Instrument Meter Specialties
1756 Victory Blvd. Glendale, CA 91201
Phone: 1-800-926-3837 Fax: 818-243-3736
Here at Instrument Meter Specialties, we dedicate ourselves to repairing Simpson 260 VOM's as well as other Simpson Test equipment. We stock a large number of replacement parts for these meters, including pre-Series 6 models. For information about your 260. We highly recommend that you visit Simpson260.com.
Q: How much will it cost for an estimate?
Q: How much will it cost to repair it?
Q: Can I purchase the parts to repair it myself?
Q: How much will it cost to have it calibrated?
Q: What is the difference between calibration and certification?
Q: How can I make sure that I don't have to have it repaired again?
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Most likely. There are only 4 main areas that the rugged 260 would need repair in: the case, the circuit board, the meter, and the fuses/batteries. Replacing the fuses and batteries is the most common maintenance to be performed, and is usually done by the owner of the unit, but we have had instances where we have had to do that because the owner didn't know what was wrong. The next most common is a replacement of components on the circuit board. This is no problem and some with experience prefer to do this themselves by purchasing the parts. Replacement of the Bakelite components can be easy, or tricky. If the meter movement cover (glass piece) is broken, that is a simple repair, but is an indication that further work may be required. Small metal shavings and/or hair can enter the movement when it is not protected by the cover, and would necessitate a cleaning of the movement. We can perform this procedure, and highly caution anyone from doing this themselves. The Taut Band movement is very delicate, which brings me to my next topic; the meter movement. This is relatively a simple procedure, however, these movements run around $75 and necessitate calibration, which is a service we perform with any repair.
Q: How much will it cost for an estimate?
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$35 flat fee. If you decide to have us repair the meter, then the estimate fee is waived.
Q: How much will it cost to repair it?
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$75 per hour, but we RARELY ever perform more than one hour's worth of work on a meter. Having an estimate done may be well worth it. It will cost you nothing in addition to the repair fee, and if you decide not to have it repaired, then you will only be out $35. This repair fee includes up to $20 in parts. Anything beyond that is extra.
Q: Can I purchase the parts to repair it myself?
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In short, Yes. However, you run the risk of negatively effecting the meter's calibration if the part in question is electrical in nature. Or, if the part in question is the meter movement cover, then you risk ignoring small debris blocking the movement travel path (I.e. the needle won't move.).
Q: How much will it cost to have it calibrated?
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$35 flat rate. Calibration is included in every repair.
Q: What is the difference between calibration and certification?
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Calibration includes no guarantee that our equipment has been Certified, and Calibration includes no documentation.
Q: How can I make sure that I don't have to have it repaired again?
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This is very simple. Can you say Nylon Padded Case? Very good. We hardly ever see 260's with Bakelite damage when these are used. Even the newer model 260's with the high impact plastic casing benefit greatly from the padded case, which also lends itself to helping you handle the meter due to the nice shoulder strap. The next best way to protect your meter is battery management. DO NOT store batteries in your meter for extended periods of time. Battery acid (usually from the D-cell) can be fatal to the circuit board. And, as always, use the proper fuse in your meter. Fuses are a very inexpensive solution to a very expensive problem. If you are buying new, one thing to seriously consider is the model "P" (I.e. 260 series 8P or series XiP). This means that the meter has a protective relay circuit, and is well worth the extra money. This is because you won't have to spend that money later. In other words, you pay it forward, and at a discount.