VOM Repair & Calibration
SSL
|
Here at
Instrument Meter Specialties, we dedicate ourselves to repairing Simpson
260 VOM's as well as other Simpson Test equipment and some Triplett VOM's. We stock a
large number of replacement parts for these meters, including pre 260 Series
6 models. For information about your 260, we highly
recommend that you visit
Simpson260.com
.
Q: Can my 260 be repaired?
Q: How much will it cost for an estimate?
Q: How much will it cost to repair it?
Q: Can I purchase the parts to repair it myself?
Q: How much will it cost to have it calibrated?
Q: What is the difference between calibration and certification?
Q: How can I make sure that I don't have to have it repaired again?
Q: Have other customers been happy with their repairs?
Q: Can my 260 be repaired?
-
It is more likely that a 260 can be repaired than not.
There are only 4 main areas that the rugged 260 would need repair
in:
- The Case
- The Circuit Board
- The Meter Movement
- Fuses & Batteries
Replacement of the fuses and batteries is the most common maintenance to be performed,
and is usually done by the owner of the VOM, but we have them in stock if a customer requests these be replaced.
The next most common procedure is the replacement of components on the circuit board.
Some of our customers with more experience may prefer to do this themselves by purchasing the parts.
Replacement of the Bakelite components can be easy, or tricky for customers to perform. If the meter
movement cover (glass piece) is broken, replacing the Bakelite and glass cover is generally an easy
repair, but this can be an indication that further work may be required. If the meter cover was damaged
for a long period of time, small metal shavings and/or hair can enter the movement when it is
not protected by the cover, and would necessitate a cleaning of the
movement. We can perform this procedure, and highly caution
anyone from doing this themselves. The Taut Band movement can be
very delicate, which brings me to my next topic, the meter
movement.
Replacement of the movement is a relatively involved procedure. However,
these movements run around $75 and necessitates calibration once installed, which is
a service we perform with any repair.
Q: How much will it cost for an estimate?
-
$35 flat
fee. If you decide to have us repair the meter, then the
estimate fee is waived.
Q: How much will it cost to repair it?
-
$75 per
hour, but we RARELY ever perform more than one hour's worth of work
on a meter. Having an estimate done may be well worth it.
The estimate fee is waved if you decide to have your VOM repaired, and if you
decide not to have it repaired, then you will only be out $35 and possibly some shipping charges.
Q: Can I purchase the parts to repair it myself?
-
In short,
Yes. However, you run the risk of negatively effecting the
meter's calibration if the part in question is electrical in nature.
Or, if the part in question is the meter movement cover, then you
risk ignoring small debris blocking the movement travel path (I.e. the needle won't move.).
Q: How much will it cost to have it calibrated?
-
$35 flat rate. Calibration is included in every repair.
Q: What is the difference between calibration and certification?
-
Calibration includes no guarantee that our equipment has been Certified.
With calibration, you have our guarantee that we won't put one of those silly calibration stickers over
the zero corrector of your meter. It is ridiculous to do such a thing as it prevents the meter from being
zero corrected and actually hurts the proper indication of the meter.
Certification requires that our equipment be certified to NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) traceable standards.
Q: How can I make sure that I don't have to have my VOM repaired again?
-
This is very simple. Can you say Nylon Padded Case? Very good.
We hardly ever see 260's with Bakelite damage when these are used.
Even the newer model 260's, with the high impact plastic casing,
benefit greatly from the padded case. A padded case also lends itself to
helping you handle the meter due to the shoulder/neck strap included.
The next best way to protect your meter is battery management.
DO NOT store batteries in your meter for extended periods of time.
Battery acid (usually from the D-cell) can be fatal to the circuit
board.
And, as always, use the proper fuse in your meter.
Fuses are a very inexpensive solution to a very expensive problem.
If you are buying new, then one thing to seriously consider are the models with the "P"
(I.e. 260 series 8P, 8XiP, 6XLP, 6XLPM, 9SP). This means that the
meter has a protective relay circuit, and is well worth the extra
money. This is because you won't have to spend that money on repairs
later. In other words, you pay it forward, and at a discount.
If you are buying used or find your 260 damaged due to a circuit overload, it may be prudent to check out eBay
or your local garage/estate sales for a "P" type 260. The cost of a used "P" type 260 plus some repair or calibration fees
will usually be less than buying new.
Q: Have other customers been happy with their repairs?
-
I think the best way to answer this is with a few customer responces we received in late 2009.
-
Jason and everyone at IMS, I have no idea what transportation gods made it possible for my meter to make
it to Lancaster and back within one week, but your immediate turn over time in the shop was most impressive
also. I have been without my favorite meter for a number of years and it is fantastic to have back and working
again! I must say this has been a very positive experience and will recommend your services.
Thank you all very much!
Michael
-
Jason,
I just wanted to let you know that my 260’s came in yesterday and made the trip great. They look fantastic and I will be proud to use them.
You guys did an excellent restoration on them and thank you also for your calibration of them. I will be proud to suggest your company to others
who may need your services!
Best regards,
Jim
|
