Hickok 510X-530 Tube Tester Manual
Hickok 510X-530 Tube Tester Manual
Hickok 510X-530 Tube Tester Manual
FOR
MODELS 510X-530
SERIAL NO.________________
SIGNED:______________________
SERIAL NO.________________
SIGNED:______________________
IMPORTANT
There are two rectifier tubes, an 83 and a 5W4, necessary to operate this tester. They
are not included, and we want you to know what they are. The price of the tester is
based upon not furnishing them. Also, to avoid breakage in shipment. See following
pages for details. NOTE: Pages 1 to 13 inclusive, together with Dwg, 289w1, 325W
apply to 530 tester. Pages 1 to 20 inclusive together with Dwg. 289w1, 325W,
310W2 apply to 510X testers.
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1. There are two rectifier tubes, an 83 and a 5W4, necessary to operate this tester.
They are not included, and we want you to know what they are. The price of the
tester is based upon not furnishing them. Also, to avoid breakage in shipment. See
paragraph 3 below.
(a) The Selectors "A" and "B" control the socket contacts. Plate, Grid, Cathode,
etc., are led to any combination of socket contacts as required. These switches are
fully wired but only slightly more than one-third of the available combinations are
used with tubes announced. The master switch (see page 14) must be set on TUBE
TEST when instrument is used as a tube tester.
(b) The Center switch in the top row controls the filament voltage. The 530 and
510X testers are now equipped to test tubes with filament voltages up to 117 volts.
(c) The Potentiometer "L" controls the sensitivity of this meter. When set at 60
(Gm) the scale is read in micromhos from 0-3000. When set at 71 the micromho
3
scale reads from 0-6000. When set at 77 the micromho scale reads 0-15,000. The
other settings for the left potentiometer as given in the chart after each type of tube
are used when it is required that a good tube read in the green sector of the meter.
This Red-Green scale is the so-called English Reading Scale. This scale is used
when testing tubes for customers who know nothing about micromhos. As an
example, a No. 24 tube when the left potentiometer is set at 60, should read 1000
micromhos, but when the left potentiometer is moved to 42, as given in the chart
under “L” settings, the meter should read in the green sector. In either case, the
reading is dynamic mutual conductance. These "L" settings for the various types
of tubes are chosen so that a power tube will be rejected when it is down 25%, and
an amplifier tube when it is down 20% below standard. (Manufacturers
Specifications). This dual scale feature is found only in Hickok instruments.
(d) The Potentiometer "R" controls the "C” bias on the tube. Different tubes are
operated at different values of "C" bias. A change in "C" bias causes a change in
mutual conductance. The "R" settings as given in the chart are correct for each
type of tube and are the same whether using the micromho or English Reading
scales.
(e) The Short Test-Tube Test Switch enables checks for shorts to be made
before making the regular tube test. Turn the switch through the positions 1-2-3-4-
5 while watching the neon short lamp. If the lamp burns continuously in any one of
these positions the tube contains a "SHORT". An instantaneous flash as the switch
is moved from one position to another is to be disregarded. That is caused by the
charging of a condenser in the circuit. Intermittent shorts can be, detected by
tapping the tube with the finger. If tube is found to be free from shorts turn switch
to Tube Test position for regular tube test. See Noise Test.
(f) The Short Lamp is a 1/4 watt, 110 volt, candelabra base neon signal lamp
made by The General Electric Company. This lamp will last indefinitely unless
broken.
(g) The Fuse Lamp is a standard No. 81, single contact auto bulb. This can be
procured from any auto dealer or gasoline station attendant. This fuse lamp is in
the primary circuit of the transformer.
(h) Line Adjustment. This control is a rheostat in primary circuit of the
transformer. Set master switch at bottom of panel on TUBE TEST. Press Line
Test button and adjust knob until pointer of meter 1s exactly over the mark "LINE
TEST" on the dial. Make this adjustment while the tube being tested is in the
socket.
(i) The ON-OFF switch is for turning power on or off.
(j) There are two push buttons marked “Rectifier Test.” The one marked
"ST'D" (standard) is for all standard filament or heater type rectifier tubes. The
button marked 0Z4 is used when testing the gaseous rectifiers 0Z3 and 0Z4 made
4
Due to the success of the Hickok line of Dynamic Mutual Conductance Tube
Testers, some of our competitors are attempting to mislead the public by calling
their product "Dynamic Mutual Conductance" testers. Do not be fooled - unless
the tester reads in actual micromhos it is not a dynamic mutual conductance tester.
The three principal characteristics of a vacuum tube are amplification factor, plate
resistance and mutual conductance. To measure the amplification factor or plate
resistance alone will not give a measure of the value of the tubes as an amplifier,
but mutual conductance is tied in such a way with amplification factor and plate
resistance that mutual conductance is the quotient of amplification factor divided
by plate resistance. In the form of an equation, it will look like this:
𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 =
𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟
WHERE: Gm is mutual conductance.
Mu is amplification factor
rp is plate resistance.
The above figure represents a conventional stage of resistance coupling. The gain
for this stage is the product of the resistance, R, multiplied by the Mutual
Conductance in mhos of the tube T1. Suppose R is 100,000 ohms and the mutual
conductance of T1 is 750 micromhos, then:
100,000 x .00075 = 75. which is the gain. If the mutual conductance were 700
micromhos, the gain would be 70. etc. There is no correlation between emission
and gain.
NOISE TEST
7. That you may demonstrate in a very convincing way the effects of a noisy
tube in a radio receiver, we have incorporated in the circuit of the 510X and 530 a
simple but effective noise test.
The following diagram which explains its operation also shows you how this test
may, in a few minutes time, be installed in any of our previous models of tube
testers which have the neon short test.
In the 510X and 530 testers, the pin jack to the LEFT is to be connected to ANT.
post of radio receiver.
As the Short Test switch on the tube tester is rotated through the points 1-2-3-4-5,
tap the tube under test with the fingers. Any loose or jangling elements will cause
loud crashes of static in the loudspeaker. Sixty cycle hum cannot get through the
R.F. stages of the radio receiver.
8
BALLAST TUBES
INSTRUCTIONS FOR TESTING "BALLAST TUBES” ON THE 530 and 510X
In the following chart of settings, an "X" under any "Short Switch" position
indicates that neon lamp will light in that position with Selectors A and B set as
shown following the tube type number.
Certain ballast tubes having complicated internal connections, such as the K36H,
have three selector settings for complete test.
Noisy ballast tubes are detected by using the Noise Test, same as for other tubes.
Tap tube with fingers while making test.
BALLAST TUBES
TUBE TYPE SELECTOR SHORT SWITCH POSITION
A B 1 2 3 4 5
A1-1B1-1C1-1E1-1F1-1G1-1J1- 1 1 X X X X
1K1-1L1-1N1-1P1-1Q1-1R1G-
1S1G-1T1G-1U1G-1Vl-1Yl-1Zl-2
2UR224 3 1 X X X X X
2UR212 2 12 X X X X X
3 2 X X X X X
3 1 1 X X X X
03G 1 1 X X
4-5 1 1 X X X X
6-133 1 1 X X
6-6AA 1 1 X X X X
7-8-9 1 1 X X X X
10A – 10AG 1 1 X X
10AB 1 1 X X X X
K17B – M17C – BM17C 3 1 X X X X X
4 4 X X X X
M17HG – M17H 5 1 X X X
7 12 X X X X X
K23B – K23C –KX23B – KX30C 3 1 X X X X X
4 4 X X X X
M30H 5 1 X X X
7 12 X X X X X
30A – K30A 1 1 X X
K30D 3 1 X X X X X
3 12 X X X X X
33A-33AG 1 1 X X
K34B 3 1 X X X X X
36A 1 1 X X
K36B-BK36B-L36B-M36C-BM- 3 1 X X X X X
36C-L36C-KX36C
KX36A 1 1 X X X X
36D-L36D 3 1 X X X X X
3 12 X X X X X
4 2 X X X X X
L36DJ 7 5 X X X X X
8 12 X X X X X
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MODELS AC-51, AC51X, T53, 530, 610 AND 510X TUBE TESTERS.
1. When operating as a tube tester, the master switch in the lower right-hand
corner of the panel is set on TUBE TEST. The capacity switch is set on NORMAL
at all times except when measuring capacity.
The analyzer section of the 510X is entirely independent of the tube test section
but employs the same indicating meter.· The rectifying elements used in this tester
when measuring A.C. voltages are type 6H6 diodes instead of the usual copper
oxide rectifiers. In the tube test position of the master switch, the heaters of the
diodes are not connected. On ohms and volts, the heaters of the diodes are
connected in circuit. It requires approximately 10 seconds for the diodes to reach
normal operating temperature. An entirely new patented circuit is employed in the
analyzer section of the 510X which avoids the disadvantages of the copper oxide
rectifiers, at the same time securing a linear scale for A.C. volts.
2. The lower center of the tube tester panel there are three rows of pin jacks. The
top row is used in measuring D.C. volts. The middle row is used in measuring
A.C. volts and the bottom row in measuring ohms and milliamperes.
VOLTS D.C.
3. Set the master switch on volts D.C. The pin jack in the .top row at the left is
negative. The ranges secured are 0-20, 0-200, 0-500 and 0-1000 volts. The pin
jack numbered 200, 500 and 1000 are common to both D.C. and A.C. volts. The
meter resistance is 1000 ohms per volt on both D.C. and A.C. ranges.
VOLTS A.C.
4. Power must be turned on for A.C. volts in order to heat the 6H6 diode tubes.
Set capacity switch on NORMAL. The pin jack to the left of the middle row
marked plus-minus is the common terminal. When using the 20 volt range, the
master switch is set on volts A.C. 20. Ten seconds must be allowed for the diode
tubes to heat. 'When using the A.C. voltage range 200 or higher, the master switch
is set on volts A.C. 200 - 500 - 1000.
OHMS.
5. Ohms are measured in three overlapping ranges, the center scale readings of
which are respectively 30, 300 and 30,000 ohms. The scale on the meter is read
directly when the master switch is set on ohms X1 and the connecting leads are
placed in the corresponding pin jacks. To measure lower resistance, move
connector lead from pin jack marked X1 to the pin jack -:- 10. Then the center
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scale reading is 30 ohms. In this position, resistance as low as 1/10 ohm can be
estimated. The third range on the ohmmeter multiplies the scale by 100 . In this
range, the center reading of the scale is 30,000 ohms. The connecting leads are
placed in the corresponding pin jacks. In this position, resistances as high as 5
megohms can be measured. 5 megohms is the mark on the meter scale midway
between 20,000 and INF. To operate, throw the master switch to the range desired.
The pointer of the meter will move to the end of the “Ohms” scale marked infinity
(INF.) By means of the “Line Adjustment” knob, bring the pointer exactly over
the "INF" mark. Resistance is then determined by connecting the flexible lead
wires to the resistor being measured and noting the reading of the meter on the
ohm scale.
CAPACITY
7. (1) Set the master switch on the "Ohms X100" and adjust meter to "INF.”
(2) Throw master switch to volts A.C. 20-CAP.
(3) Place the connecting loads in pin jacks marked “capacity”
(4) The capacity scale on the meter is numbered from 0 to 24 microfarads.
For electrolytic condensers, set the capacity switch on Capacity X1.
Capacity can then be read directly in microfarads on the scale of the meter.
In checking smaller condensers, set the capacity switch on capacity -:- 10.
The scale reading is then, of course, divided by 10.
NOTE: Set Fil. Switch on "OFF" when checking capacity.
INDUCTANCE
8. In measuring the inductance of choke coils, place the connecting lead in the
pin jacks marked "CAPACITY". Adjust to INF. as for capacity. Set the capacity-
switch on Capacity -:- 10. Connect the ends of the leads to the terminals of the
choke and read the capacity scale on the meter.
EXAMPLE: If the meter reads .4 microfarads, divide this into 7.04 which gives
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17.6 Henries. In like manner, when measuring chokes of any size divide the
reading in microfarads into 7.04, which will give the result in Henries.
EXAMPLE: If the choke coil has a D.C. resistance of 300 ohms, connecting a 4
1/2 volt dry battery in series will allow 15 milliamperes of direct current to flow
thru the coil.
MILLIAMPERES D C.
9. To measure D.C. milliamperes, set the master switch on ohms -:- 10.
There are two scales available for D.C. milliamperes, namely, 0-20 and 0-200. To
use the 0-20 scale, the pin jack marked “ohms 0” is the negative terminal. The pin
jack marked “ohms -:- 10” is the positive terminal. The capacity switch must, of
course be set on Normal. Milliamperes are read on the voltmeter scale numbered
0-20. To use the 0-200 milliampere scale, the pin jack marked "Ohms 0" is
negative and the pin jack marked “MA-200” is positive. Milliamperes in this case
are read on the voltmeter scale numbered 0-200.
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DECIBELS
10. The term decibel replaces the former transmission unit (T.U.) which was
introduced by the American Tele. & Tele. Company as a measure of the smallest
increment of power that the normal human ear could detect. Thus, if the power on
a radio set is increased by the smallest amount that the ear can detect as being
louder, the power has been increased by 1 decibel. This is represented by plus 1
decibel. Conversely: if the power is increased by the smallest amount, it is
represented by -1 decibel. The term is thus seen to be purely relative and the point
selected for comparison, zero decibels, can be any level of power. However, it has
been agreed that zero decibels shall be represented by the power expanded by 1.73
volts across a resistance of 500 ohms, or 6 milliwatts. This voltage is the A.C.
component, and must be measured by a meter that does not respond to direct
current, if direct current is pressed. This is true of the 0-20 volts A.C. range of the
510X tester.
𝑅𝑅
𝑇𝑇 = �
500
2000
𝑇𝑇 = � = 2. Therefore
500
If primary contained 3000 turns, the secondary would contain 1500 turns.
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(g) EXAMPLE 2: Power tubes are two #45’s in push pull, then R is 4000.
4000
𝑇𝑇 = � – 2.83
500
(a) Be sure that the resistor is not connected in parallel with another resistor,
condenser, etc.
(b) Make Line Test same as for tube testing.
(c) Set master switch on A.C. volts 200.
(d) Set Selector A on 1, Selector B on 6.
(e) Furnished with the 510X is a special cable for testing small condensers. One
end of the cable is equipped with a plug. The black wire terminates in a pin
tip. The red wire terminates in an alligator clip.
(f) Insert the plug in the 5-pin socket. Insert the pin tip in the plus-minus pin
jack.
(g) Connect the alligator clip to one terminal of the resistor to be measured.
Insert one of the voltmeter leads in the 200 V pin jack and hold the prod on
the other terminal of the resistor to be measured.
(h) Press OZ4 button and note reading of the voltmeter on the 0-200 volt scale.
The value of the resistor is found in the chart below:
(14).