Author Topic: What old(seldom) piece of Test Equipment do you own? Nostalgic thread! (Read 9058 times)

LeoTech · « **on:** March 12, 2018, 03:29:52 pm »

Hello fellow members,

Since joining this forum, and watching Dave's content, I have gotten pretty interested in old and seldom test equipment - unfortunately for my wallet.

Since I don't have a lot of equipment myself - yet, but like looking at it

! I thought I would start a thread about old and seldom test equipment!

To kick it of I will start with posting my oldest piece of equipment.

This is an old analog multimeter from the year 1972 (almost three times older than me) made in the USSR - that's gotta count for something!
It was previously owned by my grandfather, and passed down to me.
It hasn't been used for a long, long time, but when I took it out for storage it was surprisingly enough almost spot-on! After all those years!

Although I do not use this on a daily-basis, I still prefer digital, it is really interesting that it has survived so long and still measures this good.

So, now I shared my little gem, and I know this is neither that old nor that seldom. But as I have set the bar so low, I certainly hope you guys will take if from here and make this a really nice nostalgic thread about old test equipment!

Let's see if we can turn this into something like the TEA thread or the Workbench thread, shall we?

Leo

WhichEnt2 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 12, 2018, 04:12:09 pm »

Scope made in early 70s. I still ocasionally use it and hate this thing, it weights about 20 kgs.
DC voltmeter, 3, 7.5, 15, 30 V ranges, nothing special.

tggzzz · « **Reply #2 on:** March 12, 2018, 04:24:42 pm »

I have something very similar (a 4315) that I bought new when I was around your age.

The oldest piece of functioning in-cal test equipment I have is a 1949 Weston cell, as per https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/the-battery-that's-lasted-176-years/msg1100660/#msg1100660

The next oldest (1950s) is a 7-decade KVD, which I still use. See https://www.eevblog.com/forum/metrology/teardownjulie_reasearch_labs_vdr1067_vdr307_kelvin_varley_voltage_divider/msg1103686/#msg1103686

Now a question, based on what we had do do at school. You need to measure ~1V to 2mV accuracy, but only have a 2% meter like yours; how will you do it? You are supplied with an uncalibrated meter, a Weston standard cell (1.0186V zero current), a NiFe cell (~2V moderate current), some resistance wire, and a one metre ruler.

As for analogue vs digital, just wait for the responses

In practice analogue is better under some circumstances, especially when you need to quickly spot what is changing and how fast.

BravoV · « **Reply #3 on:** March 12, 2018, 04:59:20 pm »

Seldom used & old ? One of many, my time mark generator.

Socketed golden pin 2N3904.

Did a tear down and more photos of it's gut -> HERE

james_s · « **Reply #4 on:** March 12, 2018, 05:22:26 pm »

I have a Keithly nixie tube multimeter, I don't use it often but once in a while I do get it out, the thing is astonishingly accurate, I've verified it with a calibrator.

LeoTech · « **Reply #5 on:** March 12, 2018, 05:50:34 pm »

Quote from: tggzzz on March 12, 2018, 04:24:42 pm

I have something very similar (a 4315) that I bought new when I was around your age.

The oldest piece of functioning in-cal test equipment I have is a 1949 Weston cell, as per https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/the-battery-that's-lasted-176-years/msg1100660/#msg1100660

The next oldest (1950s) is a 7-decade KVD, which I still use. See https://www.eevblog.com/forum/metrology/teardownjulie_reasearch_labs_vdr1067_vdr307_kelvin_varley_voltage_divider/msg1103686/#msg1103686

Now a question, based on what we had do do at school. You need to measure ~1V to 2mV accuracy, but only have a 2% meter like yours; how will you do it? You are supplied with an uncalibrated meter, a Weston standard cell (1.0186V zero current), a NiFe cell (~2V moderate current), some resistance wire, and a one metre ruler.

As for analogue vs digital, just wait for the responses In practice analogue is better under some circumstances, especially when you need to quickly spot what is changing and how fast.

That is indeed true, but you may have misunderstood me.

By saying that I prefer analog over digital, I did not mean to say - nor think - that anealig is bad, quite the opposite actually.

The reason I'm currently preferring digital is due to the fact that all my equipment is digital except for that multimeter, which is only accurat in some ranges and can only measure so much. Where as my scope, S.G. and so on are digital.

As far as your popoues problem goes:
It sounds really interesting, and I haven't thougt about it yet, but I will certainly do!

Leo

Sent from my E5603 using Tapatalk

tggzzz · « **Reply #6 on:** March 12, 2018, 07:03:46 pm »

Quote from: LeoTech on March 12, 2018, 05:50:34 pm

Quote from: tggzzz on March 12, 2018, 04:24:42 pm
I have something very similar (a 4315) that I bought new when I was around your age.

The oldest piece of functioning in-cal test equipment I have is a 1949 Weston cell, as per https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/the-battery-that's-lasted-176-years/msg1100660/#msg1100660

The next oldest (1950s) is a 7-decade KVD, which I still use. See https://www.eevblog.com/forum/metrology/teardownjulie_reasearch_labs_vdr1067_vdr307_kelvin_varley_voltage_divider/msg1103686/#msg1103686

Now a question, based on what we had do do at school. You need to measure ~1V to 2mV accuracy, but only have a 2% meter like yours; how will you do it? You are supplied with an uncalibrated meter, a Weston standard cell (1.0186V zero current), a NiFe cell (~2V moderate current), some resistance wire, and a one metre ruler.

As for analogue vs digital, just wait for the responses In practice analogue is better under some circumstances, especially when you need to quickly spot what is changing and how fast.
That is indeed true, but you may have misunderstood me.

By saying that I prefer analog over digital, I did not mean to say - nor think - that anealig is bad, quite the opposite actually.

The reason I'm currently preferring digital is due to the fact that all my equipment is digital except for that multimeter, which is only accurat in some ranges and can only measure so much. Where as my scope, S.G. and so on are digital.

Understood and accepted. But you are young and probably haven't yet witnessed the heat (i.e. not illumination) the analogue vs digital debate stimulates

As with most things, knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each tool is key to good engineering.

Bratster · « **Reply #7 on:** March 12, 2018, 07:26:55 pm »

I've got a nice old school wheatstone Bridge.

Shallcross 638-R

I'll see if I remember to pop the cover later on tonight get some photos of the inside, it's a work of art.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Barbouri · « **Reply #8 on:** March 13, 2018, 02:09:54 am »

Beckman 6240B EPUT & Timer. I don't use it much anymore, but still get it out and power it up periodically.

Radio Tech · « **Reply #9 on:** March 13, 2018, 12:38:46 pm »

Nice gear guys. I love vintage test gear. I have many pieces myself. Too many to list.
Here is one of my favorites I recently got.

Clough Brengle model 110 signal generator from the 30's

wn1fju · « **Reply #10 on:** March 13, 2018, 01:41:02 pm »

General Electric P-3 AC voltmeter from 1950. A friend of mine won this in a charity auction and then gave it to me. It uses an iron-vane meter
movement that directly measures AC (up to 133 Hz) without needing a rectifier. It has 150, 300 and 600 VAC ranges and comes with a nice calibration chart.
Besides the construction, what is most impressive is the specification: 0.2%. That exceeds most every analog meter spec I've ever come across. I
checked it at 100 VAC with my Fluke 5200A AC calibrator and it is still in spec.

medical-nerd · « **Reply #11 on:** March 13, 2018, 01:49:33 pm »

Hiya

Does a Telequipment CT71 Curvetracer count??

stock photo since I'm not at home at the moment:

Jester · « **Reply #12 on:** March 13, 2018, 04:10:18 pm »

HP 6181B DC current source, handy because it has up to 100V compliance and sensitive current adjustment.
Numerous Tektronix plug-in modules (late 70's style), handy because I just slide in what ever I'm short of at the time, extra PS, timer what ever. The current probe is almost always populated.
Kikusui DC loads (upgraded with dual V/I display), handy because it's so easy to use, I drag out its big brother every once in a while.

They all work like new and get used on a fairly regular basis.

Bratster · « **Reply #13 on:** March 14, 2018, 01:53:28 am »

Photos of the inside of the wheatstone bridge:

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Tony_G · « **Reply #14 on:** March 14, 2018, 05:54:07 am »

My personal fav is the look of all the HP gear in this era using the same chassis:

That's a 651B Oscillator.

Other ones that I've gone and bought again just because of the look:

435B Power Meter

415E SWR Meter

TonyG

LeoTech · « **Reply #15 on:** March 14, 2018, 11:24:23 am »

Yeah, those old analog pieces of gear really do look awesome and special! Especially the signal generators from that period.

I sometimes wonder how i would have turned out if I lived in that period, or if our current digital gear ever will reach the same level of admiration and nostalgic.

Leo

james_s · « **Reply #16 on:** March 14, 2018, 04:43:59 pm »

That Wheatstone bridge is amazing, must have cost a fortune to build.

joeqsmith · « **Reply #17 on:** March 15, 2018, 08:17:38 pm »

Pretty much all my equipment is old and seldom used. I have an old grid dip meter from the 50s. Also an old galvanometer from Weston along with a few shunts. I use some of the shunts from time to time.

billfernandez · « **Reply #18 on:** March 16, 2018, 04:49:07 am »

Sadelco 7600u Signal Level Meter. Internal rechargeable battery. Comes in a canvas shoulder bag. Basically, you tune it to one of the pre-digital TV channel frequencies then read the signal level on the meter. I think it would also demodulate the audio and play it through a speaker.

SG-1 · « **Reply #19 on:** March 16, 2018, 12:47:33 pm »

The True RMS meter of yore.

SG-1 · « **Reply #20 on:** March 16, 2018, 04:03:22 pm »

My other old voltmeters, a DMM, & ammeters.

What was being an electrician like back in the day?

These old instruments were only found in labs. Few people could afford such luxuries.

I am thinking that early electricians used bell ringers & light bulbs for troubleshooting problems in homes & commercial buildings.

SG-1 · « **Reply #21 on:** March 16, 2018, 04:07:49 pm »

Still having trouble posting multiple pictures.

Almost forgot the Megger junior!

Audiocluster · « **Reply #22 on:** March 16, 2018, 08:16:41 pm »

One of my favorites is an old VECTRON FS-232 Crystal Oscillator Frequency Standard.
Used throughout 60-70's. Absolutely the best well made enclosure I've ever seen. MIL Spec galore museum piece.
This unit came from Redstone Arsenal, used for missile targeting, its got a internal oven to heat the crystal......

It's to this day my favorite 'Wow, ...Show & Tell' piece.

Audiocluster · « **Reply #23 on:** March 16, 2018, 09:14:32 pm »

Precise 116 GM Tube Tester

Simpson 387 DC MilliVolt Meter

'Sweet' Weston 264 Milliamperes DC

The best analog meter ever made, my 'cherry' Triplett 630NS

You Tell Me What This Is, I don't know; some kind of microscope transcriber? May be an ophthalmologist's gizmo?

james_s · « **Reply #24 on:** March 17, 2018, 02:33:41 am »

Quote from: SG-1 on March 16, 2018, 04:03:22 pm

My other old voltmeters, a DMM, & ammeters.

What was being an electrician like back in the day?

My uncle spent his whole career as an electrician. Some of the most common electrical test tools used were a simple neon test light, or for times when you needed to measure the voltage there were voltage probes that indicated using a series of neon lamps. For continuity there were continuity probes containing a battery and small incandescent lamp. As far as I know these sort of tools are still available and in use, although I would guess most commercial and industrial electricians have a multimeter. For residential work it's rare to really need one.

SG-1 · « **Reply #25 on:** March 17, 2018, 05:48:52 am »

I would think for residential work you would measure the service before turning on the branch circuits. I suppose that if you did this day after day, your faith that everything is ok would grow.

I had not considered neon lamps.

LeoTech · « **Reply #26 on:** March 17, 2018, 09:26:19 am »

Well, I would even as a residential electrician use at least one multimeter. Especially for continuity measuring, and making sure the power is off before i poke around the outlet, power inlet, breaker array or whatever have you.

Lars

Sent from my E5603 using Tapatalk

vk6zgo · « **Reply #27 on:** March 17, 2018, 09:43:18 am »

Quote from: SG-1 on March 16, 2018, 04:03:22 pm

My other old voltmeters, a DMM, & ammeters.

What was being an electrician like back in the day?

These old instruments were only found in labs. Few people could afford such luxuries.

I am thinking that early electricians used bell ringers & light bulbs for troubleshooting problems in homes & commercial buildings.

Most of the Medium Wave AM Broadcast transmitters I worked at had at least some of that sort of gear.

There was a "Sub-Standard" AC voltmeter at one place, which we used to set the PA tube filaments accurately.(It had a big, varnished wooden box, with a spirit level to get the movement exactly level).

We had, at that time, several large manned country stations, which were similarly equipped.
They had another couple at the Maintenance Depot, which were taken away to unattended sites from time to time

Chris-IP5 · « **Reply #28 on:** March 23, 2018, 01:27:27 pm »

Hello forum!

Old? Some of my kit might be as old as I am... this meter is definitely older than I am!

I have a Taylor Electronics Valve Voltmeter Model 172A.

Inside is 3 valves from Brymar 13D8 (double triode), CV283 (double diode), and another that looks like a CV283 (markings worn off).
The valves are marked "Made in England".

I'm not knowledgeable about valves maybe some of you have more info?

In the nostalgia department I've got also:

Eagle AG.71 audio generator
Leader Electronics LMV-86A AC millivoltmeter
Elektro Automatik EA-7060-025 PSU
Feedback FG601 function generator
Heathkit oscilloscope OS-2
Heathkit RF-1U RF signal generator

Might get snapping them later

Best wishes,
Chris

schmitt trigger · « **Reply #29 on:** March 23, 2018, 02:04:08 pm »

Quote from: WhichEnt2 on March 12, 2018, 04:12:09 pm

Scope made in early 70s. I still ocasionally use it and hate this thing, it weights about 20 kgs.

I LOVE Soviet-era electronic equipment.
Would it be too much to ask, to take a picture of the inside?

MarkL · « **Reply #30 on:** March 23, 2018, 02:50:28 pm »

I have an old Spellman 15kV @ 4mA tube power supply who's main attraction is a high frequency air-core transformer. I think it's circa early 1960's.

Besides being fun to repair, I've only used it once when a client asked for destructive surge testing on a third-party device. Ok, you got it!

EDIT: Hmmm... I should probably add that the testing was not as uncontrolled as that statement sounds. This supply has surprisingly good load regulation from 0 all the way to 15kV, and there was other circuitry involved...

schmitt trigger · « **Reply #31 on:** March 24, 2018, 01:52:05 am »

An Eico 628 Vacuum Tube tester.

This one is from my late grandfather. He liked to keep things in good shape. It is pristine.

Tony_G · « **Reply #32 on:** March 24, 2018, 05:44:56 am »

That is just fantastic.

TonyG

joeqsmith · « **Reply #33 on:** April 09, 2018, 02:09:20 am »

This is my model 90651, Millen grid dip meter. I was using this old relic this weekend. The custom coil allows me to use it down to about 800KHz.

joeqsmith · « **Reply #34 on:** April 09, 2018, 02:11:27 am »

1950s ARRL handbook showing an ad for it.

schmitt trigger · « **Reply #35 on:** April 12, 2018, 12:58:51 pm »

The radio-amateur's golden years!

zitt · « **Reply #36 on:** April 12, 2018, 07:46:12 pm »

Have a old pre-ww2 portable oscope that I purchased back in 1990s off of fleabay.
At the time; I was a EEstudent at Mississippi State - budget was my only concern but now its just a neat piece of equipment.
I'll have to pull it out from storage and power it up one day.

Chris56000 · « **Reply #37 on:** April 13, 2018, 12:30:01 am »

Hi!

How about a Wayne Kerr B221 Ratio – Arm Transformer Bridge?! Not only had it got one, there's TWO Mullard EM34 Dual Sensitivity Magic Eye Balance Indicators in it, one for L/–C measurements and one for G (Conductance – 1/R) measurements!

(Has anyone seen how much a N.O.S. EM34 is these days?!)

Not only is it a load of very fiddly setting–up, it's scaled in Inverse Measurements as well, so you "have to stand on your head" mathematically to get the actual values out of it!

Example:–

https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Wayne-Kerr-B-221-Universal-Bridge-/201311512090&ved=2ahUKEwiF9cT3gbbaAhUIfMAKHZFeChIQjjgwAXoECAEQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1fJswxsD2h0zIKNoEh5oNb

Manual:–

http://bama.edebris.com/download/wayne/b221/Wayne%20Kerr%20Universal%20Bridge%20B221%20and%20accesories.pdf

Chris Williams

G0HZU · « **Reply #38 on:** April 13, 2018, 01:23:02 am »

I think I can go one better than 'seldom'. I've got a classic/vintage HP432A power meter that has never been used. I keep it carefully stored and it includes the cables and manual all still vacuum sealed as it left the factory.

The meter itself looks so good it looks like it was made yesterday. It's as squeaky clean as a new windscreen for a car

I do have another one that I use now and again but this unused one is a bit special. The cal stickers and tamper seals on the meter case are the original ones from the HP factory.

HackedFridgeMagnet · « **Reply #39 on:** April 13, 2018, 02:15:29 am »

haven't found the cal certificate.

Bud · « **Reply #40 on:** April 13, 2018, 02:17:06 am »

Simpson I guess grid dip meter, with calibration cards. Made in Canada !!

Bud · « **Reply #41 on:** April 13, 2018, 02:20:55 am »

Quote from: HackedFridgeMagnet on April 13, 2018, 02:15:29 am

haven't found the cal certificate.

Heck, you've got the winner !

HackedFridgeMagnet · « **Reply #42 on:** April 13, 2018, 02:30:11 am »

Not actually mine. (Thankfully)

JohnPen · « **Reply #43 on:** April 13, 2018, 02:41:21 pm »

A Nombrex Signal generator from 1955/65 I forget quite when. Owned from new my first piece of genuine test equipment other than an AVO Multiminor meter. The Nombrex still works but has a rather variable output level but is a quick solution for providing signals for RX up to 350 Mhz (harmonics for that range).

Miti · « **Reply #44 on:** July 14, 2018, 10:26:43 pm »

A Russian U4324 in the original box with the original probes and a Simpson 260, both in perfect condition.
Funny story with the 4324, when I bought it the needle was jumping like it would catch on something. I thought it was dust or something inside the mechanical part. But as soon as I removed the plastic top cover it was moving smooth. I thought aha, the dust or hair or something was on the top cover so I gave it a nice cleaning and put it back. Same thing, it was lumpy. It took me a while to figure out that the plastic cover had static charge. The fix was a wash with Downy followed by a partial rinse and then let it dry. It works perfect since then. Well, the precision is far from acceptable but it works.

TimFox · « **Reply #45 on:** July 14, 2018, 11:30:28 pm »

Wayne-Kerr B221:
Actually, the two dual magic-eye tubes form a single null indicator for the bridge. With a tube amplifier between the two eyes, this is the best wide-range null indicator I have ever used. The four eyes “close” in sequence as the AC voltage drops towards null. The response is virtually instantaneous.
When I got mine, I thought they were separate indicators in phase quadrature (real and imaginary components) until I found a manual.
The few standard components are hermetically sealed, and the turns numbers are integers (guaranteed for eternity). When I checked my unit against lab capacitors, it was within factory spec after more than 50 years.


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Author Topic: What old(seldom) piece of Test Equipment do you own? Nostalgic thread! (Read 9058 times)

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