Hickok 209A VTVM Restoration Part 1
This is the first installment in a multi-part series documenting my restoration of a classic Hickok 209A VTVM. First a description and some images:
This is a Vacuum Tube VoltMeter (VTVM) with a nominal 12 Mohm input impedance and one of the largest mechanical meter movements found on commerical/consumer equipment (viewing area about 8.5 inches diagonal). It was produced from about 1947 (earliest direct evidence) to at least 1961 (catalog reference). One of the units I have has 03-09-55 written in grease pencil on the back of the meter movement. The cost in 1947 was (reportedly) $133 USD which is about $1500 USD in late 2018. In comparison, the HP 410A (a lab grade instrument) sold for $245 USD in 1948 or about $2500 USD in late 2016 dollars. So the Hickok 209A was not aimed at the laboratory or R&D market, but rather at the service/repair depot market.
Hickok 209A SN 1333254 Meter Face (150mm rule for scale)
Hickok 209A SN 1333254 Front Panel Controls
Hickok 209A SN 1333254 Front Panel Controls
Hickok 209A SN 1333254 OEM Power Plug
There seem to be at least two color schemes for this meter: Black front panel with a black meter face and white front panel with with a white meter face.
The serial numbers I have seen are:
- 1333254 (Stamped metal plate)
- 13310406 (Stamped metal plate)
- Unreadable (Decal)
In Part 2 I will begin the restoration process with a visual inspection. Thanks for reading.
Shaun Merrigan
