[Boatanchors] 51J-3 meter

[Michael Harley]

Hi Larry,
I do not know this particular meter but meters "IN GENERAL" can often be 
accessed via the centre of the back where the centre bearing is.
The shaft that carries the needle has a small spiral spring attached to it 
that among other things returns the needle to the zero position.Also on the 
shaft is a coil of very fine coil of wire that is positioned in the centre 
of a large semi circular magnet. What often happens is a very small piece of 
steel rubbish is attracted to the magnet and sticks out from the magnet and 
forms a obstruction that stops the needle moving freely. If you have a VERY 
STEADY HAND and a very strong magnifying lens, using a very fine wooden 
tooth pick you can move the piece of steel to one side or with a bit of luck 
remove it on the tip of the tooth pick. You may have to use a razor blade or 
other sharp cutting tool to cut a very thin point on the tooth pick. If all 
else fails a Instrument maker or even a old time watch maker (Mechanical 
type watches) may be able to help
as the balance spring may have a twist in it and that is beyond the handyman 
repair approach. As a last resort you may have to obtain a new or second 
hand replacement meter. If you require any more help email me off list and I 
could send you drawings that may help.
It is not a process for the un steady hand or those not having good eye 
sight.
Best of luck with it.
Michael Harley
Curator "The Wireless Shack"
Caboolture Historical Village
Caboolture, Brisbane, Australia.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <telegrapher at att.net>
To: "Milsurplus Radios" <milsurplus at mailman.qth.net>; 
<Boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:55 AM
Subject: [Boatanchors] 51J-3 meter


>I have a 51J-3 meter (on or in the radio) that sticks when it gets to just 
>above the 60 db mark.  It's a sealed meter so i'm wondering if anyone has 
>any ideas about how to fix it.  Meter up to that point responds just fine 
>but if a sig hits about 65 Db then it sticks.  I can tap the meter and it 
>will drop back.
>
> Other than replacing it i suspect i'm hosed!
>
> Larry
> W0OGH
>
> _______________________________________________
> Boatanchors mailing list
> Boatanchors at mailman.qth.net
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors
> ** List Administrator - Duane Fischer, W8DBF/W9WZE **   ** For Assistance: 
> dfischer at usol.com **         $$ For vintage radio info, see the HCI web 
> site $$      http://www.w9wze.org