1950's Triplett 630 restoration and battery hack

[Pirate88179]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR5yf4jMNPM&feature=youtu.be

This meter belonged to my late Father.  I restored it and, found that it had both a D cell 1.5 volt battery and a 30 volt battery.  I discovered that the 30 volt has not been made for about 30 years.  I did some research online and found an old radio site that said you could put three 9-volt batteries in series and it would work in the old radios.

I contacted Rick at Allamericanfiveradio on Youtube and he made a video the next day with his old Triplett meter using the 9 volt batteries and they worked fine. (Check out his channel.  He has a lot of good info over there)

My battery hack was a little different in that I gutted the original 30 volt bat. and just soldered my power leads from my new battery pack to the old terminals of the gutted battery so I could just pop it into place and it left the rest of the meter original.

I hope this helps someone else restoring one of these great old meters.  This works great and functions perfectly.

Bill

[e2matrix]

That's cool.   I had a Triplett that looked very much like that in the early 60's.   I wish I still had it but I think the needle in it broke.  I always like to see old things restored.  We've become too much of a throw it away disposable goods society.

[crowclaw]

Hi again Bill, you must be very proud to own something that your father used. Youv'e made a splendid job of the resoration and it will continue to work well for many years to come. I'm 67 years young and remember using these old analogue meters. Your next challenge is to assemble a "Joule Thief" circuit inside that spent battery case to provide your 30v supply!! Nice one Bill Kind Regards Merv

[Pirate88179]

Hello Merv, good to see you.  Thank you so much for your kind words, I really do appreciate it.  Yes, I love this old meter and now that it works, I will put it to good use.  I was surprised how many of these old meters are still floating around out there on ebay and similar places.  Most of them say they do not work and I'll bet it is the batteries.  One guy wanted like $160.00 but most of the others were in the $30-$50 range, which is more reasonable.

I'll bet that the meters being made today in China will not be around 50 or 60 years from now.

Thanks again Merv.

Bill

[Pirate88179]

That's cool.   I had a Triplett that looked very much like that in the early 60's.   I wish I still had it but I think the needle in it broke.  I always like to see old things restored.  We've become too much of a throw it away disposable goods society.

Thank you...and I agree.  But, they are not making stuff like they used to.  These old things were built to last, not to toss out when they had a problem.  I guess I am getting older but I have respect for these vintage things.  No other meter that I own will be working 50 years from now I would bet you.

Bill