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Old 7th Jan 2023, 3:11 pm   #1
Wendymott
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Default 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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Old 7th Jan 2023, 6:38 pm   #2
TonyDuell
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Default 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'.
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Old 7th Jan 2023, 9:13 pm   #3
Radio Wrangler
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Default 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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Old 8th Jan 2023, 4:58 pm   #4
Wendymott
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Default 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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Old 9th Jan 2023, 3:01 pm   #5
Wendymott
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Default Re: ROVER Signal meter

Tony. Hard switch fitted, now I can rely on the batteries staying "up"
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