Tools/Electronics/HP3456A

The HP 3456A is a rack-mountable digital multimeter (DMM). Our HP 3456A is owned by a Hacksburg member but has no restrictions on use. This a 6.5 digit meter; which means that there are six working digits of resolution (although the last one may jump around a bit). This is much more accurate than a typical handheld meter. Note that our HP 3456A has not been calibrated in a long time and may not be correct.

Usage

This article has some basic usage instructions. The manual for this machine is readily available online.

Taking a Measurement

The front panel has symbols for DC Volts, AC Volts, 2-Wire Ohms, and 4-Wire Ohms, along with some more advanced combined functions which are specific to this multimeter. This multimeter does not do current measurements. The right side of the unit has banana plugs for connecting the device under test (DUT). If you're not used to so many terminals, this is because this instrument can do 4-wire resistance, which a normal handheld meter cannot do. The two connectors in the middle column are used if you're used to a normal handheld multimeter.