
400D-H-L Comparison
| photo | price | summary | rating |
|---|---|---|---|
![]() | $30.00 | Condition is Like New, Hewitt Packard Model 400D Vacuum Tube Voltmeter Serial 5131 And Above Manual, shipping cost = $10.95 | 100.0% |

The Hewlett-Packard 400D Vacuum Tube Voltmeter (VTVM) model 5131 is a precision measuring instrument designed for DC voltage measurement in various applications. This vintage piece of test equipment is a part of HP's 400 series, which is renowned for its accuracy and reliability.
The 400D is a direct reading voltmeter, meaning it displays the measured voltage value directly on its large, easy-to-read dial. The instrument is capable of measuring voltages ranging from a few millivolts up to 1000 volts with high accuracy and resolution. It features a high-quality vacuum tube amplifier that provides a high input impedance, ensuring minimal load effect on the circuit under test.
This particular model, 5131, comes with a built-in 10:1 voltage multiplier, which allows it to measure voltages up to 10,000 volts. The instrument is equipped with an internal battery for operation without an external power source, making it an ideal choice for field applications.
The Hewlett-Packard 400D VTVM 5131 comes with a user-friendly front panel, featuring a red ON/OFF switch, a range selector switch, and a meter deflection control knob. The meter has a bright, easy-to-read dial with a white background and black numerals, ensuring excellent visibility even in low-light conditions.
The instrument is housed in a sturdy, metal enclosure with a protective front glass shield. It features a built-in test function, which allows users to check the internal calibration and functional integrity of the instrument.
The Hewlett-Packard 400D Vacuum Tube Voltmeter 5131 is an excellent choice for those who require high precision, reliable voltage measurement in various applications, particularly in fields such as electronics repair, automotive diagnostics, and industrial testing. With its robust construction, high accuracy, and ease of use, this vintage instrument continues to be a valuable asset in modern test and measurement applications.
The Hewlett-Packard 400D series vacuum tube voltmeter (VTVM), model number 5131, is a classic test instrument that was widely used in the electronics industry for measuring DC voltages and analyzing vacuum tube circuits. Here are some pros and cons of buying this vintage piece of equipment:
Pros:1. High Accuracy: The HP 400D series is known for its high accuracy and precision, which makes it an ideal choice for calibrating other instruments or working on critical applications in electronics repair or design.
2. Versatile: This VTVM model can measure a wide range of DC voltages, from millivolts to thousands of volts, making it a versatile tool for various applications.
3. Rugged Construction: The HP 400D series is built to last, with a heavy-duty metal case and high-quality components, ensuring durability and reliability even in harsh environments.
4. Analog Display: Some technicians prefer the analog display of the HP 400D series over digital displays, as it allows for a more intuitive understanding of the measurement and can provide additional information, such as the waveform shape.
5. Historical Significance: The HP 400D series is a classic piece of electronics test equipment that has a rich history and is highly collectible. It can be a conversation starter and a valuable addition to any electronics enthusiast's collection.
Cons:1. Obsolete Technology: The HP 400D series uses vacuum tubes, which are no longer manufactured or readily available, making it difficult to repair or maintain. Additionally, the availability of replacement parts and accessories is limited.
2. Limited Functionality: Compared to modern digital multimeters, the HP 400D series lacks the ability to measure AC voltage, resistance, capacity, and other parameters, making it less versatile for modern applications.
3. Large and Heavy: The HP 400D series is a large and heavy piece of equipment, making it less portable than modern digital multimeters or handheld testing devices.
4. High Cost: Due to its historical significance, rarity, and high-quality construction, the HP 400D series can be quite expensive to purchase, especially compared to modern test equipment.
Ending Conclusion:The Hewlett-Packard 400D series vacuum tube voltmeter, model number 5131, is a high-quality, rugged, and accurate instrument that is highly collectible and has historical significance in the electronics industry. However, its use of vacuum tube technology makes it obsolete, less functional, and more expensive than modern test equipment.
Recommendation:If you are an electronics enthusiast, collector, or technician working on vintage equipment, the HP 400D series is a valuable and highly recommended addition to your toolkit. Its high accuracy, rugged construction, and versatility make it an essential tool for working on vacuum tube circuits and calibrating other equipment.
However, if you are a modern technician working on contemporary electronics, a digital multimeter would be a more practical and cost-effective choice. It is important to consider the specific requirements of your work and the availability of replacement parts and accessories before investing in the HP 400D series.
Details:
Crafted with precision in the USA, it reflects storied heritage of Hewitt Packard's commitment to quality and innovation. Explore the realm of vintage electronics with Hewitt Packard model 400D vacuum tube voltmeter, a must-have for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Its detailed instructions and specifications provide insight into the functionality of model 400D, making it an essential tool for anyone passionate about era analog laboratory instruments. Serial number 5131 and above, this manual is your comprehensive guide to operating understanding classic piece of laboratory equipment.
specifications vintamanual:
- brand: Hewitt Packard
- mpn: 400d/h/l
- part type: Vacuum Tube Voltmeter Manual
- country/region of manufacture: United States
shipping vintamanual:
- class: standard
- type: calculated
- carrier: usps
- service: usps ground advantage
- transit: 4-10 days
returns vintamanual:
- policy: no returns
offer vintamanual:
- sold #: 20
- price: $30.00
- item condition: Like New
- in stock #: 1
- started: may 5, 2025
- best offers: true
- options: ship-to-home
- availability: in stock
general vintamanual:
- category: Electronics > Audio Video > Parts Accessories > Vintage Manuals
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- rating: 98.2%
- # reviews: 439
- city: fort wayne, indiana
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