to look as new as possible and I would hate to have an old beat up panel for 5yrs for fear of voiding the service agreement. Also, I was able to give Gary other serial numbers and he was able to tell me if the meter was ever serviced by Agilent. Todd Sent from my iPad > On Jul 8, 2014, at 13:23, "J. L. Trantham" wrote: > > Randy, > > Yes, that is my understanding. The person who would be able to definitively > answer this question is Gary Bierman at Agilent at the Loveland Calibration > Lab. A very knowledgeable person regarding the 3458A. I had a long talk > with him before undertaking the purchase of my 3458A's. I wound up with > three 3458A's for about the price of one new one. All three 3458A's turned > out to be functional with no failures. All three were of similar 1990's to > early 2000's vintage with the same major components. Two were HP and one was > Agilent, all made in the US. I had no Malaysian units. > > I removed the three Dallas chips in each of them, installed sockets, and > installed new Dallas chips that I programmed with the data from their > respective removed chips. A total of 9 Dallas chips for the three units. > > I also removed the single EPROM in each of them, installed a socket, and > updated the firmware to the latest version I could find. > > I managed to lose the CAL data from one of the units by, I think, trying to > read it while still warm from the unsoldering process. I calibrated that > unit using some 'home standards' and a recently calibrated Solartron 7081 as > the 'transfer standard'. > > I then sent the units in for Agilent Calibration, all three of which passed. > Then I was able to avail myself of their 'service agreement' for each of the > units. > > They all agree very closely when measuring my now somewhat upgraded 'home > standards'. > > They are truly impressive units. > > Good luck. > > Joe > > -Original Message- > From: volt-nuts-boun...@febo.com [mailto:volt-nuts-boun...@febo.com] On > Behalf Of Randy Evans > Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2014 9:29 AM > To: Discussion of precise voltage measurement > Subject: Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A > > Joe, > > I imply from your e-mail that if I get a "cheap" 3458A that is complete but > doesn't work, Agilent will repair it and calibrate it for a fixed fee of > $2740.46, regardless of what is wrong with it? > > Of course that means i would need to insure the unit is complete with no > missing parts. > > Randy > > >> On Sun, Jul 6, 2014 at 3:15 PM, J. L. Trantham wrote: >> >> It is worth mentioning (re-mentioning) that once your 3458A passes >> calibration with HP/Agilent/Keysight, etc., it becomes eligible for >> their 'repair agreement' at $178.68 per year (with a small discount if >> you purchase multiple years, up to a maximum of five years). This >> means that if it 'breaks' within that time period, it is repaired and >> recalibrated for no additional charge. >> >> Per the Agilent US site, the 'repair per incident' charge is $2740.46. >> >> So, if you happen to get a 'good' 3458A that Agilent calibrates, you >> can then get the service agreement (insurance policy?), which applies >> even if you do not change the NVRAM's. If they die, send it back to >> Agilent and they will repair and recalibrate. >> >> In my shop, the 3458A is the 'house standard' that I use to measure >> the resistance standards and voltage standards that I have. >> >> Joe >> >> -Original Message- >> From: volt-nuts-boun...@febo.com [mailto:volt-nuts-boun...@febo.com] >> On Behalf Of R.Phillips >> Sent: Sunday, July 06, 2014 2:08 PM >> To: Discussion of precise voltage measurement >> Subject: Re: [vol
Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A
Randy, Yes, that is my understanding. The person who would be able to definitively answer this question is Gary Bierman at Agilent at the Loveland Calibration Lab. A very knowledgeable person regarding the 3458A. I had a long talk with him before undertaking the purchase of my 3458A's. I wound up with three 3458A's for about the price of one new one. All three 3458A's turned out to be functional with no failures. All three were of similar 1990's to early 2000's vintage with the same major components. Two were HP and one was Agilent, all made in the US. I had no Malaysian units. I removed the three Dallas chips in each of them, installed sockets, and installed new Dallas chips that I programmed with the data from their respective removed chips. A total of 9 Dallas chips for the three units. I also removed the single EPROM in each of them, installed a socket, and updated the firmware to the latest version I could find. I managed to lose the CAL data from one of the units by, I think, trying to read it while still warm from the unsoldering process. I calibrated that unit using some 'home standards' and a recently calibrated Solartron 7081 as the 'transfer standard'. I then sent the units in for Agilent Calibration, all three of which passed. Then I was able to avail myself of their 'service agreement' for each of the units. They all agree very closely when measuring my now somewhat upgraded 'home standards'. They are truly impressive units. Good luck. Joe -Original Message- From: volt-nuts-boun...@febo.com [mailto:volt-nuts-boun...@febo.com] On Behalf Of Randy Evans Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2014 9:29 AM To: Discussion of precise voltage measurement Subject: Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A Joe, I imply from your e-mail that if I get a "cheap" 3458A that is complete but doesn't work, Agilent will repair it and calibrate it for a fixed fee of $2740.46, regardless of what is wrong with it? Of course that means i would need to insure the unit is complete with no missing parts. Randy On Sun, Jul 6, 2014 at 3:15 PM, J. L. Trantham wrote: > It is worth mentioning (re-mentioning) that once your 3458A passes > calibration with HP/Agilent/Keysight, etc., it becomes eligible for > their 'repair agreement' at $178.68 per year (with a small discount if > you purchase multiple years, up to a maximum of five years). This > means that if it 'breaks' within that time period, it is repaired and > recalibrated for no additional charge. > > Per the Agilent US site, the 'repair per incident' charge is $2740.46. > > So, if you happen to get a 'good' 3458A that Agilent calibrates, you > can then get the service agreement (insurance policy?), which applies > even if you do not change the NVRAM's. If they die, send it back to > Agilent and they will repair and recalibrate. > > In my shop, the 3458A is the 'house standard' that I use to measure > the resistance standards and voltage standards that I have. > > Joe > > -Original Message- > From: volt-nuts-boun...@febo.com [mailto:volt-nuts-boun...@febo.com] > On Behalf Of R.Phillips > Sent: Sunday, July 06, 2014 2:08 PM > To: Discussion of precise voltage measurement > Subject: Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A > > Randy > I'm already forgetting some of the facts that made up the price that I > paid for the repair and re-cal. for my 3458A, as I have been involved > in a number of other restoration/repairs, but it was remarkably > similar in £ sterling, against your US $ price - so I guess it would > seem to be a fixed charge ? My instrument failed when the 'classic' > RAM/ROM 's ran out of battery support and further, they found another section > which had gone bad. > There's nothing to give your more confidence than the Agilent > Calibration Certificate that comes with the package,as this is > probably the prime instrument in the collection of we lucky owners, so > it has to be good. As I have stated in a previous exchange, the 'new' > processor/ROM/RAM board is now fitted with sockets, and the devices > that were formerly fitted, have been replaced with the new type that > only connect the battery support power when they are plugged in to their > sockets. > Roy > > > -Original Message- > From: Randy Evans > Sent: Sunday, July 06, 2014 6:44 PM > To: Discussion of precise voltage measurement > Subject: Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A > > That e-mail I referenced is several years old. i believe the current > repair price is just over $2800. > > Randy > > > On Sat, Jul 5, 2014 at 10:49 PM, John Phillips > > wrote: > > > They do re
Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A
Joe, I imply from your e-mail that if I get a "cheap" 3458A that is complete but doesn't work, Agilent will repair it and calibrate it for a fixed fee of $2740.46, regardless of what is wrong with it? Of course that means i would need to insure the unit is complete with no missing parts. Randy On Sun, Jul 6, 2014 at 3:15 PM, J. L. Trantham wrote: > It is worth mentioning (re-mentioning) that once your 3458A passes > calibration with HP/Agilent/Keysight, etc., it becomes eligible for their > 'repair agreement' at $178.68 per year (with a small discount if you > purchase multiple years, up to a maximum of five years). This means that > if it 'breaks' within that time period, it is repaired and recalibrated for > no additional charge. > > Per the Agilent US site, the 'repair per incident' charge is $2740.46. > > So, if you happen to get a 'good' 3458A that Agilent calibrates, you can > then get the service agreement (insurance policy?), which applies even if > you do not change the NVRAM's. If they die, send it back to Agilent and > they will repair and recalibrate. > > In my shop, the 3458A is the 'house standard' that I use to measure the > resistance standards and voltage standards that I have. > > Joe > > -Original Message- > From: volt-nuts-boun...@febo.com [mailto:volt-nuts-boun...@febo.com] On > Behalf Of R.Phillips > Sent: Sunday, July 06, 2014 2:08 PM > To: Discussion of precise voltage measurement > Subject: Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A > > Randy > I'm already forgetting some of the facts that made up the price that I > paid for the repair and re-cal. for my 3458A, as I have been involved in a > number of other restoration/repairs, but it was remarkably similar in £ > sterling, against your US $ price - so I guess it would seem to be a fixed > charge ? My instrument failed when the 'classic' RAM/ROM 's ran out of > battery support and further, they found another section which had gone bad. > There's nothing to give your more confidence than the Agilent Calibration > Certificate that comes with the package,as this is probably the prime > instrument in the collection of we lucky owners, so it has to be good. As > I have stated in a previous exchange, the 'new' processor/ROM/RAM board is > now fitted with sockets, and the devices that were formerly fitted, have > been replaced with the new type that only connect the battery support power > when they are plugged in to their sockets. > Roy > > > -Original Message- > From: Randy Evans > Sent: Sunday, July 06, 2014 6:44 PM > To: Discussion of precise voltage measurement > Subject: Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A > > That e-mail I referenced is several years old. i believe the current > repair price is just over $2800. > > Randy > > > On Sat, Jul 5, 2014 at 10:49 PM, John Phillips > wrote: > > > They do really offer that service as long as you send them a > > complete meter... No missing parts. Well they will take a few missing > > screws and such. My experience with them is they charge the same no > > mater what need to be fixed. Not sure what the price is, there prices > > are country dependent. > > I > > thought it was a little more than $2200 last I checked. > > > > > > On Sat, Jul 5, 2014 at 4:08 PM, Randy Evans > > wrote: > > > > > I am in the market for a used HP-3458A and, in researching past > > messages, I > > > came across an interesting question: > > > > > > *Chris Erickson* ericksonc2 at comcast.net > > > > 40febo.com?Subject=Re%3A%20%5Bvolt-nuts%5D%203458A%20questions&In-Repl > > y-To=%3C001b01cc7960%24a15d2840%24e41778c0%24%40net%3E > > > > > > > *Thu Sep 22 19:48:41 UTC 2011* > > > > > > If Agilent will fix everything, bring it up to specs, and calibrate > > > it no > > > > > > matter what's wrong with it for $2200, then why would I spend > > > $5000-6000 > > or > > > > > > more for one that is in good shape - even if calibrated? Just grab > > > the first > > > > > > bargain that comes along for $1500-3000, send it straight to Agilent > > > and > > be > > > > > > money ahead. Seems the better course of action to me if that price > > > is > > > > > > accurate - do they really offer this service? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I could not find an answer to this question but it does beg the > > > question. &g
Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A
As a side note,
I recently filled out a survey request from Agilent as a response to my
recent 3458A calibration. Basically, they asked about any improvements that
would be welcome on the 3458A.
After giving them a small list of recommendations and requesting that
anything that could be implemented in firmware be offered as an update
either as new EPROMs or as a new outguard logic board.
I also mentioned that the features should be added to the replacement model
("3458B"?).
I had no hope that anything would be added, but I thought it would be
interesting to see if anyone actually took the time to respond.
The official response was that the 3458A is probably not getting any
improvements, and that there are no plans for a "3458B". At this time, they
plan on manufacturing the 3458A through 2017.
Todd
On Sun, Jul 6, 2014 at 6:15 PM, J. L. Trantham wrote:
> It is worth mentioning (re-mentioning) that once your 3458A passes
> calibration with HP/Agilent/Keysight, etc., it becomes eligible for their
> 'repair agreement' at $178.68 per year (with a small discount if you
> purchase multiple years, up to a maximum of five years). This means that
> if it 'breaks' within that time period, it is repaired and recalibrated for
> no additional charge.
>
> Per the Agilent US site, the 'repair per incident' charge is $2740.46.
>
> So, if you happen to get a 'good' 3458A that Agilent calibrates, you can
> then get the service agreement (insurance policy?), which applies even if
> you do not change the NVRAM's. If they die, send it back to Agilent and
> they will repair and recalibrate.
>
> In my shop, the 3458A is the 'house standard' that I use to measure the
> resistance standards and voltage standards that I have.
>
> Joe
>
> -Original Message-
> From: volt-nuts-boun...@febo.com [mailto:volt-nuts-boun...@febo.com] On
> Behalf Of R.Phillips
> Sent: Sunday, July 06, 2014 2:08 PM
> To: Discussion of precise voltage measurement
> Subject: Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A
>
> Randy
> I'm already forgetting some of the facts that made up the price that I
> paid for the repair and re-cal. for my 3458A, as I have been involved in a
> number of other restoration/repairs, but it was remarkably similar in £
> sterling, against your US $ price - so I guess it would seem to be a fixed
> charge ? My instrument failed when the 'classic' RAM/ROM 's ran out of
> battery support and further, they found another section which had gone bad.
> There's nothing to give your more confidence than the Agilent Calibration
> Certificate that comes with the package,as this is probably the prime
> instrument in the collection of we lucky owners, so it has to be good. As
> I have stated in a previous exchange, the 'new' processor/ROM/RAM board is
> now fitted with sockets, and the devices that were formerly fitted, have
> been replaced with the new type that only connect the battery support power
> when they are plugged in to their sockets.
> Roy
>
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Randy Evans
> Sent: Sunday, July 06, 2014 6:44 PM
> To: Discussion of precise voltage measurement
> Subject: Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A
>
> That e-mail I referenced is several years old. i believe the current
> repair price is just over $2800.
>
> Randy
>
>
> On Sat, Jul 5, 2014 at 10:49 PM, John Phillips
> wrote:
>
> > They do really offer that service as long as you send them a
> > complete meter... No missing parts. Well they will take a few missing
> > screws and such. My experience with them is they charge the same no
> > mater what need to be fixed. Not sure what the price is, there prices
> > are country dependent.
> > I
> > thought it was a little more than $2200 last I checked.
> >
> >
> > On Sat, Jul 5, 2014 at 4:08 PM, Randy Evans
> > wrote:
> >
> > > I am in the market for a used HP-3458A and, in researching past
> > messages, I
> > > came across an interesting question:
> > >
> > > *Chris Erickson* ericksonc2 at comcast.net > >
> > 40febo.com?Subject=Re%3A%20%5Bvolt-nuts%5D%203458A%20questions&In-Repl
> > y-To=%3C001b01cc7960%24a15d2840%24e41778c0%24%40net%3E
> > > >
> > > *Thu Sep 22 19:48:41 UTC 2011*
> > >
> > > If Agilent will fix everything, bring it up to specs, and calibrate
> > > it no
> > >
> > > matter what's wrong with it for $2200, then why would I spend
> > > $5000-6000
> > or
> > >
> > > more for one that is in good shape - even if calibrated? Just grab
> > >
Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A
It is worth mentioning (re-mentioning) that once your 3458A passes calibration with HP/Agilent/Keysight, etc., it becomes eligible for their 'repair agreement' at $178.68 per year (with a small discount if you purchase multiple years, up to a maximum of five years). This means that if it 'breaks' within that time period, it is repaired and recalibrated for no additional charge. Per the Agilent US site, the 'repair per incident' charge is $2740.46. So, if you happen to get a 'good' 3458A that Agilent calibrates, you can then get the service agreement (insurance policy?), which applies even if you do not change the NVRAM's. If they die, send it back to Agilent and they will repair and recalibrate. In my shop, the 3458A is the 'house standard' that I use to measure the resistance standards and voltage standards that I have. Joe -Original Message- From: volt-nuts-boun...@febo.com [mailto:volt-nuts-boun...@febo.com] On Behalf Of R.Phillips Sent: Sunday, July 06, 2014 2:08 PM To: Discussion of precise voltage measurement Subject: Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A Randy I'm already forgetting some of the facts that made up the price that I paid for the repair and re-cal. for my 3458A, as I have been involved in a number of other restoration/repairs, but it was remarkably similar in £ sterling, against your US $ price - so I guess it would seem to be a fixed charge ? My instrument failed when the 'classic' RAM/ROM 's ran out of battery support and further, they found another section which had gone bad. There's nothing to give your more confidence than the Agilent Calibration Certificate that comes with the package,as this is probably the prime instrument in the collection of we lucky owners, so it has to be good. As I have stated in a previous exchange, the 'new' processor/ROM/RAM board is now fitted with sockets, and the devices that were formerly fitted, have been replaced with the new type that only connect the battery support power when they are plugged in to their sockets. Roy -Original Message- From: Randy Evans Sent: Sunday, July 06, 2014 6:44 PM To: Discussion of precise voltage measurement Subject: Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A That e-mail I referenced is several years old. i believe the current repair price is just over $2800. Randy On Sat, Jul 5, 2014 at 10:49 PM, John Phillips wrote: > They do really offer that service as long as you send them a > complete meter... No missing parts. Well they will take a few missing > screws and such. My experience with them is they charge the same no > mater what need to be fixed. Not sure what the price is, there prices > are country dependent. > I > thought it was a little more than $2200 last I checked. > > > On Sat, Jul 5, 2014 at 4:08 PM, Randy Evans > wrote: > > > I am in the market for a used HP-3458A and, in researching past > messages, I > > came across an interesting question: > > > > *Chris Erickson* ericksonc2 at comcast.net > > 40febo.com?Subject=Re%3A%20%5Bvolt-nuts%5D%203458A%20questions&In-Repl > y-To=%3C001b01cc7960%24a15d2840%24e41778c0%24%40net%3E > > > > > *Thu Sep 22 19:48:41 UTC 2011* > > > > If Agilent will fix everything, bring it up to specs, and calibrate > > it no > > > > matter what's wrong with it for $2200, then why would I spend > > $5000-6000 > or > > > > more for one that is in good shape - even if calibrated? Just grab > > the first > > > > bargain that comes along for $1500-3000, send it straight to Agilent > > and > be > > > > money ahead. Seems the better course of action to me if that price > > is > > > > accurate - do they really offer this service? > > > > > > > > > > I could not find an answer to this question but it does beg the > > question. > > Does nayone have an answer as to why not buy the cheapest unit and > > send > it > > in for repair? > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > Randy Evans > > ___ > > volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to > > https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts > > and follow the instructions there. > > > > > > -- > John Phillips > ___ > volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to > https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts > and follow the instructions there. ___ volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts
Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A
well, some time ago, when I bought my first 3458A, I looked into the data sheet of the 3458a and I figured that the basic accuracy of their standards is not terribly good. 2ppm each, you need to add this to all their specs. dont get me wrong, for most it is really sufficient, but as we are all a little nuts, I felt I would rather spend the money needed to calibrate the 3458a on a yearly basis for something else. so I use a 732a and a 4910 as voltage references, and a very stable resistor. the 732a can be calibrated to appr. 1ppm at relatively little cost here, the 10k resistor is in the 2ppm range, but simply because I did not want to spend the money for sub 1 ppm. calibrating both on a yearly basis is much cheaper than sending the 3458a for cal. I still need to establish the stability of the references, but the voltage references should be below 1ppm drift pa, the 10k below 0.5ppm (fluke also has a good appnote on establishing sub ppm stability with te 732A). so eventually I can move to a cal once every 2 years or so. and of course now, I can do the cal every 90 days to maintain 90 day accuracy. do that through an eternal lab, costs you a fortune. now with these, you have only adjusted the meter, you still need to do performance verification. to do this, you need to have more precision gear, which i already had to some extent. the good thing is, some of it does not need cal., or is self-cailbrating. all dcv is valiated with a 752a divider (self-calibrating) and a nanovolt-nullmeter. current validation is with a set of precision resistors, these are derived from the calibrated 10k with proper error propagation calc. it turns out that using the voltage divider method with the high linearity of the 3458a meter (in conjunction with a very stable voltage source) achieves precise enough resistor accuracies to do current verification. for ac you need a set of thermal converters or an ac transfer standard (ballantine 1605 e.g.) and a ratio transformer. question of course is, do you really need the ac function verified, most applications really focus on the dcv and ohms measurement. so here some money can be saved on gear. again, this allows to keep the 3458a at a much higher acc. level than using an external cal lab, especially if you do it on a 90 day basis. or you could opt to just verify selected functions, even on a more regular basis. all depends on your needs. performance verification is time consuming though, if you do it well. > Gesendet: Sonntag, 06. Juli 2014 um 19:18 Uhr > Von: "Attila Kinali" > An: "Discussion of precise voltage measurement" > Betreff: Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A > > Moin moin, > > On Sun, 6 Jul 2014 10:45:51 +0200 > acb...@gmx.de wrote: > > > so for me, since I am also calibrating the unit myself, > > I would be very much interested in how you calibrate the 3458 and > what you use as calibration standard. > > Attila Kinali > > -- > I pity people who can't find laughter or at least some bit of amusement in > the little doings of the day. I believe I could find something ridiculous > even in the saddest moment, if necessary. It has nothing to do with being > superficial. It's a matter of joy in life. > -- Sophie Scholl > ___ > volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com > To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts > and follow the instructions there. > ___ volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A
Moin moin, On Sun, 6 Jul 2014 10:45:51 +0200 acb...@gmx.de wrote: > so for me, since I am also calibrating the unit myself, I would be very much interested in how you calibrate the 3458 and what you use as calibration standard. Attila Kinali -- I pity people who can't find laughter or at least some bit of amusement in the little doings of the day. I believe I could find something ridiculous even in the saddest moment, if necessary. It has nothing to do with being superficial. It's a matter of joy in life. -- Sophie Scholl ___ volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A
Randy I'm already forgetting some of the facts that made up the price that I paid for the repair and re-cal. for my 3458A, as I have been involved in a number of other restoration/repairs, but it was remarkably similar in £ sterling, against your US $ price - so I guess it would seem to be a fixed charge ? My instrument failed when the 'classic' RAM/ROM 's ran out of battery support and further, they found another section which had gone bad. There's nothing to give your more confidence than the Agilent Calibration Certificate that comes with the package,as this is probably the prime instrument in the collection of we lucky owners, so it has to be good. As I have stated in a previous exchange, the 'new' processor/ROM/RAM board is now fitted with sockets, and the devices that were formerly fitted, have been replaced with the new type that only connect the battery support power when they are plugged in to their sockets. Roy -Original Message- From: Randy Evans Sent: Sunday, July 06, 2014 6:44 PM To: Discussion of precise voltage measurement Subject: Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A That e-mail I referenced is several years old. i believe the current repair price is just over $2800. Randy On Sat, Jul 5, 2014 at 10:49 PM, John Phillips wrote: They do really offer that service as long as you send them a complete meter... No missing parts. Well they will take a few missing screws and such. My experience with them is they charge the same no mater what need to be fixed. Not sure what the price is, there prices are country dependent. I thought it was a little more than $2200 last I checked. On Sat, Jul 5, 2014 at 4:08 PM, Randy Evans wrote: > I am in the market for a used HP-3458A and, in researching past messages, I > came across an interesting question: > > *Chris Erickson* ericksonc2 at comcast.net > 40febo.com?Subject=Re%3A%20%5Bvolt-nuts%5D%203458A%20questions&In-Reply-To=%3C001b01cc7960%24a15d2840%24e41778c0%24%40net%3E > > > *Thu Sep 22 19:48:41 UTC 2011* > > If Agilent will fix everything, bring it up to specs, and calibrate it > no > > matter what's wrong with it for $2200, then why would I spend $5000-6000 or > > more for one that is in good shape - even if calibrated? Just grab the > first > > bargain that comes along for $1500-3000, send it straight to Agilent and be > > money ahead. Seems the better course of action to me if that price is > > accurate - do they really offer this service? > > > > > I could not find an answer to this question but it does beg the > question. > Does nayone have an answer as to why not buy the cheapest unit and send it > in for repair? > > > Thanks, > > > Randy Evans > ___ > volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com > To unsubscribe, go to > https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts > and follow the instructions there. > -- John Phillips ___ volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A
That e-mail I referenced is several years old. i believe the current repair price is just over $2800. Randy On Sat, Jul 5, 2014 at 10:49 PM, John Phillips wrote: > They do really offer that service as long as you send them a complete > meter... No missing parts. Well they will take a few missing screws and > such. My experience with them is they charge the same no mater what need to > be fixed. Not sure what the price is, there prices are country dependent. I > thought it was a little more than $2200 last I checked. > > > On Sat, Jul 5, 2014 at 4:08 PM, Randy Evans > wrote: > > > I am in the market for a used HP-3458A and, in researching past > messages, I > > came across an interesting question: > > > > *Chris Erickson* ericksonc2 at comcast.net > > > > 40febo.com?Subject=Re%3A%20%5Bvolt-nuts%5D%203458A%20questions&In-Reply-To=%3C001b01cc7960%24a15d2840%24e41778c0%24%40net%3E > > > > > *Thu Sep 22 19:48:41 UTC 2011* > > > > If Agilent will fix everything, bring it up to specs, and calibrate it no > > > > matter what's wrong with it for $2200, then why would I spend $5000-6000 > or > > > > more for one that is in good shape - even if calibrated? Just grab the > > first > > > > bargain that comes along for $1500-3000, send it straight to Agilent and > be > > > > money ahead. Seems the better course of action to me if that price is > > > > accurate - do they really offer this service? > > > > > > > > > > I could not find an answer to this question but it does beg the question. > > Does nayone have an answer as to why not buy the cheapest unit and send > it > > in for repair? > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > Randy Evans > > ___ > > volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com > > To unsubscribe, go to > > https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts > > and follow the instructions there. > > > > > > -- > John Phillips > ___ > volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com > To unsubscribe, go to > https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts > and follow the instructions there. ___ volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A
Can you buy the A/D board... here in USA they will not sell the parts anymore. If you need a front panel because the display is dim or one of the keys will not work it cost the same as any other repair. acben, what was wrong with your A/D? The typical rundown error seems like it would be real hard to repair and most of the circuit is contained in proprietary chips. I am impressed. would love to be able to repair the A/D board. That and the AC board are the highest failed boards I see. On Sun, Jul 6, 2014 at 4:56 AM, R.Phillips wrote: > I note with interest your considerations with restoring the 3458A. I have > recently had my 3458A restored (April-last) to fine working order, and > calibrated by the Agilent Service Department here in the UK. It will cost > what is required after their inspection - this inspection is a 'free' > service which gives you a full appraisal, and a price for what has to be > done to restore the instrument to 100% working order followed by > re-calibration. If the cost is unacceptable, you can request the return > your instrument back with a report on what would be required. The reality > is that many owners have tried to make a 'cheaper fix' and finished up with > an unsatisfactory result, as Agilent are not try to calibrate a faulty > unit. Over the period of the models production, a number of changes have > been introduced, I now have the latest type of processor/RAM/ROM board > which is much improved. Considering the cost of a new instrument, I would > suggest this is the best solution. I found the staff here in the UK to be > very helpful and willing to discuss any technical matter. > Roy Phillips. > > -Original Message- From: acb...@gmx.de > Sent: Sunday, July 06, 2014 9:45 AM > To: Discussion of precise voltage measurement > Subject: Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A > > > I recently bought a non-working 3458, so faced the same problem. it was a > relatively old unit, and I asked agilent germany (where I live) for a > standard repair quote. they answered they would not give a fix price, they > would evaluate the costs once received. it may have been linked to the age > of the unit (SN arround 3k). I would therefore think that in other places > in europe the response may be similar. it may be differnt in the US. > I determined the A/D board was faulty, and I did a check on that, it would > have been considerably cheaper to just replace this. so for me, since I am > also calibrating the unit myself, it would anyway have been a bad deal. > fortunatelly I could fix the a/d myself, so could save this as well. given > my buy price and list price for the a/d baord, it would otherwise probably > have been a no so good deal. so I would say there is really some risk > involved buying an old gear. also, keep in mind, boards may work but still > be out of spec. so you may need a new A/D board just to figure out later > that the ac board is not within specs either. > key I guess is that the error messages give you a reasonable understanding > whats wrong. find out the cost of this board, and if thats ok in total it > may make sense, but you still have quite a risk as the other items may have > an issue as well. if a unit is completely dead, I would probably not buy. > as far as i know you cannot buy a new PU board allone, you need to send it > in to repair (thats what agilent germany states on ther parts list side), > and then it may be very costly if other stuff it broken too. > > > Gesendet: Sonntag, 06. Juli 2014 um 07:03 Uhr >> Von: "Dr. David Kirkby (Kirkby Microwave Ltd)" < >> drkir...@kirkbymicrowave.co.uk> >> An: "Discussion of precise voltage measurement" >> Betreff: Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A >> >> On 6 Jul 2014 07:12, "John Phillips" wrote: >> > >> > They do really offer that service as long as you send them a complete >> > meter... No missing parts. Well they will take a few missing screws and >> > such. >> >> There is also the possibility someone has tried repairing it, but done so >> badly. >> >> I assume that there has been some design changes over the years, so not >> all >> boards are identical. Agilent would probably decline to fix a unit made >> from parts from a mixture of revisions. >> >> Buying one and hoping to get it repaired for a fixed fee seems a bit risky >> to me. >> >> Dave >> >> My experience with them is they charge the same no mater what need to >> > be fixed. Not sure what the price is, there prices are country > >> dependent. >> I >> > thought it was a little more than $2200 last I checked. >> > >> > >> > On Sat,
Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A
I note with interest your considerations with restoring the 3458A. I have recently had my 3458A restored (April-last) to fine working order, and calibrated by the Agilent Service Department here in the UK. It will cost what is required after their inspection - this inspection is a 'free' service which gives you a full appraisal, and a price for what has to be done to restore the instrument to 100% working order followed by re-calibration. If the cost is unacceptable, you can request the return your instrument back with a report on what would be required. The reality is that many owners have tried to make a 'cheaper fix' and finished up with an unsatisfactory result, as Agilent are not try to calibrate a faulty unit. Over the period of the models production, a number of changes have been introduced, I now have the latest type of processor/RAM/ROM board which is much improved. Considering the cost of a new instrument, I would suggest this is the best solution. I found the staff here in the UK to be very helpful and willing to discuss any technical matter. Roy Phillips. -Original Message- From: acb...@gmx.de Sent: Sunday, July 06, 2014 9:45 AM To: Discussion of precise voltage measurement Subject: Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A I recently bought a non-working 3458, so faced the same problem. it was a relatively old unit, and I asked agilent germany (where I live) for a standard repair quote. they answered they would not give a fix price, they would evaluate the costs once received. it may have been linked to the age of the unit (SN arround 3k). I would therefore think that in other places in europe the response may be similar. it may be differnt in the US. I determined the A/D board was faulty, and I did a check on that, it would have been considerably cheaper to just replace this. so for me, since I am also calibrating the unit myself, it would anyway have been a bad deal. fortunatelly I could fix the a/d myself, so could save this as well. given my buy price and list price for the a/d baord, it would otherwise probably have been a no so good deal. so I would say there is really some risk involved buying an old gear. also, keep in mind, boards may work but still be out of spec. so you may need a new A/D board just to figure out later that the ac board is not within specs either. key I guess is that the error messages give you a reasonable understanding whats wrong. find out the cost of this board, and if thats ok in total it may make sense, but you still have quite a risk as the other items may have an issue as well. if a unit is completely dead, I would probably not buy. as far as i know you cannot buy a new PU board allone, you need to send it in to repair (thats what agilent germany states on ther parts list side), and then it may be very costly if other stuff it broken too. Gesendet: Sonntag, 06. Juli 2014 um 07:03 Uhr Von: "Dr. David Kirkby (Kirkby Microwave Ltd)" An: "Discussion of precise voltage measurement" Betreff: Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A On 6 Jul 2014 07:12, "John Phillips" wrote: > > They do really offer that service as long as you send them a complete > meter... No missing parts. Well they will take a few missing screws and > such. There is also the possibility someone has tried repairing it, but done so badly. I assume that there has been some design changes over the years, so not all boards are identical. Agilent would probably decline to fix a unit made from parts from a mixture of revisions. Buying one and hoping to get it repaired for a fixed fee seems a bit risky to me. Dave My experience with them is they charge the same no mater what need to > be fixed. Not sure what the price is, there prices are country > dependent. I > thought it was a little more than $2200 last I checked. > > > On Sat, Jul 5, 2014 at 4:08 PM, Randy Evans > wrote: > > > I am in the market for a used HP-3458A and, in researching past messages, I > > came across an interesting question: > > > > *Chris Erickson* ericksonc2 at comcast.net > > > 40febo.com?Subject=Re%3A%20%5Bvolt-nuts%5D%203458A%20questions&In-Reply-To=%3C001b01cc7960%24a15d2840%24e41778c0%24%40net%3E > > > > > *Thu Sep 22 19:48:41 UTC 2011* > > > > If Agilent will fix everything, bring it up to specs, and calibrate it no > > > > matter what's wrong with it for $2200, then why would I spend $5000-6000 or > > > > more for one that is in good shape - even if calibrated? Just grab the > > first > > > > bargain that comes along for $1500-3000, send it straight to Agilent and be > > > > money ahead. Seems the better course of action to me if that price is > > > > accurate - do they really offer this service? > > >
Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A
I recently bought a non-working 3458, so faced the same problem. it was a relatively old unit, and I asked agilent germany (where I live) for a standard repair quote. they answered they would not give a fix price, they would evaluate the costs once received. it may have been linked to the age of the unit (SN arround 3k). I would therefore think that in other places in europe the response may be similar. it may be differnt in the US. I determined the A/D board was faulty, and I did a check on that, it would have been considerably cheaper to just replace this. so for me, since I am also calibrating the unit myself, it would anyway have been a bad deal. fortunatelly I could fix the a/d myself, so could save this as well. given my buy price and list price for the a/d baord, it would otherwise probably have been a no so good deal. so I would say there is really some risk involved buying an old gear. also, keep in mind, boards may work but still be out of spec. so you may need a new A/D board just to figure out later that the ac board is not within specs either. key I guess is that the error messages give you a reasonable understanding whats wrong. find out the cost of this board, and if thats ok in total it may make sense, but you still have quite a risk as the other items may have an issue as well. if a unit is completely dead, I would probably not buy. as far as i know you cannot buy a new PU board allone, you need to send it in to repair (thats what agilent germany states on ther parts list side), and then it may be very costly if other stuff it broken too. > Gesendet: Sonntag, 06. Juli 2014 um 07:03 Uhr > Von: "Dr. David Kirkby (Kirkby Microwave Ltd)" > > An: "Discussion of precise voltage measurement" > Betreff: Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A > > On 6 Jul 2014 07:12, "John Phillips" wrote: > > > > They do really offer that service as long as you send them a complete > > meter... No missing parts. Well they will take a few missing screws and > > such. > > There is also the possibility someone has tried repairing it, but done so > badly. > > I assume that there has been some design changes over the years, so not all > boards are identical. Agilent would probably decline to fix a unit made > from parts from a mixture of revisions. > > Buying one and hoping to get it repaired for a fixed fee seems a bit risky > to me. > > Dave > > My experience with them is they charge the same no mater what need to > > be fixed. Not sure what the price is, there prices are country dependent. > I > > thought it was a little more than $2200 last I checked. > > > > > > On Sat, Jul 5, 2014 at 4:08 PM, Randy Evans > > wrote: > > > > > I am in the market for a used HP-3458A and, in researching past > messages, I > > > came across an interesting question: > > > > > > *Chris Erickson* ericksonc2 at comcast.net > > > > > > 40febo.com?Subject=Re%3A%20%5Bvolt-nuts%5D%203458A%20questions&In-Reply-To=%3C001b01cc7960%24a15d2840%24e41778c0%24%40net%3E > > > > > > > *Thu Sep 22 19:48:41 UTC 2011* > > > > > > If Agilent will fix everything, bring it up to specs, and calibrate it > no > > > > > > matter what's wrong with it for $2200, then why would I spend > $5000-6000 or > > > > > > more for one that is in good shape - even if calibrated? Just grab the > > > first > > > > > > bargain that comes along for $1500-3000, send it straight to Agilent > and be > > > > > > money ahead. Seems the better course of action to me if that price is > > > > > > accurate - do they really offer this service? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I could not find an answer to this question but it does beg the > question. > > > Does nayone have an answer as to why not buy the cheapest unit and > send it > > > in for repair? > > > > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > > > > Randy Evans > > > ___ > > > volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com > > > To unsubscribe, go to > > > https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts > > > and follow the instructions there. > > > > > > > > > > > -- > > John Phillips > > ___ > > volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com > > To unsubscribe, go to > https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts > > and follow the instructions there. > ___ > volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com > To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts > and follow the instructions there. ___ volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A
On 6 Jul 2014 07:12, "John Phillips" wrote: > > They do really offer that service as long as you send them a complete > meter... No missing parts. Well they will take a few missing screws and > such. There is also the possibility someone has tried repairing it, but done so badly. I assume that there has been some design changes over the years, so not all boards are identical. Agilent would probably decline to fix a unit made from parts from a mixture of revisions. Buying one and hoping to get it repaired for a fixed fee seems a bit risky to me. Dave My experience with them is they charge the same no mater what need to > be fixed. Not sure what the price is, there prices are country dependent. I > thought it was a little more than $2200 last I checked. > > > On Sat, Jul 5, 2014 at 4:08 PM, Randy Evans > wrote: > > > I am in the market for a used HP-3458A and, in researching past messages, I > > came across an interesting question: > > > > *Chris Erickson* ericksonc2 at comcast.net > > > 40febo.com?Subject=Re%3A%20%5Bvolt-nuts%5D%203458A%20questions&In-Reply-To=%3C001b01cc7960%24a15d2840%24e41778c0%24%40net%3E > > > > > *Thu Sep 22 19:48:41 UTC 2011* > > > > If Agilent will fix everything, bring it up to specs, and calibrate it no > > > > matter what's wrong with it for $2200, then why would I spend $5000-6000 or > > > > more for one that is in good shape - even if calibrated? Just grab the > > first > > > > bargain that comes along for $1500-3000, send it straight to Agilent and be > > > > money ahead. Seems the better course of action to me if that price is > > > > accurate - do they really offer this service? > > > > > > > > > > I could not find an answer to this question but it does beg the question. > > Does nayone have an answer as to why not buy the cheapest unit and send it > > in for repair? > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > Randy Evans > > ___ > > volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com > > To unsubscribe, go to > > https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts > > and follow the instructions there. > > > > > > -- > John Phillips > ___ > volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com > To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts > and follow the instructions there. ___ volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A
They do really offer that service as long as you send them a complete meter... No missing parts. Well they will take a few missing screws and such. My experience with them is they charge the same no mater what need to be fixed. Not sure what the price is, there prices are country dependent. I thought it was a little more than $2200 last I checked. On Sat, Jul 5, 2014 at 4:08 PM, Randy Evans wrote: > I am in the market for a used HP-3458A and, in researching past messages, I > came across an interesting question: > > *Chris Erickson* ericksonc2 at comcast.net > 40febo.com?Subject=Re%3A%20%5Bvolt-nuts%5D%203458A%20questions&In-Reply-To=%3C001b01cc7960%24a15d2840%24e41778c0%24%40net%3E > > > *Thu Sep 22 19:48:41 UTC 2011* > > If Agilent will fix everything, bring it up to specs, and calibrate it no > > matter what's wrong with it for $2200, then why would I spend $5000-6000 or > > more for one that is in good shape - even if calibrated? Just grab the > first > > bargain that comes along for $1500-3000, send it straight to Agilent and be > > money ahead. Seems the better course of action to me if that price is > > accurate - do they really offer this service? > > > > > I could not find an answer to this question but it does beg the question. > Does nayone have an answer as to why not buy the cheapest unit and send it > in for repair? > > > Thanks, > > > Randy Evans > ___ > volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com > To unsubscribe, go to > https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts > and follow the instructions there. > -- John Phillips ___ volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A
Be careful, Agilent's standard service is not that simple. Thomas Knox > Date: Sat, 5 Jul 2014 16:08:26 -0700 > From: randyevans2...@gmail.com > To: volt-nuts@febo.com > Subject: [volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A > > I am in the market for a used HP-3458A and, in researching past messages, I > came across an interesting question: > > *Chris Erickson* ericksonc2 at comcast.net > > *Thu Sep 22 19:48:41 UTC 2011* > > If Agilent will fix everything, bring it up to specs, and calibrate it no > > matter what's wrong with it for $2200, then why would I spend $5000-6000 or > > more for one that is in good shape - even if calibrated? Just grab the first > > bargain that comes along for $1500-3000, send it straight to Agilent and be > > money ahead. Seems the better course of action to me if that price is > > accurate - do they really offer this service? > > > > > I could not find an answer to this question but it does beg the question. > Does nayone have an answer as to why not buy the cheapest unit and send it > in for repair? > > > Thanks, > > > Randy Evans > ___ > volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com > To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts > and follow the instructions there. ___ volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts and follow the instructions there.
[volt-nuts] Buying HP-3458A
I am in the market for a used HP-3458A and, in researching past messages, I came across an interesting question: *Chris Erickson* ericksonc2 at comcast.net *Thu Sep 22 19:48:41 UTC 2011* If Agilent will fix everything, bring it up to specs, and calibrate it no matter what's wrong with it for $2200, then why would I spend $5000-6000 or more for one that is in good shape - even if calibrated? Just grab the first bargain that comes along for $1500-3000, send it straight to Agilent and be money ahead. Seems the better course of action to me if that price is accurate - do they really offer this service? I could not find an answer to this question but it does beg the question. Does nayone have an answer as to why not buy the cheapest unit and send it in for repair? Thanks, Randy Evans ___ volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts and follow the instructions there.
