Electrical test meters,,,got one ?

[jenkinsph]

Simpson 260. Used it professionally for years to diagnose and fix consumer electronics. Bought it in 1971 and still have it. As stated in an earlier post, it is as much how the needle swings as it is where the needle stops, especially when measuring across PN junctions of semiconductors. I could tell instantly if the solid state device was blown or not just by observing the needle swing.

Best combination for electronic troubleshooting just about anything analog is a 260, Fluke, O-scope, signal generator and Variac. You can make a living with just those five instruments.

I agree for the most part with what you are saying, not sure about making a living today. I have been out of the loop since 1995, I could see the handwritting on the wall. Less and less serviceable consumer electronics, no place to walk in and buy electronic parts in my locale. I gave away all my old test equipment over 15 years ago and haven't missed it. Tractors are more fun!

 

[troutsqueezer]

One of my meters is a Simpson model #260. I have owned it many years and recently it quit working. I have changed the battery and checked fuses but no luck. Love this unit but now it doesn't work. Any ideas?

Each function uses different circuitry so if none of them work it is likely to be something that all circuits have in common, probes or battery. Check the probes and the wires that connect them. Check inside the unit from the probe socket to the circuitry or a possible bad battery terminal.

There are a few sockets (female plugs) on the 260, some are for current and some are for voltage. Do any of them work?

 

[jonyyuma]

I agree for the most part with what you are saying, not sure about making a living today. I have been out of the loop since 1995, I could see the handwritting on the wall. Less and less serviceable consumer electronics, no place to walk in and buy electronic parts in my locale. I gave away all my old test equipment over 15 years ago and haven't missed it. Tractors are more fun!

yes, electrionics had enought current and voltage to give you a burned spot or cut the trace? Not any more, years ago we started sending the boards out on a n exchange program? one of them was any card $50.00 repaired? Now it can get over A couple hundred to replace them.If it isn't obsolete or Fire alarm emergency, we hardly fool with them?The last head-banger I worked on was electronic battery charger for our sky-lift...

 

[k0ua]

Appreciate all who have provided comments on the Simpson 260 and hope to have it back and working soon. It is a great tool if one knows how to use it properly. Do you think I could locate a user guide somehow, somewhere?

Your wish is my command

Free Simpson Manuals - Calibration - Schematics - Training

James K0UA

 

[k0ua]

Worst comes to worst send the 260 to me and I will repair it for you, or tell you what is wrong with it. (if heaven forbid it is the meter movement)

(course might never give it back simpson 260 is a darn good meter)

James K0UA

 

[crazyal]

I can remember using my father heath multimeter. With the needle style meters if you guessed wrong that poor little needle would slam into the post after it moved as far as it could.

 

[troutsqueezer]

I can remember using my father heath multimeter. With the needle style meters if you guessed wrong that poor little needle would slam into the post after it moved as far as it could.

If you're guessing the range that you are measuring, best to stick to tractors.

 

[kebo]

If you're guessing the range that you are measuring, best to stick to tractors.

Which is why on analog meters you start at the highest range, and work your way down to the range that gives the best resolution, when measuring an unknown voltage.

 

[JD 4520]

Your wish is my command

Free Simpson Manuals - Calibration - Schematics - Training

James K0UA

You are right, its a darn good meter, I inherited it and want to keep it along with I have had it for 15 years and want to learn to use it better.

Thanks for the tip on the manual and I may take you up on the other offer if I can't get it going. Much appreciated.

 

[k0ua]

You are right, its a darn good meter, I inherited it and want to keep it along with I have had it for 15 years and want to learn to use it better.

Thanks for the tip on the manual and I may take you up on the other offer if I can't get it going. Much appreciated.

No problem, the offer was for real if you cannot get it going. Sometimes it takes another meter to repair a meter. Probably easy to fix. Good luck:thumbsup:

James K0UA