desmo
Member
Hi all,
I saw another Sverdlovsk 4 post here, so I thought I'd try. I bought one of these on Ebay. When I use 3 new AA (in the battery extension) or 3 type 76 batteries, when I push the power switch, the LED blinks on then off right away.
The only way it works anywhere close to "as expected", is to use very tired AA batteries. It acts like it's working, but it can't be calibrated - it just drifts downward.
Since it's DOA, I'm going to to try to pull it apart to see if I can find the source of the trouble. But in the off-chance that anyone has some good information, I'm listening!
I saw another Sverdlovsk 4 post here, so I thought I'd try. I bought one of these on Ebay. When I use 3 new AA (in the battery extension) or 3 type 76 batteries, when I push the power switch, the LED blinks on then off right away.
The only way it works anywhere close to "as expected", is to use very tired AA batteries. It acts like it's working, but it can't be calibrated - it just drifts downward.
Since it's DOA, I'm going to to try to pull it apart to see if I can find the source of the trouble. But in the off-chance that anyone has some good information, I'm listening!
wolves3012
Veteran
I can't offer any real suggestions on your problem, sorry. Three 76 cells is possibly too much voltage though (4.5V against the designed 3-4V). If you find your way into how the S-4 comes apart, please post the method though - always useful for the future!
desmo
Member
Yes! I discovered late last night that 2 76 cells works, but I have to push the compensation wheel off the scale on the plus side during the calibration routine.
3 AA cells is about the same voltage (and failed in my unit!), so I'm guessing Soviet AA (316?) batteries had lower voltage. (Is this possible?) My unit is one of the earlier ones, so maybe they are less tolerant of higher voltage. Dunno, but I'm happier now.
For the record, in case any future searchers find this, there WAS another thread here, that talks about a very nice substitute (3.6v) battery, ["Saft" brand 3.6v battery marked "LS14250"]:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1217793&postcount=15
These are readily available in the USA - I just ordered one and will report back on how it works.
Well, when you're at the end of your rope, you get to try things you'd normally avoid. I was going to shove a screwdriver in the side and twist! Thankfully, I don't have to cause any FSU harm now.
Spyderman
Well-known
I use 2x SR44 or LR44 (what you call 76) without any compensation needed. The same in 2 examples of Sverdlovsk-4. Are you sure you really need the compensation ?
desmo
Member
Re: compensation - the only way I have to test is to use another camera, and in a few tests so far they agree. I'm going to keep testing/checking.
micromoogman
Well-known
Saft 3,6V battery is a couple of mm's too long, no big deal in this russian tank, but so you know... The plate will tilt a little and open up for possible dirt intrusion.
Mablo
Well-known
I received a Sverdlovsk-4 today. I installed two 1,5V LR-44 cells with rubber 0-rings around them and added some tinfoil for spacer. The meter seems to work alright but I cannot get the led to switch off in calibrating procedure. I read both Alfred Klomp and RichC instructions but no avail. So I sort of calibrated the meter by comparing it with my Nikon FM2 and a couple of other light meters I have. Sverdlovsk-4 is a nice meter and I'm glad I bought it.