HEATHKIT VTVM , BATTERY ELIMINATOR CIRCUIT FOR HEATHKIT VTVM

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 ธ.ค. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 64

  • @moseshall9428
    @moseshall9428 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I just started restoring one of these that belonged to my granddad. Battery got left in for about 25 years, so there’s some damage to sort out! That battery eliminator circuit is a keeper. Thx, K8TIY.

  • @goolieb
    @goolieb 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Hi All - I’ve built the battery eliminator and it works great! One small tip - the 27 ohm resistor only drops about 2 volts, so it only dissipates about 0.15 watts. I used a half watt resistor, which works fine.

  • @mikehuedepohl2227
    @mikehuedepohl2227 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is one of the best circuits I have used Bob Thanks for sharing. Both my IM25 and I am in the process of completely building a V7 from Scratch it was in a house fire and is realy toasted main board was badly burned I have got it ready to make the new board this circuit will be added to that one also And my RCA WV-77E has it installed what a fun project Keep up the videos Watch them all

  • @homerclese1954
    @homerclese1954 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Robert, I am working on the meter I built in high school and found a leaked battery, Once I clean up the small mess I will build this and never worry again. Thanks again.

  • @jasontwynn7356
    @jasontwynn7356 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome 👍,thank you for the diagram. I'm going to use it on mine. Thanks 👍

  • @nullbewahrer
    @nullbewahrer 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Hello, than you very much for the video, i added the battery eliminating circuit to my V-7A and it works great. Took me 30 minutes.

  • @SDsailor7
    @SDsailor7 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good job on that VTVM sir

  • @Cavemannspace
    @Cavemannspace 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Just modified my IM-13. Works great. Thanks!

  • @emylrmm
    @emylrmm 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    note that you don't even need to filter the d.c. since the meter will respond to the AVERAGE value of the pulsating 1/2 rectified d.c.
    You can select components to yield about 1.5 volts average value with decently low source impedance. Neither that approach nor this circuit regulates well on X1 range when measuring low resistance like a speaker voice coil or a light bulb filament. Very good performance for high resistance DUTs like a 1k2 resistor and the like.

  • @richardpatrick4298
    @richardpatrick4298 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hi Bob, Thanks for another enjoyable and informative home grown Heathkit video. I have Heathkit V7 VTVM, maybe circa 1959 and did the battery eliminator modification just like yours. Using the two 1N4001-7 diodes as the regulator/constant voltage source - - - the Rx1 scale could not be adjusted to Zero Ohms with probes shorted together. Experimenting revealed that the 1.55 volt copper top cell was needed for Zero Ohms. I replaced the two diodes with LM-317 linear VR set to approx 1.6 volts and the old V7 works on Rx1 and all other scales. As they say, YMMV- and mine did. FYI, 73, Happy Trails. KR7W.

    • @robertsumption1243
      @robertsumption1243  6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Rich , Looks like you revealed a problem there . I have done several of these with no problems and We had this circuit in many VTVM'S in the plant I wonder why yours did not work ? You came up with a good solution ! 73 Bob

    • @SIXSTRING63
      @SIXSTRING63 ปีที่แล้ว

      I had the exact same issue. Another poster commented on this thread that if built this way it will work, not on my V7a it didn’t as it didn’t yours. Same issue, not enough current to drive the meter in Rx1 setting. I breadboarded mine and found a bigger reservoir cap did the trick. I will be using the LM317 design eliminators on my other VTVM’s.

  • @markrhine5809
    @markrhine5809 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hello Mr. Sumption, first time view to your channel, this video is very interesting to me. I am the owner of several Heathkit test equipment. The Heathkit Model IM5284 VOM, the IM2260 digital meter, and the Heathkit IO4335 oscilloscope.
    I really enjoy watching video on Heatkit products, they were great in the day...

  • @mlynch001
    @mlynch001 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent video. I have an IM-13 as well as a couple of V series. I will make these battery eliminators. THANK YOU!

  • @marks6292
    @marks6292 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Absolutely wonderful video - and you are fun to listen to.

    • @robertsumption1243
      @robertsumption1243  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you Mark I want to help other Hams like I was helped by Elmers I knew thank you for your encouraging comments 73 Bob

  • @denouch358
    @denouch358 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hello Robert. This weekend I built your circuit for 2 of my VTVMs, Heathkit IM-28 and an RCA WV-77E. It works great, I get 1.45 Volts out of the circuit. I checked all Ohms scales on both VTVMs using an Ohmite 1% decade box and all readings are spot on. On your schematic the diodes are not marked but you quickly say what they are and for those that didn't catch it, they are "1N4007" diodes. Thank You for posting this video.

    • @youtuuba
      @youtuuba ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You could use any diode in the 1N4xxx series for this battery eliminator circuit. The 1N4007 is rated for 1000V, but since this circuit never gets above about 6-7 Volts, even the lowly 1N4001, rated for 50V, is more than adequate for the application. I used 1N4004 (400V) diodes in the ones I built, just because that is what I had in my parts bin. The whole 1N4xxx series is good for 1A constant and 30A non-repetitive, again way more than enough for this battery eliminator.

    • @graemebrumfitt6668
      @graemebrumfitt6668 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@youtuuba Good to know! Thanks. GB :)

  • @emylrmm
    @emylrmm 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice job! You didn't mention about the Cadmium oxide on the sheet metal screws. (nasty stuff) Tin whiskers on the cal pots can be an issue too. A very good instrument for 1963 design. The low current, large scale, d'Arsonval jeweled meter movement is the key to its high accuracy. I've got an IM-18 in very good condition - really nice legacy instrument

  • @emylrmm
    @emylrmm 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    just a note that 12AT7/12AV7/12AZ7 are adequate substitutes for the 12AU7 . 12AU7s are getting expensive and 12AV7 or 12AZ7 can still be found NOS at low cost

  • @dennisperusse3837
    @dennisperusse3837 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    That layout is so much cleaner versus my V6 vtvm. :)

  • @tremolux13
    @tremolux13 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice, going to have to do that to my Heathkit vtvm

  • @josephcote6120
    @josephcote6120 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I do this when I restore VTVMs. But my circuit is a diode, electrolytic cap, an LM317 on a small heatsink and a couple of .1 caps on the input and output of the 317. Same plan to connect to the ungrounded side of the filament. Same circuit works for 1 or 2 cell meters as you can adjust from 1.2v to whatever the filament winding can give you, 8v maybe. for a one cell I set it to 1.45 and for a 2 cell I set it to 2.9 volts. But the best thing is there is almost no extra load, so no big power burning resistors.

    • @robertsumption1243
      @robertsumption1243  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Good Idea I like it 73 Heathkits forever ! Bob

    • @SIXSTRING63
      @SIXSTRING63 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Joseph Cote I think I’ll have to try your circuit. This didn’t work well with my old V7a. In the Rx1 range it didn’t have enough current to drive the voltage divider properly on low resistance readings. Drained the voltage to under a volt with probes shorted. Meter draws 150ma in Rx1 with probes shorted and draws more current than this circuit will supply to give you accurate readings. Works fine in x100 and up, less current needed.

    • @drtidrow
      @drtidrow 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@SIXSTRING63 Just use a LM317 in the TO-220 package, more than enough drive current that way.

    • @SIXSTRING63
      @SIXSTRING63 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I ended up just changing out the cap to a 3300uf. That kept up with the current demand and only dropped to about 1.35 v under load in the Rx1 scale. I will rebuild it though with the LM317 down the road.

  • @mikeduino4596
    @mikeduino4596 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice project! I have a Knight KG-625, that's a horizontal. I had to do some work on it to make it 100 percent...may have to do the battery replacement ckt!! Thanks

  • @judges69
    @judges69 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you for schematic. 😀

  • @nor4277
    @nor4277 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I use deoxit 5 contact cleaner,nice repair

  • @RandyWBrown
    @RandyWBrown 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm trying to calibrate a Nakamichi RX-202 cassette deck for bias and for azimuth. The service manual says to adjust to 350mv and/or -.8db on a VTVM. I understand 350mv but never got familiarized with the db scale.
    I have a heathkit AV-2 coming in the mail that looks new. This is an audio meter that measures only AC and in very small amounts as it has a 0.1v scale setting all the way up to 300v. Db seems to be a very much used reading so if you ever do a video on that subject or have already done so I would be very interested in the tutorial.
    I will subscribe and look,thanks for the information and on self cleaning switch and the schematic of the C sized battery. So simple 🙂

  • @Gordonseries385
    @Gordonseries385 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    They have lm317 to92 style case. Thinking of using it.

  • @thomasheckhaus205
    @thomasheckhaus205 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Bob,
    I’m retired technician from the Bell System. I have a Heathkit IM-5228 VTVM that I built in the 1970’s. I recently decided to spruce it up. I used black anodized hardware to replace the oxidized ones. I also checked and cleaned all the contacts and replaced the electrolytic capacitor.
    I’m thinking about a battery eliminator and found your video. I like the simple design and especially the fact that the one you discus was designed by Heathkit.
    How do you feel about the LM-317 based eliminators? With the 5228 eliminating the incandescent bulb from the filament circuit it should be able to support such a device? I’d like to hear your take on it.
    Regards
    Tom Heckhaus

  • @jakelang4387
    @jakelang4387 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    im trying to learn to use the one i just bought

  • @billyclayton1154
    @billyclayton1154 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice video I love my Heath kit IM 5228. Keep up the good work. Billy K9ZL

  • @MichaelLloyd
    @MichaelLloyd 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have quite few VTVM's but no IM-13 yet. I've got some boards ordered for the battery replacement. I went with surface mount parts so the board is only 1" square. It'll be interesting to see how the 2W SMD resistor does. I have a few other ps boards that I can use but they have an LM317 and more parts. I figure if Heathkit developed and used the circuit in your video that's good enough.

    • @robertsumption1243
      @robertsumption1243  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Mike Yes We all had Heathkit VTVM's on our workbench when i was in the service department and as far as I know all of them had this same simple battery replacement circuit . 73 Bob

  • @ovalwingnut
    @ovalwingnut 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    👍😁 Thank You ❤

  • @tubeDude48
    @tubeDude48 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    At 4:38 you show the diodes facing towards the center post, but at 5:30 they are pointing away.
    Some beginner won't understand.

    • @robertsumption1243
      @robertsumption1243  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      In either case the 2 series diodes banded end is connected to ground and it will work fine . 73 Bob

  • @bobkins270
    @bobkins270 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Bob. I have a Heath Kit V4. The schematic shows a 6 volt battery pack bur the meter only has a single battery holder. I m seriously considering a battery eliminator. Thanks for your videos.
    Brad

  • @electronicsworkbench
    @electronicsworkbench 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very nice project, Sir! I restored one myself and found it to be quite accurate for the rest of my Heathkit restorations. One problem I'm finding out is that the pots used to calibrate the unit on this and my IT-28 aren't available as NOS or pulled stock. What can we use now in place of them that will fit? Quite the problem to work out.

  • @nor4277
    @nor4277 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Did you take the spring out to clean it,I did but putting back is a challege,if anyone has any secrets to puting it back,please let me no .

  • @rosshollinger8097
    @rosshollinger8097 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm hoping to get mine up and running soon and I'm going to use this battery eliminator. Thanks for the tip. I picked up two IM-28's, one with manual and probes. The 9.1 Ohm 2W resistor on the best unit is out of spec at 9.68 Ohms, even for 5%. The other is right on the line. The parts list calls for a precision resistor and both the ones I have are 5% (white-brown-gold-gold). The short glimpse I got of your IM-13 also appears to be 5% (unless the color on my computer is off). I haven't found anything during research to contradict the manual. Do you know what the deal is with these?

  • @carlespy5536
    @carlespy5536 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Is there any concern about ripple in the rectified DC possibly impairing the accuracy of resistance measurements?

    • @robertsumption1243
      @robertsumption1243  6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      This was developed in the Heathkit factory by one of the engineering staff and was completely tested to see that the VTVM'S worked properly to specs. I do not know who that was that designed it . I do know that many of the VTVM'S were modified this way in the Heathkit factory . 73 Heathkits forever ! Bob

    • @youtuuba
      @youtuuba 20 วันที่ผ่านมา

      The ripple is negligible, and anyway it does not matter because the meter movement's response results in an average voltage reading, which is what it is supposed to do anyway.

  • @warplanner8852
    @warplanner8852 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Bob, the internal layout seems far less crowded than the V7A types. Your unit looks go be in great shape. But wondering how the DC and resistance measurements are? They within the 3-5% accuracy?

  • @leonelalvarado4879
    @leonelalvarado4879 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good morning mr. Robert! How is it going? very good video, thanks for your input! I was doing some tests with your design of the battery eliminator for vtvm! And change 2 elements that were the 100uF capacitor for a 3300uF one, and the 27 ohm resistor for a 10 ohm one. Which gave me more stability at the 1.5v output. I don't know if you, for your part, do some tests and help me know if the change is well done. I hope for your reply very soon ...

    • @robertsumption1243
      @robertsumption1243  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Leonel Good Job what you have done should work fine.... all the best for 2021 Bob

    • @leonelalvarado4879
      @leonelalvarado4879 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@robertsumption1243 thank you very much mr. Robert! I mounted it today and in real tests it gave me exact 1.6v! I don't know whether to lower the capacitor and to 2200 so that it is closer to 1.5v! or increase the resistance to 22uf!

    • @robertsumption1243
      @robertsumption1243  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Leonel Test it and as long as it works correctly 1.6 volts is fine 73 Bob

  • @youtuuba
    @youtuuba 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I independently developed this same battery eliminator circuit when I hacked my own Heathkit VTVM, the only difference being that I arrived at a value of 47 Ohms for the dropping resistor, instead of the 27 Ohms suggested in this video. My meter works fine with the battery eliminator using the 47 Ohm value, the Ohms ranges all work with the full range of my resistance decade box.
    That did not stop an overzealous viewer from repeatedly and persistently claiming that the battery eliminator design I showed in my TH-cam video of the hack would not work properly, and/or would result in the VTVM not working properly in all Ohms ranges (yet it DOES), or somehow using such a battery eliminator design would damage other parts of the VTVM circuit, e.g. the power transformer. I feel vindicated what I see others happy and successfully using the same circuit.

  • @nor4277
    @nor4277 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I just got a Heath kit meter like your upright one.,is that a c battery that goes in them ? I would appreciate your help with any of my questions you can answer,mine came with out any of the test leads ,I ordered test leads for the one on.the right and left sides ,but the 1/4 probe test lead or probe ,is that something I can.make ,anyone,or is there someone.who still sells them ,the person I bought mins.from didn't have the center test lead or probe so they wire a red wire through the whole ,I no that not right ,I ordered a new female 1/4 plug for it and and a new mono male plug 1/4 for it ,just in case I need it ,if you or any of your fans that have any info I would be grateful if seems to be a nice meter other wise ,I will order new caps to replace the was lapped caps that are in there

  • @SDsailor7
    @SDsailor7 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have the IM-28 and it still needs work the readings are off not acurate

  • @y_x2
    @y_x2 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have one for more than 50yrs but it is highly unstable... I don't recommended it.

  • @RN-ek4mh
    @RN-ek4mh 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Why would u do this to a vtvm? By doing that u alter the ohms per volt sensitivity of the meter. The purpose of a vtvm is just that. The battery lasts for years, The power for the ohms section has to be isolated and float. Theres no gain to it your just degrading the meters specs. Why do u think Heath kit or any other manufacturer didn't do that? You might as well get a solid state meter and discard your vtvm.

    • @youtuuba
      @youtuuba 20 วันที่ผ่านมา

      RN-ek4mh, you are hung up on things which are not important. As Heathkit found in their testing of this battery eliminator circuit, it works fine on all ranges and meets the specified accuracy. A great many others have also vetted this design and verified it works fine and has no downsides worth mentioning. While a battery eliminator based on LM317 works in a slicker way, with less power dissipated, both approaches work and this is well proven.
      And while you ask "Why would u do this to a vtvm", I might respond "why would YOU repeatedly spell out all the words except 'you' ?"
      You also fail to realize the primary reason that so many VTVM owners choose to retrofit battery eliminators. It has nothing to do with how long a battery might last, rather it is all about the damage that a leaking battery causes inside the VTVM, and not wanting to worry about it.

    • @RadioRich100
      @RadioRich100 20 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@youtuuba Im, not hung up on anything it seems you are, as nobody uses vtvms anymore, but certainly that idea is a hugh waste of time and effort and effects the meters accuracy anyway. It just sounds like you have nothing better to do. A battery in a vtvm will last for years. If you worried about leaking use a lithium battery or one of the newer rechargeables they dont leak. Theres a reason meters were not designed like that. Accuracy and noise free power. Why would you try to make a better mouse trap out of something most people dont use any more. Heres an idea, when you change the batteries in your smoke detectors, change the battery in your vtvm.

    • @youtuuba
      @youtuuba 20 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @RadioRich100 , you obviously have an issue where you can read somebody else's statements without understanding their points. You are not worthy of my time.

    • @RadioRich100
      @RadioRich100 20 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@youtuuba You dont have any time because your worried about replacing a d battery once every 5 years and constantly thinking about how to avoid it on a device nobody uses anymore. Do u x off the days on the calendar on when to replace the battery? Oh thats right you put a gadget in there that reduces the accuracy and reliability of a meter so you dont have to think about it. Heres another tip for you so u dont have to redesign your old meter, use a carbon zinc battery not an alkaline. That dont leak nearly as much and dont damage the equipment when they do. But then again who uses a vtvm. I guess if your trouble shooting a 60 year old heathkit radio.

    • @youtuuba
      @youtuuba 20 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @RadioRich100 , OK, now you have simply become rude. You are now making up insults because you have nothing meaningful to say. I know your type.