[Amps] meter behavior

[Steve Flood]

I am trying to select some panel meters for the next amp project.  I have
many older types to choose from in my existing stash.

I have noticed over the years  that there are meters whose needles swing
back and forth wildly while metering grid and plate currents, while others
seem to have a dampened movement (such as the plastic Ameritron meters)
where the needle moves more slowly.

Is this due to the type of meter movement (such as d'arsonal, iron vane,
taut band, etc.), or due to the meter sensitivity (low resistance vs high
resistance)?

 

I'd prefer meters with dampened needle movement, but all of my nice old
Triplett, Weston, GE, Westinghouse, Simpson, Marion meters seem to be the
non-dampened movement and very low resistance, and I'd rather not put
cheapy-looking plastic meters on this project if possible.

 

Steve KK7UV