1586A Super-DAQ Precision Temperature Scanner and 2638A Hydra Series III Data Acquisition System/Digital Multimeter
The Fluke Calibration 1586A and Fluke 2638A are two new data acquisition systems that offer great value and performance. This selection guide will help you understand the differences between the two, the strengths of each, and which one will best meet your current and future needs.
Selection Guide
1586A Super-DAQ Precision Temperature Scanner
A temperature-optimized data logger that can “cross over” as a precision thermometer for the lab
The 1586A should be considered by users focused on temperature data acquisition where ac curacy matters . It can be used with internalHigh-Capacity Modules, an external DAQ-STAQ Multiplexer, or both. Configured with the internal High-CapacityModule, the 1586A has superior RTD and therm- istor accuracy compared to the 2638A. Additionaltemperature-focused features that will appeal
to metrologists and technicians include sensor characterizations, a probe library, and the ability to control Fluke Calibration dry-wells and baths in automated tests. For best measurement accuracy, the 1586A accepts ITS-90, CVD, and polynomial temperature sensor characterizations. The 1586A also measures and records lower level dc voltage and current.
The 1586A is ideal for data acquisition applications where temperature accuracy is important, including:
- Chamber mapping
- Freeze-drying validation
- Heat treating test
- Materials testing
- Temperature sensor calibration
When configured with the external DAQ-STAQ Multiplexer, the 1586A provides convenient probe connections and performance so good it is a great option for use as a reference thermometer read- out for temperature calibration labs (accuracy improves to 0.29 °C for thermocouples and 0.005 °C for RTDs). It’s a nice upgrade for users of thermometer readouts like the Black Stack or Chub E4 who are interested in a more modern user interface and a more advanced data acquisition platform.
For more information on the 1586A
2638A Hydra Series III Data Acquisition System/ Digital Multimeter
The perfect replacement for Fluke Hydra Data Loggers; more capable, too!
The 2638A is the successor to past Hydra models. It is a full-featured general purpose data acqui- sition system and is a great fit for most data acquisition applications where very good measurement accuracy is needed. Its thermocouple accuracy is better than competing data acquisition models, and equal to that of the 1586A when using the Universal Input Module. The 2638A is expandable to 60 channels per mainframe and over 1,000 channels with application software. Compared to the 1586A Super-DAQ Precision Temperature Scanner, it features a faster scan rate of up to 45 channels/second, and covers higher ac and dc input voltages (up to 300 V vs. 50 V). The higher voltage ranges and CAT II safety rating make it a robust solution for industrial factory and process monitoring applications.
The 2638A is ideal for data acquisition applications within test and measure- ment, industrial and manufacturing, including:
- Automated manufacturing test
- Component testing
- Oven profiling
- Burn-in testing
- Life cycle testing
- Process monitoring
- Materials testing
For more information on the 2638A
Features and specifications comparison
1586A with DAQ-STAQ Multiplexer | 1586A with High-Capacity Module | 2638A with Universal Input Module | |
 |  |  | |
| Maximum channel count | 40 | 40 | 60 |
| Maximum scan speed (channel/second) | 10 (PRT) 10 (TC) 10 (V dc) | 10(PRT) 10 (TC) 10 (V dc) | 16(PRT) 15 (TC) 45 (V dc) |
| Able to control Fluke Calibration dry-wells and baths in automated tests | Yes | Yes | No |
| Current reversal (PRT only) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Sensor characterizations | ITS-90, CVD, Polynomial | ITS-90, CVD, Polynomial | Alpha, R0 |
| Probe library | Yes | Yes | No |
| TC accuracy (Internal CJC for type K at 0 °C) | 0.29 °C | 0.62 °C | 0.62 °C |
| RTD accuracy (4-wire, PT385, at 0 °C) | 0.005 °C | 0.008 °C | 0.038 °C |
| Thermistor accuracy (5 kΩ or 10 kΩ thermistor at 0 °C) | 0.002 °C | 0.002 °C | 0.003 °C |
| DC V input | 50 V max, all functions and ranges | 50 V max, all functions and ranges | Front panel: 300 V max CAT II Rear panel: 150 V max CAT II |
| DC V accuracy | 0.0037% + 0.0035% | 0.0037% + 0.0035% | 0.0037% + 0.0035% |
| AC V (100 V) | n/a | n/a | 300 V/150 V |
| AC V accuracy (60 Hz) | n/a | n/a | 0.6% + 0.08% |
| DC I range | 0 mA to 100mA | 0 mA to 100mA | 0 mA to 100mA |
| DC I accuracy | 0.015% + 0.0011% | 0.015% + 0.0011% | 0.015% + 0.0011% |
| Frequency range | n/a | n/a | 3 Hz to 1 MHz |
| Safety/Conformity | CE, CSA, IEC 61010 3rd ed. | CE, CSA, IEC 61010 3rd ed. | CE, CSA, IEC 61010 3rd ed., Category II |