Found an old Multimeter in the garage, any info? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: corrado33
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2013, 05:26:20 am
content: My dad had this multimeter forever and when I moved it ended up in my stuff. I've been using it (mainly because my fluke is downstairs) to check continuity and to check the charge on some Pb batteries I have. (A high quality meter isn't needed when I'm simply measuring voltage or if something is connected or not...)Anyway, I cannot, for the life of me, find ANY information about this meter online. It's an EICO or ELCO (I can't tell) Model 274 Digital Multimeter. It comes in a little case with space for the probes beside it.I opened it up and found a date code of late 1980s (on what looks like the display driver chip.) Looks like it has a few pots for calibration (which I would like information on.)So, if anyone remembers or has any information about this old meter, I'd be glad to hear it!

author: Mr Simpleton
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 01, 2013, 09:18:43 am
content: Could be a rebranded product, why not post a picture so we all can see what it looks like

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2013, 01:48:53 pm
content: That is an EICO and it looks very similar to the Radio Shack offerings of the period.I will do some digging.Update: Nope its not the same as the Radio Shack units.Sangamo / Weston made units whose appearance suggests they could be the OEM ?Sorry no more information that I could find. This is pre-internet kit from the1980's and unless a collector includes one in his NET archives, it is hard to find information.Do not yrust this units calibration and do not use it on high voltages unless you buy some new test leads for it. A new meter would be a better idea where safety is involved.

author: corrado33
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2013, 03:55:20 pm
content: I'm not using it on high voltage or in any situation where accuracy is needed. The test leads are actually newer, one is homemade from nice silicon insulated wire. For anything critical I use one of the flukes I have downstairs. It just looked vintage and I was wondering if anyone recognized it. (I can't even find the BRAND online unfortunately). I guess I could dig into it and look up component brands and find out if it's just a cheap meter or otherwise.The accuracy is a bit off, measures 13.96 on a 14V source, but plenty accurate for my "does this lead acid battery have a dead cell or not" measurements.Plus, the case is awesome. I think modern meters should come in hard sided leather cases.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2013, 04:16:58 pm
content: Eico meter are a known decent brand from the past.If you Google "EICO Multimeter" you find plenty in the pictures gallery. They were more of an analogue meter brand. I suspect their digital multimeter offereings are just rebranded units from other manufacturers with the knowledge of such equipment.It is a decently built unit, as proven by its continued operstion after all these years.

author: fluxcapacitor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2013, 05:10:26 pm
content: Are there any numbers/markings on the PCB .I found some eico schematics ,nothing for the model 274 though .http://bama.edebris.com/manuals/eico/http://www.nostalgickitscentral.com/eico/products/eico_test.htmlhttp://www.nostalgickitscentral.com/eico/products/parts/eico%20parts.htmlhttp://www.radiomuseum.org/m/eico_usa_en_1.html

author: corrado33
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2013, 08:39:28 pm
content: If I recall correctly, the board had gf-35c written on it, I didn't look for any other markings after I found the date code I was looking for.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2013, 12:02:21 pm
content: It's begging to be put back in the garage.