dbx 160VU 161 162 165 165A NOS Alternate Type Beede Level Meter with Bezel, For Repairs & DIY. (Mods Needed, See Description.) DN

dbx 160VU 161 162 165 165A NOS Alternate Type Beede Level Meter with Bezel, For Repairs & DIY. This meter is similar to the original Beede meters used in these dbx models, which are totally unavailable now. This is a repurposed Beede meter that was manufactured for a different application, and has been adapted. It can be used for repairs or do it yourself builds but there are some important differences that you need to be aware of.

1. The meter damping (the speed of the needle movement) is slow compared to a standard dbx meter. Original dbx meters used a very fast internal mechanism that is not found on other meters. This version has damping that is similar to a typical VU meter. In a single dbx unit it may not be very noticeable, but if that unit is used alongside one with a standard meter the difference will be obvious. (If you have two units it's possible to dampen the movement of the faster meter in the other unit by adding a capacitor in parallel with the meter terminals.)

2. We have internally adjusted the meter to so that the needle rests at the zero position of a dbx meter scale with no current applied, so that it behaves like a standard dbx meter. However, the needle zero adjustment screw at the lower front of the meter cannot be used. If you want to re-adjust the resting position of the needle, you're need to remove the front cover and adjust the silver lollipop shaped part inside the meter. 

3. The meter has a generic model 160 type scale (-40 to +20) with no dbx logo. If you're replacing a faulty dbx meter, the scale in the old one can be moved to this meter. To do this, carefully pry the black cover off and remove the two screws holding the scale. This job is a little delicate but can be done by the average person if care is taken. (We also sell alternate meters with original dbx 165 scales --check our store listings or contact us for details.)

4. This meter is slightly more sensitive than an original dbx meter. We are including a 2.61k resistor, which can be added in series with one of the meter wires to make the meter read normally.

Note: meters used on the dbx models 160, 161, and 162 are electrically the same as the 165/165A meters, but the latter have a -20 to +10 scale. For use in those models, the scale can be removed and swapped with the scale in your old meter.

A service bulletin is included with the meter, to help with the above points when you install it. These meters are in excellent unused condition.

Before installing this meter, please test your meter drive circuit and verify that the meter current is correct. Faults in the meter drive circuit can destroy these meters. The buyer is responsible for problems caused by faulty installation or circuitry.

This item is not returnable.