Re: NE3 neon bulbs in antique meter-what are they for?


"Eric R Snow" <etpm@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:dqc7v1hroa8jdmhoua50lsmit6eo3jput3@xxxxxxxxxx
On Mon, 13 Feb 2006 09:52:16 -0800, "John Jardine."
<john@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:


"Eric R Snow" <etpm@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:43ed3d59.425491224@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Greetings All,
[...]
Eric R Snow
Sounds like an R.F. millivoltmeter. The probe containing a rectifier
diode
type valve that gives a DC out proportional to the RF voltage at the
connector.
With small RF signals, the DC out may only be a few mV and could be the
reason for the neons.
They are possibly used in conjunction with a couple of CdS photocells to
'chop up' the DC (at a low frequency) to allow easy AC amplification and
finally drive the meter.
john



Greetings John,
Your description matches this device. It has mills, DC, and Ohms. The
NE3 bulbs do not have any CdS photocells associated with them. I
powered up the device and only one of the two neon bulb lights up.
There tubes, I think electrolytic capacitors, and one power
transistor in this thing. Do you know if it would be worthwhile to try
to make it work again? The meter movement itself seems fine. Is it
maybe something that a radio person could use? And is worth the cost
of shipping? It is just a curiosity to me.
Thanks,
Eric R Snow

Eric. G'day.
Sadly, I'd say it sounds like it's a junker. Great value and benefit in
it's time but now outpriced, outperformed, outgunned.
The neons look like they're there as voltage stabilisers. Beyond that, the
meter is the only bit worth saving.
Over the years I've found I can't even give this kind of stuff away and had
to scrap tons of it.
All of it magnificently engineered, using the finest materials and doubtless
classics in the making. Would need though a secure warehouse and another 40
years of careful ageing and TLC :)
john



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