[Boatanchors] Meter for Drake C-4 Console

[Richard Knoppow]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bob Macklin" <macklinbob at msn.com>
To: "Richard Knoppow" <1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com>; "D C *Mac*
Macdonald" <k2gkk at hotmail.com>;
<boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2010 2:47 PM
Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] Meter for Drake C-4 Console


> But if the armature is out of it's bearings and you move
> the ZERO set you stand a chance of damaging the armature.
>
> I take the lense off and try moving the needle gently with
> a toothpick. By the time I am that far in I can see if the
> armature is in or out of the bearings.
>
    That's wise, I think usually it will be apparent from
the dial window if the mechanism is tilted. I've ecountered
stuck meters where the back bearing was loose so that the
pivot was just about hanging loose. This can be remedied
with a jeweler's screwdriver and a steady hand. Most meters
will survive a lot. About the only things you can't fix are
broken suspension springs and open windings. I have a
Simpson VOM now that seems to have an open winding. No sign
of burning and the coil is in series with a current limiting
resistor, I think it just came loose from the leads.
    If the meter is at all valuable or hard to replace its
worth having a pro fix it.


--
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles
WB6KBL
dickburk at ix.netcom.com