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Re: [Amps] 8877 Longetivity

To: <dhallam@rapidsys.com>, "Amps Amps" <amps@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [Amps] 8877 Longetivity
From: "Paul Christensen" <w9ac@arrl.net>
Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 15:05:14 -0500
List-post: <mailto:amps@contesting.com>
> Given the relative low accuracy of normal AC panel meters, how can you be
> sure that you are actually within the filament voltage tolerance specified
> by the manufacturer?  A high accuracy AC meter is a rather large and
> somewhat expensive animal.

One method I've used is to add high-quality test point jacks to the amp's 
front or rear panel.  Low-wattage metal-film resistors of 1K-ohm or so can 
be used to isolate the filament connection from the test jacks in the event 
a fault occurs during measurement.  This allows the use of a high-quality 
DVM (e.g., true RMS) meter to be used only when needed.

Since a DVM is a high-Z sampling device, the isolation resistors essentially 
play no part in measurement accuracy.  I have a Fluke Model 189 DVM and it's 
used as my general purpose shop instrument.  This eliminates the need to 
tie-up an expensive meter just for filament measuring purposes.

Paul, W9AC 

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