Hi,

You should search out a copy of "Basic Electronic Test Instruments:
Their Operation and Use" by Rufus P. Turner (Rinehart books, 1953)

Turner was a wonderful technical writer and this book is a gem.
It consists of discussions of basic categories of test equipment,
followed by build-it-yourself projects illustrating the concepts.
Many early Heathkit test instruments are also described,
with complete schematics. The test equipment described
runs the gamut from d.c. voltmeters to a build-it-yourself Q meter
for testing coils. His chapter on bridges is especially good.

I have a 1930's vintage General Radio type 650A impedance bridge,
in its sloping wooden cabinet - a thing of beauty.

The "ARRL Radio Amateur's Handbook", published annually, is a good
place to start your studies. Any edition from the early 1950's
will have plenty of information on vintage test equipment
and methods. These ARRL Handbooks are available cheap on eBay.

Regards,
Ed Knobloch

zeitguy wrote:
I recently bought a 1935 and a 1959 General Radio equipment catalog. I
am absolutely fascinated by the old test equipment, and want to learn
how it is used, and what it is used for. I have found inexpensive
versions of an impedence bridge and signal tracer to practice on, but
need to start somewhere. Is there a recommended text that can help a
non-engineer get up to speed on these? Something like a technicians
text book that steps through the theory and practice from a pretty
basic level, without going deep into the theory by itself?

All replies appreciated. Thanks.

(Eventually I want to have a radio and electronics hobby workshop, and
get my license.)