Found a multimeter in skip

[David97]

Hi everyone, found this in a skip awhile ago. The only thing I know about it is it's an old multimeter by electro-specialties inc. No obvious model number. As far as I can tell, the only thing wrong with it is the fuze holders are missing, even came with the leads. I haven't powered it up yet, so no idea weather it's in calibration.



Anyway I thought that it might be useful to have. I only have a old beat up lg DM-334, so usually borrow my dad's fluke when I need 2 at the same time. If anyone knows what it is and if it's worth fixing let me know.

Thanks.

[grantbob]

Looks like a VOA meter sold by Briggs & Stratton -  Part No. 19236.: http://recoveryvehicles.tpub.com/TM-5-4240-501-14P/css/TM-5-4240-501-14P_168.htm

-grantbob

[lowimpedance]

Some more pic's of the inside would be interesting, also to see if anything is damaged burned etc.
Being solid state according to the meters scale where do the batteries fit and if there is any battery leakage evident.
An intriguing meter of yester year all the same. And would be good to see if it still works.

[David97]

I did end up taking it apart. Looks pretty clean, a little crust on some connectors easy fixed. The battery holder is on the back, takes a single 9v battery which wasn't included, so no battery leakage.   I tried uploading these photos awhile ago but was having problems, that's why this reply is late :p . Anyway heres some pics of the guts, date codes say late 79, so I'm guessing it was manufactured early 80. Doing this reminded me I've got a 1960 guitar amp I need to get around to tearing down

[HAL-42b]

It almost looks home built. All those cables and expensive convoluted manual assembly...

I wouldn't use it on 400V.

[Bud]

Very nice.  "Solid State", not that vacuum tube rubbish
 

[PA0PBZ]

Hmm, I wonder.... The back of the scale is for another model?

[retrolefty]

Bet it was part of a automotive testing station or something like that. Note the lowest scale says "points" as needed to measure when adjusting distributor points adjustments performed in the 'good old days".

[RobertBG]

Neat find 

If it was me I'd definitely try and fix and make use of it.The big dial on the old meters like that are nice to have on a bench at times.I think if you use it a few times you'll see what I mean,especially when 2 meters are required.I am not a fan of chasing 2 handheld meters around while trying to probe something and as we all know the stands are almost always crap so they fall over as soon as you pull on the leads a little bit

I think the one poster is correct and it may be related to Briggs and Stratton somehow because it has the points readout for old fashioned ignition systems.

I hope to find a similar one as I want to hack a variable resistor box into one.Basically make and add something like this here http://www.jaycar.com.au/Passive-Components/Resistors/Other-Resistors/Resistance-Wheel/p/RR0700   This way it'll be right on my bench and handy with a meter.Hook up the leads,turn the dial and watch the circuit all in one.

Edit:retrolefty beat me to it while I was typing

[gadget73]

aye, an automotive tester indeed.  You wouldn't get dwell or RPM functions in your typical multimeter.  These were something of a does it all device, capable of testing starter and alternator currents, diode tests for rebuilding alternators, voltage and ohm checks for electrical system troubleshooting, rpm and dwell for tune-up purposes.  The "dwell" refers to the number of degrees of crankshaft rotation that the points were shut.