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Title: CONDENSER Checker Post by: WU2D on January 16, 2010, 10:17:06 PM I have been on the lookout for a Capacitor checker. When an OT said that he had one for me and to drive over I assumed it would be one of those Heathkit jobs with the Magic eye.
I had no idea. Look at this thing! Mike WU2D Title: Re: CONDENSER Checker Post by: WU2D on January 16, 2010, 10:20:12 PM I cleaned it up and brought it up slow and it looks good but I probably need a manual for this thing.
TM 5043-12 Analyzers ZM-3/U Mike WU2D Title: Re: CONDENSER Checker Post by: WA1GFZ on January 16, 2010, 10:24:31 PM Mike's going to set up a booth at Deerfield so we can all check out condensers.
He isn't sure if he will charge by the hour or the part checked. Come one, Come all and come early. Title: Re: CONDENSER Checker Post by: W3UTD on January 16, 2010, 10:25:25 PM Wow. But how do you check the condensers inside a condenser checker?
Title: Re: CONDENSER Checker Post by: WU2D on January 17, 2010, 09:38:00 AM Wow. But how do you check the condensers inside a condenser checker? DARN! Title: Re: CONDENSER Checker Post by: WU2D on January 17, 2010, 09:44:54 AM Yes, I should check the resistors, diode (1N45) and the caps but why not see if she comes up? It is so clean that you could eat off the power transformer. Frank probably would.
OK I lubed and sprayed sockets and tested all of the tubes and put it on the variac and brought it up slow. With no manual and just a schematic, I can see that it is a bridge in the cap value mode. The VR tubes lit up which is a good sign. and the 807 regulator tube was glowing nicely. What a bridge! Even with aged parts and being out of CAL for 30 - 40 years it measured a 27 pf NPO as 25.2 pf, 0.1 and 0.47 Yellow 630V right on the nose and even did a 150 uF Electrolytic which read high (as it probably is). Mike WU2D Title: Re: CONDENSER Checker Post by: W3SLK on January 17, 2010, 10:14:55 AM Now that is as buzzardly and BA as one can get for a C-checker. I'm jealous Mike! ;)
Title: Re: CONDENSER Checker Post by: Ed/KB1HYS on January 17, 2010, 10:50:05 AM Any equipment with Steel Handles is Cool... but dang that is a FB piece of gear.
Title: Re: CONDENSER Checker Post by: Opcom on January 17, 2010, 11:39:56 AM was made to stand up to the apocalypse!
Title: Re: CONDENSER Checker Post by: Pete, WA2CWA on January 17, 2010, 02:32:14 PM The Sprague TO series were excellent capacitor checkers. I believe the TO-6A was the last of their series. I've had a TO-6A for years and always works well. Dial calibration seems to be very accurate.
(http://www.leftfield.org/~dd/images/TE/SpragueTO-6A.jpg) Title: Re: CONDENSER Checker Post by: w4bfs on January 17, 2010, 07:12:00 PM Wow. But how do you check the condensers inside a condenser checker? with another condenser checker ? Title: Re: CONDENSER Checker Post by: N3DRB The Derb on January 17, 2010, 10:01:17 PM condenser = electrolytic and age > 30 years = change condenser. :D
that is a hell of a tester. Title: Re: CONDENSER Checker Post by: SA7AUY on January 17, 2010, 11:18:05 PM condenser = electrolytic and age > 30 years = change condenser. :D Or reform them. Title: Re: CONDENSER Checker Post by: Steve - WB3HUZ on January 17, 2010, 11:19:26 PM Yes, turn them into good citizens.
Title: Re: CONDENSER Checker Post by: KB3DKS on January 18, 2010, 03:28:40 AM That is an excellent tester ! I have had a couple over the years and only replaced the last one due to the size of it.
The "test" lever should be spring loaded to keep it off when connecting the caps and on mine I made a small latching lever so that reforming could be done. Had the manual at one time but think it may have went with the tester. Will have to check. Great find ! Bill, KB3DKS in 1 Land Title: Re: CONDENSER Checker Post by: SA7AUY on January 18, 2010, 05:19:29 AM The manual for the ZM-3/U can be bought here: http://www.vintagemanuals.com/ (http://www.vintagemanuals.com/)
The manual for Sprague can be downloaded here: http://bama.edebris.com/manuals/sprague/ (http://bama.edebris.com/manuals/sprague/) Title: Re: CONDENSER Checker Post by: N3DRB The Derb on January 18, 2010, 11:43:56 AM Quote Or reform them. no, no, no. n-o. Title: Re: CONDENSER Checker Post by: W7SOE on January 18, 2010, 12:13:47 PM I thought my Sprague checker was beefy!
I think that cap checker should be mounted to the back of a jeep. Rich Title: Re: CONDENSER Checker Post by: w4bfs on January 19, 2010, 07:53:45 AM condenser = electrolytic and age > 30 years = change condenser. :D Or reform them. Yes, turn them into good citizens. Quote Or reform them. no, no, no. n-o. change must come from within |