I've restored over 20 of these 630's over the years. It is my personal favorite analog multi-meter. I like the Simpsons but I much prefer these Triplett 630na. The divide by two switch is highly useful and but one of the reason this is the most used meter on my bench. The ones I've restored look and function like new. I've not ran across one of these Tripletts with a bad movement. The diode meter shunt does a great job at protecting the movement. Once calibrated, they are accurate. The only down side is the plastic cover, over the movement, can build up a static charge and divert the indicator needle. You can remove the charge by wiping it with a static dryer sheet. Also, you can remove this plastic cover and wet sand it with 600, 1000 and 2000 grit sand paper. Then buff it out with a rotary buffer and plastic polish. They look absolutely new when finished. I've built up a supply of spare parts for these meters over the years and still have a few that I haven't restored. I don't live far from Raleigh so shipping cost to you should be low so, if you need any spare parts just shot me a PM and I'll fix you up. You will not regret buying nor using these old work horses.
Late to the dance here but thought I'd add this if anyone out there is considering purchasing one of these fine meters. Take your most accurate DMM with you to the swap and - if the seller will permit it - measure the resistance of the voltage settings with your DMM. That is, set the VOM to the voltage settings and note it's resistance on your DMM. In the case of the 630 which is 10,000 ohms per volt, the resistance should measure 6 kOhms for the 0.6 setting, 3 kOhms for the 3 volt setting, etc. If there is more than a 2% variance then you could haggle because the voltage readings will be off more than the Triplett meter spec. This should work for similar models and types like the Simpsons, etc.
I had a "Kaise" meter from Japan, bought approx. 1977, looks quite the same as the meter in your video. It is the only meter (....) that survived all my experiments since 1977... I bought quite a few (say 5 or so) analog meters since 1977 up until now dec 2017 (40 years). Anyway: the corrosion that you show is interesting, I think it is "wet" corrosion built up by crystals on the metal. Thanks for your video, always good and interesting and valuable for people that like electronics, both professional and hobbyists. I like your video's a lot due to the perfect information on all kinds of electronics issues, radios, tube amps, etc. based on your endless experience and knowledge. 27 dec 2017.
I think it's important to show alternative ways of measuring. Sometimes an analog meter can show the subject of a video better than digital meters and sometimes even in oscilloscope. I know that you appreciate this. I like your videos for much, it conveys to your viewers that they should experiment, which is the best way to learn electronics. The knowledge that you have put into your videos and books will have a life of their own. Best wishes for the new year.
Also, to add this: the 30v battery is being manufactured and is avail again! I bought my 630 off of eBay and there was an old EverReady in it that had a manufacture date of 1968 and still held a 25 volt charge! Nonetheless, I got a new one from Amazon for about $20. Maybe a little steep but considering the endurance, not bad.
I bought one for $40 at the local Habitat for Humanity Resale Store. It works and the battery compartment was in good condition. Better than EBAY roulette where I'd spend the same with shipping and not be able to see it ahead of time. The only problem was the meter glass (well, plastic) was really badly scratched. It took it off and used 600 grit with soapy water, then Novus plastic polish. The scratches all came out and it is crystal clear. The 30 volt battery still worked in mine, but I heard that these can be purchased new now.
I have this same model Triplett as well as a Simpson 260-8. I prefer the Triplett. It is quite accurate and the single knob operation makes it simpler to use vs the Simpson's multi-knob, multi-input jack operation.
So I purchaced a bunch of these that are brand new. NOS obviously. They are in the case and all. I happened to notice that they are not zeroed out. They do zero out tipped back with the case jack set in place and if you lay it on its back. So standing straight up it does not completely zero out. I did adjust the screw and got it closer standing up to zero but then if you lay it back it moves past the zero. Are these meant to be tipped back or laying on their back. The batteries were removed long back on all of these. Any help or knowledge would be appreciated.
Nice find. I wished I had taken better care of the Eico I had when I was a teenager. Currently (no pun intended) using a Simpson 270 and a RCA Senior Voltohmyst.
In surprised you didn't bring up the 30v battery, I take it yours was good? I just found one and had to buy a new 30v battery. I never heard or seen one
I've restored over 20 of these 630's over the years. It is my personal favorite analog multi-meter. I like the Simpsons but I much prefer these Triplett 630na. The divide by two switch is highly useful and but one of the reason this is the most used meter on my bench. The ones I've restored look and function like new. I've not ran across one of these Tripletts with a bad movement. The diode meter shunt does a great job at protecting the movement. Once calibrated, they are accurate. The only down side is the plastic cover, over the movement, can build up a static charge and divert the indicator needle. You can remove the charge by wiping it with a static dryer sheet. Also, you can remove this plastic cover and wet sand it with 600, 1000 and 2000 grit sand paper. Then buff it out with a rotary buffer and plastic polish. They look absolutely new when finished. I've built up a supply of spare parts for these meters over the years and still have a few that I haven't restored. I don't live far from Raleigh so shipping cost to you should be low so, if you need any spare parts just shot me a PM and I'll fix you up. You will not regret buying nor using these old work horses.
Thanks
I know this is old thread: So you think putting foil on inside of plastic cover would dissipate the static charge?
Thanks.
Wow Rick,,,, what a great find. And finding the probes for it as well, what's the odds of that. Have a great Christmas my friend.
Thanks skycarl
Late to the dance here but thought I'd add this if anyone out there is considering purchasing one of these fine meters. Take your most accurate DMM with you to the swap and - if the seller will permit it - measure the resistance of the voltage settings with your DMM. That is, set the VOM to the voltage settings and note it's resistance on your DMM. In the case of the 630 which is 10,000 ohms per volt, the resistance should measure 6 kOhms for the 0.6 setting, 3 kOhms for the 3 volt setting, etc. If there is more than a 2% variance then you could haggle because the voltage readings will be off more than the Triplett meter spec.
This should work for similar models and types like the Simpsons, etc.
Thank you.
Also thanks for the useful information.
Cool. Nice piece.
Thanks
I had a "Kaise" meter from Japan, bought approx. 1977, looks quite the same as the meter in your video. It is the only meter (....) that survived all my experiments since 1977... I bought quite a few (say 5 or so) analog meters since 1977 up until now dec 2017 (40 years). Anyway: the corrosion that you show is interesting, I think it is "wet" corrosion built up by crystals on the metal. Thanks for your video, always good and interesting and valuable for people that like electronics, both professional and hobbyists. I like your video's a lot due to the perfect information on all kinds of electronics issues, radios, tube amps, etc. based on your endless experience and knowledge. 27 dec 2017.
I think it's important to show alternative ways of measuring. Sometimes an analog meter can show the subject of a video better than digital meters and sometimes even in oscilloscope. I know that you appreciate this. I like your videos for much, it conveys to your viewers that they should experiment, which is the best way to learn electronics. The knowledge that you have put into your videos and books will have a life of their own. Best wishes for the new year.
Thanks, I also wish you a very lucky and good 2018!
Didn't it read around 8.3V for the 9V battery? Correct me if I was wrong.
That's because it's a weak battery.
AllAmericanFiveRadio I think you said “that’s reading a little over nine volts”. Maybe I misheard it. Anyway, thanks for clarification.
I guess I miss read it. I can not have my face in front meter, you would not be able to see the meter.
I read 8.3V as well. Thanks for the clarification AllAmericanFiveRadio!
Really love this meter and the Simpson 360. I like that you have to engage the brain to select and read a scale.
Thanks
Nice meter. Seems to be working well!! Merry Christmas!!!
Thanks
Also, to add this: the 30v battery is being manufactured and is avail again! I bought my 630 off of eBay and there was an old EverReady in it that had a manufacture date of 1968 and still held a 25 volt charge! Nonetheless, I got a new one from Amazon for about $20. Maybe a little steep but considering the endurance, not bad.
Thank you.
Thanks for the battery information. I'm sure this information will be very useful.
630 NA Do you know what does the N stands for?
North America
No Answer
Here is a PDF manual.
Triplett Model 630 NA Manual
www.scribd.com/doc/50771782/Triplett-Model-630-NA-Manual#
Great Find! I've got an old Eico i need to try out someday.
Thanks
I bought one for $40 at the local Habitat for Humanity Resale Store. It works and the battery compartment was in good condition. Better than EBAY roulette where I'd spend the same with shipping and not be able to see it ahead of time. The only problem was the meter glass (well, plastic) was really badly scratched. It took it off and used 600 grit with soapy water, then Novus plastic polish. The scratches all came out and it is crystal clear. The 30 volt battery still worked in mine, but I heard that these can be purchased new now.
Great find!
I have this same model Triplett as well as a Simpson 260-8. I prefer the Triplett. It is quite accurate and the single knob operation makes it simpler to use vs the Simpson's multi-knob, multi-input jack operation.
Thanks
It looks like the battery is in the wrong way?
That positive is for the 30V battery.
So I purchaced a bunch of these that are brand new. NOS obviously. They are in the case and all. I happened to notice that they are not zeroed out. They do zero out tipped back with the case jack set in place and if you lay it on its back. So standing straight up it does not completely zero out. I did adjust the screw and got it closer standing up to zero but then if you lay it back it moves past the zero. Are these meant to be tipped back or laying on their back. The batteries were removed long back on all of these. Any help or knowledge would be appreciated.
I think there is a weight adjustment on the bottom of the needle
Nice find. I wished I had taken better care of the Eico I had when I was a teenager. Currently (no pun intended) using a Simpson 270 and a RCA Senior Voltohmyst.
Thanks
I've just picked up an old Avo 8 meter from a junk sale. I though with having lots of expensive modern test meters it would be nice to own an old one.
Thanks
I like it.
Thanks
i have 3 of these. They are great meters!!!
Thanks
In surprised you didn't bring up the 30v battery, I take it yours was good? I just found one and had to buy a new 30v battery. I never heard or seen one
Thanks