Some PL400 Meter Data

[Gepetto]

A question from Skratch got me investigating the VU meter characteristics a bit more so I thought I would post the data and calculations I worked on here.

 

[Gepetto]

Noticed that one of the cells had a data entry error that may be confusing. Replacing the file with a better one.

 

[Gepetto]

By the way, the White Oak Audio website has an error in the FAQs regarding meter testing. The web page says a 390 ohm resistor in series with a 1.5V alkaline cell will produce a meter deflection to about -4dB. In reality it is a 3.9K resistor to produce this result. I have to get in and correct this error soon.

 

[Gepetto]

Now fixed the error on the website.

 

[mlucitt]

Thanks Joe. Have you calibrated any of your meters? If they are resting at 0 or -20db is the mid-point deflection going to be close?

Do you know if there is a source for some replacement meters, that would be great.

Mark

 

[Gepetto]

I have not found any replacements Mark, only sacrificial chassis from Ebay and yard sales.

Yes, I have calibrated or taken data on 4 meters in order to gather this average data. Surprisingly, after all these years, each was still quite close. Dixson did a good job. The biggest shortcoming in these that I have noted is the aging of the plastic cases around the old (pre White Oak) incandescent light bulbs where it has become extremely brittle.

 

[ksrigg]

I wonder if there would be enough of a market to have Hoyt or some other meter company produce a run of Phase Linear 400 meters? I know there are far fewer 700B's out there in circulation, so it might not make sense to have production done on these, but I'll bet a "run" of 400 meters might be doable..

What is the cost of a meter from Hoyt or another company, and how many could a person sell? Maybe 250 or so? If you could have them made for a reasonable price and then sell them on eBay, or elsewhere it might make sense..bezels too...

 

[laatsch55]

This might be a question for skratch. He's in the plastics molding business. If we could find a decent movement, like the teardrop Series I meters, we might have something. Funny, Ed has replacement teardrop meters but he says it is a rare occurance they ever break. They were made in Japan and the build quality is excellent.