[Test-Equipment] HP VTVM?

[Dale H. Cook]

At 09:23 PM 3/28/2014, Brian Burns wrote:

>... am once again in need of a VTVM, and am wondering if I should be content with a Heath or Eico that I can maintain myself, or go looking for an HP.

It all depends upon your needs. Heathkit and EICO are service-grade stuff. If your needs for precision and accuracy are modest they should do. My needs are more stringent than yours. I collect and repair vintage instruments, including HP, so I need a better grade of VTVM. I own five HP 4xx series VTVMs, as well as the calibration system that HP field techs used to calibrate them in their shops.

I have found HP VTVMs to be quite repairable and maintainable, but they do require a different level of expertise than Heathkit and EICO. I have worked on both lines in the past, and still own a couple of EICO VTVMs, one of which has been in the family since it was purchased new about 50 years ago.

Dale H. Cook, GR / HP Collector, Roanoke/Lynchburg, VA
http://plymouthcolony.net/starcity/radios/index.html