Understanding Measurement Uncertainty (057)

[@w2aew]

One the VOM, a 3rd effect on accuracy is the meter's position. If the meter movement isn't "balanced", then it can respond slightly differently if it is vertical or horizontal (even if properly zero'd to start). Good video.

[@eie_for_you]

True, that! I had forgotten that one.
I believe that most respectable meters have a balanced meter movement. On the other hand ... the super el cheapo, hardware store meters ... the bets are off on those. The trouble is, ya gotta know what position the movement was designed to be used in to know what position to use it in and they don't tip their hand on that one.

[@dennisqwertyuiop]

great video,thankyou Ralph and Ralph and Ralph

[@eie_for_you]

Thanks Dennis! I had a LOT of fun creating that introduction.

[@tedivester4947]

I was in the Air Force from 1966 to 1970. My specialty was Automatic Flight Control Systems and Navigation, (Autopilot). I worked primarily in the shop and had an abundance of test equipment and equipment to verify calibration of our test equipment. Of course, we needed to take that equipment next door to the Cal Lab. It was kind of scary because it was seen as a sacred place and it wasn't wise to have direct eye contact of the Cal Lab folks. They were kind of the high priests of the test equipment. You brought back memories!

[@eie_for_you]

Made me laugh ... "high priests of the test equipment."😅Yup, those were the days, my friend. I was 1973 through 1977. That experience and training as served me very, very well through the years. Never regretted serving.

[@thed8229]

I've had so many "discussions" about this with peers over the years. 😂 Another awesome video!

[@eie_for_you]

Thanks man!

[@paulb4985]

I learned this lesson early in my engineering career. My design was creating more energy out than what I was putting in! Found out why, learned my lesson, and had a good chuckle. 🙂

[@eie_for_you]

I know that feeling! If we learn to laugh at ourselves then we will never lack for laughter in our lives. Many lessons learned the hard way, but lessons never forgot, either.

[@1shARyn3]

😀 I STILL call multimeters "VOM"s {and still use my Simpson 260}

[@eie_for_you]

Simpson 260, still being sold brand new!
I used to calibrate the old AN-PSM6 VOM ... you could literally run over them with a truck and they would survive (sort of LOL). I wonder if the military still uses them? Probably not.

[@WECB640]

Ralph, this lesson is so important today because the "basics" are not being taught. I would like to see several questions from this video added to the FCC exam for our amateur radio license. THANK YOU for sharing and being a mentor. PS. I was "stationed" at 97.5, the 50Kw FM in Dover just a few years after you left Pease. 🎙 73 OM

[@eie_for_you]

I cannot agree with you more! It is sad that folks do not have an appreciation for these things.
I used to make many trips to Dover. I used to swim at the public pool there regularly and I had friends that lived there, too.