Heathkit V-7AU Repair Teardown Time

#GeorgeChristofi #GeorgesWorkbench
Heathkit V-7AU Repair Teardown Time
Today I take apart the Heathkit V-7AU VTVM.
I test the resistors, straighten the needle and get rid of that awful wax capacitor. Unfortunately I didn't have all the parts in stock to repair it today but they are already on order and should be here in plenty of time for next Friday.
The unit itself is suffering the effects of old age that all electronics suffer from. Out of tolerance resistors, old capacitors and pots that need a little love and attention. The design is very simple and because it was originally sold as a kit it was made to be easy to assemble, even by those of limited knowledge of electronics.
All in, it is quite a simple repair, none of the parts are impossible to obtain and the design can still be replicated quite easily.
Many thanks for watching and hopefully you will like this and more of my videos. I don't ask for any financial reward but would appreciate any feedback on my videos, good or bad.
Sorry this one was a bit late coming out, I try and have a regular Friday release with some other smaller content during the week, depending on what is happening in the non digital world.
Best wishes to all.
George

[@GeorgeChristofi]

Sorry its a bit late. Life and stuff.

[@old64goat]

Looking good George

[@GeorgeChristofi]

Thanks Bill.

[@opus1952]

Really appreciate this video George, I have one of these Heathkit meters which is waiting for a service and these videos will be a great help. Thank you.

[@GeorgeChristofi]

Graham Clarke no problem. Hope it helps.

[@TheOpenAirGarage]

Never thought about using the nail lacquer to fix the old PCB boards. Looking forward to the next installment.

[@GeorgeChristofi]

It's quite an old trick but it has been made better with the UV curing stuff that ladies have these days. Before you used to have to wait a fair while for it to dry but now, 20 seconds under a UV light and its done. I bought a cheap USB powered light from eBay for 3 pounds and the lacquer is dirt cheap from china.

[@nor4277]

When the traces lift up like mine did on the bulb super glue and a couple of alligator clip for about a hour after I get mine apart like your I will put some epoxy glue too

[@GeorgeChristofi]

Indeed Ron. I do try and save tracks wherever possible. Whatever glue that you use, if you ever need to rework it, the fumes can be awful to deal with!.

[@bunnyathome]

Your video quality is excellent George....sharp well lit good close-ups and sound..and you bench is one of the most wonderful messes i have ever seen...grin...i am still thinking about the solar light in your hall....its stuck in my brain...lol.....no battery control chip???...is it inside the battery?

[@GeorgeChristofi]

Thanks for the compliments on the quality. Just bought the lens for the camera used in the overhead shots because my other lenses were too high a focal length. Also just bought another HD camcorder to do the face work to replace the standard def camcorder I currently have. The mess is intrinsic to having no space and sharing the room with the family and the chaotic mess inside my head! I do know where everything is though. I lose things when I clean up.
The solar light is working fine now and no, no battery protection at all. I think that they are relying on the fact that it will discharge at a rate that is fast enough to not get into an overcharge situation. I measured the battery and there is no extra length over a standard 18650 for a protection circuit, even the ones in my high quality li-ion batteries.