Canadian Wireless Test Equipment

[David Dunlop]

Go figure.

After finding a very nice Hickok 209A to go towards my 52-Set Project, a very nice Stark VT9 shows up for sale on Kijiji out of Coronation Park, which I am assuming is in Ontario. The item was part of a national search result and I did not register the exact location.

As is typical of a lot of vintage test equipment, no leads or probes are with the meter. The seller has identified it as a VT9, but it could be a VT9A. there are no show stopping differences between the two models.


David

[Mike Kelly]

Originally Posted by David Dunlop

Go figure.

After finding a very nice Hickok 209A to go towards my 52-Set Project, a very nice Stark VT9 shows up for sale on Kijiji out of Coronation Park, which I am assuming is in Ontario. The item was part of a national search result and I did not register the exact location.

As is typical of a lot of vintage test equipment, no leads or probes are with the meter. The seller has identified it as a VT9, but it could be a VT9A. there are no show stopping differences between the two models.


David

These are VTVM ?

I guess like me you are a fan of Mr Carlsons lab on utube. In one of his videos, he describes how these older VTVMs are actually better than the modern Digital multi meters for certain measuring parameters. He recently did a series describing the detailed rebuild of a AR88 receiver , including showing the complicated alignment procedure.

[Grant Bowker]

Originally Posted by David Dunlop

Stark VT9 shows up for sale on Kijiji out of Coronation Park,

Is this the listing - I didn't find Coronation Park (rather Confederation Park, listed under Saskatoon)?
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-general-elec...ter/1665563325

[David Dunlop]

Hello Grant.

Yes, that is the wee beastie! Thanks for tracking it down and posting the info.

Interesting that it is the earlier VT9 as opposed to the later VT9A. I suspect the differences would be subtle and very likely, the leads and probes from both the Hickok 209 series of meters and the Stark series of VT9 meters would be fully interchangeable.

For comparison, I have attached a photo of my Hickok 209A. Note the main difference is a minor relocation of a few controls by Stark and that Hickok had the functions rotate with the switches against fixed markers on the front panel, whereas the Stark version of the meter used the switch as the indicator with the functions fixed on the front panel.

If you are familiar with typical vintage VTVM equipment, these two photos will be deceiving. This Hickok/Stark meter is 16.5 inches wide, 13.5 inches high and 8.5 inches deep, weighing in between 15 and 20 pounds. Notice the Hickok handle is a basic bent steel rod format, whereas Stark went with something a lot more comfy.

David

[David Dunlop]

This bit of test gear came from Marconi Ltd in the UK and it came in two versions: the TF957 for the European Market and the TF957/1 for North America. In US Military Service, it was known as the ME 5005/U.

This meter is what is used to test the Sender output of the 52-Set when it is in Low Power Mode. The meter comes in a large cast aluminium case with removable cover. The cover opens up to access the manual and the two test leads.



David

[David Dunlop]

I know I have posted several photos of the Hickok 209A Multimeter and provided dimensions and weighs, but I think this particular photo really highlights the actual size of this meter, when it is sitting next to a 1-Gallon paint can.

The Stark VT9A version of this meter would be equivalent.


David