TYPE V.C.M.163 Valve Characteristic Meter @ Operating Instructions7 SY ce, & 8 wis E (es : 2 nie oy 27 vey) 3 as a o® ag 0,8 ae ket): 4 6 a: - a: 3 wy a) Oo: ~ oft == ay: ¢ - c ay LB G 2(o, s 3s ayn B 8 § 3MISSING VALVE SOCKETS Avo regret that certain valve socket types are now totally unobtainable. If your Valve Characteristic Meter has a blanked off position intended for a socket type which you require to use, you may wish to fit your own socket, Connections should be made to an adjacent socket; pin 1 to pin 1, pin 2 to pin 2 etc, The standard pin numbering for valve sockets is given on the inside front cover of the Operating Instructions book for VCMI63 and on page x of the Avo Valve Data Manual. Ayo Valve Characteristic Meter VCMi63 April 1979SAFETY IN THE USE OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT It should be understood that any use of electricity inherently involves some degree of safety hazard. Various safety rogulations and recommendations are in existence, and new ones are being formulated, in an attempt to reduce the extent of such hazard. This i achieved principally by defining, as far as possible, the levels of voltage and current above whieh ‘there is significant hazard; by establishing certain principles in the design of equipment and by recommending specific visual warnings of any residual hazasd, t0 be placed on the equipment. Wo, in common with other responsible manufactures, take all reasonable steps to ensure that our products comply with relevant approved safety standards, However it must be emphasised that certain types of electrical testing essentially involve the use of voltages fnd currents above the limits defined as ‘safe’ values. For example, iosulation testing land flash testing generally require the use of high voltages well above the safe limit and may not always be possible to restrict the currents available from the test equipment to within the defined safe values 11 is rocommonded that the user of electrical equipment of any sort should always ensure that he understands, in detail, the equipment’s characteristics so that he is aware of the dogroe of sfety hazard which may be involved, While every effort is made by responsible manufacturers to reduce the hazards and to warn of any hazard remaining, it still rests with the user to play his part in ensuring his own safety. ‘The best way to achieve this i:— 2 Understand the equipment you are proposing to use, and its ratings, 2 Understand the application to which the equipment is to be put. > Ensure that all reasonable safety procedures are followed. 3 Take no chances, nor short-cuts in safety procedures. ‘The equipment described in this handbook has been examined, both in design and manufacture, to ensute that safety hazards are minimised. Any known roma hazards are explained in the notes on page 1. If, for some specific application, it is found that the information provided is not adequate, then please contact the manufacturer for further detals and assistance,AVO VALVE CHARACTERISTIC METER TYPE V.C.M 163 CONTENTS CHAPTER CHAPTER 2 CHAPTER 3 CHAPTER 4 CHAPTER 5 General Information Technical lnformation Valveholder and Control Panels Operating Instructions Abbreviated Operating Instructions ILLUSTRATIONS, Figure ¥ Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Diagcam of Standard Pin Connections Basic Circuit for Mutual Conductance Measurement Basic Circuit for Re jer Test Amplifier Circuit Diageam Oscillator and Power Unit Circuit Diagram lostrument Circuit Diagram Valve Panel Assembly Inside front cover RR Inside back cover 10CHAPTER ONE—PAGE 4 iNTRODUCTION FUNCTION, GENERAL INFORMATION ‘The Avo Valve Charsetetistic moter enables a wide cange of valve types ta be tested, im fact valves with any muimber of pia conncetions up to thirteen may be accommodated. Tae ranze of Theater voltage available extends betwoen 0 V and 119.9 -V the voltage being adjustable in steps of ony. The use of °C* core transformers ensures good vollage repulation on both H-T. and LT. The full range of HLT voltape avaiable can be applied to both the valve anodos and tothe screens ‘The front panel controls simplify the settin-up procedures and also the measurement ot rmutual conductanve, It being, no longer necessary to “back-oit the standing anode current prior tO Imeasurement. Motvsl conductance th continuously measured and displayed om one of the two patel cis, with the other meter showing anode curfent and seen current. This meter additonal]? feta good replace’ scale to indicate the quality of diodes and recurs Facilities for monitoring screen characterises axe provided by simple springcetuen push bution switches and when testing some multiple valves the cteut iy now arranged, such that Only te section under testis actually conducting. The SET ‘control may be adjusted and interelectrode Feakage may be checked with the vale either hot of cold, measurement of leakage current being nade A SOV dee. The impedance loadina in the anode citcut Rat Deen considerably teducet and i possible for valves having an impedance ot a8 low st 200 1) to be tested without serious toss of Improved overload protection is also incorporated, which is indicated visually on the front panel further reducing the’ possibility of any damage to the insteument due to iadvertent shorting Of the electrode voltazes. Using the links provided on the vaive panel, load may be inserted in bot anode and cathode circuits and the heater vireuit may be broken for the measurement of heater The instrument is a double purpose Valve Tester as follows: Go). "It'provides a rapid Giagnosis of the candition of the valve under test, the instrument ‘optrating asa Simple "go" or ‘no go" deviee. (b) Sufficient data may ‘be obtained enabling an operator to plot static and dynamic characteristics. of similar information, using selected anode and cathode loads. Valves with any number of base connections up to thirteen and up 10 two top caps ean be tested. The instrument will check the majority of the receiving valves and vome small transmitting valves, ‘Whilst good/bad testing on a semiproduction basis will undoubtedly be one of the main uses of this tester, it jp certain that the instrument will find considerable use in laboratories and service departments where engincers and skilled personnel will be avaiable, and where more precise oils of valve performance can be used to advantage. To this end, facilities of the tester, enable 1aiVe, [a/Vs,Is/V3 and 5 Ve characteristics to be plotted over a wide Tange of voltages, these bein, Feadily available froon the calibrated panel control. At the same time mutual competence wl also be ontinvously displayed on the secon panel meter, whatever operating conditions are selected.CHAPTER ONE— PAGE 5 ‘CONSTRUCTION PERFORMANCE ADAPTORS. POWER REQUIREMENTS, _GENERAL INFORMATION The avo Valve Data Manual which is suppliod with the instrument provides Line of data for exeh valve Tikely to be encourtered. ‘The uata given comprises the pin combinations, inthe orlet fof their standard: numbering snd in the form in whic they appear in ahe VALVE PIN'SELECTOR Switch window, top cap st side cantact connection if any, heater volls, anode volts, screen wots, negaive prid volts, operating anode uurzent and atual cqnductanes (oF feud current in the case of rociiien). Where muliple electrode assemblies are conccinod test details for each assembly are given, Shoald It be qecessary to test a valve that does not appear in the manual, the base connections and rmunufacturere of other recommended test data can be ditectly set up. ‘The mechanical construction of the instrament has been designed to combine a pleasing sicvamfined appearance with a high dezree of mechanical strength. All components likely to require adjustment teplacersent in service are Tocated. te ensure maximum of accessibility, All-main controls are front panel mounted and the instrument is supplied complete with mains lead. Fourteen valve bases tonether with an additional SP14/S socket, which will accept a range of adaptors, is provided. € thirteen way, fifteen bank VALVE PIN SELECTOR switch enables any valve pin to be connected to any clecirode citcuit. The SELECTOR switeh i marked with figures tnd letters whicl enable eode numbers to he set up from the “AVO' Valve Data Mant ‘The insteuiment wil test valves with pin connections up to thirteén as follows:— (1) Check the heater continuity (2) Measure insulation between electrodes with the valve cold G) Mews insulaifon between electrodes with the valve hot. (2) Measure cathode heater insulation (for indizectly heated valves). (5) Rapidly indicate whether a valve is ood or bad, use being made of a coloured 4008 scale with mutial conductance asthe opera ive parameter (6) ‘Magsine the uta conductance’ of a valve (Both ntl gid to anode and control 18 to seroen 7) Measure the anotle and screen current in sinale and multiple valves. (8) Produce sulVcient data to enable static and dynamic characteriic curves to be plotted, (9) Check rectifiers and diodes under load conditions, (10) Measure gas earrent up to TODUA Fs. ‘An automate visual warning device operates if certain circuits within the instrument are inadvertently overloaded by the operator, of if 4 short oecurs with a valve under test. The use of specially designed circuits, virtually itninates the possibility of a val Spurious oscillation, funder test bursting into Wf the valve base required is not available on the valve panel, it will be nogetsuy to use an adaptor. Where an adaptor has to be used, the SELECTOR sy in the Avo Valve Data Manual are still correct and should be followed “The instrument operates from the Following ac. supphos:— Mov 120V'320-240V In 10 volt steps Power supply Frequency 50 to 60c)s, A fine voltage control is provided which compensates for mains voltage variation in bwo volt steps fcom 10 volts to #10 Yolts inclusive. Power consumption, SU watts maximums. 3A ceramic fase incorporatedCHAPTER TWO PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION, BASIC circurrry TECHNICAL INFORMATION ‘The tester \s basically designed to check the valve according to its static characteristics which ‘would normally require the provision of the requisite range of variable de, supplies. The difficulty lies in the regulation problems involved in. the supply oF a wide range of de. anode and ‘oluuge, on which che loading might vary from a fraction of a millamp te 1O0mA depend the type of valve Being lesi2d amd she eature of the fest being performed. Such 4 requirement could. ‘ofcourse, be met by the provision of a number of regulated power supplies but this would render the instrument both curabersome and expensive, whilst the consigerable metering required would not only mean additional expense, but also make the instrument difficult (© use ard woud not entitely ‘overcame all the problems It can be shows however, that if alternating electrode voltages are applied in their correct proportions, an amplifying valve ean (by virtue ofits property of selt rectification) be caused t0 give le. anode and screen curtents, which forall practical purposes, bear an almost constant relationship to those obtained from Its d.c. static characteristics, ‘This immediately simplifies the problem of providing power supplies for the valve under test and the design of mains transformers to ive negligible regulation errors over a wide range of secondary Currents ig 2 comparatively simple matter, whilst the range of electrode voltage may be simply provided ‘by appropriate secondary tappings selected by calibrated switches, This eliminates the hecessity for separate metering, thus minimising to a very large extent, problems of size, weiaht grat A slight difficulty oceurs in the supply of the variable negative grid bias voltage, which would sof an alternating voltage of suitable magnitude applied in anti-phase to the anode voltage. Since rectification occurs at the anode (and sereen) and the grid should nol pass current, it wil be readily seen that during the half cycle the anode and screen are not passing curren positive half eyele of considerable mazoitate is apptied to the prid with the resall that the latter can ass & damaging amount of current. The inelusion of 2 simple hall wave rectifir circuit without Smoothing, between the ttansformer winding and the variable grid voltage supply. will suppress the positive half evele whilst still maintaining the sinusoidal form of the operative negative half cycle “The operation of the Valve Tester is based on the following relationship:— applied rams. anode {and sezeen) voltage = LIS ade, ‘ang Mean value of half wave rectified bits voltage = 0S» ede. thes, Mean de, anode current = 05 ¢ laste. (where fa he. % static node current) i Va de. and Ve de. twere applied dc, cest voltages, This colationship holds for all practical purposes over the full characteristic which enables gecurts testing OF ales tay point on her characte Co be eid gut wth imple a Compact apparatus, ‘This accuracy fs just as necessary on the simp ‘gon go" type of instrument a on a complete characteristic meter, as it-may be Hecessary to set the test point anywhere on the Characteristic to correspond lo required Working conditions. Further, in the absence of any predeter- ‘mined test figure it rust be Possible to determine test conditions directly from the manufacturers published curves oF data. ‘One of the main funetions ofthe teste is that of comparative testing of mutual conductance. ‘This is accomplished by applying the appropriate anode, streen. erkl and heater voltages 10 the valve and. superimposing upon the arid bias voltage, a small signal at a high audio frequeney, The anode Carseat of the valve passes through a low impedance fier. This extracts the signal fTequency com ponent of the current sent rejects the power frequency (and its harmonics). ‘The signal frequency Component is amplified and 1s mean valve displayed on a meter. By sustable chotee of cireut valics this becomes a diveet measure of the valve mutual conductance, this figure being compared with the ‘ominal mutual conductance to give comparative goodness on a coloured Scale. Fig. 2. shows this Arrangement in diagrammatic form ccCHAPTER TWO — PAGE 7 FIGURE 2 Basie Crewe FIGURE 3 he Facilities ane provided for calibrating she oscillator/amplificr combination and the cireuit ' arranged Such that the ageuracy fs dependent only on the Citi of resistor ¥ C____ oscittator “The mutism value of high frequency test signal applied to the grid of the valve is approxi. rately 33m ems, on the O 10 bmyA.V range and the circuit is so arranged that the amplitude Of the test signal is taversely proportional to the value of the MIA'V range selected by the range switch, The stopper diodes DI and D2 shown in the sereen and anode supplies in Fig. 2. are included, as.a precaulion against spurious oscillations which have been known to oscur will a few types of Nave when anode or sereen become negitive to the control arid. Inaccuraeies could occur such bsellation is present lcCHAPTER TWO — PAGE 8 TECHNICAL INFORMATION he rectifier is loaded with a resistor RI in ig. 3, and a reservoir capacitor C in paral Sinusoidal voltage Va is applied of sufficient magnitude to operate the rectifier on the.inear portion of it, eharacteristie, 0 that the combination should pass a rectiied cutrest equal fo the maximum Load ‘current for the valve, The voltmeter M moasures the voltage developed aezoss the load RI in ip. fini the meter ranges ace selected by the appropriate cange resistor Rt i Fig. 2 such that the rated Sureent through the load will deflect the meter M approximately to the middie of the “good” zone of the scale. The proportionate deffection on the coloured seale denies the state ofthe valve. Switching fof anode voltage and meter range is ganged so that rectified currents of IMA, SmA, 30mA, 6OMA. H2OmA, 1S0MA, per anode are available, each anode of 4 full wave restifier being tested separately ‘The Lim and SmyA ranges are also suitable for signal diode testing, Perfect diodes give approximately ful scale defistion on each range. Small Signal diodes, and small cur rectifiers, since they may be either of very high or very low impedance are catered for by special ciui arrangements which tend to be “current forcing’. Henee low impedance diodes tend to read as Perfee® diodes at full scale deflection whist high impedance diodes tend 10 read lower down on the ‘ood! region of the seals A combination of she positions marked on the LEAKAGE switch and the CIRCUIT ELECTOR switch provides facilites for checking heater continuity and cathode leakage prior 10 the application of operating voltages tothe valve. In addition interelectrode leakage may be measured with the valve hor with a maximum of 30V de, applied ‘Since a short circuit, is in act, a measure of the leakage test voltage (derived from the grid voltage supply) this is used in checking the setting of the mains voltage ofthe instrument at position SET. ~. Ar this position a short is placed on the insulation test circuit and the Mains Voltage Selector is adjusted until the meter pointer is at the SET ~ position, at which point the grid voltage and therefore all other operating voltages ate correctly proportioned. A safety relay having two heavy duty contacts in the primary circu of the p.t. transformer and @ current coil connected in the anode and Screen circuits, will be operated by an overload, associated with either Or both of these citeuils. Ifthe relay is operated, am additional light duty Sontact will ‘make’, to form a hold circuit and at the same time a blue warning lamp mounted on the front panel willbe illuminated, As a further precaution, the two heavy duty contaets will break slisconnecting the ht. transtormer from the mains supply. Normal operation cannot be restored unt the instrument ig switched off the fault should then be rectified and the instrument switched On again, ‘The probiem of seif oscillation, which ean occur with high slope valves occurs at a random high frequency and is due to inter-vaiveholder wiring, This has been almost entirely eliminated by wiring the vaiveholder panel in continuous loops of pre-determined lengths, so that any valve inserted would tend to oscillate at a definite frequency’ dependent on the loop lengths, These separate inter- connection loops are then loaded with terraxcube beads so that irrespective of the valveholder and ‘combination used, oscillation cannot occur when testing valves with conventional characteristicsee CHAPTER THREE — PAGE 9 THE VALVE HOLDER PANEL AND VALVE FN SELECTOR ‘SWITCH See Fits. 1 and 7, VALVEHOLDER AND CONTROL PANELS. ‘The valveholder panel comprises, 14 valvehotders of the following type: ~ British 4]5 pin (84 soit IS) BIG, BBA. B8D, BSG, BOD, BOG, International Octal, BIO, 5 pin Navistor. 7 pin Nuvisior, 12 pin Compactron, ana flying lead valveholder. dn addition a SPL4/S chassis mounting Souket iy povided for use witha range Of adaptors thus enabling obsolete oz nesw type Valves to be tested, ‘The following adaptors are avaviable qu [i the SP. 14/5 socket, BOG Adaptor No. 2 SMT Adaptor No. 6, UNG Adaptor No. 17, UN? Adaptor No. 18, MOB Adapiot No, and Fit your own Socket Adaptor No. 5 ‘Adaptors ate also available for connection to the International Octal Socket as follows BBB Adaptor No.3, BSG Adaptor No. 4, B7A Adaptor No, 9nd 5AA and TAA (Acorn types) Adaptor No. 10. All Valvcholdets are wired with their corresponding pins in parallel, ic. all pins numbered “1 age wlzed together, all pins mymbered "2" and so-on. This wing comslsation is associated with the VALVE PIN SELECTOR switch which enables any one of the thisteen standard pin numbers to be connected Yo any-one of the electrode test circuits im the instrument, thus enabling any electrode ‘Saminstion to Be sc up fOr all valveholdets. It will be seen that the SELECTOR switch comprises fifteen thumb rollers numbered from left to fight 1 (0 13, TCI and TC2, This numbering appears om the eseotcheon immediately in froat of the tollers and corresponds (o the valve pins in the order of their standard pin numbering, ‘Ths Valves with ‘any number of pin connections up 10 thirteen can be accommodated. To cater for (Op ‘up and other extertal valve connections two sockets have been provided together with short leads sist oe end with & plug for insertion into the sockets, whist the remote end Is fitted with a frail connection clip to cater for tox tpes of external valve connections. Also of the valve anel are thtee links marked a, © and h which enable a reste load to be inserted in the appropriate aide of cathode ccuits, and the current to be measured in the heater cigcut. “The thirteen positions of each roller are marked as under:— o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 X ¥ Zz 6 Be gy ge gs aad! ay” ag ay” “The numbers and symbols are provides! in order teat the switch can be rapidly se up from the code numbers piven in the Avo Valve Data Manual, the corresponding electrode denominations being shown bythe letter which appeets nthe escieheon opening iamedately below the mumer hus 0 ‘Corresponds to ‘and on wi ~ may be anchored. Such ping ate taaried, 1.C” in manufacturer position leaves the particular valve pin discor an internal electrode ‘iieratace. ‘This satch wocted from any circuit. i | | ‘Corresponds to cathode or any other electrode normally connected to cathode ie. 83 1 BE ~ 2 ‘Conesponds to heater, normally earthy oF eonvasied to negative, LT. inthe ease oF a ie battery vale inti saidccagmeiaiinaiia bald an Corresponds to other heater eonnection of eenive tap, 1 Corresponisie woateal id. —_ 4 s. ‘Corresponds to the control grid of the sesdnd Seeon of a multiple valve. 5 © ‘Cactesponds to the contol gd OF the thied seetion of « multiple valve Sm 7 Corresponds tothe screen grid in a single or mulliple valve, R 8 ‘Corresponds to the anode of single or multiple amplifier valves, —_ 7 ‘Signal fiodes, soutifiers or multiple electrode x c responds to the second diode anode of signal diodes, rectifiers or multiple electrode ay" valves, Yo Corresponds t some valves.VALVEHOLDER AND CONTROL PANELS CHAPTER THREE — PAGE 10 (z 86ed wo a1ou 99s) ‘ayqeyene 126u0] ou a1e AoW esnevaq iuoUNAIsU! Jeno" ay} UO IUeseid aq .oU AeW sodA} 19>4905 WIELD) ATSW3SSY TANVd SATWA 4389/9CHAPTER THREE — PAGE 11 VALVEHOLDER AND CONTROL PANELS. UNKS ON THE VALVE HOLDER, PANEL NOTES CONTROL PANEL FUNCTION, CONTROLS ‘These links are egnnected! in the anode, inthe angde and eathade enable a load to be i Test. By remove these shorting inks, eee inserting the required resistive Toad across the terminals trhich it ts sired to angie in the cit, iis posible to aban she dytwmic characteristic oF the Valve orelectonte systemt ander test The linkin the hentereireaitenables heater current to be Monitored. thos and heater circuits respectively. The Links ied in the appropriate eircutt of the valve vnet (1) Beware of possithe high voltages on the shorting links, ©) Alvays ensure correct positioning ad security of shorting Winks specially after replacement following ne of creat breaking ast ©) Loads exer tha restive mast not be used under any circumstances. (4) Xe shovls be ated that when testing hish sain valves, principally pentodes, under dynamic Conditions, the messured value OF amsat cosdiactance may be maceurat, dependent upon the ‘Sporting conaitions selected, High values of anode losd can sntraduce strats de 0 the elect ‘of Say capacitance inthe anode clucut.Similaly the effets of anode to gew tfay capacitance shay become imporlant under an) circumstances where Mig stage sain exists. All main controls are front panel mounted and for ease of tse, itches associated with test functions have’ been mounted together and switches astOciated with electrode supplies ate aiso srouped wzetler. The Controls and their funetions are hsted below — The Circuit Setector switch This isa five position switch which determines the types of test to be undertaken on the instrument. All the necessary internal circuit connections are made automatically to sitisy the test conditions required, whilst infernal test eifcuits unnecessary to whe Patticular test in hhand are removed from the valve, The switeh positions on the CIRCUIT SELECTOR are: CHECK (C). At this position, in conjunction, with the LEAKAGE and SET ~ switches (ee below) the supply voltage ts Sek to the earvect operating value, the Valve is also suitably connected fr the cold elcctrode leakage lest, and heater continuity CHECK (H). At this position, in conjunction with the LEAKAGE switch (see below) the valve under test can be {ested for electrode leakage ith the valve hot, The supply voltage ean also be re-checked ss above, without disconnecting the Vaive heater, clh INS: AL this positon, the valve is qutomaticalty ehecked for cathode te heater insulation With the eater voltage applied. TEST: When set 10 this position and in conjunction with the ELECTRODE SELECTOR switch and orhactelevant controls the valve is tested for Its normal characteristics, Also at this position and inconjunetion with the appropriate settings of the ELECTRODE SELECTOR switch, signal diodes and rectifying valves can be checked GAS: At this position the mA meter is connected in series with the control grid connection, and a dlirectindieation of any gas current lowing willbe given on the meter. The SOA meter movement is hunted 3 provide a full seale deflection of 100nA\ Electrode Selector Switch Thisswiteh, in conjunction with the CIRCUIT SELECTOR, enables the panel meters to be associated with the anodecircutt under est, ‘Triodes, pentosesand multiple sid Saives ace checked with the ELECTRODE SELECTOR switch sel t0.a7 4", and” whilst diodes, And rectifiers are checked at positions ay. ay, ag”, and ay” as required. Set ~ Switch This switch in conjunction with the ~ position on the LEAKAGE switch enables final mains voltage adjustment (0 be made, when the CIRCUIT SELECTOR switch isin either the CHECK '(C) or CHECK TH) positions Leakage Switch This isa twelve position switch, which combined with the CIRCUIT SELECTOR, switchenables the SET ~ cortrol to be adjusted with the valve elther hot oF cold, Pfovidesan indication Of heater contimity and also enables any electrode, Irom which leakage occurs to be ascertained ‘The Felative Switch positions are as follows ~ AL this position of the switch and with the CIRCUIT SELECTOR switeh set 10 CHECK (©) or CHECK (H), (ee above under "Set~ Switch’, the SET ~ control may be adjusted to the correct ‘sperating position as indicated By the meterCHAPTER THREE — PAGE 12 FLECTRODE SUPPLIES, OTHER FACILITIES _VALVEHOLDER AND CONTROL PANELS iC). At this position with the CIRCUTT SFLECTOR switeh set to CHECK (C) heater continuity, With the valve cold, will be indicated by a short on the insulation seale of the meter EXC), “At this position with the CIRCUTT SELECTOR suizch set 10 CHECK (C), cathode leakage th ibe valve cul, will be indicated On the meter Ac all remaining nize positions of the LEAKAGE switely the electrode from which leakage may ‘occur, Wil be Indicated on the meter (with the valve either hovor gold dependent upon the position oF the CIRCUTT SELECTOR switch), Wah the CIRCUIT SELECTOR suitch set to CHECK (C) «any Teakage will be with the valve cold and with the CIRCUIT SELECTOR switch set to CHECK IT) the Tenkage indicated will be with the hearer voltage applied Meator Volts Heater voltages are selected by means of three switches, enabling a fine adjustanent of heater voltage to be obiained. One, 4 t¥elve way rotary switeh is sealed from 0 to 410 volts in ten volt steps, the second, a ten way svitch, covers 0 00.9 Soits in I yolk steps and the third switch covers 0100.9 volts n0.1 Volt steps, The valves of voltage covered by these three switches are additive, {hus the heater volkage may be set to any value between O sn 119.9 volts in increments oF O.L valts Anode and Sereen Volts ‘These switches crable the reyuisite electrode voltage between 12.6 nd 60 vols to be apied 10 sreen ara anode wales for the purpose of arTying Out Yale characteristic measurements Grid Volts Control of grid voltage is by means of a variable potentiometer and an associated four position swtci which enables the nogetive gr Volts foy te valve under test to beset up to any value Eexnicen Oran minus 100 volts. Rowe ranges ate provided, 019 3,010 10,0 (0 30, and 0 t9 10D alls. MA Switch Operation of this suitch allows the valve anode cuerent to be measured in milliamps ‘on the ranges covered By che section of the switch marked fa, .¢.3, 10, 30 and 100mA fs. (On the ranges covered by the D/R Section of this switch, diodes and rectifier are loaded for the norninal current in milliamips stated at each position, ie, 1,5, 15,30, 60, 120, and 180 mA. The quality ofthe diode'retifer is then indicated on the coloured le of the meter marked “Diodes and. Recitiers NOTE: The calibration marks on the diode rectifier switeh gre purely nominal and are approximate test currents only. ‘AC the position of this switeb marked with a dot and when the CIRCUIT SELECTOR switch is set to the TEST position, both meters are shorted out, ‘This provides protection far the meter movements during transit, MA Meter Linear scales calibrated 0 10 100 and 0 10 30 are provides for the measurement of anode and sereen current. A futher scale calibrated in megobris indicates measirements of invasion resist ance. The SET ~ position ivalso siarked on this scale at which position the mal eats ndustenent Is made. A coloured good replace scale indicates the uuality of reotiers and diodes Maer tes MALY Switch | Theswitci selects the anpcapriate scale of the mA/Y meter ‘Scale deflection. With this with Set tothe position marked°CAL 4 ealibrat mA Volt meter. At the "CAL. position the painter shouid ie on the re ‘Adjustment Is proviged by potentiometer RVI, which is visible whe from the right hind side panel of the instrument 6.6, 20 0f 6OA,V full ek is provided for the calibration line marked CAL, the plug button ts removed MAI Meter, Thismeter is provided specifically for the continuous monitoring or comparativetesting fof mutual conductance. Continuous monitoring is provided on the sgin- main seale of the meter cal- brated 0 10 6 and Q'to 20 while a second smaller seale, proportionally related to the main scale, together with a coloured good replace scale provides laclties for the comparative testing of mutual Conductance ‘With the indicating arsow on the coloured scale set to the nominal mutual conductance figuee fon the smaller calibrated scale, the dividing line between the red and green seetions of the coloured scale wil be positioned! at half this value on the main scale. Should the value of mutual conductance be less than 80%, ofthe nominal value, the meter pointer wil lie in the red zone Of the coloured Scale and a feject valve will be indicated Push Buttons The two push buttons g2 associated with the mA and mAJV switches enable sereen parameters fo be monitored on the relevani meter. With the mA switeh set to.a range in the [a Sector, {ipressing the associated 8 button monitors sereen current. Depressing the push button assowiaced with the MAIV switeh, when it iy st to ary position except the ane marked CAL, monitors the screen nuutual conductanee. Hoth Switches must be beld depressed whilst measurements are taken Lamps ‘Thered SUPPLY lanap willbe Aluminated when the mains supply i connected to the insteu mnt and the mains switet is sotto the ON position. The blue OVERLOAD lamp will be illuminated Should the safety relay be operated by a faulty valve or inadvertent overtoadCHAPTER FOUR— PAGE 13_ THE CONNECTION OF THE INSTRUMENT TO A SUPPLY VOLTAGE FINAL SETTING OF THE MAINS VOLTAGE SELECTOR PANEL PROCEDURE FOR SETTING UP VALVE BASE CONNECTIONS, OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Ascortain the vollave of the mains supply and set the MAINS VOLTAGE SELECTOR. Access to the VOLTAGE SELECTOR PANEL can be gained by removal of the left hand side panel which exposes a COARSE VOLTAGE SELECTOR marked, 110, 120, 200, 210, 220, 230 nd 240V. The fuse should be inserted in the position which is marked with the nearest valle t0 the supply voltage available, Ensure that the instrument is switched off whilst the adjustments are male, Connect the mains lead of the instrument to the power supply. Set the MAINS gwiteh on the panel to its ON" postion, and observe that the red Panel indicator faray is lluminaved. The valve to be tested should NOT be lnerted at this stage, Set the CIRCUIT SELECTOR switch to the position CHECK (C) and the LEAKAGE switch to.~" "The mA meter pointer should now move aeross the scale and come {9 rest Near {he black region ofthe insulation scale denoting zero ohms, Rotate the SET ~ control until the meter pointer 3 near as possible to the red line marked ~ in the middie of this black seale marking [the inital scting of the mains voltage selector Is correct, it wil be possible for the metet porter to be movel to either side ofthe redline using the SET ~ contro. Irth i not posible and rotation OF the SET ~ control does not enable the pointer to reach the ~ mark from either direction, then the initial mains setting should he moved Ao the next appropriate tapPing, the next higher ‘apping iF the pointer is too Tar right of the ~ mark, and in similar manner should be moved 0 the next Tower tapping i the pointer is to the let of the SET ~ mark. Once the mains voltage setting has been correctly set. provided extersive mains factugtions do not aceur, ist vollages are automatically ‘erreet throughout the instrument The procedure for setting up a valve for testis as follows:— From some suitable source ic, the ‘AVO" Valve Data Maral, Manufaeturers’ Valve Data ther Manual of Valve data, determine the pin connections for the Valve. Rotate the roller Of the VALVE PIN SELECTOR switch uml the cose umber of electrode letter combination appears in she window, reading from left to right in aecordanee with the standard pin numbering Secpience. When a valve has less tha 13 pins the fre rollers on the right of the set up combination Correspond {0 nonexsistont valve electvoes, and should be sett 0. (See also Chapter 3.) The accompanying examples show how to correlate the base pin data and the equivalant umber for various valves in common W| 2 2 6 - ~ 34 abu douanbays apoxoH = ° e000 orf 0 ° 2901 8x9 = S - - — tye - 2 o 0 oo 0 0 ore 8 0 = E & 2 o - op 3 pee I eS DY BPOULL WIL aPOI aIqnog, 2 o 0 oN tet 8 58 rie WoATBLWED OIE = q | er a 3 - —aype = ae oe te apoiued 30% z osigedwo> LV9 9 —- Be Sy 8 spolund fF PO dois aBtH P87 P | a | IMS HOLITTAS Nid GATVA SARL AATVACHAPTER FOUR — PAGE 15 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS USING THE AVO VALVE DATA MaNuaL, SETTING UP. ‘THE INSTRUMENT FROM MANUFACTURERS DATA The llowing motes efe given to assist Users of the Ave Valve Dana Manual, parti Iy when testing multiple eleetrode valves (a) Abbreviations The abbreviations in the Avo Valve Data Manual are as follows: ~ va Anode Voltaue Sr — Comirol Grit Voluage Ven — Screen Voltage Tatina, Anode (plate) Current in tig. am, ma V Motual conductance in millanmns per volt wr Heater or Filarsent Voltage i External Anode Load Resistance, ible Electrode Valves. For multiple electrade valves \ as pecifiar pontodes the firse Jing of data given for any one of these valves fares tO the Fi fier section of the valve [cl Double Flectroge Valves. When testing double electrode valves such as triode hesodes, triode pentodes, or dissimilar double pentodes, the upper Tine of data given for these partieulae valves, always applies tothe triode sevtan of the triode hexode of ode pentode oF to section of dissimilar double pentodes, The loser line of data refers to the hexode oF pentorte section fF to section 2 of double pentodes. (@)_Dissimilae Treble Pentodes, For these valves the upper line of data For any particular valve refers to section I (and ako tp section 2 of setion Jif they have the same characteristics as Section 1} The lower line oF dats applies to the resvning section, Ce) Quadruple Diodes. For a small number of these valves, ie. 6IUS, the anodes of diodes Vand 3 are coupled internally to the eathodes of Godes 2 and d, In sich eases two Valve PIs Selector switch eodings are given in order that each diode may be tested separately (1) Variations of a Basic Valve Type. These variations are indicated by a suffix 10 the basic type designation. These suffixes indicate only mechanical dflerences and. do Rot affect the Basic parameters as measured on the Valve Chagaeteristic Meer, In these cases it is company policy to indicate only the basie type in the Avo Valve Data Manual. For information we give below alist oF the suffixes in more general use>— Basie Type—61.6 included in the Avo Valye Data Manu Basie Types with suffixes —6LOA, LOB. 6L6G. GLOGT. GLOGTA, OLGW. SLOWGT SLGWGTA. These are not included inthe Avo Valve Data Maral (©) Grid Bins Voltage Not Given, Forsomve valvesa grid bias voltage isnot given as manufacturers alo not recommend the use of a fixed bias voltage for these valves. This applies particulaely the cave of high slope. frame grid valves when a very small change in gud voltage WouLL result inva very great increase in anode current, To these cases itis sugested that the grid voltage is adjusted ttl the correct vale of anode eurrent i obtained. (5) Tuning Indicators, Valve Data for tuning indicators is now contained in the main section cof the Valve Data Manual and not in the appendix as in the Valve Data Manual for the VOM Mkt The targst volts are given in the Vyy column, and the value Of Wad Fistor in the Addenda column {i) tn the column headed "Top Cap’, figuees are inserted in pa of elesirodes. to conform sith the e raving. on the roller selectors. For A valve having no lop ep the coUe “00 is used The following notes are given Lo assist users of lata other than the Avo Valve Dats Mania (0) For valves with pins which are internally connected, the approntiate roller of the valve Pin lector switch should be seta! 0. (b) Wusing data sued by United States or other mangticturers the term “transconductance replaces “mutual vonductance™. Transconductanee (given i) micromhos) divated by 1000, saves mutual conductance in mA'V, he “Transconductance (mieromhos) maCHAPTER FOUR — PAGE 16 SETTING ELECTRODE VOLTAGES INSULATION CHECKS WITH THE VALVE coLD INSULATION CHECKS WITH THE VALVE HOT CATHODE TO HEATER, INSULATION CHECK MEASUREMENT OF MUTUAL CONDUCTANCE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS fc) When testing triode hesode valves which have the grid of the triode section internally eon anced tothe injector ara of the hexoMe, the valve Pin Selecsor switch should be yet up normally fer tte inde section. However when setting 27 tte hevoue section, the eri wf the triode sec tion shoul be strapped to the gxd of the hexose section, (Le. set 10,position 5). This removes {he SOV Blas Mom I injector grid of the hexsue section, Since the bias has now been removed ‘rom the ode grid, the triode anode must be disconnected by sothing the roller to 0. Failure 10 do this will result in excessive anode current and will modify the anode current reading For the hexode section {d) When the geid voltage is not stated, but a value of exthode bias resistor is given, one of two methods sbould be tsed, 3) Catoulgte the voltage drop across the resistor using the formula (la + Ia) Re on are in mA and Rk is in ohms: Gi) Set the grid voltage to zero and connect the eathode bis across the cathode link on the yalveholder panel. On completion of the test, che eathode resistor should be removed From the link fo) Some manufacturers quoce a positive grid voltage together with a cathode bias resistor value. Ini be found that ifthe voltage developed across the resistor is subtracted from the positive oltage, a negative voltage will result I1 iy this negative voltage Which should be set-an the Nezative Grid Volts control, (0) Heater current should be limited to SA for heater voltages of up to 9.9V. For voltages above Uhl, heater eurrent should be limited 10 3A. When valves with substantially high heater currents are under test the volt drop in the test circuit may be appreciable. This may be compen Shted for by ihereasing the heater volts by 0.1 to.0.2 volts per ampere of the Nominal heater current. Hf desired, heater volts may be monitored with a substandard ac. voltmeter, by upping the appropriate pins of the valveholer adjacent to the valve under test From the Avo Valve Data Manual or Manufacturers’ data, ascertain the electrode voltages: for the valve under test. Set the heater, grid, anode and sereen voltage switches to the correct value for the valve under test and insert the saive in the appropriate valveholder. Wile the CIRCUIT SELECTOR switch at CHECK (C) rotate the LEAKAGE switeh clockwise through its various eloctrode positions starting at postion h{C). At this postion the meter Should indicate a short on the insulation resistance scale confirming heater continuity. AL any other position any reading obtained on the insulation scale of the meter will indicate an electrode Insulation breakdown, Set the CIRCUIT SELECTOR switch to CHECK (H). Allow sufficient time for the valve heater to warm up. Rotate the LEAKAGE switch clockwise through the grid and anode positinns Any eating onthe insulation sete of the meter wll denote an ekeeode insulation breakdown i ‘megohms Set the CIRCUIT SELECTOR to eit ENS, At this position the cathode to heater insulavion Figure with the valve heater het wit be directly indicated on the insulation resistance seafe of the mA mieter, Its not pessibie {0 slate a rejection figure for a valve under test, for such a faut will be of considerable mportance in Some cvs, wast in other cess presence has vitsly no Con sequence at all Where an appreciable potential exists between heater and eathode such as for instance, in cathode follower circuits, oF dic, valve amplifiers, the presence of a heater (0 eathode breakdown, fo the order of megohms, can offen give rise (0 quite serious trouble. Heater to eathode insulation ‘breakdown, either permanent oF variable, can also give rise t0 noise in valve amplifier circuits, I, fon the other hand, she value of the external cathode to heater cicuit resistance is only of the order ‘a few hundred ohms, then a cathode to heater insulation breakdown of the order of fractions of a mogohm or greater need not give rise 0 serious trouble. Having completed the inter-elecwrode insulation checks, some or all of the valve mutual ‘conductanee characteristics would normally be measured, This may take the form of the complete plotting of one or all tite characteristtes, OF the measurement of fs mutual conductance. All these require eperarion of the main voltage and meter controls and it is essential 0 ensure that all the reguasite controls are correctly st. This applies to the setting ofthe Grid, Screen and Anode voltage Controls, the mA switch and the ELECTRODE SELECTOR switch, In particular, Where the probableCHAPTER FOUR — PAGE 17 VALVE CHARACTERISTIC MEASUREMENTS OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS anode current of a valve is unknown, the mA ssiteh should be set 10 100MA, to avoid possible Sarmage 10 tho meter movement ifthe current owing exceeds the MA switch setting, The MA switch may be Sot subsequently to lower Tull scale current if required. A silicon diode connected in the shune eross the meter terminals provides some degree of protection against overloading the Tacter For mutual conductance teiting the instrament shonld be set up as follows: Set Grid, Sereen and Anode voltage to the value indicated in the Valve Data Manual. Set the ELECTRODE SELECTOR to the desired anode, the mA switch to the appropriate 1a range, find the CIRCUIT SELECTOR switch to TEST, This las switching operation applics electrode ‘Voltages to the valve, Anode current will be indicated on the appropriate mA meter scale and the ‘value of mutual conduetanee will be displayed on the mA/ Vol meter. Further sections of the valve may be tested with the ELECTRODE SELECTOR set to other appropriate anode posiions iy depressing the gy button, screen current or sereen munual eonductanee will be displayed. The push buttons must be held depressed whilst measurements are taken NOTE: Should she overload relay operate, indicated by lighting of the blue OVERLOAD lamp), switeh off and check for incorreet setting of the SELECTOR switch or electrode voltages, I these re correct but the Felay continues 10 operate when the instrament Is sitehed on again, the Valve |S probably soft (gass3) and the test should proceed no further. Switch of and remove the valve lund test. When switched on again the instrument should funetion normally ‘To check the relative goodness of the valve, using the coloured comparison scale ascertait the rated vale of valve mutual conductance from the Avo Valve Data Manual or manufacturers’ data and set the arrow of the coloured scale on the MA/V meter to this figure on the smaller scale, This will automatically set the dividing line between the red and srcen sections of the coloured seale, at $0% Of this value on the main seale, i.e. if the arrow is set to three on the smaller scale the dividing line betwoen the red and green sections willie at"1,5" on the raain scale, Ifthe meastred mutual conductance i less than 500% of the rated figure the meicr pointer will in the red Or reject section of the scale tf However, the measired vane of mutual conductanse is greater than 30% of the rated value the meter pointer will he ia the "GOOD" section of the coloured scale. To provide more comprehensive information, the plotting of one, of 2 fargily of mutual characterises, ean be readily. undertaken with this Valve Charaetersce Meter. The CIRCUIT SELECTOR should be sel to position TEST when the value of the appropriate electrode currents ‘abe plotted relative to the setting of the associaced electrode voltage switches. -Is/Ve curves will be taken at predetermined setting oF aiade andior screen volts, the reading. of the aftode current obtained being plotted against the setting on the variable g¢d bias controls. Similarly 1a)Va curves ‘will require a hxed setting of grid bias, anode current being plovted against the selting of the anode Voltage switch, For characteristic curves for the screen g) of the valve the push bution associated With the MA switch will need to be operated. Dynamic characteristics may be plotted similarly using selected anode and cathode loads connected at the appropriate links on the Valve Panel. When setting up for these tests the Following, points should be noted (a) A capacitor should not be included in the cathode load as this could result in smoothing of the cathode waveform, and resultant errors in measurements, (®) When setting Vi it may be necessary to make allowance for the voltage dropped across the ceathode foal 8. From the Ave Valve Data Manual the test data for a Valve Type ECC 34 is:— Va Io volts, la 10m Assuming an Itk Of 500.2, the voltage dropped across Rk would be SV. In this instance the GRID VOLTS control should be set to ITV to provide the required Vg of 16 volts, (©) For the tetrode and pentode testing the circuit is arranged such that the screen is not decoupled, and this should not be attempted: Additional information for multiple or special types of valve will be found in subsequent notes.MEASUREMENT ‘OF GRID CURRENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR TESTING SPECIFIC TYPES CHECKING | POWER RECTIFIERS, CHECKING SIGNAL DIODES MULTIPLE DIODES AND RECTIFIERS. (2,00, DDD, DOD. F. AA) DIODES AND RECTIFIERS, COMBINED WITH OTHER ELECTRODE ASSEMBLIES (01, 90r. por. DP. DBP. Bre CHAPTER FOUR— PAGE 18 Se OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS The measureient of grid current may be made afer measuring the mutual conductance, "is measurement Should not be mage where an apparent fat in the valve has Previously caused the protective telay to operate {probably due to softness), With the CIRCUIT SELECTOR switeh set to GAS, the oneter will inbicete grid current lirectly in UA, The meter reads & maximum of 104A Ese but itis not possible to state the value ‘sl sbieh valve Becomes tseless due to presence of air This will depend entirely upon the circuit fn which I is 10 Be used ‘The function of a valve, as distinet from the type number given to it by its manufacturer js indieated by a symbol in the form of letlers appearing at the right of the test data given in the SAVO" publications, eg, a hall wave fectifier is marked "R° whilst a full wave rectifier is designated by "RR" Ina similar manner, diode valves are shown by the letter "D’, the umber of the diode clements being indicated by the nunber of 'Ds’-e.g,, DDD" refers to a tiple diode, ‘The testing of rectifying valves should ideally be assoviated with the reguicements of the circuit in which they are to operate. In mast cases Uhroughout the “AVO" Valve Daes anual, the fare quoted denotes the standard emission per anode tO be expected From the type of valve under Insulation checks may be made as already described, The mA switch has a nuniber of postions grouped together and lagetied Dj, the figure marke! in these positions being the emission i mA. expected ger anode of the valve under test. To check joad current the mA switch should be set to the load corrent given for the valve in the Valve Data Manual. Set CIRCUIT SELECTOR to TEST and the ELECTRODE SELECTOR either (0 ag’ in the case of @ half wave rectifier, or ay’ then fg” for a full wave rectifier. The quality of the valve wil then he indicated directly on the replace {Rood scale of the mA meter “The setting of the nvA switch can either be determined from the tabulated data given, oF can alternatively, be related, to the total current that the valve is requited to deliver. Thus, on'a piece ff equipment where the total h.t. drain on the rectifier is SOmA, then a rectifier load wetting of 60 Wil be an adequate test of the valve's cmisswve slate, assuming that {tis 2 fall wave rectifier ‘Alternatively, irthe valve isa new one, the maker's rating for maximum load current can be weed the basis for Setting the mA site, Inthe case of full wave recites, eash anode of the valve is rated independently and the setting f the and santch should ingiate ba the total wale of the current which the valve should WeCtiected 0 deliver im Tall wave retfereiteutceg..a wale rated at manrnum of Om A woul BE feted ith each anode atthe ebm’ postion. The Toad rating gen m te Valse Data Maral iS he oad per anode Sigoal diodes are checked in exactly the same manner ay rectifiers, except that the WA switeh is always set to | oF S according to the anode current figures given in the data, (Where “AVO" Valve Data does not give a current igure for a diode, its always chiecked with the meter switch Set 10 i Im position). ‘The testing of multiple diodes and cectfiers & carried ou jn the manner already explained, the ELECTRODE SELECTOR tuing used to select the particular diode oF Tectifer Seetton, the emission of which i indicated on the MA meter replace|good scale, Combined diodes and amplifying valves are represented in the type column of the Data by ‘DT; DDT and “DODT: for diode triodes, double diode triodes and triple diode teiodes, whilst “DP"and "DDP indicates diode pentodes and double diode pentodes and DTP" diode triode pentoves ‘The testing of the separate sections of each valve is carried out in rotation with the CIRCUIT. SELECTOR at TEST and the ELECTRODE SELECTOR at position a, a” or a” as required ‘The rotation of the ELECTRODE SELECTOR to the ag’, ag", ag!” of ag"”” position will automatically set the instrament in readiness for testing the selected diode with the mA switch set to Ton the DIR scale ‘An indication of failing emission sift probably give the most useful results, As a subsequent test, therefore, itis helpful t0 note the anode current atthe rated test figures with the norninal heater Voltage applic, and then to decrease the heater voltage by approximately 13", for a short period. in the case of valve wit a failing emission, the decrease in cathode temperature will result in an exenive decease m the anode cuter, coraierably greater tha the percentage deteas n heater voitageCHAPTER FOUR — PAGE 19 _ OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS CHECKING coup CATHODE RECTIFIERS (CCR) DOUBLE TRIODES AND DOUBLE PENTODES (Tr, PP) FREQUENCY CHANGERS (H. TH, 0, TP.) CHECKING TUNING INDICATORS, m) THYRATRONS, NEON INDICATING LAMPS, ‘Cold cathode rvctties, designated by yhe symbol "CCR" can be tested in a similar manne, but in this instance, limiting fegstanoe f require tn the anode cireult. Values of anode voltage. ‘approsimate anode current and Wad Resistance are given in the Valve Date Manual. The anode Shorting link should be Ternoved and the recommended value of load resistor should be commect across the terminals, Done triodes and double pentodes aze indicated by the leters ‘TT’ and *PP*, each section being tested in the noemal manner. Seleetion ol each assembly is made by the rotation of the ELEC. TRODE SELECTOR switch to a” anda” (acetion under test), When double valves are used i class oF “balanced! eircutts, close mateh of the characteristics of both halves is estentiah When measuring the screen current of double pentodes having either common or separate screen grids and separate control grids, it fecessary 10 switeh froM a” 10 2” in order to Iranspose the bias and cut-off voltages from the contol grids. When testing valves having a common conical ‘grid but Separate sereen grids, i 1s necessaty t0 Open eireuit the anode and sareen not being teste Stherwise the measured curzent will apply 10 both sections “These valves are tested as two separate assemblies, separate data being given for in the Valve Data Mavi The ELECTRODE SELECTOR should be set to a’ when checking the triode section and 10 a" when cheeking the pentode section. ch assembly ‘Tuning indicators (magic eyes) are tested with the contro set to the figures given in the ata table, the SCREEN VOLTS switch being used to obtain target volts {Wgp in the Avo Valve Data Manual) and the appropriate anode load inserted in accordance with the value shown i the saldencla column. At the approximate bias given in the table the Ifioe section should be at "eut-atl and the eye fully closed. Reducing the grid bias to zero, the eye should open fully and the value ot the anode curren should approximate (0 that appearing in the table (where given). In the case of double sensitivity indicators giving multiple images responding to diferent sensitivities. (Wo sels of data (where possible) are given, the fast set referring to the more sensitive indication. Small thyratrons can be checked by comparison, if set up as a normal triode. but with & Limiting resistor included in the anode link, the eontrol ratio being indicated by a compar’son between, the peak value of the applied anode voltage and the setting ofthe grid bias conteal which Will prevent the Salve striking and passing anode current. It must be emphassel, however, that Yee main vale of sch a testis i comparison only as the hold-olf grid bias value shown on the grid bias conteol is only approximately hail that of the bias which would normally be required to hl off the anode furrent of the valve at the peak anode voltage in question, In the data columns where information iS'given on the common thyratrons, it ill be seen that this comprises a VALVE PIN SELECTOR Such number, Heater vollage, Ane voltage, expected Anode current, and the vale of the limiting resistor required which will be found in Me addenda column. The resistor should be of suitable ‘wattage rnd connected geross the fink terminals before the valve js inserted in its holder. Grid volts Should be at their maximum setting. Wah the mA suitch set 10100" 09 the la section, the ELEC RODE SELECTOR at a’ and the CIRCUIT SELECTOR at TEST, the bias om the valve should bbe reduced until the valve strikes and anode current flows. A good valve will pas, approximately the anode current given in the data. (If necessary reduce setting of mA souiteh.) This test ts suitable as stemission check on thyratrans Used in Television and commercial radio equipment Neon indicators may be (ested for striking, by setting up the VALVE, PIN SELECTOR switch $0 that anode and cathode pins of the tube are sel to 8 and T respectively. all other rollers being connected 10 0, A suitable load resistor (sormally Between $,000 and 15,000 ohms) should be {Included in the anode circuit fink and the anode voltage switch shoud be set 10.8 peak value as near a possible 10 (and in no cases lower than) the striking Vollage ef the neon in question. ‘The striking ‘tthe neon wil of course be indicated by a passage of anode current. The mA switch should be set (0 "100" on the Ta section. It should be noted that where the anode voltage refers 10 the peak applies Voltage, as in the ease of thyratrons and neons, the actual peak volage applied 10 the valve s higher than the indication on the anode voltage switch, To obtain the peak voltage cquivalemt to a given seiting of the anode voltage switch the figure shown on the switch should be multiplied by appro ‘ately 1.5: thus with the anode voltage switeh sotto rebresent a dc, voltage of TOY the peak applied voltage is approximately 150. Tis not recommeruded that Neon seferenoe OF stabiliser tubes are tested on this instrument asthe valve manufacturers’ state that the application of ae. potentials may damage the valve under tesCHAPTER FOUR — PAGE 20 GENERAL PRECAUTIONS To BE OBSERVED WHEN USING THE VALVE CHARACTERISTIC METER _ OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS |r be realised that when ding with an instrament such as the Valve Characteristic Meter ‘wis sucltexbility of contro, its alyost impossible o protect the instrument tO sueh an extere chat the operator cansor cause damage to either the valve OF the instrument by some combination oF rong setting of the controls oF meornect use of the isteunyent. His, Hhersio‘e, important That the arrest procete, as previously outlined shoul! be used tn the sequence of the fess applied, Valves Should he tested Tor insulation oF byewkdowin before Full voltages are applied for characteristic tess, Where any doubt whatever exists as to the probable elgetroe current likely to be passed, the mA ssitch, should abways de Set to Hs highest curreat vange ahd then gradually reduced i tnder to faciinate reading of the ectrode eurrent In experimental work where a variable voltage is required vo be applied to the anode oF screen electrodes the valve, always start with the Jowct volage tapings afl (oorease only afer Goeeect fidjusiments inive been made to the MA switch fo ensure that the meter cireult Is HOt Overouded by an unknown current, Alays make sure that the VOLTAGE SELECTOR switches have been correctly forthe salve before the instrument is switched on again. [n this respect it is good practice 10 fetumn the VOLTAGE SELECTOR switches 10 their minimum posiuon (particularly HEATER VOLTAGE swiiches) after a test as been applied and before 2 new valve isnserted Toke eare in setting the VALVE PIN SELECTOR switch to avoid wrongly connecting the electrodes of the valve under test. In this respeet the automtatie cutout ts advantageous in that it Will Usually protect a valve if igh tension voltage is inadvertently applied tO the heater by incorrect ctting of the switch But if must be pointed out that after the swnitch is correctly set, nothing ca ive the heate? from Being burnt out If an overload heater voltage is applied by inebreect Setting Df the heater Voltage switches, Do not apply test voltage t0 the valve without ensuring, that where necessary, top eap con. sections have Been correctly made, as a valve can often be lerepatably damaged By running it With ie grid or anode wrongly connected, Where a valve appears to be performing abnormally, as indicated for instance by a contin \yously rising or failing anode current which does not attain a condition of stability, do fot leave the valve on test for a igng period £0 sce wht will ultimately happen, as this will in all probability Fesult in the damaging of the valve due (o excessive currents in the and or sorcen cireuits, In general iis nor necessary or helpful {0 leave a valve oa test for a considerably longer period than Is, necessary to vomplete the test in question, ‘ioally it must be strossed that whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of this publication and the “AVO" Valve Data Manual, to ensure that all data given Ts correct ay far as is Known at the time of going to press i is not fnpossible that sith the many thousands of figures Savolved, errors will have erept in. The nanufyctarers’ cannot hold themselves responsible clamage that might ooeue to a valve oF to tke instrument from such 4 cause F anyCHAPTER FIVE—PAGE 21 ABBREVIATED OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ALL VALVES muTvaL CONDUCTANCE GAS TEST pioves RECTIFIERS: For convenience, we give below an abbreviated list of instructions butt before switehing ON thy fll operating instructions should be read and always be used for reference when testing unusual types of valves (1) Check mains adjustment tap and connect mains lead to supply. 2) Set CIRCUIT SELECTOR 10 CHECK (©) ant FLECTRODE SELECTOR wo a” (3) Set HEATER VOLTS to value indieated tg Valve Data 4) Sst GRID, SCREEN gad ANODE VOLTS to values indicated in Valve Data (5) 88 VALVE BIN SELECTOR switch as ineted tn Valve Baa and ensure fat the inks ate tight. (With LEARAGE switch set x0 ~, switch on and adiust pointer te pasition by means of SET ~ switch, (1) Insert valve and migike any cop cap connections if required 2) Fully eotate LEAKAGE switch, Check Feater cominuty at MC) and insulation onal other positions Q) SCCIRCULT SELECTOR to CHECK (H) to measure leakage with valve hot (8) Turn CIRCUIT SELECTOR tw c/h INS wo measure leakage between, heater and eathade with the valve hot. (if valve is indirectly heated.) TRIOPES, DOUBLE TRIODES, DOUBLE TRIQDE PENTODES, DOUBLE PENTODES DIODE PENTODFS, AND ‘TETRODES IN SIMILAR COMBINATION. ANODE CURRENT, | Set ELECTRODE SELECTOR to a! and CIRCUIT SELECTOR to TEST. The MA meter should then indicate ‘Anode Curcent’. Reduce MA switch setting i required. NOTE If the blue OVERLOAD lamp js illuminated, switch off and check for incorrect setting of VALVE PIN SELECTOR switei or panel controls. Hf ail comols are eoreet and Tansy continues to light when instrument is switched! on again, the valve is probably soit and the test should Be Siscommves. ‘With all coptrols Set as doc anode current measurement, the mutual conductance will be indicated on the special mA/V meter. To use the comparisan scale, set the Nominal mA/Y calibrated SEH tothe mutual conductance gure sven nthe Valve Data If he measur pata conductance 'Siless than 30% of this igure the meter pointer wil lie in the red portion Of the scale Ad & Fe valve will be indicated. ~ me For multiple valves check data if different for other sections, Set the CIRCUTT SELECTOR switch back 10 eh INS and sel up appropriate voltages for the next section. Set the ELECT RODE, SELECTOR oa” and then repeat fOr” if applicable Vo qeasure grid current set CIRCUIT SELECTOR to position GAS. Meter will now indicate gas current, Tull seale Indication being 10OA, ‘To check diodes turn the ELECTRODE SELECTOR to ay’ and mA switen to mA, on DIR scale (unless otherwise iicated in Valve Data). Turn CIRCUIT SELECTOR (0 TEST, ‘The condition of he valve wil now be given om the REPLACE GOOD seale of the meter, For multiple diodes check as required at ay”, ay"” and ag” positions of the ELECTRODE SELECTOR, “fo check rectifiers, set ELECTRODE SELECTOR to ay! apd set anode loading given in Valve Data oat D/H sectiod of the mA switeh. Turn CIRCUIT SELECTOR to TEST. The condition of the valve will now be indicated on REPLACE/GOOD seale of the mA meter. Load reading 1s per anode. Check full wave retiiers at position aq’ and ay” of ELECTRODE SELECTOR switeh, [Av the completion of tests all switches should be set 10 their lowes value:PAGE 22 FIGURES 4 & 5 2N2596 (ALL EXCEPT BROWN rigurea AMPLIFIER CIRCUIT DIAGRAM yy a ‘a C me | F SZacn 8 OV RIS, i osc aw 2 BO eB aaee a : POWER UNIT 44 ose risures OSCILLATOR AND POWER UNIT CIRCUIT DIAGRAMFIGURE 6 fF DIAGRAM: VALVE CHARACTERISTIC METER TYPE VCM 163 \