simpson 260 meter questions

Hey, I'm in the market for a simpson 260-6XLM meter. Unfortunately, I found
one I wanted, but pictures reveal the needle just below infinity (also
slightly below zero). In all the pictures I received from the seller, none
convince me otherwise that the meter will need to be calibrated physically.

Anybody know how big of a job this is? I'm guessing this should be left to
the pros?

Thanks for any feedback!

Mike

 

Subject: simpson 260 meter questions

Hi, Mike. Simpsons have the capability for limited zero adjustment. I kind of
wish the picture had shown "dead-on" zero. If the seller had a picture with it
close but not on, it might mean that the adjustment won't go all the way to
zero, which might mean the meter movement has been damaged.

The pictuire with the meter at full scale deflection (infinity) was probably to
show that the ohms works. No problem there.

I would have to assume the seller wants to put his meter in its best light. If
the picture shows the meter zero off, I'd have to assume that's because it
won't zero. Probable meter movement damage. Don't buy it.

Chris

 

Chris, thanks. I think I will stay way from it. While the ohms can be
adjusted, all of the other functions would be off.

Cheers.

 

I just read this in the simpson owners manual:

"""
4.3 Adjust Pointer for Zero
With the Instrument in the operating position, check the pointer for zero
indication
at the left end of the scale when there is no input. If pointer is off zero,
adjust the
screw located in the meter cover below the center of the dial. Use a small
screwdriver
to turn the screw slowly clockwise or counterclockwise until the pointer
rests
freely over the zero mark at the left end of the scale. This procedure will
avoid
disturbances to the zero setting by subsequent changes in temperature,
humidity,
vibration and other environmental conditions.
"""

Maybe I have nothing to worry about since I can set the left-scale to zero?

Thanks.

 

I have a Simpson 260 series 8, and even the photo in the manual shows the needle
below infinity, but it's super easy to adjust with the screw below the meter face.

If you can, just ask the person selling it if the meter zero adjustment works. It
probably does. This is an awesome meter. I've had mine for around 5 years, and
never had a single problem with it. We use it pretty much every day even with a
Fluke 123 Scope Meter sitting close by.

 

Subject: Re: simpson 260 meter questions

I've got a 260, and have repaired them occasionally for years. Sometimes if
the movement slams against the end stop, it damages the movement. The person
who took the picture may or may not have been aware of the black screw, but you
have to assume they were. In that case, that's the best it can do, and
probably isn't worth the chance. The meter movement is one of the more
expensive replacement parts.

There's something wrong with the meter as shown in the display picture. That's
enough to stop me by itself. At best, instruments on ebay are chancy,
especially from sellers without a history.

Chris