[Boatanchors] Capacitor Bridge Reccomendation

[WA5CAB at cs.com]

Get a ZM-3A/U.  Leakage test voltage 0-600 VDC, current 0-50 mA.  
Capacitance range 5 pfd to 10,000 ufd.  Insulation resistance range 1.1 meg to 10,000 
meg (useful for testing coaxial cable runs).  I have the manuals available 
if you can't find originals.  If you need to reform capacitors, holding the 
Leakage switch against the spring can be a pain.  Fix this by either 
unhooking one end of the spring (reversible) or removing the switch and machining a 
detent into the cam.  I also added a 0-5 mA switch to the leakage meter 
circuit.

>From the commercial gear, the Sprague TO-6A is the best of the lot.  Or 
probably anything from TO-4 on, although I don't have experience with them.  I 
had a TO-6A before I got the first ZM-3A, and it works fine.  I just 
preferred to have the military set, had a chance to acquire one and had someone who 
wanted the Sprague.  And the greater weight of the ZM-3A was of no 
consequence as I don't have to haul it up and down ladders and through scuttles in 
hatch covers while at GQ.  I had an Eico 950B years ago. but don't remember 
much about it.  I sold it to an Eico collector after I got the Sprague.

In a message dated 11/9/2009 11:33:57 PM Central Standard Time, 
jfor at quik.com writes: 
> I'm looking for a good Capacitance Bridge and Leakage Checker for the
> Battleship Massachusetts. I'm thinking of something along the lines of a
> 60s+ vintage Eico, Heath, or similar unit.
> 
> The basic requirements are:
> 
> Cap Range:  <100 pF to >100 uF.
> Leakage to:  >450 VDC, 600 VDC or higher a real plus.
> Manual:  Included or readily available.
> 
> It's main use will be to check oil filled caps in WW II radio and RADAR 
> gear.
> 
> I'm think something like the Eico 955 or 965. Price is an important
> consideration.
> 

Robert & Susan Downs - Houston
wa5cab dot com (Web Store)
MVPA 9480