# Fluke 2620A Hydra Data Acquisition Unit (Pre-Owned)

# Fluke 2620A Hydra Data Acquisition Unit (Pre-Owned)

## Key Features At A Glance

-   21 analog input channels with Universal Input Module — connects virtually any sensor type without external signal conditioning
-   Removable PCMCIA memory card storage (256 KB standard; 1 MB, 2 MB, and 4 MB options available)
-   Dual-slope ADC linear to 17 bits with measurement rates of 4 readings/sec (slow) or 17 readings/sec (fast)
-   Measures DC volts to 300V, AC volts, resistance to 10 MΩ, frequency to 1 MHz, RTDs, and thermocouple types J, K, T, R, S, B, C, E, N
-   RS-232 interface for PC, printer, or modem connection with simultaneous real-time data transfer and memory card recording
-   Operates from 90–264 V AC or 9–16 V DC with automatic data collection resumption after power loss
-   12 digital I/O and alarm output lines plus one totalizer input (0–5 kHz, 65,535 max count) for event-driven monitoring
-   Internal memory buffer retains up to 70 scans while the memory card is removed and replaced

The Fluke 2635A Hydra Data Bucket is a portable 21-channel data acquisition unit designed for gathering and transporting large volumes of measurement data, including extended operation from remote locations. The Hydra Data Bucket is part of the broader Hydra Series, which also includes the 2625A Data Logger and the 2620A Data Acquisition Unit. The 2635A is distinguished within the family by its removable PCMCIA memory card storage, which the 2625A (internal storage) and 2620A (no nonvolatile storage) do not provide.

A data acquisition instrument captures readings from multiple sensor inputs over time, recording values for later analysis or transmitting them in real time to a host computer. The Hydra Data Bucket is used for standalone monitoring operations where data is collected on the memory card and later retrieved at a PC, and for PC-based data acquisition where the RS-232 link feeds readings directly into application software. The datasheet describes its role in test and monitoring systems, remote-location data gathering, and applications that mix standalone recording with periodic upload via the Hydra RS-232 port, an optional external PC memory card drive, or a standard PCMCIA slot on the user's computer.

## Brand Heritage

Fluke Corporation is the original manufacturer of the Hydra Series. The Hydra family was developed during the era when Fluke operated as a standalone public company before its 1998 acquisition by Danaher Corporation. Fluke has continued to operate under its own brand name through the Danaher era and into the current Fortive Corporation, which was spun off from Danaher in 2016 and now serves as Fluke's parent company.

## Compare Other Models in This Series

The Hydra Series comprises four data acquisition instruments built on a common 21-channel Universal Input Module front end with shared measurement specifications. All four models share the same analog measurement performance, the same isolation and safety ratings, and the same Universal Input Module that accepts thermocouples, RTDs, DC and AC voltage, resistance, and frequency without external signal conditioning.

The models differ along two axes: nonvolatile data storage and host interface. The 2635A Hydra Data Bucket adds PCMCIA memory card storage to the RS-232 interface, supporting standalone logging with later upload. The 2625A Hydra Data Logger provides internal nonvolatile memory storing more than 2,000 scans with RS-232 transfer. The 2620A Hydra Data Acquisition Unit has no internal nonvolatile storage and is designed for direct PC connection via RS-232, while the 2620A/05 substitutes an IEEE-488 interface for the RS-232 (the two interfaces are mutually exclusive when IEEE-488 is in use).

Each pre-owned Hydra Series model below is its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing, inventory status, and quote workflow. Use the comparison table to confirm which storage and interface combination matches the deployment, then navigate to the specific model page for current availability.

Within the Hydra Series, the 2635A Data Bucket is the configuration optimized for standalone field logging with bulk data offload. Its PCMCIA memory card storage, multiple card capacity options (256 KB through 4 MB), and ability to transfer real-time data to a PC while simultaneously recording to the card distinguish it from the internally-stored 2625A and the PC-tethered 2620A. The datasheet explicitly identifies the 2635A as the right choice for gathering and transporting large volumes of data and for working extended periods from remote locations.

The compare-models table below summarizes the four Hydra Series variants by storage type and host interface. All four share identical analog measurement performance — the Universal Input Module, the 17-bit ADC, the channel count, the isolation ratings, and the temperature, humidity, and EMI specifications are common across the family.

Selection across the family is driven by deployment mode rather than measurement performance. Standalone field logging with later card retrieval favors the 2635A. Standalone logging with serial upload at a fixed location favors the 2625A. Direct PC-tethered acquisition in a test rack favors the 2620A.

Model

Universal Signal Conditioning

Nonvolatile Data Storage

Interface

**2620A**

Yes

None

RS-232

2625A

Yes

Internal (2,047 scans)

RS-232

2635A

Yes

PCMCIA Card (256 KB)

RS-232

2635A-1MB

Yes

PCMCIA Card (1 MB)

RS-232

Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.

## Accessories Supplied

-   Instrument
-   Universal Input Module
-   Line cord
-   User manual
-   Starter Software (DOS)
-   RS43 cable

## Product Core & Specifications

Specification

Value

Channel Capacity

Analog inputs

21

Digital I/O and alarm outputs

12 total

Totalizer

1

Measurement Rate

Slow

4 Rdgs/s nominal

Fast

17 Rdgs/s nominal (1.5 Rdgs/s for V ac, Hz and Ω inputs nominal)

Analog to Digital Converter

Type

Dual slope, linear to 17 bits

Common mode rejection (AC)

≥120 dB (50/60 Hz, ±0.1 % max 1 kΩ source imbalance)

Common mode rejection (DC)

≥120 dB

Normal mode rejection

53 dB (60 Hz, ±0.1 %); 47 dB (50 Hz, ±0.1 %)

Common mode and normal mode voltage maximum

300V dc or V ac rms (channels 0, 1, 11); 150V dc or V ac rms (all other inputs)

Isolation

Analog input to analog input, and analog input to any digital input: meets IEC 1010 for 300/150 volts reinforced and ANSI/ISA-S82.01-1994 and CSA-C22.2 for 250 volts single insulation

Input Ranges, Resolution & Accuracy (3-Sigma)

DC Volts

90 mV to 150/300 V; Resolution: 1 µV to 10 mV; Accuracy: 0.018 %

AC Volts (crest factor to 2.0)

300 mV to 150/300 V; Resolution: 10 µV to 10 mV; Accuracy: 0.13 %

Resistance

300 Ω to 10 MΩ; Resolution: 10 mΩ to 1 kΩ; Accuracy: 0.013 %

Frequency

15 Hz to 1 MHz; Resolution: 0.01 Hz to 1 kHz; Accuracy: 0.05 %

RTD (Pt100)

\-200 to 600 °C; Resolution: 0.02 °C; Accuracy: 0.05 °C

Thermocouple J

\-100 to 760 °C; Resolution: 0.1 °C; Accuracy: 0.39 °C

Thermocouple K

\-100 to 1372 °C; Resolution: 0.1 °C; Accuracy: 0.45 °C

Thermocouple T

\-150 to 400 °C; Resolution: 0.1 °C; Accuracy: 0.39 °C

Other Thermocouple Types

R, S, B, C, E, N

Current Measurements

AC or DC current

Up to 100 mA using the 2620A-101 10 Ω Current Shunt Strip

Totalizing Input

Type

DC coupled, non-isolated

Maximum input

+30 V, min -4 V

Max count

65,535

Minimum signal

2 V peak

Threshold

1.4 V

Rate

0–5 kHz (debounce off)

Hysteresis

500 mV

Input debouncing

None or 1.66 ms

Digital Inputs

Threshold

1.4 V

Hysteresis

500 mV

Maximum Input

+30 V, min -4 V; non-isolated

Digital/Alarm Outputs

Output type

Open collector, non-isolated, TTL compatible

Alarm associations

Alarm outputs 0–3 are fixed assignments associated to channels 0–3. Alarms for channels 4–19 are mapped to digital I/O lines. Digital I/O may be used as a digital input or alarm status output (associated with any input channel or channels).

Trigger Input

Minimum pulse

5 µs

Maximum latency

100 ms

Repeatability

1 ms

Input "High"

2.0 V min, 7.0 V max

Input "Low"

\-0.6 V min, 0.8 V max

Type

Non-isolated, contact closure and TTL compatible

Clock

Accuracy

Within 1 minute/month for 0 to 50 °C range

Power

AC input

90 to 264 V ac, 50 or 60 Hz (<10 watts)

DC input

9 to 16 V dc (<4 watts)

Dual-source operation

If both sources are applied simultaneously, the greater of AC or DC is used. At 120 V ac the equivalent DC voltage is ~14.5 V.

Environmental

Operating temperature/humidity

0 to 28 °C, ≤90 % RH; 28 to 40 °C, ≤75 % RH; 40 to 60 °C, ≤50 % RH

Storage

\-40 to 75 °C, 5 to 95 % RH

Compliance

EMI

Passes FCC EMI Class B Equipment, VDE 0871B, and CE-EN61010, CE approved

Safety

Complies with applicable sections of IEC1010, ANSI/ISA-S82.01-1994, CSA-C22.2, and CE

Physical

Weight

3.0 kg (6.5 lbs)

Dimensions (H x W x D)

9.3 cm x 21.6 cm x 31.2 cm (3.67" x 8.50" x 12.28")

Interfaces

Standard

RS-232

Optional (2620A only)

IEEE-488 – Disables RS-232 interface while in use

Hydra 2625A Data Memory

Storage capacity

2,047 scans

Memory life

5 years minimum at 25 °C

Scan contents

Date and time stamp; all defined analog input channel values; status of four alarm outputs and eight digital I/O; totalizer count

**Important:** Maximum common-mode and normal-mode voltage is 300 V DC or AC rms on channels 0, 1, and 11, and 150 V DC or AC rms on all other inputs.**Important:** Total instrument accuracy is specified for 90 days following calibration over an ambient temperature range of 18 to 28 °C. The figure includes A/D errors, linearization conformity, initial calibration error, isothermality errors, reference junction conformity, and power line voltage effects within the range from 90 V ac to 264 V ac.**Important:** AC Volts accuracy is specified for crest factor up to 2.0.**Important:** The optional IEEE-488 interface (2620A only) disables the RS-232 interface while in use.**Important:** Current measurements up to 100 mA require the 2620A-101 10 Ω Current Shunt Strip (sold separately).**Important:** The 2635A Hydra Data Bucket ships with a 256 KB PCMCIA card; 1 MB, 2 MB, and 4 MB memory cards are available separately to expand storage.**Important:** Application software (2635A-901 Hydra Logger, 2635A-902 Hydra Logger with Trending, and 2600A-904 Trend Link for Fluke) does not support the IEEE-488 interface.Usage tip: pair the 2635A with the 2620A-101 Current Shunt Strip (10 Ω, 0.1%) for AC or DC current measurements up to 100 mA per the datasheet's listed accessory configuration.

## About this used unit

-   Warranty included on every pre-owned Hydra Series unit shipped from ValueTronics
-   Functional verification performed in-house against the published measurement specifications before shipment
-   Standard Calibration Upgrade Options: No Calibration Required, NIST Traceable, Z540.1 or ISO 17025 with Data, Z540.3 Guardbanding with Data.
-   Note that unnecessary accessories may not be included (contact Test Architect to confirm).

**Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.**

## Details

- **Price:** 0.0 USD
- **Vendor:** Fluke
- **Type:** Data Log
- **Tags:** 2620, 2620A, Accessories, consignment-active, Data Logger, Fluke, Manufacturers, Meters & DAQ, Model 2620, Optional, Pre-Owned, product_manual_group_1, Product_used

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| Default Title | 0.00 USD | In stock |

## Images

- Fluke 2620A Hydra Data Acquisition Unit (Pre-Owned)

---

> Source: [ValueTronics](https://valuetronics.com/products/2620a-100-fluke-data-logger-used)
> Updated: 2026-05-30
