Atwater Kent Manual 1931 Ocr
Atwater Kent Manual 1931 Ocr
RADIO
SERVICE MANUAL
JUNE, 1931
INTRODUCTION
the time required, at a definite rate per hour. The
1. Purpose of Service Manual time charge will cover the time consumed in testing the
The object of the Service Manual is to assist the set when repaired, and in calling for and delivering the
retailer of Atwater Kent radio products in giving prompt set, if this is done.
and efficient service to the consumer-owner. Since in
Our factory warranty on new products, involves the
accordance with our Radio Service Policy, service on
replacement of parts defective in workmanship or mate-
Atwater Kent radio products is to be handled by
rial, and covers a period of 90 days from date of sale
Atwater Kent dealers and distributors only, this publi-
to the consumer.
cation should be considered confidential and except in
special cases, is furnished only to regularly appointed
outlets of Atwater Kent radio merchandise. 6. Service Policy
A complete printed "Service Policy," definitely out-
2. Importance of Service lining the factory's plan on service matters, is sent once
a year to our distributors, and such information from
Service has "come into its own" during the past few this as is required by the dealer will be passed on to
years and its importance is continually becoming more him by the distributor. A definite understanding be-
widely recognised. The value of prompt and courteous tween dealer and distributor on all matters pertaining
service by the dealer cannot be over-emphasized. Serv- to service will be the means of preventing much conflict
ice is closely linked with sales in fact the one depends and controversy. It cannot be too strongly urged that
oil the other. The radio dealer who has foresight will all instructions from the distributor be carefully fol-
build for the future by maintaining a neat and efficient lowed, so that complete co-operation will exist. Written
repair department and employing a competent service instructions, such as bulletins, etc., should be kept handy
personnel consistent with the size of his organization. in a loose-leaf note book.
There is no better step toward building good-will for
Atwater Kent products in his immediate locality.
7. Service Literature
3. Dealer Service Procedure The dealer will do well to keep readily available, ALL
literature pertaining to service which comes into his
The dealer who has a reasonably well equipped service
place of business.
shop will find that he is in a position to handle the
servicing of practically any set which comes to him for There are several excellent monthly radio trade pub-
repair, since the bulk of repairs will not be of a difficult lications which are invaluable to the retail dealer, both
nature. from a sales and service standpoint. We believe the
small price of annual subscription to several of these
In the event that he is unable to perform a certain magazines will be more than repaid by the excellent
repair, the set or unit should be returned to his local information and ideas they contain.
distributor, who maintains a complete service depart- Two or three good text books on radio will also not
ment similar to that of the factory. The distributor
be out of place on the dealer's book shelf. An easily
will furnish his dealers with complete instructions for
understandable book on the theory of radio and a prac-
return of material, such as making out of return report
tical book on general radio service and repairing are
blanks and other routine in connection with the handling
suggested.
of service matters.
June, 19151 2
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ATWATER KENT RADIO
THEORY SECTION
Knowledge of Theory Is Essential Studying Radio
While the primary purpose of the Service Manual is It requires continual study, observation, and actual
to give the dealer information about testing and repair- experimenting to acquire a real understanding of radio.
ing Atwater Kent receiving sets, we believe that an Experimenting will drive home facts that might other-
understanding of the fundamental principles of radio wise be difficult to learn.
and a knowledge of how our sets function will enable There are a few text books that give an outline for a
him to perform this work more intelligently. It is, of course of radio experiments which require only simple
course, essential to know what to do to correct troubles, and inexpensive equipment. For one who wants to
but a knowledge of the theory and functioning of the learn radio, there is no better way to do it than to
various units of the set will enable the repairman to follow such an experimental course and supplement it
locate the trouble more readily. If an unusual condition with diligent study of a good radio text book.
arises in a set, a repairman without a knowledge of the
principles involved, can correct the trouble by "hit-or-
rniss" methods only. The service man who has this Elements In Radio Receiver
fundamental knowledge can analyze the condition and In addition to tubes and speakers, there are only four
then determine the remedy. general types of parts in a radio receiver: Condensers,
transformers, chokes, and resistors.
In order to know how a receiver functions, it is neces-
The Theory Section sary to understand the action of these parts on various
The theory section of this manual is t^ot a complete types of current. A table covering this subject is given
course but it is intended for study in conjunction with below, and more detailed information is given through-
a good radio text book. out the theory section,
** In circuits carrying R. F. current, the effective value of a resistor will lie reduced by the capacitance across the resistor terminals and its
connecting leads, etc.
tunc. l»:jl 3
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CONDENSERS
Ir IHr
inr
FIXED FIXED CONDENSERS FIXED CONDENSERS ELECTROLYTIC VARIABLE VARIABLE CONDENSER
CONDENSER IN SERIES IN PARALLEL CONDENSER CONDENSER WITH TRIMMER
When condensers are connected in parallel, the total capacitance The capacitance of a variable con-
is equal to the sum of the values of all the condensers. When denser is greatest when the plates are
connected in series, the total capacitance is equal to the reciprocal meshed and lowest when the plates
i are not meshed.
of the sum of the reciprocals or i . i
ci i C2
TRANSFORMERS
June, 1931 4
SWITCHES
DOUBLE-POLE
SINGLE-POLE
Don BILE-THROW
DOUBLE-THROW SWITCH
TOGGLE FOUR-POINT (S.P.-D.T.)
TAP SWITCH (D.P.-D.T.)
SWITCH
MISCELLANEOUS
ANTENNA OR
WIRES CROSSED,
AERIAL (Inside or No CONNECTION
Outside Types) RELAY. A relay may be
regarded as an elcctrically-
GROUND OR operated switch. There
EARTH are numerous varieties.
WIRES
CONNECTED
CHASSIS CONNECTION
(Connection to metal
frame of set) PHONOGRAPH PICK-UP.
The pick-up generates a
TWISTED
weak current correspond-
PAIR
ing to the image of the
DIAL LIGHT to sound waves cut in the
illuminate dial, or SHIELDED grooves on a phonograph
PILOT LIGHT to LEAD record.
indicate when
current is on or off
DIRECT CURRENT BATTERY, storage or dry
MOTOR OR types. .
CRYSTAL GENERATOR
DETECTOR
+ BATTERY IN SERIES. The
total voltage equals the
A. C. MOTOR OR + sum of the voltages of
CURRENT OR
VOLTAGE METER
GENERATOR ,11 II II all the cells.
BATTERIES IN
"I 1
FUSE, used to prevent ' PARALLEL. The
damage that might SINE WAVE, symbol total voltage is
result from overload
for alternating" HZ T . the voltage of
current or cvcles +ir line branch.
June, ID.1I y
the Voltage Across One Resistor is resistors are connected in parallel across a
to the Total Voltage as the Value of known voltage, the current through each re-
that Resistor is to the Total Resist- sistor may be calculated separately (I — ~ ).
ance. This is explained in the text. The total current equals the sum of the cur-
rents through the various resistors.
June, 1931 6
Total value, of
resistances in series = Rl R2 + R3, etc.
Total value of
resistances in parallel =
, etc.
K2 R3
Rl, R2, R3, etc., are the value* Liie separate resistors.
June, 1931 7
June, 1931 8
June, 1931
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ATWATER KENT RADIO
June, 1931 10
where in this section. The particular range of frequencies CRYSTAL DETECTOR AMI
used in radio has been chosen because :t is best suited for 1 IKAD-PHON F.S.
Detection
After the modulated R. F. signal has been received, it
must be rectified before it can be used to produce sound
Rectification is accomplished by the detector which sup-
presses the effects of one side of the R. F. alternations, and
allows the audio modulation of the remaining side to affect FIG -B. THE DETECTOR SERVES TO CUT OFF ONE SIDE
the phones or audio amplifier. OF THE R. F. ALTERNATIONS.
June, 1931 11
TRANSMITTED SIGNAL
MODULATED
RADIO FREQUENCY
RADIO AUDIO
FREQUENCY RADIO MICROPHONE
FREQUENCY FREQUENCY
POWER OSCILLATOR MODULATOR AMPLIFIER
AMPLIFIER
@
FIG. 8. FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM OF A TRANSMITTER, INDICATING THE TYPE OE CURRENT IN EACH SECTION.
RECTIFIED SIGNAL
MODULATED
RECEIVED SIGNAL RADIO FREQUENCY
M 00 U LA TED AMPLIFIED SIGNAL
RADIO FREQUENCY MODULATED
IADIO FREQUENCY
RADIO AUDIO
FREQUENCY FREQUENCY
AMPLIFIER AMPLIFIER
-®
FIG. 8-A. FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM OF RECEIVER SHOWING HOW THE RECEIVED R. F. SIGNAL IS AMPLIFIED AND RECTIFIED AND How THE MODULATION OF THE RECTIFIED
SIGNAL IS FURTHER AMPLIFIED AND FEU INTO THE. SPEAKER.
CATHODE
GRID
AMPLIFICATION FACTOR: A measure of the effectiveness of POWER AMPLIFICATION : The ratio of the alternating-current
the grid voltage relative to that of the plate voltage in affecting power produced in the output circuit to the alternating-current
the plate current. power supplied to the input circuit.
MUTUAL CONDUCTANCE: The ratio of the change in plate VOLTAGE AMPLIFICATION : The ratio of the alternating voltage
current to the change in grid potential producing it, under the produced at the output terminals of an amplifier to the alter-
condition of constant plate voltage. nating voltage impressed at the input terminals.
—F —F +F
-+F r
P1 P2
o
P G
O O O O
o o o
cO OP O o cO O o o
o o
O O
o o o O O 3
o
p
s
[feater-Tvpc
—F S
o
P.atterv-Tvpe
(D.'C.)
Heater-Type
(A.C.)
G
Plain Filament
—F
(A. C. or D. C.)
F1
Full-Wave
Rectifier
F2 G
Plain Filament
(A.C. or D. C.)
, (A.C.)_ Screen-Grid Three-Element Three-Element Tube Five-Element
Screen-Grid Four-Element Tube Tube Pentode
Four-Element Tube
Tube
SOCKET CONNECTIONS FROM BOTTOM
On some sockets, the +F an
d —F are reversed.
Tin -F and +F A. C. Rockets arc used only tor identification purposes, as the A. C. filaments have no fixed polarity.
June, 19:; 1 13
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RADIO TUBES
A radio tube may be thought of as an ultra-sensitive this plate-circuit current depends on the number of elec-
relay that will operate from exceedingly small input trons flowing from filament to plate.
power of direct voltage, or alternating voltage of any Increasing the electron-flow increases the plate-circuit
frequency, and release locallysupplied energy of much current: decreasing the electron-flow decreases the plate-
greater intensity than the input power. circuit current.
But even the very best mechanical relay could not 3. The grid, which is placed between the filament and
begin to duplicate the versatile and amazing properties plate, acts to control the number of electrons flowing
of a radio tube. from the filament to the plate; this control is exercised
The radio tube has no mechanical action; the input by the voltage on the grid with respect to its filament.
voltage, without loss to itself, controls a stream of elec- When the grid voltage is made negative with respect
trons inside the tube, which is caused to flow by a local to the filament, the grid repels the electrons from the
source of electrical energy. filament and therefore diminishes the flow of electrons
(a) Elements in Radio Tube from filament to plate. This decreases the plate-circuit
current.
In a three-element tube such as the 201-A, 226, When the grid voltage is made less negative with
171-A, 245, 250, etc., there are three elements or elec-
respect to its filament, the repelling action of the grid
trodes (see Fig. 10);
on the electrons becomes less, consequently more elec-
1. The filament, which is heated by a low-voltage trons flow from filament to plate. This increases the
source of electricity, emits or gives off electrons, which plate-circuit current.
have a negative charge of electricity. The grid, through the action of its voltage, acts as a
2. The plate, which is maintained at a high positive gate or valve to control the flow of electrons from fila-
voltage with respect to the filament, surrounds the fila- ment to plate, and it thus exercises complete control on
ment and it attracts the negatively-charged electrons, so the plate-circuit current.
that a stream of electrons flows from the filament to There is no time-lag in this control. Even if the grid
the plate. voltage varies up and down millions of times each sec-
This stream of electrons provides a path for current ond, it will produce a corresponding variation in the
to pass from the plate to the filament. The strength of plate-circuit current.
'B'
June. 1931 14
^ 11| 1
j 1111111
C. B.
TIIREE-EI.EMENT VACUUM-TUBS CIRCUIT WITH
FIG. II. HEATER-'fvi'E THREE-ELEMENT VACUUM-Turn
PLAIN FILAMENT.
CIRCUIT.
The output, nr plate circuit, is shown in heavy lines.
15
The symbol for a plain-filament type of screen-grid negative— increases— age does not tend to
increase the flow
tube is shown in Fig. 12. of electrons.
In this diagram it will be noted that the screen is
maintained at a positive voltage with respect to the Therefore, in the screen-grid tube, there is negligible
filament. opposition to the control by the grid of the electron
Electrons, attracted by the positive charge on the stream. As a result, the available amplification is in-
screen flow Irom the filament and pass through the creased.
spaces between the wires of the control grid. Most of The action of the screen in shielding the electron
these electrons pass through the spaces in the screen stream in the tube from voltage changes on the plate is
wires and, owing to the high plate voltage, go to the the main reason why the actual R. F. amplification of
plate. . the screen-grid tube is rated at about 50, compared to
The sensitivity or amplification of the screen-grid tube about 8 for the old-style three-element tube.
depends, among other things, on the screen voltage. Second: The high amplification of the screen-grid
Greatest amplification is secured when the screen is tube could not be utilized in R. F. circuits if it were not
operated at its maximum rated value. The amplification for the fact that the screen also eliminates capacity
decreases as the screen voltage is decreased. By making coupling between the plate and grid electrodes within
the screen voltage adjustable, the output volume of the the tube, and thus prevents the possibility of feed-back
set may be controlled. The methods of obtaining suit- between these two elements.
able ranges of screen voltage are described later.
For radio-frequency amplification the screen-grid tube A more detailed explanation of this action is given
has two very important advantages over the ordinary on Pages 7 to 14, inclusive, of a booklet (Ser. D. 59)
three-element tube. entitled "A Description of the New Atwater Kent
First: In a three-element tube, at a given moment Screen-Grid Receivers."
while a signal is being received, the following action (f) The Pentode Tube
takes place: The pentode tube is a five-element power amplifier.
. Ci) (2)
the electron
(3)
bnt the
CD
and this tends to
It has twice the available undistorted output and six
When the
control-grid
flow plate increase the elec- times greater amplification than the customary three-
decreases— voltage tron flow.
becomes more
increases- element output tube.
negative—
I WATTS
OUTPUT
PENTODE
3 WATTS
OUTPUT
-C +B
FIG. 15. ONE PENTODE DOES THE WORK OE THREE ORDINARY TUBES.
For the same input voltage at E and El, the one pentode provides as much audio amplification and power output as the combination
of one "27 and two '45s.
June, 1931 17
Kit;. 15-A. CIRCUIT DIAGRAM OI' KARI.V MODEL 55 AND 55-C WITH TRANSFORMER COUPLED R. F. AMPLIFIER.
This circuit has two stages of screen-grid radio-frequency amplification, plate-detection, one stage of resistance-coupled audio-frequency amplification,
and a "double-audio" output stage. Volume is controlled by changing the screen voltage of both R, F. tubes. An explanation of the action of this
circuit is given in the accompanying text.
June, 1931 18
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ATWATER KENT RADIO
LOCAL-DISTANCE
SWITCH CONDENSER
BLACK RUB. COVERED
+B, R. F.
FIG. 17. ELEMENTARY CIRCUIT OK TWO-STAGE SCREEN-GRID RADIO-FREQUENCY AMPLIFIER USING
AUTO-TRANSFORMER COUPLING.
June, 1931 20
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ATWATER KENT RADIO
June, 1931 21
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ATWATER KENT RADIO
(b) The second method of detection with a three- However, when the grid voltage is less negative than
element vacuum-tube circuit is termed "plate detection," its normal bias, it produces an increase in the plate-
and it is employed in the A. C.-operated screen-grid circuit current.
models. In other words, the effect of the negative half-cycles
of the applied R. F. voltage alternations is suppressed,
In this circuit, Fig. 19, the grid of the tube is main-
and the A. F. modulation of the positive half-cycles pro-
tained at a relatively large negative voltage with respect
duces an A. F. variation in the plate-circuit current.
to the cathode.
This A. F. current variation sets up an A. F. voltage
Because of this negative grid voltage, the plate-circuit across the primary of No. 1 A. F. T. The A. F. output
current is extremely low. of this transformer feeds the audio amplifier.
(This method of detection may also be described as
When the modulated R. F. voltage supplied by the
operating the detector tube on the "bottom bend" of its
R. F. amplifier is impressed on the grid bias voltage, it
plate-current grid-voltage characteristic, at which point
makes the grid voltage alternately more negative and
an increase of negative voltage on the grid does not
less negative than its normal bias value.
decrease the plate current, but a decrease of negative
When the grid is more, negative than its normal bias, voltage does increase the plate current.)
the plate current, being already very low, cannot de- With this method of detection, the plate-circuit cur-
crease a pprcciably. rent increases when a signal is received.
Jure, 1031 22
POWER TRANSFORMER
FIG. 21. THE POWER TRANSFORMER TAKES 110 VOLTS A.C. FIG. 22. THE HIGH-VOLTAGE A.C. is CONVERTED INTO
AND TRANSFORMS IT INTO IITGHER AND TOWER VALUES PULSATING D. C. BY A "FULL-WAVE" RECTIFYING
OF ALTERNATING CURRENT AS INDICATED ABOVE TURE, AS SHOWN ABOVE.
(EARLY MODEL 55).
June, 1931 24
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ATWATER KENT RADIO
B. Rectifying and Filtering the High-Voltage A. C. The filter condensers, connected across the supply
lines, have low effective resistance to the A. C. compo-
The high-voltage A. C. must be converted into high-
nent of the pulsating D. C. which is supplied by the
voltage D. C. before it can be used to supply the plate,
rectifier tube. The filter condensers therefore tend to
screen, and grid circuits of the receiving tubes. This
short-circuit the pulsations in the current, but as the
conversion is accomplished by rectifying the high-
voltage A. C. (through use of a "full-wave" rectifying condensers have a very high opposition to D. C, they
tube), as shown in Fig. 22, and feeding the resultant do not affect the D. C. component of the pulsating D. C.
pulsating D. C. into a filter circuit which delivers a supply.
smooth high-voltage direct-current output, similar to The result of the action of the filter circuit is that
that provided by "B" batteries. the pulsations (in the direct-current furnished by the
rectifier tube) are smoothed out, and after passing
The filter circuit, Fig. 23, contains audio-frequency through the filter circuit, the current is practically pure
chokes and large filter condensers. D. C, and hence will not introduce any hum in the
The filter chokes, which are connected in series with receiver. See Fig. 27 on Page 28.
the line, offer a high opposition to the alternating cur- (The detector and lst-A. F. plate circuits have sep-
rent component of the pulsating D. C. which is sup- arate additional audio-frequency filters, comprising a
plied by the rectifier tube. The chokes therefore tend filter resistor and filter condenser, which serve to pre-
to prevent passage of the pulsations in current, but offer vent undesired reaction between the plate currents,
only slight resistance to the direct-current portion of which reaction has a tendency to occur owing to the
the current. coupling provided by the common supply.)
FILTER CHOKES
FILTER CONDENSERS
- L
FILTER-CHOKE .
(SPEAKER FIELD COIL)
FIG. 23. THE PULSATING D. C. DELIVERED BY THE RECTIFIER CIRCUIT IS FILTERED INTO SMOOTH D. C. BY A COMBINATION OF
AUDIO-FREQUENCY CHOKES AND TARGE FILTER CONDENSERS. THE FILTER CIRCUIT IS SHOWN ABOVE.
(Arrows indicate direction of current flow.)
June, 1931 25
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ATWATER KENT RADIO
FILTER CHOKES
+
OUTPUT
FROM
CER /-
SPEAKER
FIELD
"IN V
FILTER CONDENSERS
RECTIFIER
COIL
FiC. 24. GRID BIAS MAY BE SECURED BY VOLTAGE DROP ACROSS A RIAS RESISTOR CONNECTED
BETWEEN CATHODE AND — B.
The plate-circuit current, flowing through the bias resistor, as indicated by arrows, causes a voltage
drop across the resistor, thus making the cathode positive with respect to the grid-return lead, and therefore
making the grid negative with respect to the cathode.
cathode electron path, through the bias resistor, and cathode, as shown in Fig. 25, in order to check the
back to the negative side of the filter circuit. continuity of the grid circuit and measure the bias in
The grid-return of the tube is through the secondary one operation. However, in doing this, if the grid
of the left-hand R. F. T. and thence to the negative end return path or the bias resistor has a high resistance
of the bias resistor. The voltage across the bias re- in proportion to the resistance of the voltmeter, the
sistor (measured with a high-resistance D. C. voltmeter measured voltage will be less than the voltage across
"V"), which is produced by the flow of plate and the bias resistor. This is true when measuring the 1st-
screen current, serves to make the grid negative with A. F. and the detector grid voltages in the A. C.-
respect to the cathode. operated screen-grid models. In the voltage tables for
these models we give the detector and lst-A. F. grid
(c) Measuring the Grid Bias voltages as measured from grid to cathode with the 0-50
In actual measurement of the grid bias, we recom- scale of a one-thousand-ohm-per-volt meter. The actual
mend measuring from the grid of the tube to the normal bias voltage is higher.
FILTER CHOKES
OUTPUT
FROM
RECTIFIER
«"_0000>
FILTER CONDENSERS SPEAKER
FIELD
COIL
FIG. 25. THIS IS THE SAME CIRCUIT AS FIG. 24, BUT IT APPEARS DIFFERENT BECAUSE THE
GRID-RETURN, CATHODE, AND — B, CHASSIS CONNECTIONS ARE SHOWN SEPARATELY.
June, 1331 26
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ATWATER KENT RADIO
FILTER CHOKES
\.
EQUIVALENT
RESISTANCE
LOAD OF OTHER OUTPUT
TUBES FROM
RECTIFIER
FILTER CONDENSERS
FIG. 26. THE 2ND-A. F. BIAS VOLTAGE IN MODEL 66 is OBTAINED BY THE DROP ACROSS THE
SPEAKER-FIELD COIL IN THE NEGATIVE SIDE OF THE FILTER CIRCUIT.
The filament circuit of the 2nd-A. F. tubes is connected to the positive side (chassis) of the field coil, and
the grid-return (center-tap of the secondary of the input A. F. transformer) is connected to the negative side
of the field coil. The bias voltage is measured with a high-resistance D. C. voltmeter "V." _
The above diagram does not show the grid-filter resistor and condenser which are used in Model 66.
June. 1931 27
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ATWATER KENT RADIO
R. F. GRID
BIAS RESISTOR The screen voltage is measured with
a high-resistance D. C. voltmeter "V."
June, 1931 28
Important Fa (Continued)
(2) Early Electro-Dynamic Sets, Model 43, 46, 47 secondary winding of this transformer. The use of
and 53. switches so that either the regular or extra speaker may
A small number of additional magnetic or inductor- be cut out at will, is shown.
type JB speakers or headphones may be used by making
(4) Model 67 Screen-Grid Battery-Type Receiver and
connection to the two terminals at the right-hand end
Model 61 D. C. Receiver.
of the rear row of terminals on top of the power unit.
A few extra magnetic or inductor-type JB speakers
Simply solder two leads to these two terminals and bring
or sets of headphones may be used with these sets by
the leads out through cover of set to the common leads
running leads to them from the plates of the output
of the additional speakers.
tubes (171 A) in the set.
(3) Screen-Grid Sets, Model 55, 60 or 66. (5) 1931 Models: Type L, F and P Chassis.
In cases where more than one additional speaker or The only satisfactory method of connecting additional
headphone are desired, we suggest the use of the special magnetic or inductor-type JB speakers or headphones
tapped output transformer (No. 15930), which we to these sets is by the use of our special output trans-
designed for this purpose. This transformer is simply former, No. 17790, which is to be substituted for the
substituted for the regular output transformer in the regular transformer attached to the type N speaker.
set and connection of the group of additional speakers This special transformer is provided with 5 taps to
made to whichever two of the five taps on the special permit best results with different numbers of speakers,
transformer give the best results. up to 15 or 20 being practical. A connection is also
With this arrangement Model 55, 60 or 66 will provided in the transformer whereby the electro-
handle up to 15 or 20 additional magnetic or inductor- dynamic speaker on the set may be shut off if desired.
type JB speakers satisfactorily. (6) 1931 Models: Type D (D.C.) and Q (battery)
We do not advise the use of additional electro- Chassis.
dynamic speakers, owing to the expense and difficulty A few extra speakers or headphones may be used
of supplying direct current for the fields. with these sets by making connection to the plates of
Where only one additional speaker or headphone is the output (171 A) tubes.
desired, we suggest an arrangement as shown in the (7) Model 84.
illustration, which consists of tapping off the voice No provision has been made for the use of additional
coil leads of the speaker cable, with a step-up trans- speakers with this model; extra electro-dynamic speakers
former and connecting the extra speaker across half the for this set are not sold separately.
A. K. No. 146 50
OUTPUT TRANS
June, 1931 30
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ATWATER KENT RADIO
June, 1931 31
June, 1931 32
As a rule it is preferable to make only the external All expenditures in the line of service should be
tests in the customer's home, and if trouble is found to recorded carefully in a suitable book, so that at the end
be within the set or speaker they can be loaded into of the year a comparison can be made between the cost
the service truck and brought to the shop. This avoids of maintenance of the department and the total income
the bad psychological effect of making an actual set from repair work done. The latter will, of course, be
repair in the presence of the owner. made up of the profit in repair parts and the amount
charged for labor on repair work.
There are several complete set testing outfits or "an-
alyzers" on the market made by reliable companies, We also recommend the keeping of a careful "in-
ranging in price from $50.00 to $200.00 or more (retail ventory" of the stock of repair parts. A "perpetual
price). These include all necessary voltmeters, am- inventory" is the best if care is taken to keep it up to
meters, tube testers and, in some cases, an oscillator for date. A record card should be maintained for each item
use in synchronizing variable condensers. kept in stock, and the quantity of this item and date
received from the distributor recorded, as well as the
If the dealer does not feel able to invest in one of date and repair number whenever one is used on a
these outfits, the following set of articles is suggested. repair job. By going over the stock once a month or
Additions can be made as found advisable: so, and checking the inventory, any items on which the
stock is getting low can be ordered from the distributor
Soldering iron. and thus an adequate stock of all parts may be kept on
Screw drivers, several sizes. hand at all times.
Wrenches, hex., several sizes.
Combination pliers and wire cutters.
Hydrometer.
A.C. voltmeter, 4-8-150 volts. 8. Service Personnel—the Psychology of
0-50-250 D. C. voltmeter (1000-ohm-per-volt type). Service
Tubes—one or two of each type. In the selection of a man or men to handle the Service
Headphones or speaker. Department of his store, the dealer should consider three
Continuity tester (described on Page 36). main factors:
The above equipment will provide for checking all 1— Education and experience.
batteries, tubes and the speaker, as well as the D. C. 2— Natural ability on radio repair work.
voltage of any circuit of set or power unit. Any troubles 3— Ability to meet the customer.
outside the set can thereby be immediately detected and
if the difficulty is traced down to the set it can be dis- It is self-evident that to perform satisfactory work as
connected and brought to the service shop for the usual a radio service man, experience along radio lines and
routine circuit and voltage tests, and necessary repairs. ability along the lines of electrical and mechanical repair
June, 1931 33
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PIG. 35. ANOTHER WELL-ARRANGED SERVICE DEPARTMENT.
www.RadioMuseum.org
ATWATER KENT RADIO
TESTING PROCEDURE
Points for Inspection The set may then be tested in the following way:
The following features should be given special atten- (a) If there is no visible damage to the set (such as
tion in making the general visual inspection: a shorted power unit with sealing-compound run over
I- SOLDERED JOINTS—examine for firmness. A the edge, scratched R. F. transformers, broken tube
poor physical joint means a poor electrical con- sockets, etc.) it should be connected for operation, with
nection. Note especially ground lug connections. all tubes in their sockets, and measurements should then
be made of the plate, grid, and filament voltages.
2 SCREWS, BOLTS AND NUTS—must be all (Also check the volume control for smoothness of
tight. operation.)
3— INSULATION ON WIRING—must be perfect These voltage measurements will usually indicate the
and not cut or frayed through where it passes exact source of trouble and the set may then be dis-
metal edges of tube contacts, etc. assembled, if necessary, and repaired.
4— TUBE SOCKET CONTACTS—should be clean (b) After being repaired, and before reassembling
and tight. in cabinet, it is advisable to apply continuity tests to
5— SWITCHES—switch blades should be clean and the chassis and power unit. The continuity tests give
make good contact. (Types other than toggle.) a further check and minimize the possibility of delay in
6— DIAL KNOB—should operate smoothly and assembling the set before it is fully repaired.
quietly. (c) When repaired and assembled, the set should be
7— RESISTORS -note if intact and tightly riveted connected to the output-measuring-circuit and oscillator
or clamped in place. and the variable condensers should be synchronized.
Also again check the operation of the volume control.
8 —R. F. TRANSFORMERS—examine for loose or If a new power unit has been installed, the plate, grid-
damaged coils, or poor connections at terminals. bias, and filament voltages should be measured. The
9—VARIABLE CONDENSERS—cheek for foreign set may then be switched over to an outside antenna
particles between plates and note spacing between and tested on broadcast signals.
rotary and stationary plates.
(d) Before returning the set to the customer, a
10—RHEOSTATS or VOLUME CONTROL—must careful inspection should be made to make certain that
operate smoothly. all assembly screws are tight, that the tuning dial and
II— POWER SUPPLY CABLE—note condition of volume-control knob are correctly adjusted, that the
insulation on leads and condition of terminals at condenser-pulley set-screws are tight, that the cabinet
power end. is in good condition, etc.
12 POWER UNIT (Early A. C. SETS)—cable con
nection panel must be bolted down tightly.
CONTINUITY TESTS
All Atwater Kent receivers and power units may be perienced on a certain test vary from the above general
tested for "grounds" and continuity of circuits, coils, outline, trouble in the circuit or unit being tested is
resistors, etc., with a simple testing arrangement con- indicated.
sisting of a voltmeter and battery connected as shown
in Fig, 36. A 0-15 voltmeter with a 22^/> volt "B" In case there is any doubt as to whether a certain
battery is recommended (the voltmeter should NOT be part has the correct resistance, it is desirable to compare
of a high-resistance type). In order to decrease the its reading on the continuity meter with the reading
voltage across the meter to 15 volts, a volume control secured on a new part of the same type.
should be connected in series with the battery as shown A continuity meter is included in the meter panel
in the diagram. The volume control may be adjusted described on Page 39.
occasionally to cut out resistance as the battery voltage
drops off, thus bringing the voltmeter pointer to the
15 volt mark when the test prongs are touched together.
5 vo.r
Use the 1 8-volt tap on the battery. DC. VOLTMCTER
ea OHMS pen VOLT.
Where the resistance of the circuit being tested is VOL. CONTROL. FIG. 36. DIAGRAM OP
low, the meter should read practically 15 volts. In 18 VOLT CONTINUITY TESTING
sistance unit, however, there will be a corresponding The v'olume control is part
drop in voltage, and when testing across a condenser No. 9510.
which is, of course, an insulator for D. C. (direct cur-
rent) no reading should be obtained. If the results ex-
June, 1931 36
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ATWATER KENT RADIO
The complete equipment we suggest lor enabling a equivalent of a strong local broadcast signal. The pick-
complete test of any Atwater Kent receiver, together up control or attenuator should be calibrated so that it
with equipment for measuring the output, is illustrated may be re-set to give the same output at any time.
above. The voltmeter panel includes an A. C. voltmeter, a
At the left, supported on the vertical metal stand, is D. C. voltmeter, a continuity meter, and a switch to cut
the combination voltmeter testing panel, and output in the particular meter and voltage range that is required
measuring circuit or equipment. Below this is pictured for a given test. There are only two leads from this
a 130K. C. oscillator used in testing our superhetero- meter circuit and these are at the left-hand end of the
dyne models. panel.
To the right is a large metal box housing the four- An output measuring circuit is provided at the right-
wave oscillator used to generate signals on four standard hand end of the panel. This includes a thermo-coupled
broadcast frequencies. On the top of this is shown the milliameter, three toggle switches, a four-point rotary
inductor type Model JB speaker used to test reception switch, a special transformer, and other miscellaneous
(volume and quality) of any set being tested. A solder- parts. The output circuit is described on Pages 41
ing iron for use in repairs is pictured on the extreme and 42. -
right, as is also the plug for deriving power for the test
The voltmeter panel is designed to fit a Model 36
equipment from the local A. C. line. The two drawers
cabinet. The cabinet is mounted on a pipe with flanges
in the table are used for tubes and tools.
at each end, forming a very neat and sturdy mounting.
The four-wave oscillator and the 130-kilocycle oscil- The top of the test bench should be covered with a
lator shown in this view are especially constructed and sheet of tin which should be grounded through a toggle
can not be purchased. For dealer use, we recommend switch. The switch should be closed when testing A. C.
the purchase of a well-shielded battery-operated oscil- or battery-operated screen-grid receivers and opened
lator that covers the broadcast range of frequencies and when testing D. C.-operated receivers.
also 130 kilocycles. The frequency controls should be
accurately calibrated, and it should be possible to reduce The test bench should be used only for testing. A
the pick-up practically to zero or increase it to the separate bench should be provided for repair work.
June, 1931 38
The three meters at the left of the voltmeter panel 1 Accurate 250,000-ohm resistor for the 500-volt
are connected as shown on Page 40. These meters are range of the meter.
used m measuring the voltages and testing the continuity 1 A. C. voltmeter 0-4-8-150 volts.
of any Atwater Kent receiver. 1 D. C. voltmeter, 62-ohms-per-voIt, 0-15 volts.
The meter at the right of the panel (Fig. 39) is a 1 Part No. 9510 volume control for the continuity
thermo'galvanometer used in an output measuring cir- circuit.
cuit described on Page 41. 1 Part No. 9991 toggle switch.
The equipment required for the voltmeter circuit is 1 Rotary switch, nine points.
as follows: 1 22j/^-volt "B" battery. Use the 18-volt tap.
1 Phenolite panel 1/16 inch by 20J/2 inches by 5J/^ 1 Pair of testing prongs with leads.
inches. 4 Part No. 8215 binding posts.
1 High-resistance D. C. voltmeter, 0-50-250 volts. The above parts, except binding posts, toggle switch
1 Accurate 200,000-ohm resistor for the 2 50-volt and volume control, can NOT be purchased from the
range of the meter. factory.
0o_
X 1/1
Sx
£°u
°i- H 1
a. < s tn u
1
m
ui 5
w-
X£ IE OI
Q<
FIG. 39-A. REAR VIEW OF METER PANEL.
June, 1931 39
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ATWATER KENT RADIO
The high-resistance D. C. voltmeter has a scale reading of 0-50-250 volts, but utilizes external resistors for the 250 and 500 volt ranges.
These resistors must be accurate.
The A. C. voltmeter is used for measuring line volt' open circuits or short circuits. The regulating resistor
age, the filament voltage of A. C. receivers and all other (volume control) should be adjusted to give full scale
circuits where A. C. is present and a measurement is deflection when the test points are touched together.
required.
The condenser test using 250 volts is for use in check-
The high-resistance D. C. voltmeter is used to check ing leakage in high-voltage paper-dielectric filter con-
plate and grid voltage, filament voltage on D. C. sets, densers. It should not be used in testing filament-circuit
battery voltage, "B" power units, etc. In general it is by-pass condensers; the latter should be tested with the
desirable to use the 250 or 500 volt scale when checking continuity meter which employs only 18 volts.
grid or plate voltage.
The 250-volt supply for the condenser test may be
The continuity meter is used for checking resistors, secured from a "B" power unit or from a Model 42
transformers, chokes, condensers and other parts for power unit.
June, 1931 40
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ATWATER KENT RADIO
An output measuring circuit is provided at the right- to the set. Follow the manufacturers instructions re-
hand end of the meter panel shown on Page 38. The garding the connections for meter.)
output meter is used in synchronizing variable conden-
sers as explained on Page 37. Operation of Output Circuit
The diagram of this output measuring circuit is shown (A) Throw Si to the right to test for quality on the
above. Its main advantage is that only one speaker, a JB speaker.
type JB, is required in testing any type of Atwater Kent Throw SI to the left to pick up oscillator signals on
receiver. This eliminates the necessity of tying up four the phones when synchronizing variable condensers.
or five electro-dynamic speakers. This improvement is (B) When testing an A. C.-operated electro-dynamic
made possible through the use of a special output trans- set, move S4 to the tap that gives the correct resistance
former, and a series of resistors which take the place to take the place of the field coil in the speaker for that
of the field coil in the various types of Atwater Kent particular set.
electro-dynamic speakers. Tap 1 (left) takes place of F-6 field coil.
(If it is not convenient to build an output measuring Tap 2 takes place of F-4 or N field coil.
circuit of this type, we recommend the use of a multi- Tap 3 takes place of F-2 field coil.
range rectifier-type 4000-ohm A. C. voltmeter with a Tap 4 takes place of F field coil.
full scale reading of about 150 volts. This forms a very It is NOT necessary to use a "dummy" field load
satisfactory device and may be purchased from most when testing a battery-operated or D. C.-operated elec-
service-instrument manufacturers. In order to use this tro-dynamic receiver. When testing such a receiver,
meter with an electro-dynamic receiver, it is necessary S4 may be turned to the 4th tap (right).
to have the correct electro-dynamic speaker connected (Continued on next page.)
June, 1931 41
(C) MAGNETIC SETS. When testing a magnetic- close S2 and open S3. To operate both the phones and
type set, such as Model 20, 35, 37, 40, etc., connect the the meter, close both S2 and S3.
two-conductor cord to the speaker-posts on the set being
tested. Close both S2 and S3 if a reading on the meter List of Parts
is desired; open either S2 or S3 to open the meter The meter "G" and the fuse "F" are NOT supplied
circuit. from the factory.
(D) INDUCTOR SETS. In testing a Type Q (T) No. 18911 output transformer. This trans-
chassis, insert the three-conductor plug in the speaker- former has an extra winding which couples the speaker
plug socket on the Q Chassis. Close both S2 and S3 or phones to the output circuit of the particular set that
if a reading is desired on the output meter. Open either is being tested.
S2 or S3 to open the meter circuit. Si—No. 13678 toggle switch.
(E) FIVE-PRONG ELECTRO - DYNAMIC SETS. S2, S3—No. 9991 toggle switches.
In testing an L, P, D, F or H Chassis, insert the five- S4—No. 16430 switch.
conductor plug in the speaker-plug socket on the chassis, Rl—Four No. 16988 resistors in series.
and, if the chassis is A. C.-operated, set S4 at the cor- R2—Three No. 16988 resistors in series.
rect tap. To get a reading on the meter, close S2 and R3—Tour No. 16988 resistors in series.
S3; to open the meter circuit, open either S2 or S3. R4—Five No. 16988 resistors in series.
F—ampere fuse.
(F) FOUR-PRONG ELECTRO-DYNAMIC SETS. G—115 ma, thermo-coupled galvanometer.
In testing a Model 46, 55, 60, 61, 66, 67, etc., insert the I— No. 14169 double-conductor cord.
four-conductor plug in the speaker-plug socket on the I—No. 17866 three-conductor cord-and-plug.
chassis. If the chassis is A. C.-operated, set S4 at the I —No. 17556 four-conductor cord-and-plug.
correct tap. To get a reading on the meter, close S3 I—No. 17895 five-conductor cord-and-plug.
and open S2. To operate the phones or JB speaker, 4 —No. 8215 binding posts.
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June, 1931 43
June, 1931 44