VK2-16 very old analog electrometer from Minsk.

[bsw_m]

I got myself a toy like VK2-16. It was purchased not for work, but as history and to see how the development of the design went, etc. My device was produced in 1976, i.e. the device is already 44 years old.

The device was developed in the 60s (presumably in the period 64-66, but I do not have exact data), at the SKTB at the Molotov plant(later named BELVAR), Minsk. In 1971 this SKTB was separated from the plant and transformed into MNIPI itself.

Perhaps this is the first electrometer from Minsk, alas, I have no information about the presence of earlier devices.

The device is built on a DRK-3 dynamic capacitor, developed by Konstantin Sergeevich Shuklin.

It can measure voltages 1mV-30V and currents, with a lower range of 1E-15A.

The resistors are switched by a ring on the VIB unit (remote measuring unit) and have ratings 1E12, 1E10, 1E8 Ohm.
For charge measurement this device using custom 100pF air capacitor.

The device was bought as non-working, after a small and supposed even before receiving the device, repair (all the parts remained native, the DRK-3 required restoration). Has earned and has shown very good results in metrology. After repair I have tested the device on the 1pA range and got very encouraging results. The error was only 3% with the declared error in the specification 10%

I'll do the teardown later.

[bsw_m]

the SKTB at the Molotov

Please show to us "Molotov Electrometric Cocktail" from today TiN chat.

That no problem!
there are only 2 components: pure alcohol, dynamic capacitor DRK-3

[bsw_m]

For first test I use 1pA current. This is very big current.
What about 1fA current and range? No problem!
Next I try 0.1fA and 0.01fA currents. But I need connect other differentiator to NK4-1 for generate that currents 

[bsw_m]

So, I'm changed differentiator on NK4-1 and generate test currents 100aA and 50aA.
Measurement results:

[bsw_m]

Teardown of the DRK-3 dynamic capacitor. The heart of this metter.
Amber is used as an insulator for central pin.

[Vgkid]

Thanks for the teardown.

[the_light]

Thank you for this post !  I've been looking for the manual for the VK2-16 all over the internet.  Is there any change you might share (if you have it ).

[guenthert]

Teardown of the DRK-3 dynamic capacitor. The heart of this metter.
Amber is used as an insulator for central pin.

    Interesting.  There's plenty of amber to be found at the coast of the baltic sea and it's much easier to work with than sapphire, I'd think.  And it's just fitting to use ēlektron in a current measurement tool. 

[bsw_m]

I've been looking for the manual for the VK2-16 all over the internet.

Unfortunately, my search for any documentation on this device was not successful. This device was mentioned in the book "Electrometry Technique", but the circuit diagram given there does not correspond to reality. After getting acquainted with this device and satisfying my curiosity, the device was given to the Belvar museum.

[bsw_m]

There's plenty of amber to be found at the coast of the baltic sea and it's much easier to work with than sapphire, I'd think.  And it's just fitting to use ēlektron in a current measurement tool. 

Amber has better insulating properties than sapphire. But it also has its disadvantages - first of all, it is fragile. But if it is easier to access than sapphire, it can be used and achieve good results.

[the_light]

Thank you for your responses to my post guys.  I looked at the "technique of electrometry" .  O dear !!!  This instrument had a sensitivity of less than a femtoamp while being built with vacuum tubes !!!?
Beautiful !!!  If I had a VK2-16 I would pray to it and burn incense to it every day !!  I know it doesn't get better than the V7-45 and V7-57 but the pure analog nature of the VK2-16 just does it for me!!  Cheers !!

[bsw_m]

I think you can try to find a Cary 401, which I suspect will be just as good as the VK2-16, and probably better.

[ZhuraYuk]

Here are photos of input commutator of external measurement block. Gold plated needles are touching  gold plated rod which goes directly into vibrating capacitor. All insulation is amber.

[the_light]

Gorgeous !!  Beautiful !! Thank you for posting this.