The Simpson 260 is iconic in the world of electronic and electrical troubleshooting.    The 260 has been made for over 50 years, in several versions, with different features.  This guide will educate the buyer about the different versions, and the various features.  The buyer can then make an informed decision when bidding.  I will also explain what to look for in a meter.   (This guide is not yet complete)

SELLERS AND BUYING CONSIDERATIONS

Sellers who sell Simpson 260 meters on E-bay differ greatly.  Some know nothing about meters or electronics, some know a bit about them, some are users with varying levels of experience with the various features, and others are meter experts who will evaluate ALL functions and either make the necessary repairs or disclose fully all defects before selling.

The Simpson 260 is an analog meter.  Unlike more rugged digital meters, analog meters have a delicate meter movement that can be damaged by overvoltage, overcurrent, or reversed polarity.  Also, a meter movement is more easily damaged by shock from dropping or other rough handling.   While you do take a chance buying a digital meter from a seller who is not an expert, you take a far greater chance buying an analog meter such as a Simpson 260 from someone other than a meter expert.   The meter movement could appear OK, yet be damaged in such a way that the readings are no longer accurate.

Many of the meters sold on E-bay that "appear to work" or that are in "condition unknown" are good only for parts.   I recommend buying from an expert seller, or a seller who will guarantee that the meter is undamaged, and allow a return.   Otherwise, you may choose to "take a chance," but don't spend too much, and be prepared to either repair the meter yourself, or send it to a repair facility.   

Repairing the analog movement of these meters requires the skill and craftsmanship of a jeweler.   It's easy to ruin a movement when the protective cover is off, even before you start to work on it.    The movement is the heart of the meter, so most of the questions you should ask a seller will be about the movement.

Questions to ask Sellers

1.  Does the meter pointer rest on zero when the meter is horizontal and vertical?   With no signal applied, the meter should rest on zero.  However gravity affects a horizontal meter differently than it affects a vertical meter.  A good movement will be "balanced."  This means that the meter is adjusted to compensate for gravity when vertical, and not affected when the meter is horizontal.    There is a mechanical adjustment to zero the meter, but unless you use the meter exclusively in the horizontal or vertical position, you'd have to re-adjust an unbalanced meter movement each time you changed from vertical to horizontal.  Also, the critical adjustments that affect balance also affect accuracy - as gravity affects the meter pointer differently when it is vertical (mid scale) as opposed to near zero or near full scale.  It's a very complicated adjustment and one that can only be performed by a meter expert.

2.  Does the pointer move smoothly with no skipping or hanging?  Sometimes, debris can enter the movement, or something can get bent which causes the needle to stick.    Although tapping on the glass or plastic front can free it, this indicates damage that may require the meter to be replaced.

3.  As the seller to touch the leads together, and try to set the pointer to zero in all resistance ranges.  If it is not possible, the battery may be weak.   Worse, there may be a dead battery that has been left inside the meter.  Dead batteries tend to leak, causing damage to the battery compartment, and even the entire meter in severe cases.  Some models require that the back case be removed to check the batteries, so some sellers may be unwilling to check.  Other meters have a battery door in the rear case, allowing the batteries to be checked or replaced more easily.

4.  What type of BATTERIES does this meter use?  Some Simpson meters use obscure batteries that are either no longer available, very difficult to find,  or expensive.  The seller can either examine the meter (will require taking the back case off the meter - if the meter has a battery door, it takes common batteries) or consult the manual, if available.   The Simpson 260 will still measure Voltage and current without batteries, but you will not be able to measure resistance on all scales if one or more batteries are missing.  (more info in "METER SERIES AND OPTIONS.")

5.  Is a case included?  (This will usually be specified in the ad.)  A case is a usefull thing to have - there are a few different types.  (See CASES section)


METER SERIES and OPTIONS

The model 260 has been around for over 50 years, and it has changed with time. Each new version is called a "series."   The first two series were not labeled, but beginning with the third version, the series of the meter was printed on the meter face.   Options, such as meter protection or a mirrored scale, are indicated by an option suffix.

M - mirrored scale
P - protection

For example, a "series 6P"  is the 6th version of the Simpson meter, with protection option.  a "6PM" will have a mirrored scale and protection.  Both of these options were not available on all versions, and some versions have them by default, so the code is not there.  See each meter version section for these details.


Series 1:  This is the first Simpson 260, and has a different case.


Series 2:  These are the first meters with the classic "Simpson shape" - the slightly rounded, Bakelite case that is most common.


Series 3:  These are the first meters with "series x" printed on the faceplate.  The faceplate is changed slightly.

Series 4:

Series 5:

Series 6:

Series 7:

Series 8:

Series 9:


CASES:  (pictures to be added)

1.  Simple type:  This is simply a rectangular bag to hold the meter and test leads.  You have to take the meter out of the case to use it.  It does protect the meter during storage or transportation, but the meter is not protected during use.  You have to set the case somewhere while you are using the meter.

2.  Snap-front type:  This type has a front that can be unsnapped, or simply "turned away" to reveal the meter.  This offers protection to the meter during use, and during transport.

3.  Roll-Top:  This is a hard shell case with a roll cover that opens like a roll-top desk.  These are easy to use, and protect the meter well.   Be sure to get the newer type with the plugs that can be removed to access the case screws.  The other type requires the whole case to be disassembled in order to remove the back from the meter to change batteries.