Heath IM-16 Solid State VTVM, Refurbished, Upgraded, Calibrated & Guaranteed Upgraded to eliminate the ohms battery and calibrated against laboratory standards “Solid state VTVM” you ask? Is this guy nuts? Well, I agree, the terms “solid state” and “vacuum tube voltmeter” do seem to be mutually exclusive. But, if you think about it, VTVM is really the best way to describe the Heathkit IM-16. While it contains no vacuum tube, it works exactly the same as a VTVM, with the same performance and specifications. It measures dc volts, ac volts and ohms – just the same as a VTVM. It has 1.5 – 5 – 15 – 50 – 150 – 500 and 1500 voltage ranges for dc and ac – just the same as a VTVM. And it also has a 0.5 volt range for BOTH dc and ac. It measures ohms in seven ranges from 10 ohms to 10 megohms center scale – just the same as a VTVM. It has high input impedance, 11 Megohms on dc and 1 Megohm on ac – just the same as a VTVM. So calling it a “solid state VTVM” does seem to fit. If it looks like a duck (or VTVM) and acts like a duck (or VTVM) then it most likely is a duck (or VTVM). No matter what price they ask, NOBODY else selling these instruments on e-bay can show proof that what they are selling was calibrated, with calibration verified ON EACH RANGE, as I do. They would need to provide a calibration data sheet like mine to prove this. Nobody else does. This is a large instrument with a six inch meter. It is more than twice the size of the smaller 4.5 inch Heathkit VTVMs you commonly see. Heathkit marketed it as a “Deluxe Solid-State Volt-Ohm-Meter.” It has separate ac voltage scales for the four lowest ac ranges for greatly improved accuracy on those ranges over the smaller 4.5 inch meters. It also has multi-turn zero and ohms adjust controls that make adjustment much easier than on most VTVMs. One of the pictures shows part of a page from the 1969 Heathkit catalog. It gives all the original specifications and product description. This meter sold new for $64.95 (assembled) in 1969. That would equal $419.04 today. This instrument is fully calibrated with accuracy verified on all ranges. It is supplied with a calibration data sheet showing the accuracy on each range (See scan of actual calibration data sheet for this instrument.). It is fully guaranteed to meet or exceed the original manufacturer’s specifications and is supplied with an all-new user’s instruction manual that covers all the modifications made in refurbishing (see photo). This Heathkit IM-16 is in excellent cosmetic condition. The case top and bottom have been repainted. Ever notice how most sellers of used VTVMs list their items? It’s almost always: 1) No probe(s) 2) No manual 3) No calibration 4) No guarantee and 5) No returns. What’s more, the seller usually says, “I don’t know anything about this and have no way to test it.” I am a retired electronics engineer with many years experience in design repair, maintenance and calibration of test equipment. I have also been refurbishing and selling VTVMs and relatrd instruments on ebay for years. Every instrument I sell always: 1) Has probes 2) Has a manual 3) Is fully calibrated 4) Is guaranteed and 5) Can be returned if buyer is not satisfied Nobody else selling these instruments on ebay does what I do (or is even capable of it). The last photo shows my electronics lab and the equipment I use to test and calibrate the meters I sell. A Heathkit IM-13 is shown being calibrated. Calibrations are refrenced to the Fluke 515A, and the Fluke 8520A (items 16 and 17 in the picture). Calibration of my instruments can be traced to the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST). This instrument has had the following improvements/modifications: The ohms circuit was modified to eliminate the need for an ohms battery. This improves ohms accuracy, particularly on the low ranges, by eliminating the problem of poor contact between the ohms battery and its holder. It also eliminates one of the biggest problems with these instruments, internal damage caused by a leaking battery. However, since one of the features of the IM-16 is that it can be operated from either the ac power line or from batteries, the ability to use an ohms battery has been retained. The original design required a NEMA type 1602 9-volt battery for battery operation. These are still available but cost about $20.00 each. So the instrument has been modified to allow operation on the 9-volt batteries in common use today. Provision was made to allow two 9-volt batteries to be used in parallel for longer battery life. So either one or two standard 9-volt batteries or the original NEMA type 1602 battery can be used. The input test probe, which was missing, has been replaced with brand new test leads (see photos). This instrument is fully tested and guaranteed to work properly, not like the “as is” condition of most VTVMs sold on e-bay. If not satisfied, return within 14 days for a full refund of the purchase price. Buyer must pay return shipping costs. See the accompanying photos. The accuracy specifications for this instrument are: Plus or minus 3% of full scale on dc volts and ohms Plus or minus 5% of full scale on ac volts NOTE: The handling charge is to cover the cost of insuring the shipment. HERE IS SOME FEEDBACK FROM BUYERS OF MY REFURBISHED INSTRUMENTS: (I have never received ANY negative feedback and the only complaints were because of one instrument that was damaged in shipment and another that developed an internal short. Both were repaired and returned to a satisfied customer.) Dear clark3185, I received the heathkit IM11 Voltmeter that I bought from you off EBAY and wanted to thank you for your attention to detail. Most sellers don't go to the lengths you do to offer quality instructions and a list of what you did as part of your equipment refurbishment. I'm new to tube radio renew but was a electronics tech in the 70's for the Navy - P3 Orions. I needed a good voltmeter and buying yours seemed like a good idea especially since it was apparent that you are good at what you do. I'm in the market for a good RF generator so will keep your seller ID in mind. Thanks again, T. M. Grants, NM Timely delivery..well packed..great documentation for a nicely refurbished unit. Nice meter - works perfectly - excellent condition. Item as described only better.Packaged very well; arrived in good condition. Great job, sweet meter. Good for old eyes, thanks! Very nice meter. This is a top of the line seller. I am completely satisfied with my purchase. Works great and is exactly as the seller described it. Reasonable shipping cost. Item works great. Nice restore and documentation. This VTVM works great. Arrived promptly. Great ebayer! Meter had a fault. Seller repaired it and re-imbursed shipping. Simply as stated with rapid delivery, great sale A+ all the way. Item was as described and works. Fast ship. Great Seller. Nicely restored meter. I am VERY happy with this purchase! Outstanding refurbished instrument and paperwork, thanks! Very satisfied. Quick delivery. Excellent documentation. Very good value. Item BETTER than described Excellent communications Prompt shipping. Documentation excellent, condition of merchandise excellent, highly recommend. Very nice restoration. Benchmarks as expected. Perfect for vintage repair! Excellent seller...courteous, fast shipment, item as described. Very professional restoration. Good packing, excellent seller. 10+++++Stars/Great Product/Good Price/Fast Well Packed Ship/Very Highly Recommend.
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