what the heck is a Namiki DF-100 Direction Finder


I was at salvation army (which is a sometime bountiful hunting ground for ancient audio) and I found a Namiki DF-100 Direction Finder. It's a small, blue metal box about 5 x 2 inches. On the back is Japanese writing and an a diagram of an amp and cord. There are two buttons on the front and 4 indicator lights. Anyone have any idea what this thing is? How to work it? Thanks tons
kolledog

Showing 2 responses by tbg

Seasoned has it largely correct. The device senses dc leakage voltage and goes with the orientation of the plug that has the lowest voltage. I would disagree, however, on how frequently you hear a benefit. You can accomplish the same using a volt meter and a contact to ground. You touch the chassis or a grounded part and go with the lowest reading.

If you hear a difference and are a purist, you can reverse the connections to the ac plug within the unit and get the results you want without using a cheater plug.

I bought a Namiki long ago and probably have not used it in 15 years. Since most of my equipment is by small manufacturers, I find that they consider this.
radioman, I always wondered how the Namiki worked without a ground, but in probably 20 instances where I tried the volt meter versus the Namiki, they gave the same results. I also like to know the voltages both ways. Sometimes I am shocked by the high values.