Dana 4200 DMM - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: GregDunn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2018, 07:24:55 am
content: I have one of these ancient DMMs which I picked up for pennies on the dollar at a hamfest some years ago. It still seems to be working just fine, but inevitably I wonder whether it's worth looking for a replacement because it's sure to die at an inconvenient moment. Manuals do not seem to be readily available (unless it's a service manual, I really don't need one) and even info on the meter is hard to find. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the internals are obsolete already and unavailable. I know there's a sense that one should have a high-accuracy DMM on the bench as the basis for a test equipment suite, but honestly I don't do anything which requires metrology lab levels of accuracy. I don't need a logger; autoranging would be handy but not essential.Am I missing out on anything by not having the latest, greatest DMM? Or should I just be on the lookout for a bargain to have on hand when this one quits on me? There is a hamfest coming up next weekend...

author: shteii01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2018, 01:13:04 pm
content: No, you are not missing anything. Most people at my and your level have Harbor Freight 5 USD dmm sitting next to them for quick check on batteries and resistors.

author: GregDunn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2018, 04:48:53 pm
content: My backup is a Triplett 9015, which is apparently also obsolete... I'd probably still be using my 1975-era Fluke portable if the LCD hadn't self-destructed.

author: exe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 10, 2018, 05:23:38 pm
content: Check Page 2 "functions & features" and decide if you need them or not:https://brymen.eu/wp-content/uploads/biall/102092/102092.KARTA_EN..2015-07-09.1.pdf(datasheet for brymen 869s).

author: GregDunn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2018, 05:44:40 pm
content: I've been following the discussion in the other thread; that looks like a possible option, but they're hard to locate in the US. I'll keep it on my short list.

author: exe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 10, 2018, 06:17:18 pm
content: Quote from: GregDunn on July 10, 2018, 05:44:40 pmWait, I'm not suggesting to buy it. I was only pointing to the list of features. BTW, it has dual display. Cool to see AC and DC separately.Quote from: GregDunn on July 10, 2018, 05:44:40 pmI was told the same ~20 years ago. But once I tried autorange and I'm not going back

author: GregDunn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2018, 02:46:20 am
content: I may or may not buy it, it's just that I'll keep my eyes open for it while looking for good TEA opportunities this summer.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2018, 01:25:08 am
content: Hmm, if you have TEA, then the lack of manuals wouldn't stop you from owning and enjoying some vintage test gear. 4.5 digits is just fine for general purpose use, the LED display is easy to read, and it won't leak or fade like LCD or VFD, respectively.Open it up, share some pics in the TEA thread or in this one. We love to see stuff that's uncommon and you'll probably find out more about it in the process.Note that several Brymen meters are rebranded by Greenlee for sale in the US market. If you decide you want a Brymen meter and a warranty, you can get the Greenlee versions on Amazon.

author: GregDunn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2018, 02:02:30 am
content: Challenge accepted! I'm in the middle of calibrating my soldering station right now, but once I get that done and replace the last 2 caps on my HP distortion analyzer...

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2018, 02:13:33 am
content: Ah, which model analyzer?

author: GregDunn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2018, 02:51:28 am
content: A 331A (late model, according to the SN) - it's discussed in the thread:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/my-hp-331a-distortion-analyzer-thread/I ordered a wrong power supply cap during my big update purchase, so as soon as the right one arrives I can fix that and button it up.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2018, 03:46:01 am
content: Thanks. Yes, I remember now.

author: GregDunn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2018, 02:46:36 pm
content: FYI for those who might have one of these 4200s lurking on their bench, I was able to find a manual at Artek (http://artekmanuals.com/) - yeah, it cost a few dollars but (a) nicely scanned in high resolution and cleaned up, especially the schematics) and (b) far cheaper than the scammers on ePay who are probably selling edited copies of it for upwards of $30 - almost what I paid for the meter in the first place!Can't really gripe about the meter itself - everything works and it's approximately as accurate as my Fluke 8600A, though it surely needs a cal re-check by now. However, I've changed my mind about autoranging after getting the Fluke - it's far more handy than I would have expected.