Physically, the U1253A feels solid. It is a practical size and is reasonably weighty. It is supplied with a rechargeable battery (PP3 9V type), a charger, charger adaptor probes, standard multimeter probes with additional crocodile clips, and a manual (although ours arrived without one).
I have always been wary about multimeters and handheld scopes with rechargeable batteries as they always run flat before you’ve finished using them! If you are away performing a field repair, you invariably do not have the charger, or it does not work at the voltage or frequency of the local supply. Thankfully, a spare PP3 in your toolcase removes this issue. When placed on charge, the display lights up, the meter performs a self test, and then displays a count-down timer – counting down until the battery is fully charged. When in use, a battery icon appears on the display showing, graphically, how much charge remains.
A ten position dial is used to select the primary function and seven additional buttons are available giving a choice of secondary function (for example DC over AC, frequency and temperature) and ranging options.
In use, the meter performs exactly as it should do for a meter in this price/performance bracket. Direct comparison with a calibrated Fluke 89 MkIV shows no noticeable differences, although the display on the Agilent seems to be more ‘active’ than on the Fluke in so much it is prone to ‘jumping around’ more. This is, of course, purely an observation. Whilst on the subject of the display, it can only be described as ‘stunning’. The bright yellow characters are easily seen in all lighting conditions, and are much clearer than those on the Fluke 89 MkIV, especially if the meter is on a slight angle. A quick glimpse at the data sheet shows a performance all but identical to the U1252A suggesting the only major change is the display.
To conclude, this is, quite simply, a top-line multimeter with a nice display. It does exactly what it is supposed to do. There is no point in producing a detailed teardown of the specification – simply look at the data sheet and draw your own conclusions. The display is brilliant, but however good it is, it is not going to tempt me to probe 3-phase in the dark!
