Old School Question - Analog Multi-meter
Whit
Posts: 4,191
I want to pick up an Analog Multi-meter. I want a good one and probably a new one but I am not opposed to a good used one if I know what I am getting. Any suggestions from those old enough (or crazy enough) to know?
I know that Simpsons and Tripletts are pretty much top of the line - but how much is reasonable to pay - and is this way too much meter?
I know that Simpsons and Tripletts are pretty much top of the line - but how much is reasonable to pay - and is this way too much meter?
Comments
IIRC the figiure of merit was k Ohms/Volt, so a 50uA meter movement with no active-help, gives 20k Ohms/volt.
E-bay shows some 50k Ohm/volt meaning either 20uA meters or some active help.
eBay has plenty of Triplett brands & even some AVO's too...
I have an old, seldom used analog multimeter I purchased from Radio Shack in the 70's
From time to time, I pull it out to check trending on analog circuits I'm building.
My digital multimeter is also not of current design.
Sometimes what I'm trying to see on the digital meter does not match with changes quick enough to
see if there is actually something going on that I want to see.
My guess is that a current design digital multimeter, with possibly some type of anilog display
will outperform any multimeter that was designed and manufactured in the 1970's
BUT
I will still keep and use my old tools until they no longer satisfy my needs.
I think you would be better off purchasing a new modern multimeter.
Just my 2cents worth.
gg
Being a Brit I always lusted after an AVO Meter. They are bit on the big and heavy side though.
Now you got wondering what is the motivation for this hybrid meter:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tekpower-TP7310-Analog-Digital-AC-DC-Volt-Multimeter-with-Resistance-and-Temp-/161577123280?hash=item259ebf3dd0 ?
A weird enough idea I might need to get one.
To answer jmg's question - I guess the answer is a nut. I have a very good Fluke DMM, a good Extech DMM and some cheap DMMs. I just want to play around with a an old school analog meter. I know I can pick up an inexpensive <$20 model to play with, but I sort want an big clunky old school unit. I don't want something that is junk though - meaning worn out or broken. If I am going to get one - I want it to work as it is supposed to. The dream - brand new - would be http://www.amazon.com/Simpson-260-8-Analog-VOM-Meter/dp/B002R6MWL0/ref=pd_sim_sbs_147_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1CP09DEXK6B2V6HA957T
I also like the idea (at least) of a new - still big - modern analog meter - they are not expensive and are made to be tough. Something like this one - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MI6T0IW?refRID=Q5G3TRGH5B61EDCPTH8B&ref_=pd_ybh_l_1 or maybe http://www.amazon.com/Tekpower-TP7050-7-Function-20-Range-Multimeter/dp/B007IEFC8G/ref=dp_ob_title_def
I am not sure any of the newer models will get at "just wanting" something like the Simpson or Triplett (or even OLD Japenese Analog Meters). NONE of this is about practicality - It is about feel.
Like I said - think nut, crazy person, odd duck, etc...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNIVERSAL-AVOMETER-8-MK-5-VERY-NICE-CONDITION/252046668994?_trksid=p2047675.c100009.m1982&_trkparms=aid=777000&algo=ABA.MBE&ao=1&asc=32238&meid=b0956dba68ec4de988ff2f5fa1acc20e&pid=100009&rk=1&rkt=1&sd=261994669171
Seems they stopped making analog AVO meters a few years back. Not because demand had dropped off but because they could no longer source the required parts economically.
What I like about an analog meter is that it keeps you more in tune with the physics of what's going on. You know, magnets, coils, current, springs.
Oh, and you have to have that "anti-parallax error" mirror on the dial.
Nice thing about Heathkit is that there is still a strong user community that can provide assistance should said meter require repair. And, documentation is still available through the community also.
I purchased that kit new, way back when. It was the only Heathkit I purchased new and built from scratch. I had other pieces of Heathkit test equipment but they were purchased secondhand. I bet my old IM-18 is somewhere in my attic.
Welcome to the club!
We should try our best to snag these important historical artefacts before they all disappear into land fills.
When you have yourself sorted with an analogue meter you will of course then need a good old Cathode Ray Oscilloscope. Then you can almost literally see the electrons flying in your circuits.
That will lead you to vacuum tube technology. With heaters and that empty space you can see where the electrons are really flying around.
Sometimes I wonder how kids today learn anything of basic reality when they are so far removed from it with their DVM's, digital scopes and Arduinos. So many layers of abstraction away from what is actually happening.
-Phil
I promptly plugged it into a wall socket to measure resistance. POP! Blew a resistor. Got another resistor and it's been working up to today. It is good for viewing slow analog signals if you don't have an OScope.
I was going to say check E=Bay for that model number, but that brings up a newer FET input model. Pretty close and in the $30.00 range.
But when I googled for my specific model, the decimal point moved to the right.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MICRONTA-22-207A-USPP-22207A-/390749865417?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5afa81c5c9
http://www.plccenter.com/Buy/MICRONTA/22207A
I ordered all the 1% resistors from Digikey to replace because of mishap. (All values listed in the manual).
You can probably find one a a gararge sale for 5-10 bucks.
No mirrored scale?
...Tiger
How about a bald head? :-)
Yes - frank, Tiger and others - I will look patiently for a used Simpson (or save up for a while - for a new one!). Till then, I bought a inexpensive new one to play with and learn with.
Thanks for the input, fun and understanding why anyone would want to make such a purchase, and yes Heater - an AVOMETER - just because and an old school CRT oscilloscope are on the list too. (One day I need to hear the story behind that avatar! Thanks for giving a little background on the "Heater" part!)
I do wish there Heathkit was really still around too - I know there was some talk a while back...
Publison - great stuff - My Dad and I had a very inexpensive Micronta (Radio Shack) way, WAY back - still in the tool chest and still works perfectly! (will dig it out and play with it too!) I had almost forgotten it!
The avatar was Sapphire's idea. I fell for it immediately.
Story starts here: http://forums.parallax.com/discussion/comment/1334767/#Comment_1334767
Love the Simpson and Triplet. Many hours on both.
With the new tiny digital multi-meters, I often find the meter tipped over by the time I get in position for a reading.
At my age, I hope I don't tip over!
RDL2004 - that's right!
Jim
It was a wonderful way to get started -- precision resistors on a big ganged switch demonstrated all the maths in a very elegant way.
The project wasn't expensive and got one started on a path with the right tool to move along.
http://www.heathkit-museum.com/test/hvmmm-1.shtml
Lots of nostalgia for that big dial and what it taught.
Jim