Analog voltmeter

[William Fissell]

Having trouble finding an analog VM for troubleshooting my charging system. They exist at RS and at Lowes, but I have now bought and thrown away 3 of them.

Has any of you made a low-pass filter so you can use a DMM on these charging systems?

thanks

 

[Bruce (VA)]

Somebody has because I recall reading it here. Probably JMOR or Soundguy. If not, either one can tell us how.

The only hand-held analog VM around here was purchased new in 1985. I'm sure it's been on borrowed time for years.
75 Tips

 

[TheOldHokie]

(quoted from post at 11:54:49 02/02/14) Somebody has because I recall reading it here. Probably JMOR or Soundguy. If not, either one can tell us how.

The only hand-held analog VM around here was purchased new in 1985. I'm sure it's been on borrowed time for years.
75 Tips

I have an older version of this in the shop. Click on the image for current price and availability ;-) Or try eBay for one a little closer to where I suspect your budget is.

TOH

 

[Dean]

Bingo.

Probably the best commonly available VOM.

I MUCH prefer the Simpson to a DVM but it is pricey these days.

Dean

 

[JMOR]

(quoted from post at 12:27:34 02/02/14)

(quoted from post at 11:54:49 02/02/14) Somebody has because I recall reading it here. Probably JMOR or Soundguy. If not, either one can tell us how.

The only hand-held analog VM around here was purchased new in 1985. I'm sure it's been on borrowed time for years.
75 Tips

I have an older version of this in the shop. Click on the image for current price and availability ;-) Or try eBay for one a little closer to where I suspect your budget is.

TOH

I have one (260) that my parents bought me for Christmas of 1962 and I thought $80 was a fortune then & I have always treated it that way. Great care in handling, transport, scale selection, double check all connections before last lead connection to meter, etc. and now 52 years later my $300 meter still works perfectly.
This type of analog meter is very non-forgiving, unlike most digital meters.

 

[TheOldHokie]

(quoted from post at 12:41:47 02/02/14)
This type of analog meter is very non-forgiving, unlike most digital meters.

That is an understatement.

TOH

 

[William Fissell]

I actually had a Simpson 260 that I acquired at a garage sale, but it was DOA. I don;t know where it is now. I agree they are the 'gold standard' for me for AMMs...

 

[Gaspump]

I have some older ones that still work well and have for years. Most of these I purchased at yard sales for a few bucks each. My latest and best find was a Fluke digital for $25, the display symbols were broken up but the optional case was worth more than that so I chanced it. Contacted Fluke and inquired to see if the iso couplers were available for it. They were for $2.50 including the installation kit. Put the new couplers in and it is now 100% so keep yours eyes peeled for deals!

 

[William Fissell]

just got on on fleabay for $40. we'll see if it
actually works.

 

[DGinVT]

JMOR: I have a Simpson 260 that I bought in 1956 and it is still going strong. Cost then about $50 dollars. Several years ago an outfit in New York recalibrated it for me . This instrument is what I do all my tractor electrical trouble shooting with. Take care of it and it will take care of you.

 

[JMOR]

(quoted from post at 10:43:24 02/03/14) JMOR: I have a Simpson 260 that I bought in 1956 and it is still going strong. Cost then about $50 dollars. Several years ago an outfit in New York recalibrated it for me . This instrument is what I do all my tractor electrical trouble shooting with. Take care of it and it will take care of you.

sed to be things were built to last when taken care of, but in today's 'throwaway' society, I doubt future generations will still be using a 2014 Harbor Freight DVM 60 years from now.

 

[DGinVT]

Yours and mine are quality plus. At the time I wish
I had bought two attachments for it also made by
Simpson. One was a high voltage adapter and the
other was a capacitor checker. Mine does not get
let out!!! I also have and use a calibrated vacuum
tube volt meter which was made by Heath Kit. In
working on 6 volt machines you need to know where
that 1/2 volt here and there goes, hence I solder
all my joints where necessary.

 

[souNdguy]

we had simpson's when i was in ee class. loved them.