Sun VAT-40

[engineer2]

There is a Sun VAT-40 for sale locally for $120. Wondering if it is worth it. I thought they used to sell for alot more, but haven't kept up with the market in recent years. Looks to be in average used condition.

 

[jethro29]

if it works ,then heck yeah it is a very nice machine.

 

[redwrench60]

Sounds like it's taylor made for an offer of a hundred dollar bill. I'd be all over that if it was fully functional.

 

[Bruce Amacker]

Take meters with you to verify accuracy: a digital amp clamp with you to verify it's within 10% of the VAT's readings, and a DVOM to verify the voltmeter is accurate within .1 max. I ended up with a DVOM sitting on the front of mine because the VM was inaccurate.

Great tool otherwise. If you're sharp with electricity you can make it work even if both meters are out of wack.

 

[Dragfluid]

Yup, throw him a Benny and bring it home!

 

[Aqua-Andy]

I used to love that tool!

 

[CGarage]

Yup, throw him a Benny and bring it home!

X2 Agreed

 

[theoldwizard1]

The problem with the VAT 40 is the amp clamp. It is next to impossible to find a replacement and when you do, it will likely cost you more than $100.

I prefer the older models like the VAT-28.

 

[redmondjp]

The other problem with one of those is, assuming it's on its own cart, it consumes precious shop floor space. I've used one and they work great, but these days I have a Fluke meter for voltage and another Fluke clamp-on DC ammeter which I now use that reside in the toolbox.

 

[engineer2]

The problem with the VAT 40 is the amp clamp.

That's what worries me. If it's broken, it's BER. People collect these, but only if minty, and this one is well-used. A guy had a pretty nice one for sale at the MCACN show last year for $200, and at the end of the show it was still there.

 

[Showkey]

They are cool..........but.........obsolete.

We had 6 perfect working units in a training center.........we had trouble giving them away and that was a surprising long time ago. High school and vocational programs had no use. They have move on to digital battery testing. They no longer taught the device. ( same reason we had them sitting for years).

The auto service industry and battery manufacturers have deleted load testing the battery with carbon pile. Modern Battery and charging systems are tested with an hand held electronic tester and or scan tool. DIY work even on older vehicle can be tested and troubleshooting done in minutes with a alittle skill and DVOM.

If it was free I would maybe take it......$120 No way. Don’t need any more garage art.

 

[Dragfluid]

Yes, a little old school.

But, they still work.

 

[Bruce Amacker]

Yes, a little old school.

But, they still work.

+1. Assuming it's accurate it's still 10x better than a capacitance tester.

 

[engineer2]

it's still 10x better than a capacitance tester.

My capacitance tester showed a battery was good and my load tested said it was bad. The load tester was right.

 

[ex-x-fire]

I'd like to get one with a cart, it's nice to roll up to a car and do your testing without having to get the meter, amp clamp, and other handheld testers out.

 

[engineer2]

I did some looking around and it seems VAT-40 prices have fallen to well under $100 for well-used examples. Another good one to look for is a Bear ARBST, but make sure the keypad works as it is unobtanium.

 

[Radio Flyer]

There is a Sun VAT-40 for sale locally for $120. Wondering if it is worth it. I thought they used to sell for alot more, but haven't kept up with the market in recent years. Looks to be in average used condition.

I saw those on an auction site. Triton college getting rid of theirs.
They had odd times to pick up...for me anyway.