What should I fix, and what should I sell?

[Username1]

I would at least keep the vtvm's they don't take up much space, and every once in
a while you need more than one, for more than one reason..... That big cap checker
can be replaced with a smaller unit, like a HK.....

I have a really nice HP vtvm that is rack mount but with beautiful large dials,
and a very uncluttered large meter screen, great tool, but too dam big, it sits
in my storage room.

.

[markdi]

I would keep it. all.

[jr_tech]

Originally Posted by Username1

I would at least keep the vtvm's they don't take up much space, and every once in
a while you need more than one, for more than one reason.

Perhaps I am missing the point, but why would one use a VTVM instead of a modern DVM or 'scope (with 10X probe) for critical measurements?
Disclaimer... I will admit to keeping a working vintage Heath V-7a at my test bench, but it is a "nostalgia piece", as I built it when I was a kid. A matching (dark grey) Heath C-3 *does* get used, since it provides a function not found in modern equipment (leakage test at high voltages).

jr

[N2IXK]

About the only advantage of a VTVM over a modern DMM is the ease of spotting trends, dips, or peaks on an analog meter over a bunch of changing digits. Typical alignment procedures call for adjusting circuitry to achieve a peak or null, which is easier to do with an analog meter than a digital display.

Most better grade DMMs include a "bar graph" type display in addition to the digits for this purpose, though.

[zeno]

Thats reason #1. Also a scope needs bench space & more thinking.
In the tube days we fixed 95% of the sets with a VOM or VTVM.
Only other things we used were yoke/FBT checker & analysts.
Scopes were almost never used til the 2nd or 3rd generation
solid state sets, then it became common. Most old techs
couldnt even run one. If you put food on the table doing this
speed is important. Setting up a bunch of equipment is a loosing
proposition unless absolutely needed. But since nobody here does it for a living anymore bottom line is what you like & what you have.

73 Zeno

Originally Posted by N2IXK

About the only advantage of a VTVM over a modern DMM is the ease of spotting trends, dips, or peaks on an analog meter over a bunch of changing digits. Typical alignment procedures call for adjusting circuitry to achieve a peak or null, which is easier to do with an analog meter than a digital display.

Most better grade DMMs include a "bar graph" type display in addition to the digits for this purpose, though.

[jr_tech]

Originally Posted by zeno

In the tube days we fixed 95% of the sets with a VOM or VTVM.

I agree that the 2 types of meters were essential in those days, but remember that the best VOMs (at 5,000 to 10,000 ohms per volt (AC) and 20,000 ohms per volt (DC) presented considerable loading to a high impedance circuit, especially when using the lower voltage ranges. A VTVM, with a constant 11 Meg-ohm input resistance was necessary for measuring these sensitive circuits.

Most modern high quality DVMs have a 10 Meg-ohm input resistance on *all* AC and DC voltage ranges and IMHO, makes the use of a VTVM unnecessary today.

jr

[Jon A.]

Originally Posted by jr_tech

Most modern high quality DVMs have a 10 Meg-ohm input resistance on *all* AC and DC voltage ranges and IMHO, makes the use of a VTVM unnecessary today.

jr

Is this what "true RMS" is?

[jr_tech]

Originally Posted by Jon A.

Is this what "true RMS" is?

No. "True RMS" relates to the measurement of the "DC equivalent" of an AC voltage. Most meters (even old analog meters) make a decent measurement of an AC voltage *if* it is a sine wave. If the AC voltage has a different shape, simple meters will not give an accurate measurement of the voltage. A "True RMS" meter makes the proper calculation and produces a more correct result. Read about RMS here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/True_RMS_converter

jr

[Tubejunke]

Originally Posted by zeno

But since nobody here does it for a living anymore bottom line is what you like & what you have.

73 Zeno

Couldn't have put it plainer! And that's what the topic was more or less. The man wanted some opinions of what to keep out of several units that are just as relevant now as they were when they were new ONLY you will be hard pressed to earn the living with any of the stuff in your hand be it "high grade" DMMs or "nostalgic" VTVMs.

For the modern, better equipped tech who can do many of his checks from a scope; do you really need the "high grade" digital scope of today like some of the top design engineers may be willing to sink a few grand into, OR can you really do most electronics work on the repair end (??) with a good quality "service grade" unit with a CRT from the last few decades?

Anyway, I have read a lot of true and legitimate opinions on old v/s new, digital v/s analog or tube and it goes back to Zeno's quote here. Electronic M likes what he has, but like many of us perhaps has too much of. The meter controversy is old news, but these leakage testing nostalgia peices are an ever growing hot topic, & seller at auction. The later Sprague Telohmikes have about doubled in price online in recent months. No way around their relevancy on today's bench if the tech is blessed enough to have one. He can do the same thing with a cheap Heathkit and maybe an ammeter if he wants specific numerical current readouts.