Bias meter and electrostatic sensitivity

[Brice]

Hi guys,

I have a vintage square bias meter which works for a while, but then goes crazy.

I checked it and in fact discovered that it is static electricity messing it up.

If I touch the face, that's it. The meter gets bezerk. Increasing the current it in has little effect in resuming it's primary state.

I tried to wipe it up with a dump cloth with no effect.

Do you guys know if it is possible to prevent this?

Thanks.

 

[anchorman]

Take the cover off and rub inside and out on the plastic cover with a dryer sheet. Supposed to work. I’ve also heard of people wiping dish detergent on it, and wiping most of it back off. You probably need some humidity in your house if the heat has been running and that’s what’s causing the static buildup. Your wooden furniture and static sensitive electronic devices will thank you.

 

[gadget73]

My VTVM says to use dish soap. I did that and its been behaving itself for years at this point. I don't know that dryer sheets existed when that manual was written though.

 

[Brice]

Thanks guys.