[Boatanchors] Novice questions on buying a suitable meter for boatanchor work

[Richard Knoppow]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim Wiley" <jwiley at alaska.net>
To: "Carl-km1h" <carl-km1h at comcast.net>
Cc: <R390A at verizon.net>; <boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Friday, May 18, 2012 6:13 PM
Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] Novice questions on buying a
suitable meter for boatanchor work


> Another meter that deserves serious consideration  is the
> Hewlett-Packard 427A multimeter.  An analog instrument,
> with an
> excellent mirror-scale meter, 10-megohm input impedance,
> and all the
> basic functions of a VTVM - except it is a solid-state
> unit.  Often
> available for $100 or so in good condition.  Probably more
> than a person
> wants to pay for casual use, but if you are among those
> who are in this
> hobby to stay, an excellent choice.  Obviously, it has no
> digital
> readout, but it can be paired with a digital meter for the
> best of both
> worlds.  Just my opinion, of course, but everyone who sees
> mine
> invariably reacts with "Wow! I want one!".
>
>
> - Jim, KL7CC
>
    The 427-A came out when I worked for -hp-  I had the
company buy me one.  I have one working one now and another
I blew up by making a voltage reading with the probe
connected to ohms:-(
    Its a very good general purpose meter, reasonably
sensitive and accurate and is flat to about 4 mhz.  For
general purpose measurement I prefer my ancient Triplet
630NA.   I have a Tek DVM but it will not give stable
readings on some circuits so I prefer the analogue meter.
    There are many good RF meters available. Of the older
ones the best are the -hp- 410B and C and the General Radio
1800-A/B   The difference between the A and B is that the B
has a polarity switch for DC, a convenience but not a
necessity.   The 1800-A has a DC resistance of 10 megohms
but can be connected for open grid, which is substantially
higher. The 410B has a DC resistance of 122 megohms about
ten times most electronic voltmeters.  I don't have the spec
on the 410C.  The only problem with the C is that the
opto-electronic chopper can go bad.  If you get either of
the -hp- meters make sure you get all the probes with it and
that they are not damaged. Also, the ground on the 410B goes
to the chassis and the power line ground. If you get it
above ground you can fry things.


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