[volt-nuts] Multimeter input terminal wear

[jhummel73]

Bob Albert <bob91343 at ...> writes:

> 
> I don't think it makes a lot of difference.  I have some meters that are 
as old as I am and they still work
> fine.  If there is a problem, it's probably due to poor materials and 
being careful isn't going to save
> much life.
> 
> In fact, the plugs have springs that also can fatigue.  Often what seems 
like a jack problem is really a plug
> problem, and a new plug may fix it.
> 
> And finally, there are other things in these units that limit life as 
well, and there isn't a whole lot you can
> do about it.  I recently had to replace the copper oxide rectifier in my 
Simpson 260 in order to get the AC
> ranges working properly again.  And there is the question whether the 
switches should be exercised
> periodically to remove oxide, or if that causes too much wear.
> 
> Bob
> 
> On Saturday, August 16, 2014 8:33 AM, "Marv  <at>  Home" <marvin.gozum 
<at> comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> I have some >30+ year old devices still in operation and over time, 
> dirt and less so, oxidation of the contact surfaces, are more 
> problems than the integrity of the jack's connection by 
> friction.  Manufacturers and counterfeiter can make very poor jacks, 
> but the good ones have been trouble free.
> 
> When specified, the spec sheet entry for jack 'wear' is called 
> "mating durability cycles" or variations in those words.  The typical 
> brand name banana jack is rated to > 10,000 mating cycles, i.e, 
> connect-disconnect.  Thus, is would imply the less you un/mate it, 
> the longer it last.
> 
> At 06:37 AM 8/16/2014, Andrea Baldoni wrote:
> >Hello!
> >
> >When the multimeter is not in use for some time (say, a day), do you 
> >think it's
> >better to leave the banana plugs inserted, or to take them out?
> >There is a certain wear in plugging and unplugging, but letting 
> >always in could
> >enlarge the input jacks as well.
> >
> >Best regards,
> >Andrea Baldoni

I am wondering Bob, where you got the replacement for the copper oxide 
rectifier.   I have a bad one too and it seems it be obsolete. Did you use 
two germanium diodes and trim pots instead?  I have read about this but not 
sure exactly how it is done.
thanks. JHummel73
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