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I was doing some current testing to replace the selenium rectifier in this meter, and it decided to pop anyway. First time I have used this ancient Selenium Rectifier tester, no clue how to use it but it seems fairly simple. The device under test was bad every way I could test it, so...well done meter. I was going to replace that part anyway.

I was doing some current testing to replace the selenium rectifier in this meter, and it decided to pop anyway. First time I have used this ancient Selenium Rectifier tester, no clue how to use it but it seems fairly simple. The device under test was bad every way I could test it, so...well done meter. I was going to replace that part anyway.
[–] • 3 pts

Haven't seen a selenium rectifier since the stiff I used to cannibalize for parts as a kid.

[–] • 1 pt

the stiff I used to cannibalize

Sounds ominous...

[–] • 0 pt

The plan was to replace it with a 1N4007 and a dropping resistor to bring B+ down to the required 130VDC. I was measuring current draw to size the dropper when it popped. I think I got enough information to make an educated decision about what value and size of resistor to use, so it's all good.

The selenium tester was more for amusement value. It just confirmed that the device was indeed dead.

[–] • 1 pt

Nice memories spring to mind. I love that "old electronics" smell.

[–] • 1 pt

Aren't those horrible smelling and toxic when they pop? I think I heard that in a video.

[–] • 1 pt

They can, yes. This one just quit without the normal fanfare.