[Heathkit] Analog High Impedence FET Multimeter

[pulsarxp at embarqmail.com]

I have been using, for years, an Analog ECG FET-43 Multimeter. It’s like 
having a VTVM but solid state. They don’t load down a circuit and are also 
analog which is great for peaking coils during alignment. (10Megohm DC) Mine 
has been used a lot and I began to think it is wearing out and I need a new 
one. Not that easy! I was able to locate a new replacement now set aside for 
safe keeping until the day my original one fails.


I think, maybe ECG has stopped making this meter. (My original one actually 
had another brand name on it then the ECG logo). More then likely the 
manufacturer no longer makes it for anyone. I can’t imagine getting along 
without one of these meters. I see a few web sites listing this meter but I 
am not convinced they still offer them. If I could not have found a 
replacement, I was resigned to the idea of rebuilding an old Heathkit VTVM I 
would pick up somewhere.


That said, you guys out there might seriously consider picking up an ECG-43 
FET multimeter if you can find a new one out there. I am sure the market is 
drying up. This might be close to the “end of the line” finding one. I think 
any out there are NOS and still on a few retailers shelves. (My original 
cost me around $45 back 15 years ago and my new one cost around $70). You 
would do yourself a BIG FAVOR finding one and buying it.


This is not a heavy duty industrial meter that can be dropped off the Empire 
State Building and survive, but with TLC, it will last a very long time. I 
love this meter. I don’t see any other FET Multimeter like this available 
anywhere by any manufacturer today. I’m treating mine like GOLD.

Lee, w0vt
Houston, Texas