James Millen
James Millen 90651 Vacuum Tube Grid Dip Oscillator Meter in Good Condition S/N 5101
- MPN:
- 90651
- Condition:
- Used
- Shipping:
- $16.00 (Fixed Shipping Cost)
Frequently bought together:
Description
James Millen 90651 Vacuum Tube Grid Dip Oscillator Meter in Good Condition S/N 5101 with Full Coil Set.
This unit is in good condition and appers to be working. This unit was obviously used as it shows some wear.
The plastic carry case has a small hole in it and the handle on top is missing.
The meter powers up and has had the main electrolytic capacitor replaced with new modern ones.
A first Generation reproduction of the manual is included.
The Millen 90651 is a classic vacuum-tube grid-dip oscillator (GDO, also called grid-dip meter) from James Millen Mfg. Co. (Malden, MA), first released to the public in mid-1949.
It is a versatile RF test instrument used primarily as an oscillating frequency meter to find the resonant frequency of de-energized RF circuits (antennas, tanks, traps, etc.). It can also function as a signal generator, field strength meter, absorption wavemeter, and for measuring inductance/capacitance when paired with known components.
Key Specifications
jamesmillensociety.org
- Frequency range: 1.7 to 300 MHz covered in 7 bands via plug-in coils (standard set usually labeled A–G or similar). Optional low-frequency coils extend it down to ~220 kHz.
- Power: AC mains (tube-based oscillator, typically requires a power cord).
- Features: Drum dial with calibrated scales, plug-in coils stored in a rack or case, often includes a carrying case.
- Production of the 90651 ran for many years (thousands of units), starting in 1949 with low numbers (e.g., #1, #248, etc.) and continuing with letter prefixes in later years/batches.5101 appears to be from the mid-to-late production run of the original 90651 (likely the 1960s)