vintage Simpson 260 VOM is beefy - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Hobby73
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2021, 11:04:02 pm
content: I have an old Simpson analog multimeter and it's quite heavy for its size compared to my modern DMM's. Just curious if anyone knows which internal component(s) account for the most weight?

author: wn1fju
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2021, 11:36:51 pm
content: I've never weighed the individual components, but the case is heavy, the meter is heavy, the batteries are heavy, the range switch is heavy, etc. Remove the back cover and take a look!Be aware that there are many variants of the Simpson 260. Usually it will say something like "Series X" in small print at the bottom of the meter (X is the series number)There is loads of information on these units all over the web in case you ever need to fix one. Usually they suffer from corroded battery connectors (from leaking batteries) and dirty contacts on the range switch. Otherwise they are pretty bulletproof unless you somehow abuse one.It's always nice to have an analog VOM in addition to a modern DMM. You will be reaching for the 260 when, for instance, you have to maximize a potentiometer adjustment on something. It's much easier for the brain to process the analog meter hitting a peak than it is to digest the digits on a DMM.

author: Wallace Gasiewicz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2021, 12:41:40 am
content: A decent working one (not pristine) is going for $100 or more these days.Go Think!

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2021, 01:19:42 am
content: Quote from: Hobby73 on December 11, 2021, 11:04:02 pmInternal? The case is probably more than half the weight, with the meter assembly a good portion of the rest. Then there are batteries (the D cell is probably the heaviest internal individual component), the board, fairly large resistors and a substantial switch assembly.

author: bob91343
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2021, 01:55:44 am
content: I suspect that most 260s have survived more drops to the floor than any digital unit. They aren't too accurate nor sensitive and don't do well at high frequency. The ranges aren't set up in a logical way.Having said that, they are perhaps the most beloved of any meter. I have owned mine since 1956 and it was used when I got it for $15. It gets almost no use these days but I would have to think hard before selling it or my Triplett 630-NA.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2021, 08:30:23 am
content: Quote from: Hobby73 on December 11, 2021, 11:04:02 pmHuh? Either open it up and take a look (with photos) or turn in your EEVBLOG membership card.Your choice...

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2021, 01:14:47 pm
content: I have used various 260's. Never really like them but I would want one. New ones are still available for more than $300.

author: Gregg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2021, 06:40:18 pm
content: I have a very heavy 260 with the roll top case, which I think doubles the weight. It is a real pain in the butt to install batteries, which I leave out. But it is so classic that I'd hate to part with it.

author: Wallace Gasiewicz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2021, 12:42:15 am
content: I have one I am selling with a roll top case. Never saw one before with the roll top.. Kind of cool. Very Retro. The case on the meter is cracked on the side. but the external case is just fine but old.Everything works, all scales seem to be just fine, meter scale itself is quite clean. I have too many meters. Not as heavy as my Canadian Air Force Simpson which has KV option.

author: LaurentR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2021, 01:43:37 am
content: https://www.simpson260.com/

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2021, 02:24:23 am
content: Classically, in analog equipment, "heavy" equated directly to both stability & reliabilty.Both qualities were even more important for very accurate equipment---a "sub-standard" meter wouldn't be much of a reference if it lacked stability, or suffered failures, hence, such devices were proportionally heavier than a simple Simpson 260 or AVO Model 8.