A Model A Ford Model A

Electrical Troubleshooting

Triplett Model 60 VOM

The reason analog volt-ohm meters are preferred by many people is because they are often easier to read at a glance, from odd angles, or from a distance. These are conditions often found when crawling around, under, and through the Model A chasing an electrical issue.

Another reason analog meters are useful is due to their resistance to spurious inputs and signals which sometimes make high sample rate digital meters act erratic. Analog meters have a damped behavior to changing input signals.

Electrical interference on a Model A is often due to the high energy unshielded ignition system with solid metal conductors. The Model A ignition wires and spark plugs can act like little radio frequency transmitters and antennas, and can interfere with other electronic devices nearby, especially digital ones.

Pictured above is my favorite analog meter (all my digital meters are Fluke's). I bought my Triplett Model 60 new when I was in college and it is now more than 45 years old. Triplett still makes this same meter today. It is a classic. High quality never goes out of style. It is also American made and comes with a three year warranty!

Here are the features of the Triplett Model 60 Analog VOM from their website:

• The Triplett Model 60 series testers are guaranteed to withstand a 5-foot drop
• Overload Protected on all ranges by a unique 3-fuse arrangement
• 28 Ranges
• 8 DC Voltage Ranges
• 6 AC Voltage Ranges
• 4 DC Current Ranges
• 5 Resistance Ranges
• 5 Decibel Ranges
• Mirrored Scale
• Polarity Reversing Switch

DC Voltage:

• Ranges: 0-0.3, 1, 3, 10, 30, 100, 300, 1000
• Sensitivity: 10,000 Ohms/Volt on 0.3 Range, 20,000 Ohms/Volt on All Other Ranges
• Accuracy: ± 1.5% of Full Scale

AC Voltage:

• Ranges: 0-3, 10, 30, 100, 300, 1000
• Sensitivity: 5,000 Ohms/Volt
• Accuracy: ± 3% of Full Scale

Resistance:

• Ranges: 0-1K Ohms, 10K Ohms, 100K Ohms, 1M Ohms, 10M Ohms
• Center Scale: 12 Ohms Lowest Range
• Accuracy: ± 1.5% of Scale Length

DC Current:

• Ranges: 100 A, 10mA, 100mA, 1000mA
• Max Voltage Burden: 320mV
• Accuracy: ± 1.5% of Full Scale

Decibels:

• -20dBm To +52dBm (0dBm at 1mW on a 600 Ohms Line)

Batteries:

• (1) 9V NEDA 1064 and (1) 1.5V NEDA 13F

Meter & Scale:

• Taut-Band Type. 4.5" Mirrored Scale

Overload Protection:

• Meter Movement is Diode Protected. 1/8 Amp/250V, 1 Amp/250V

Confidence Test:

• Built-In Reassurance Check of Instrument Meter

Case:

• High-Impact Thermoplastic, International Safety Orange

Dimensions:

• 3 1/4" X 5 1/4" X 7 1/4" (83mm X 133mm X 184mm)

Shipping Weight:

• 4 Lbs. (1.75kg)

Accessories Included:

• 48" Safety Test Leads, Screw-On Insulated Alligator Clips, Batteries, Spare 1/8A and 1A Fuses and Instruction Manual.

Warranty:

• Three Years, One Year on Calibration

June 2006