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Success Stories If you have successfully repaired or restored a piece of equipment, why not write up what you did and post details here. Particularly if it was interesting, unusual or challenging. PLEASE DO NOT POST REQUESTS FOR HELP HERE! |
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7th Jan 2023, 3:11 pm | #1 |
Octode
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 1,782
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ROVER Signal meter
Hi Peeps. When I retired from the TV industry, I acquired a ROVER TDA6S TV signal level meter. Its a nice thing to have, "just in case". However, it was always "Battery discharged" when I came to use it., the Mains adaptor was ok, but I had other pressing things to do, on the occasions I required it, thankfully it worked ok on mains supply.
However, after 7 years I decided to give it a "Coat of looking at". The internal battery pack was 5 X "C" cells. Fully discharged. I unwrapped the plastic tape holding it together and two "cardboard" ends removed. The batteries, after some coxing " a few amps".. seemed ok. So why ?? then it dawned on me.. the cardboard ends looked a bit iffy. Metering the surface revealed leakage. Thus the cells were constantly being discharged. I cleaned the cell ends, and replaced the ends with 2.5MM plasic card. The cell container is very tight, so I had to use plastic tape again, just to provide some additional insulation. I will know in a few weeks if it was successful.
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Should get out more. Regards Wendy G8BZY |
7th Jan 2023, 6:38 pm | #2 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Biggin Hill, London, UK.
Posts: 5,188
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Re: ROVER Signal meter
Is there a real, physical on/off switch or just some 'soft' control?
I have found a lot of such devices draw enough current in what is effectively 'standby' to flatten the battery pack in a fairly short time. If you don't mind having to re-enter any settings every time you use the thing, it's worth adding a switch in series with the battery to ensure it really is 'off'. |
7th Jan 2023, 9:13 pm | #3 |
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Fife, Scotland, UK.
Posts: 22,799
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Re: ROVER Signal meter
Does it read anything useful for finding and comparing DVB-T multiplexes? If so it could be a handy antenna aiming aid.
David
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Can't afford the volcanic island yet, but the plans for my monorail and the goons' uniforms are done |
8th Jan 2023, 4:58 pm | #4 |
Octode
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 1,782
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Re: ROVER Signal meter
Hi David. Yes used many times for antenna alignment. Tony. Yes its a "soft switch"
May be an idea to add a "Hard switch". Good thinking
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Should get out more. Regards Wendy G8BZY |
9th Jan 2023, 3:01 pm | #5 |
Octode
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 1,782
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Re: ROVER Signal meter
Tony. Hard switch fitted, now I can rely on the batteries staying "up"
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Should get out more. Regards Wendy G8BZY |