This the second part of an “N” part series documenting my restoration of the Hickok 209A VTVM, SN 1333254. Hickok 209A VTVM Restoration Part 2, visual inspection.

Outside visual inspection results:

• Overall good visual condition outside
• Meter appears to move freely and does not stick
• Meter face is excellent and there are no scratches on the glass
• Meter bezel is dirty, but does not appear to be corroded
• Area of corrosion noted at bottom of case
• The case has some minor paint scuffs and nicks accumulated over the past 60 years
• Line cord appears to be original and looks to be in good condition
• Has an original rubber grommet where the line cord enters the case
• No obviously broken parts: lamp, pin sockets, dials are in good condition
• Has DC Probe (reads 3.36 Mohms)
• No AC probe but does have the 4 wire AC probe connector
• No pin tip test leads
• Controls and switches all operate smoothly

Inside visual inspection results:

• Overall inside condition looks good
• No evidence of prior repairs or modifications
• Appears to be all original components including carbon composition resistors and paper, mica and electrolytic capacitors
• Glyptal paint on each solder joint was intact
• Uniform coating of dust on all interior surfaces
• Serious corrosion issue with the battery holder (no batteries installed)
• Chassis corrosion damage restricted to battery holder itself
• Some corrosion damage to the inside and outside of the case, but it appears to be surface corrosion and minor pitting only
• Unit has no line fuse, nor any provision for one
• Unit has a 500v mica line filter capacitor
• Unit has a non-polarized plug

This gives a good idea of the overall condition of the instrument: Very good. I will examine the battery holder corrosion problem in Part 3.

Thanks for reading.

Shaun Merrigan

Hickok 209A Hickok Restoration Hickok VTVM Shaun Merrigan Vintage Electronics