Keithley DMM6500 6½-Digit Touchscreen Multimeter

Does everything i expected and more.

I bought this meter to replace my Keysight 34461A, which died just near the end of warranty and couldn't get anyone to service it due to multiple reasons that don't matter here. I was looking for a 6.5 digits multimeter, just as the previous one. I was looking into the Keysight 34461A, Keysight 34465A, Rigol DM3068 and Keithley DMM6500. I ruled out the Keysights due to my previous experience. Rigol was ruled out because it only cost about $300 less, yet its specs were more modest than the DMM6500 and had a lot less features. So I decided to buy a DMM6500.Amazon's order process went flawlessly. I received the package within the expected timeframe. First impressions: it comes neatly packaged, no manuals, US-style mains cord, calibration certificate, probes. The calibration certificate was a disappointment. It only said the meter was compliant with its specifications, but no details at all! This is unbelievable! Another disappointment are the probes. They feel really cheap and the wires seem of PVC plastic, which is a bit stiff. I've seen budget multimeters (i.e. less than 1/5 the cost) come with better quality probes. The meter itself looks to be really well made, except for the rubber bumpers. They look like there was some kind of problem during molding, since there are some flow lines visible. Completely unexpected for this price point.Thankfully the meter itself looks to be really well made. A quick inspection in the analog board without removing anything shows excellent quality components (i.e. electrolytic capacitors are either Rubycon or Nichicon) and superb build quality. I didn't disassemble the meter any further to avoid calibration and warranty issues, but it looks really well made.Going to the functional side, it performs as expected. The screen is really bright, though I'm still not completely used to the touchscreen for a meter. Took less than 10 minutes to figure out how to do basic things, like basic measurements. However, the main feature that everyone talks about is the digitizing capabilities. They are absolutely incredible. Its large memory allows to have a huge buffer over which data can be analyzed offline, even on the computer (data can be exported), where additional manipulation can be done as needed. Another very cool feature is the scripting capabilities. The simplest usage is for custom processes, but can be used to make even complete applications that run on the meter. I haven't got deep into this, but I'm sure I will be using this in the near future.As for fan noise, I think it's just ok, though that's obviously subjective. It does make a bit of sound. Compared to the 34461A the noise level appears to be about the same, but in a lower pitch.I can't comment much on the PC software side because it's Windows-only and I'm mostly Mac. I did install Kickstart on a Windows machine, but can't say anything besides that it did install properly and that it detected the meter (via USB) properly and without any issues. The only thing that drives me crazy is that when connecting to the PC, the NPLC will get reset to 1. Doesn't matter that I want it set to 10, it will get reset to 1.In summary, I'm really happy with this meter and I recommend it. To me, it looks like an upgrade from my 34461A. I'm not looking back and will probably buy a DMM7510 (similar design, but 7.5 digits) next year.Pros:- Great meter build quality- UI is amazing- Graphics and histograms look superbCons:- Summarized calibration certificate- Cheap-looking probes- Rubber bumpers are not well molded.Since none of the cons are really important for the meter's operation in any reasonable way, I give it 5 stars.Note to Amazon: if you're using a larger box to contain the manufacturer's smaller box PLEASE use some kind of padding. Else, the smaller box will rattle inside the larger box, as happened. Thankfully Keithley's packaging completely protected the meter.

I knew it would be decent, but I’m totally blown away. This new generation instrument is just absolutely amazing, Keithley’s build quality is just mind blowing, if you’ve never see or used one in person you’ll be impressed I’m quite sure. Over the last 30 years I’ve used just about every meter in a professional capacity, and this think just kills them all, I wish I could justify the 7 1/2 digit big brother but this will fit all but the most demanding labs with ease. The only complaint I’ve got is the fleecing you get for the optional software and scan cards, the price of the accessories is geared toward big companies that have purchasing departments that just write checks... Seems like that’s every company these days though so....

This meter has made my everyday work-life much easier and more fun! I put this sucker to use everyday and love using it. My only complaint about it is using dual display for example voltage/current will cause relay toggling to get updates, if both are set to particular ranges like 10v and 1amp then there is no toggling but for most functions and ranges it toggles and for me it is unacceptable so I usually just use the Siglent sdm3055 to perform the second task. Other than that every thing about this meter is solid. I will update in a year in regards to drift but so far it is well within specifications.

This is DMM is absolutely fantastic. Fantastic graphing on the device itself (1MS/s, 18 bit) and on a PC via LAN, USB, GPIB etc.Logging feature, math functions, apps, etc.

Fantastic. Logging and measurement resolution approach the theoretical. The hacks we did before we were able to do it correctly were a waste of time.