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Atwater Kent Manual 1931 Ocr

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561 views45 pages

Atwater Kent Manual 1931 Ocr

Uploaded by

pete leoni
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
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Atwater Kent

RADIO
SERVICE MANUAL
JUNE, 1931

Till': FACTO It Y UK II IN I) THE PRODUCT

This Supplement, Pages 1 to 120

Supersedes Pages 1 to 146, Previously Issued

ATWATER KENT MANUFACTURING COMPANY


1700 WISSAHICKON AVENUE. PHILADELPHIA, PA.

Prilled in U. S. A. Copyright June 19)1, by Atwater Kent Mfg. Co.

Scanned for www.RadioMuseum.org


ATWATER KENT RADIO

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.

4. Dealer's Parts Stock 8. Factory Service Course


One of the best ways in which the recognized Atwater
We strongly urge that every dealer carry in stock a Kent dealer (or his service man) can familiarize him-
supply of such repair parts as may be most commonly self more completely with the correct methods of serv-
required for the more popular types of Atwater Kent icing Atwater Kent radio products, is to spend a week
sets and speakers. This will eliminate the possibility of or two in our factory Service Department. We have
a dissatisfied customer, resulting from the delay neces- mapped out a course of training to be followed in this
sarily involved in ordering a part from the distributor. work, which completely covers the various steps in re-
Newly appointed dealers should consult their dis- pairing, assembling, and testing all models of our sets,
tributor regarding a suitable initial stock to be carried. speakers, and power units.
Repair parts must be purchased from the distributor. The service course takes from one to three weeks
No parts are sold direct from factory to dealer. depending on the ability of the individual. There is
no charge for the instructions, but the dealer will nat-
urally furnish the transportation and living expenses
5. Repair Charges—-Warranty Repairs connected with this visit to Philadelphia. A letter of
The charge on a repair job for the consumer, on a introduction from the local distributor is required and
set beyond the warranty, may be based on the con- must be presented at the factory for identification
sumer price of the repair parts used, plus a charge for purposes.

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,

ACTION OF RADIO PARTS ON VARIOUS TYPES OF CURRENT

Name Action of Part on Current of:


of A. C.
Part D. C.
R. F. I. F. A. F.
Small Condensers, such as phone condensers, Do not Do not
Pass Pass
_ grid_condenscrs, R. F. by-passes, etc. Pass Pass
Large Condensers, such as filter condensers, Do not Pass Tass Pass
A. F. hy-passes, etc. Pass
Resistors. Oppose** Oppose Oppose
Oppose
R. F. Chokes or primaries of R. F. transformers. Oppose Pass Pass
Pass
I. F. Chokes or primaries of I. F. transformers. Pass* Oppose Pass
Pass
A. F. Chokes or primaries of A. F. transformers. Pass* Pass* Oppose
Pass
Secondary of A. F^Transformers. Pass* Pass* Oppose
Pass
Opposes R. F. of frequency to
Parallel Tuned R. F. Circuit.
Passes which it is resonant. Passes Passes
(Condenser and coil.) Pa_sses_otli_er JR.. F. frequencies.
Passes R. F. of frequency to
Series Tuned R. F. Circuit. Docs not
which it is resonant. Opposes Opposes
(Condenser and coil.) Pass
Opposes other frequencies.
Opposes I. F. of frequency to
Parallel Tuned I. F. Circuit.
Passes Passes , which it is resonant. Passes
(Condenser and coil.) Passes other I. F. frequencies.
Passes I. F. of frequency
F. to
Series Tuned I. F. Circuit. Does not Does not Does not
which it is resonant.
(Condenser and coil.) Pass Pass Pass
Opposes other I. F, frequencies
* This is true only if the I. F. or A. F. choke has a t ather large distributed capacity. If the distributed capacity is small, an R. F. by-pass
condenser is connected across the choke when necessary.

** 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

oPHONE OR PHONE OR TRIMMER w—<&


GRID CONDENSER STOPPING CONDENSER
CONDENSER
MICA DIELECTRIC (INSULATION BETWEEN PLATES) BY-PASS FILTER CONDENSER
CONDENSER ASSEMBLY FOR VARIABLE CONDENSER
POWER UNIT AIR DIELECTRIC

TINFOIL PLATES AND PAPER DIELECTRIC The movable plates com-


prise the rotor, and the sta-
tionary plates comprise the
CHOKES stator.

R. F. CHOKE COIL A. F. CHOKE COILS TAPPED R. F. VARIOMETER VARIOMETER


OFFERS A HIGH OFFER A HIGH INDUCTANCE OR CONTINUOUSLY The movable coil is the
EFFECTIVE RESISTANCE EFFECTIVE RESISTANCE VARIABLE INDUCTANCE rotor, and the stationary
OR IMPEDANCE TO OR IMPEDANCE TO coil is the stator.
R. F. CURRENT A. F. CURRENT

TRANSFORMERS

R. F. VARIO-COUPLER OR TUNED R. F. TRANSFORMER R. F. TRANSFORMER


TRANSFORMER WITH TAPPED PRIMARY WITH VARIABLE CONDENSER

AUDIO-FREQUENCY INPUT A. F. OUTPUT A. F. AUDIO-FRBQUENCY SHIELDED R. F.


TRANSFORMER TRANSFORMER TRANSFORMER TRANSFORMER TRANSFORMER

June, 1931 4

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SPEAKERS
VOICE COIL

HEAD HORN CONE INDUCTOR-TYPE ELECTRO-DYNAMIC ELECTRO-DYNAMIC


PHONES SPEAKER SPEAKER SPEAKER SPEAKER WITH SPEAKER WITH
ELECTRO-MAGNET PERMANENT MAGNET

SWITCHES

SINGLE-POLE FOUR-POINT SINGLE-POLE THREE-POLE SINGLE-POLE DOUBLE-POLE


SINGLE-THROW TAP SWITCH SINGLE-THROW SINGLE-THROW DOUBLE-THROW DOUBLE-T HROW
(S.P.-S.T.) (S.P.-S.T.) (T.P.-S.T.) (S.P.-D.T.) (D.P.-D.T.)

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

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ATWATER KENT RADIO

RESISTANCE AND VOLTAGE DROP


When analyzing trouble in a radio set, it
is very helpful to have a clear idea of the
relations between current, voltage and re
sistance in D. C. circuits. We therefore
g<j Y recommend close study of the diagrams and
rules on this and the following page.
RHEOSTAT RHEOSTAT OR

Voltage (electro-motive force or e. m. f.) POTENTTOMETTEP.

is the pressure in an electrical circuit. The ADJUSTABLE RESISTORS


unit of pressure is the volt.

Current is rate of flow of electricity


through the circuit, The unit of current is
the ampere.
Resistance is the opposition a circuit offers
to the flow of current. The unit of resistance
is the ohm. 0
FIXED TUBULAR FLEXIBLE WIRE-WOUND
The relations between these units are given
RESISTOR RESISTOR RESISTOR RESISTOR
on the next page. FIXED RESISTORS
If we apply the rule regarding current to
the three lower circuits shown in Figure 3,
we find that in each case the current is two POTENTIOMETER. The
amperes (100 volts divided by 50 ohms potentiometer or voltage
equals 2 amperes). An example of parallel _+ divider is usually a resistor
with an adjustable contact
resistance is shown in Figure 3-A. connected as shown at the left.
.|_ It is used to secure any inter-
In a series circuit, the voltage across one mediate voltage from zero
part may be easily determined if we know to maximum from a given
source. In the circuit, when
the total resistance and the voltage in the
_ the slider is at the bottom
circuit: First find the percentage that the — of the resistor, the output
resistance of the particular part has to the voltage is zero. When the
slider is at the top of the
total resistance. The voltage across that part
resistor, the output voltage is maximum. The
is that same percentage of the total voltage. potentiometer may be used in D. C, A. F., I. F.,
Thus assume that in the bottom circuit of or R. F. circuits.
Figure 3, we want to know the voltage across
the 5 ohm resistor. We know the total re-
sistance is 50 ohms. Five ohms is 10% of FILAMENT-SHUNT RESISTOR
with centre tap. This is con-
the total resistance. In turn, 10% of the
nected across A. C.-operated
total voltage is 10 volts, which is the voltage filaments and the grid-return
across the 5-ohm resistor. leads of the tubes are connected
to the centre tap. The purpose of
the resistor is to minimize hum.

FIG. 3 (Above.) In a Series Circuit, FIG. 3-A. RESISTORS IN PARALLEL. When

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

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ATWATER KENT RADIO

Resistance and Voltage Drop (Continued)


FROM - F1
ON RECTIFIER + D

VOLTS = AMPERES X OHMS


(E = I X R)

AMPERES = VOLTS -f- OHMS


(I = V + R)

OHMS = VOLTS -f- AMPERES


(R = V ~ I)

POWER (WATTS) VOLTS X AMPERES


(W = V X A)
or
POWER (WATTS) = AMPERES SQUARED X
OHMS (W = I X I X R)

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.

FROM CENTER TAP OF


HtGH-VOLTAGE
TRANSFORMER

FIG. 4-A. VOLTAGE DISTRIBUTION IN DETECTOR PLATE


CIRCUIT OF* MODEL 5O.
When making voltage measurements and diagnosing trouble
in case of incorrect voltage, it is extremely helpful to have
a clear idea of voltage drop across resistors in a series circuit.
Practically all radio trouble-shooting consists of simple D. C.
voltage measurements.
11 is important to remember that when measuring across
an open resistor in a scries circuit, the voltmeter completes
the circuit and if the normal value of the resistor and the
resistance of the meter arc somewhat alike, the voltage read-
ing may be very nearly correct.
Also it is important to remember that the voltmeter resist-
ance will affect the resistance of the circuit and in general
will make the measured voltage lower than the normal
operating voltage. Thus, if the 50-volt scale of a 1,000-
FIG. 4. VOLTAGE DISTRIBUTION ACROSS A SERIES OE RESISTORS. ohm-per-volt meter (in which case the meter resistance is
The 1,000 ohm resistor is 1/13 of the total circuit resistance, so the 5 0.0 0 0 ohm s) is used to measure the vol tage across a
50,000 -ohm resistor in a scries circuit containing other
voltage across it is 1/13 of the total voltage, or 20 volts. The first resistors, the effective resistance is reduced to 25,000 ohms
two resistors, totaling 7,000 ohms, represent 7/13 of the total resistance, and the measured voltage will be correspondingly lower than
so the voltage across them is 7/13 of 2G0, or 140 volts. the actual voltage.

June, 1931 7

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ATWATER KENT RADIO

INDUCTANCE, CAPACITANCE, REACTANCE AND IMPEDANCE


Inductance condensers are connected in series, the total capacitance
is .00025- mfd.
A coil of wire is an inductor and it provides a property The total capacitance of condensers connected in parallel
termed inductance. The inductance depends, among other equals Cl + C2, etc. Thus if two .0005 mfd. condensers
things, on the number of turns of wire, the size of the coil, are connected in parallel, the total capacitance is .001 >mfd.
and whether the core is magnetic or non-magnetic.
A small number of turns provide a small inductance. A Reactance &
large number of turns provide a large inductance. A mag-
w
netic core increases the inductance.
The opposition offered by a condenser or inductor to the
The unit of inductance is the henry. flow of an alternating current is termed the reactance. In
a condenser, it is capacitive reactance. In an inductor, it
The total inductance of inductors connected in series or
is inductive reactance.
in parallel (without any couplings between them and neg-
The reactance of a condenser decreases as the frequency
ligible resistance) is calculated the same as for resistors (see of the applied voltage increases.
Page 7).
The capacitive 1
Capacitance reactance
in ohms. 6.28 X frequency in X capacitance
Two conducting plates separated by an insulator com- cycles/sec. in farads.
prises a condenser. A condenser provides a property termed The reactance of an inductor increases as the frequency
capacitance. The capacitance depends, among other things, of the applied voltage increases.
on the area of the plates, the distance between the plates,
and the nature of the insulation (dielectric) between the The inductive
plates. reactance G.28 X frequency in X inductance
in ohms. cycles/sec. in henries.
The capacitance may be increased by increasing the area
of the plates or by decreasing the distance between them.
The total reactance of inductors in parallel or series, or
For a given distance between the plates, a paper or mica
the reactance of condensers in parallel or series, is calcu-
dielectric gives a higher capacitance than air.
lated in the same way as for resistors (see Page 7).
The unit of capacitance is the farad. In radio work the
unit commonly used is the micro-farad (mfd.) which is
one-millionth of a farad.
Impedance
Impedance is the effective resistance or opposition that
The total capacitance of condensers connected in series a circuit or part offers to the flow of alternating current.
Impedance is calculated from the resistance and reactance
of the circuit or part.
equals CI -'• C2, etc. Thus if two .0005 micro-farad (mfd.)

ELECTRO-MAGNETIC FREQUENCY SPECTRUM


Approximate Approximate
Approximate
Name Frequency in Number of 10-KilocycIe
Wave Length
Kilocycles Per Second "Channels" in Each Range
"Cosmic" Rays, X-Rays and Invisible Extremely Short Extremely High
' Ultra-Violet Waves.
From Violet 0.000039 cm, 769,000,000,000
Visible Waves. 37,940,000,000
To Red 0.000077 em. 389.600,000,000
From 0.000077" cm. 389,000,000,000
Infra-red and Heat Waves. 5,000,000,000 38,460,000,000
_To 0.006 cm.
Long Heat Waves. About 0.006 cm. ""5,000,000,000
60.000 499,994,000
Shortest Radio Wave Commonly Used. 5 Meters (500 cms.)
From 5 meters 60,000
5,850
Short Radio Waves. To 200 meters 1,500
From 200 meters 1,500
Broadcast Radio Waves. To 545 meters 550_ 95
From 545 meters 550
Long Ship-Shore Stations, etc. To 2,500 meters 120 43
Radio High-Powered International From 2,500 meters 120
Waves- 11
Stations, etc. To 30,000 meters 10
From 30,000 meters 10 (10,000 cycles)
Audio Frequencies
To 18,750,000 meters .016 (16 cycles)

AUDIO-FREQUENCY RANGE OF A FEW


MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS PREFIXES
Name Approximate Range Deci- one-tenth.
"' Piano 16 to 5,200 cycles.
String
Violin 192 to 3,072 cycles.
Centi- one-hundredth,
Instruments
Bass Viol 40 to 240 cycles. one-thousandth,
Mil- orMilli-
Bass Tuba 44 to 340 cycles.
Wind
Instruments
Trumpet 160 to 900 cycles. Micro- one-millionth.
Piccolo 512 to 4,608 cycles.
Bass 80 to 340 cycles. Kilo- 1,000 times,
Human
Tenor i 128 to 480 cycles.
Voice
Soprano . 240 to 1.152 cycles.

June, 1931 8

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ATWATER KENT RADIO

MODULATED DIRECT CURRENT


In direct current (D. C.) circuits, the polarity or positive (+)
and negative ( —) terminals remain the same at all times. Thus
the carbon terminal of a dry cell is always positive with respect
to the zinc (negative) terminal.

If the voltage or current of a direct-current circuit remains at


one value it is termed smooth direct current. If the voltage or
current does not remain constant but varies up and down, it is
termed pulsating or modulated direct current.

Some form of modulated direct current is present in the grid and


plate circuits of practically every tube in a radio receiver, consequently
it is very important to understand the nature of this type of current.

The drawings on this page illustrate the nature of modulated


direct current by showing how a direct current and an alternating
current (A. C.) may be combined to produce modulated direct
current.

At the top is a graph of the voltage of a battery. The voltage


is six, and it remains at this value during the time indicated.
In the second drawing, two six-volt batteries are connected in
series. The total voltage is twelve, and it maintains this value
for the time indicated.

The third drawing shows two cycles of a four-volt sixty-cycle


alternating-current supply. It will be seen that the voltage starts
from zero, rises to a positive peak of 5.6 volts (the peak is about
1.4 times the effective value, as described on Page 11), decreases
to zero, then increases to a negative peak of 5.6 volts, and returns
to zero. This completes one cycle and requires %o of a second.

If a direct current and a lower-value alternating current arc


combined in one circuit, the result is a modulated direct current.

Thus in the fourth drawing, four-volts A. C. and six-volts D. C.


are connected in scries. The battery voltage remains constant
but the A. C. voltage varies between -{-5.6 volts and —5.6 volts.
At any particular instant the total voltage is equal to the sum
of the battery voltage and the voltage of the A. C. at that par-
ticular instant.

When the A. C. voltage is zero, the total voltage is 6 4- 0 or


6 volts. When the A. C. voltage is at its positive peak, the total
voltage is 6 -f- 5.6 volts or 11.6 volts. When the A. C. voltage is
at its negative peak, the total voltage is 6 + (— 5.6) volts or + .4
volts. The voltage across the resistor therefor varies between a
minimum of -f- .4 volts and a maximum of -4- 11.6 volts.

Modulated direct current may be compared to a cross section


of the ocean. The depth of the water represents the D. C.
voltage, and the waves on top represent the A. C. voltage. If
the A. C. component (portion) is small compared to the D. C.
component, we say that the D. C. voltage has an A. C. ripple.
The terms pulsation, modulation, and ripple are sometimes used
interchangeably.

In radio circuits, the A. C. component is the only useful part


of modulated D. C. If we want to rock a boat, we need high
waves but the depth of the water is not so important: Waves ten
feet high in water twenty feet deep will rock a boat just as much
as waves ten feet high in water 1,000 feet deep.

When we speak of the A. C. voltage on the grid or plate of a


tube, we mean the A. C. component of the modulated D. C. volt-
age in the grid or plate circuit.

In order to keep the grid negative at all times we use a


negative "bias" voltage of slightly greater value than the highest
allowable positive voltage peak of the applied A. C. signal. Under
these conditions the grid voltage never swings positive.

In the plate circuit of a tube, the action of the applied grid


voltage is to increase and decrease the internal plate-cathode
resistance, thus correspondingly increasing or decreasing the plate
current above and below its normal value, but the plate current
of a normally-operated tube never reverses.

It should be understood that the modulation does not have to


5-A. WHEN A TUBE IS IN NORMAL OPERATION THE be plain A. C; it may be an irregular pulsation. The frequency
VOLTAGE ON THE GRID AND ON THE PLATE IS may be R. P., I. F. or A. F. and these may be modulated by a
MODULATED OK PULSATING- D. C. lower frequency as explained on the next page.

June, 1931
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ATWATER KENT RADIO

MODULATED RADIO FREQUENCY

In alternating current (A. C.) the polarity


or positive, and negative terminals reverse
periodically. Thus one terminal of an A. C
generator is first positive with respect to the
other terminal, then it changes to negative,
then back to positive, and so on. The
polarity alternates.

The term negative in reference to A. C.


does NOT mean less than nothing. Nega-
tive merely means that the polarity of the
voltage is reversed. The negative peak has
the same force as the positive peak.
The value of an alternating current is con-
tinually changing. When we speak of four
Fit;. C. Two CVCI.KS or A 1,000 K. C.-I'KR-SECONII SIGNAL.
volts A. O, we mean the effective value
which is equal to the value of a direct cur-
rent that would produce the same heating
effect. Actually the peak of a sine wave of
alternating current is approximately 1.4 times
the effective value. The effective value is
approximately .7 of the peak.

A cycle of A. O. is the action in which the


current starts from zero, passes through one
peak, then through the reverse peak, and
returns to zero.

An alternation is half of a cycle.

Frequency is the number of cycles in a


given time, usually one second. Radio fre-
quencies are generally expressed in kilocycles
(K.C.) per-second. One K. C. equals 1,000
cycles.
1 CYCLE OF MODULATING FREQUENCY

The speed of electro-magnetic waves is ap-


-1 CYCLE OF
RADIO FREQUENCY
proximately 186,000 miles or 300,000,000
meters per second.

In an electro-magnetic wave of one cycle-


per-second, the beginning of the cycle will
be one second or 300,000,000 meters away
from the end of the cycle so the wave length
is 300,000,000 meters. If there are two
cycles-per-second, the beginning of a cycle
will be one-half second or 150,000,000 meters
away from the end of the cycle. If there
are 1,000,000 cycles-per-second, the wave-
length is 300 meters, and so on. Frequency
FIG. 0-A. IELI.SIRATING HOW A RADIO-FREQUENCY "CARRIER" IS MODULATED. may be converted to wavelength and vice
In these graphs, each unit of time represents one-hundred-thousandth of a second
C.0000 I second). The audio frequency is therefore 5,000 cycles-per-second. and the versa as follows:
radio frequency is 130,000 cycles-per-second.

June, 1931 10

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ATWATER KENT RADIO

Modulated Radio Frequency (Continued)


Wavelength in meters - 300,000 divided by frequency
in kilocycles.
Frequency in kilocycles 300,000 divided by wave- FlC 7. Fl.EMENTARY

length in meters. RECEIVING CIRCUIT, COM-


PRISING AN INDUCTIVELY
Electro-magnetic frequencies cover from less than one COUPLED R. F. TRANS-
cydc-pcr-second up to trillions of cycles-per-second. A IT O R M F. R VV 1 T H T U N" EI)
table ot electro-magnetic frequencies will be found else- SECONDARY CIRCUIT, A

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.

this work. However, higher frequencies than those in the


radio range, such as invisible infra-red frequencies and
visible light frequencies can and have been used for trans- Au elementary receiving circuit requires an antenna
mission as carriers of voice impulses. and ground circuit to pick-up energy from the passing
electro-magnetic waves, a tuner to select the energy of
If the peak voltage or amplitude of an alternating current
the desired frequency, a detector to rectify the signal,
remains constant, it is usually termed a continuous wave and a sound reproducer to convert the modulation of
(C. W.). If the peak voltage or amplitude of an alter- the rectified signal into sound.
nating current does not remain constant, but varies up and The signal may he amplified either before or after it
down from its eifective value, it is termed modulated alter- is rectified, or both. Tf amplified before, it is a radio-
nating current. frequency amplifier. If amplified after, it is an audio-
frequency amplifier.
In radio we are mostly concerned with radio-frequency
energy modulated at an audio frequency rate.
The process of modulation is illustrated in Figure 6-A.
The second graph represents unmodulated R. F. Note that
the.peak voltage of each alternation remains constant. In
radio telephony, the unmodulated R. F. is termed the
carrier. When the carrier is modulated, the peak voltage
changes up and down from its normal value as shown in
the bottom graph.
The R. F. carrier is inaudible; even if the loud speaker
could respond to such high frequencies, they would be out-
side the. range of our hearing.
Tt is the audio modulation or change in amplitude (volt-
age or intensity) of the carrier that produces audible sound
in the speaker after passing through the receiver. The FIG. I-A. AUTO-TRANSFORMER TYPE OF' COUPLING IS

greater the percentage of modulation or change in ampli- USED ABOVE.

tude, the louder the audible response.


The percentage of modulation is the ratio of half the
difference between the maximum and minimum ampli-
tudes of a modulated wave to the average amplitude, ex- V ANTENNA
INCOMING RECTIFIED SIGNAL
MODULATED SIGNAL
pressed in per cent.
In the bottom graph, Figure 6-A, the modulation is 50%.
PHONES RESPOND TO THE
To get 100% modulation, the carrier would have to change AUDIO FREQUENCY
VARIATION
from zero up to twice its normal (unmodulated) value.

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

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AMPLIFIED MICROPHONE
CURRENT
AUDIO FREQUENCY

DIO FREQUENCY '

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.

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ATWATER KENT RADIO

TUBE SYMBOLS AND SOCKET IDENTIFICATION

HALF-WAVE RECTIFIER. Current passes


TRIODE (THREE-ELEMENT) HEATER-
through the tube only every other half-
TYPE TUHE. Detector, amplifier, and os-
cycle when the plate is positive. The
cillator. The '27 tube is an example of
current flow is only in one direction, or
this type.
rectified.

FULL-WAVE RECTI ITER. When con- TETRODE (FOUR-ELEMENT) SCREEN-


nected as shown in Fig. 22, on Page 24, GRID PLAIN-FILAM ENT-TYPE TUBE. This
current passes in the same direction tulie is used for radio-frequency or inter-
through the tube during each half-cycle mediate-frequency amplification. It pro-
of the alternating-current supply. One vides much greater amplification than
plate functions during one-half cycle, and corresponding triode tubes. Tt is also
the other plate functions during the next employed as a detector. The '22 tube is
half-cvclc. of this type.

TRIODE (THREE-ELEMENT) PI.AIX- TETRODE (FOUR-ELEMENT) SCREEN-


FI LA MEN T TUBE. This type of tube is GRID HEATER-TYPE TUBE. Used as am-
used as amplifier, detector and oscillator. plifier or detector in R. F. or I. F. cir-
A few examples of this tvpe are the '1911, cuits with A. C.-filament supply. The '21
'2:)1-A, '220 and '21."). tube is an example of this type.

CATHODE
GRID

PENTODE (FIVE-ELEMENT) SCREEN-


GRID PLAIN-FILAMENT TYPE TUBE. Used
as a power output tube. Provides high
amplification and high power output.

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'

FIG. !i. ANALOGY BKTWKKN MECHANICAL RELAY AND RADIO 'feme.


In tile top view a mechanical relay operating from a low input voltage, controls a large output by varying the value oi a resistor in the output
circuit. 'this is analogous to tin. action oi a radio tube in which a small input voltage on the grid controls the internal plate-to-lilamcut resistance
and thus produces a large output from the local "i!" supply.

June. 1931 14

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ATWATER KENT RADIO

Radio Tubes ( Continued)


The plate-circuit current follows the form of the grid portant that the filament temperature be maintained
voltage very closely, so that the output of the tube is a constant, otherwise an undesired variation in the plate-
close duplicate of the input energy. In other words, circuit current will be produced.
when the tube is properly operated, there is no distor- Also, changes of voltage at any point on the filament
tion. is equivalent to changing the grid voltage with respect
For battery-operated tubes, three batteries are used: lo that point on the filament. This will produce an
1. The "A" or filament battery, which heats the undesired variation in the electron flow. This condition
filament. is encountered if we use a high A. C. voltage to heat
2. The "B" or plate-circuit battery, which makes the the filament.
plate positive with respect to the filament. Therefore in A. C.-filament tubes, the filament is de-
.V The "C" or grid-bias battery, which is used for
signed to operate at low voltages and also to have slow
the reasons given below.
heating qualities. In these tubes, the change in voltage
(b) Necessity for Negative Grid Bias at any point on the filament is so small that its effect
If the grid voltage becomes even slightly positive with on the electron flow is very slight.
respect to the filament (or cathode), electrons will flow
from filament to grid, and current will pass from grid (d) Heater-Type Tubes
to filament. The heater-type tube is a considerable improvement
This is equivalent to placing a varying resistance load over the plain A. C.-filament tube in the reduction or
across the grid (input) circuit at such moments that the elimination of hum.
grid is positive. The heater-type tube has a filament inside a porcelain
If this condition exists in an audio-frequency ampli- tube. A "cathode" surrounds the porcelain tube. It
fier, it produces distortion and decreased amplification. consists of a cylinder of metal on which is deposited a
In a radio-frequency amplifier, it produces decreased substance which freely emits electrons when heated.
amplification and broadened tuning. The filament heats the cathode. The cathode, when
For these reasons it is imperative in an amplifying- heated, gives off electrons. The filament and cathode
tube circuit that the grid be kept negative with respect may be regarded as one element.
to the filament (or cathode) at all times. Owing to the construction of the cathode, it main-
The negative bias must not be too great, otherwise tains a constant temperature and the same voltage all
another form of distortion will occur. The correct bias over, even when A. C. is used to heat the filament.
is determined from the characteristics of the tube at the The electrons emitted by the cathode are attracted
operating voltages. to the plate, and this flow of electrons is controlled by
(c) A. C.-Filament Type of Three-Element Tube the grid in the manner previously described.
As the number of electrons emitted by the filament The symbol for a heater-type three-element vacuum-
depends on the temperature of the filament, it is im- tube is shown in Fig. 11.

^ 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

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ATWATER KENT RADIO

Radio Tubes (Continued)


(e) Screen-Grid Tubes From this it will be seen that (2) and (4) oppose
The screen-grid tube is similar in construction to the each other, thus limiting the available amplification of
regular three-element tube, except that an additional the tube. (This opposition is present also when the
element, the screen, or screen-grid has been added. This control-grid is becoming less negative.)
screen, in the form of a spiral of wire, is placed between In a screen-grid tube, the action is different:
the control-grid and the plate. The screen also covers
the top and the outside of the plate, and the bottom of (i) (2) (3) (4)
When the the electron and the but, owing to the influ-
the control-grid, thus completely shielding the control- control-grid flow voltage on ence of the screen, the
grid from the plate. becomes more decreases— the plate increase of plate volt-

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—

FOUR-ELEMENT (SCREEN-GRID) VACUUM-TUBE FIG. 13. HEATER-TYPE FOUR-ELEMENT (SCREEN-GRID)


CIRCUIT WITH PLAIN FILAMENT. VACUUM-TUBE CIRCUIT.

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ATWATER KENT RADIO

Radio Tubes (Continued)


The principle of the screen-grid tube is utilized in the SCREEN-GRID

pentode to secure exceedingly high audio-frequency


amplification. In addition, the pentode has one extra
element, the cathode-grid, that enables the pentode to
handle large output power.
In order to appreciate the advantage of the pentode,
it is necessary to understand an action, termed secondary
emission, that limits the available power output of an
ordinary screen-grid tube.
There are. three points to consider:
First.—A screen-grid tube that is intended for use as
a power output tube must have a high plate current.
To accomplish this, it is necessary to use a high voltage
on the screen-grid (about as high as the plate voltage).
Second.-—To secure the largest possible output from --C + -B+-
a tube, it is necessary to have the largest possible voltage FIG. 14. FIVE ELEMENT (PENTODE) POWER TUBE
variation across the output circuit of the tube. In other WITH PLAIN FILAMENT.
words, the variation of plate voltage (resulting from the
impressed signal) must be as large as possible.
Thus if the normal plate voltage of a tube is 250 volts, From these three points we can realize that in order
greatest output will be secured if the plate voltage varia- to get large power output from an ordinary screen'grid
tions run from 250 volts down nearly to zero, then up tube we encounter conditions that promote secondary
to almost 500 volts, then back towards zero, and so on. emission and thus nullify our aim.
From this it will be seen that the plate voltage must In the pentode tube, the effects of secondary emission
decrease considerably below its normal value during are eliminated by the addition of an extra element, the
one-half the cycle of the impressed signal. The screen cathode-grid, which is placed between the screen-grid
voltage remains constant, and if it equals the normal and the plate, and is connected internally to the centre-
plate voltage, it will be readily seen that during one-half point of the filament.
the cycle of the impressed signal, the plate voltage be- The secondary electrons emitted from the plate find
comes less than the screen voltage. themselves surrounded by the zero-potential cathode-
Third.—In a screen-grid tube, when electrons hit the grid, through which they would have to pass in order
plate they tend to dislodge other electrons from the to reach the screen-grid. As the electrons have a nega-
plate. When the plate voltage is less than the screen- tive charge they are repelled from the cathode-grid and
grid voltage, the dislodged or secondary electrons will are attracted by the positive voltage on the plate, even
flow from the plate to the screen-grid. This flow of when the plate voltage is low, so they fall right back
secondary electrons away from the plate is just opposite onto the plate and therefore have no effect whatsoever
to the desired flow of electrons towards the plate. If on the action of the tube.
this secondary emission becomes appreciable, it makes The addition of the cathode-grid makes it possible to
the tube useless as a power amplifier. use a high screen-grid voltage, and also allows the plate-
(In an R. F. screen-grid tube, the plate voltage is voltage variations to decrease almost to zero, thus pro-
always higher than the screen voltage, so the secondary viding high output power without any ill-effects from
electrons fall back on the plate and cause no harm.) secondary emission.

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

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ATWATER KENT RADIO

AN EXPLANATION OF THE ACTION OF ATWATER KENT


TUNED-R. F. SCREEN-GRID RECEIVERS
Some idea of the action of Atwater Kent tuned-R. F. phone and amplifier, causes audio-frequency variations
screen-grid receivers may be gained by studying the in the strength, or intensity, of the carrier frequency.
diagram of early Model 55 and 55-C in Fig. 15-A.
This variation of the strength of the carrier frequency
We will first briefly review the nature of radio broad- is known as modulation. The carrier frequency is in-
cast energy, then consider the receiving circuit, and audible. It is the effect of the audio-frequency variation
finally the power supply system in A. C.-operated models. of intensity of the carrier, i. e., the modulation, that
produces audible sound in the speaker after passing
A. Energy Radiated from Transmitter through the receiver.
The electro-magnetic energy radiated by the antenna The audible sound from the speaker, caused by the
of a broadcast station has a definite normal frequency modulation of the carrier, is a close duplicate of the
somewhere in the broadcast range of radio frequencies. original sound at the transmitter.
The broadcast range extends from 550,000 cycles-per-
second to 1,500,000 cycles-per-second. (This may also (Note.—In many of the diagrams in this section of the
be expressed as 550 K. C. to 1,500 K. C, where K. C. Manual, we have intentionally omitted the by-pass con-
is the abbreviation of kilocycles and is equivalent to densers in order to make the diagrams clearer. Also
1,000 cycles-per-second.) note that it is standard engineering practice to measure
This normal operating frequency of a broadcast sta- the plate, screen, and grid voltages of a tube with respect
to the cathode terminal in heater-type tubes, and with
tion is known as the "carrier" or carrier frequency.
respect to the negative filament terminal ( —F) in plain-
When the broadcast station is transmitting voice or filament type tubes. This practice is followed closely
music, the audible sound, operating through a micro- in the service manual.)

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

B. TUNED-R. F. SCREEN-GRID AMPLIFIER


A very small portion of the electro-magnetic energy R. F. tube. This causes an R. F. variation in the grid
radiated by the antenna of the broadcast station is in- voltage of the lst-R. F. tube.
tercepted in the antenna circuit of the receiver. It then The varying grid voltage affects the electron-flow be-
acts upon the radio-frequency amplifier in the manner tween cathode and plate, thus producing variations in
described below. the plate-circuit current. These variations in the plate-
(a) Action of R. F. Amplifier with Transformer circuit current are identical in form to the antenna-
Coupling current variations, but of much greater intensity, owing
In the early type, of Atwater Kent screen-grid re- to the amplifying properties of the lst-R. F. screen-grid
ceivers, the R. F. transformers are ol the usual induc- tube.
tively-coupled type as shown in Fig. 16. Each o( these (d) Coupling Between 1st- and 2nd-R. F. Tubes
transformers has a primary winding and a secondary The R. F. variations or pulsations in plate-circuit cur-
winding. rent set up a corresponding R. F. voltage across the
(b) Action of No. 1 R. F. T. primary of No. 2 R. F. T., which is a maximum when
The electro-magnetic R. F. energy intercepted by the the secondary circuit is tuned to the frequency of the
antenna causes an R. F. voltage to be developed in the pulsations in the primary circuit. The induced R. F.
antenna circuit which causes a current flow through voltage across the secondary of No. 2 R. F. T. is like-
the primary of No. 1 R. F. T. wise a maximum under this condition.
The current in the primary coil sets up a magnetic (e) Action of 2nd-R. F. Tube
R. F. field around the coil. This field "cuts" the turns The R. F. voltage across the secondary of No. 2
of the secondary coil and induces a voltage in the R. F. T. causes a variation in the grid voltage of the
secondary. This voltage is greater as the voltage across 2nd-R. F. tube. The grid-voltage variation affects the
the primary becomes greater. cathode-plate electron-flow and produces current varia-
tions in the plate circuit of the 2ud-R. F. tube. These
If the transformer is not tuned to the frequency of
pulsations are similar to those in the lst-R. F. plate cir-
the signal, the voltage across the primary will be small
cuit, but of much greater intensity, owing to the ampli-
and hence also the secondary voltage will be small. fying properties of the 2nd-R. F. screen-grid tube.
When the transformer is tuned to the signal fre- (When a 3rd stage of radio-frequency amplification
quency, the voltage across both the primary and sec- is used, its action is similar to that of the 2nd-R. F.
ondary coils will be a maximum and thus the maximum stage.)
voltage will be applied to the input of the lst-R. F. tube.
(f) Coupling Between 2nd-R. F. and Detector Tubes
(c) Action of the lst-R. F. Tube The current-variations or pulsations in the plate, cir-
The R. F. voltage across the secondary of No. 1 cuit of the 2nd-R. F. tube set up an R. F. voltage across
R. F. T. is applied to the grid and cathode of the 1st- the primary of No. 3 R. F. T.

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ATWATER KENT RADIO

Tuned-R. F. Screen-Grid Amplifier (Continued)


The R. F. voltage across the secondary of No. 3 nating the possibility of the distortion described in the
R. F. T. is applied to the grid and cathode of the de- paragraph above.
tector tube, as described later.
(i) Action of R. F. Amplifier with Auto-Transformer
(g) Prevention of Feed-Back Coupling
As mentioned previously, the screen in each R. F. In later-type models the R. F. tubes are coupled with
amplifying tube prevents feed-back of R. F. energy from auto-transformers (No. 2 and No. 3 R. F. T.) as shown
the plate (output) circuit to the grid (input) circuit. in Fig. 17.
The use of screen-grid tubes, with their high ampli- Each auto-transformer has only one winding and it
fication properties in R. F. circuits, combined with cor- serves both as the primary and secondary windings of
rect engineering design of the circuit, results in an ex- the ordinary two-coil transformer. This winding has a
tremely sensitive and selective R. F. amplifier. tap at about the center.
(h) Action of the Local-Distance Switch (Fig. 16) A fixed "stopping" condenser is mounted on the out-
side of the coil form. One terminal of this condenser
The primary of No. 2 R. F. T. is tapped and con-
is connected to the center-tap of the R. F. auto-trans-
nected to a "local-distance" switch in such a way that
former. The other terminal of the stopping condenser
either a part of the primary winding, or the entire
is connected to the plate circuit of the preceding tube,
primary winding, may be connected in the plate circuit
as indicated in Fig. 17.
of the lst-R. F. tube.
The stopping condenser permits the R. F. currents in
By using only a part of the primary, the R. F. voltage
the plate circuit of the tube to flow through the auto-
which can be built up across this section of the primary
transformer, but it prevents short-circuiting of the
is greatly reduced. plate-voltage supply.
When receiving local stations, the switch is turned
The -f-B voltage is applied to the plates of the R. F.
anti-clockwise so that only a portion of the primary of
tubes through R. F. choke coils, R. F. C. No. 1, and
No. 2 R. F. T. is in use.
R. F. C. No. 2. These chokes permit the flow of steady
This decreases the total R. F. amplification and re- plate current but prevent the passage of R. F. current-
duces the possibility of overloading the detector tube variations, thus forcing them to flow through the auto-
when receiving local stations. It also reduces the pos- transformers.
sibility of distortion which may occur in early-type
The action of the auto-transformer circuit is very
models when, in order to reduce the volume, the volume
similar to that of the ordinary R. F. transformer circuit.
control is turned near minimum, thus making the screen-
voltage almost zero. However, this condition can be The local-distance switch in the auto-transformer
brought about only if the local-distance switch is in- coupled R. F. amplifier is arranged differently in order
correctly turned to the "distance" position when receiv- to secure a greater step-down in output volume when
ing local or powerful stations. switching from the distance to the local position. The
In later-type models, the screen voltage cannot be step-down of output volume in this case is intentionally
reduced below a certain minimum value, thereby elimi- designed to be much greater than in the early models.

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

Tuned-R. F. Screen-Grid Amplifier (Continued)


The connections of the local-distance switch in the lead from the 1st stopping condenser, as both of these
auto-transformer coupled R. F. amplifier are shown in leads run to the switch.
Fig. 17. The local-distance-switch condenser (formed from
When the arm of the switch is turned clockwise to two pieces of wire twisted together and covered with
make contact with the plate side of R. F. C. No. 1, the soft black rubber tubing) has a capacity approximately
plate of the lst-R. F. tube is coupled to the grid circuit equal to that between the plate and screen electrodes
of the 2nd-R. F. tube through the 1st stopping con- and leads of the lst-R. F. tube.
denser. This provides maximum amplification. The local-distance switch condenser acts as a substi-
When the switch is turned anti-clockwise to the tute for the plate-screen capacity of the lst-R. F. tube
"local" position, the only coupling between the 1st' and when the switch is turned from the "distance" to the
2nd-R. F. tubes is that provided by the slight capacity "local" position. This prevents detuning of the grid
between the plate lead from the lst-R. F. tube, and the circuit of the 2nd-R. F. tube.

C. THE DETECTOR CIRCUIT


A greatly magnified reproduction of the received ceived, indicating that the grid voltage becomes more
broadcast energy is delivered by the R. F. amplifier to negative.
the grid circuit of the detector tube. The exact explanation of the action of this circuit is
This amplified energy, as previously described, con- rather involved. For our purposes, it is sufficient to
sists of an R. F. alternating voltage which, of course, know that the grid, being isolated by the grid condenser
has positive and negative half cycles. from direct connection to the cathode circuit (except
Each side (positive and negative) of the alternations through the grid leak), accumulates a negative charge
is modulated, or varied in intensity, at an audio- when the R. F. voltage variations are applied to the
frequency rate. grid condenser. This charge leaks off, at the modulating
(This audio-frequency modulation corresponds to the frequency, through the grid leak, which has a resistance
sound waves of voice or music at the transmitter.) of several million ohms.
It is the function of the detector tube to suppress the The result is that the electron flow between plate and
effects of one side of the R. F. alternations, and allow cathode decreases below normal at a radio-frequency
the A. F. modulation of the remaining side to produce rate, and the amount of this decrease varies at an audio-
A. F. current variations in the detector plate circuit. frequency rate, corresponding to the modulation of one
The effects of either the negative or the positive side side of the applied R. F. voltage alternations in the grid
of the applied R. F. alternations may be suppressed. circuit.
There are two main types of three-element vacuum- The A. F. variation of plate-circuit current sets up an
tube detector circuits which are used to obtain the above A. F. voltage across the primary of No. 1 A. F. T.,
results: which has a high effective resistance (impedance, or
(a) First, the "grid detection" method, using a grid opposition) to A. F. current variations. The A. F. volt-
condenser and leak, as shown in Fig. 18. This method age across the primary induces an A. F. voltage across
is used in Model 61 and 67. With this circuit, the plate the secondary; this A. F. voltage is fed into the audio-
current varies below normal when a signal is being re- frequency amplifier.

June, 1931 21
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ATWATER KENT RADIO

The Detector Circuit (Continued)


R. F. DET. PLATE A. F*.
TRANSFORMER R. F. CHOKE TRANSFORMER

F ii.. CIRCUIT OF THREE-ELEMENT DETECTOR USI.NO NEGATIVE BIAS ON GRID.


in the A. C.-operated screen-grid models, resistance coupling is used between the detector plate circuit and the lst-A. F. grid circuit. However, for
the sake of easy comparison with Fig. 18, A. F. transformer coupling is shown above.

(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.

D. THE AUDIO-FREQUENCY AMPLIFIER


As its name indicates, the audio-frequency amplifier grid R. F. tubes, have ample reserve power, which, as in
is used to amplify the audio-frequency (A. F.) output the case of a high-powered automobile, is seldom used to
of the detector tube. its maximum capacity.
The audio amplifier must be so designed that it will The audio-frequency amplifier in the A. C.-operated
not alter the form or shape of the audio-frequency models is somewhat different from that used in Model
energy delivered to it by the detector tube. If any such 61 and 67. The latter two models are designed to have
alteration does occur, the reproduction will be distorted greater amplification for each audio stage in order to
from its original form. compensate for the necessarily lower plate voltages.
The amplification must be the same at all audio fre- The principal difference between the two audio ampli-
quencies, otherwise some frequencies will be submerged, fying systems is in the method of coupling the detector
and other frequencies will be exaggerated, resulting in to the 1 st-A. F. tube.
unnatural reproduction. In the battery-operated and direct-current receivers,
All Atwater Kent screen-grid receivers (prior to the Model 61 and 67, an audio-frequency transformer is
introduction of the pentode tube in Model 34) have two used to couple the detector and lst-A. F. tubes.
stages of audio-frequency amplification. The 2nd, or In the A. C.-operated models, "resistance coupling" is
output stage, has two tubes, which make available more used between the detector and lst-A. F. tubes.
than twice the output power of a single tube. A brief explanation of the action of these two
These audio amplifiers, in conjunction with the screen- methods of coupling is given on the next page.

Jure, 1031 22

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ATWATER KENT RADIO

The Audio-Frequency Amplifier (Continued)


(a) Transformer-Coupled lst-Audio As a result, the grid voltage becomes alternately less
In Fig. 19, the A. F. voltage which is set up across negative and more negative than its normal bias value,
the primary of No. 1 A. F. T., as a result of A. F. vari- thus producing corresponding variations in the lst-A. F.
ations in the detector plate-circuit current, induce a plate-circuit current equally above and below its normal
corresponding A. F. voltage across the secondary of No. value.
1 A. F. T. The voltage across the secondary is greater The current variations in the lst-A. F. plate circuit
than the voltage across the primary because the trans- are exactly similar to the A. F. current variations in the
former has a step-up ratio, that is, more turns in the detector plate circuit, but of greater amplitude, owing
secondary than in the primary. to the amplification provided by the lst-A. F. tube,
(c) The "Double-Audio" Output Stage
The A. F. voltage across the secondary of No. 1
Except for the method of securing grid, plate, and
A. F. T. is impressed on the normal grid bias voltage of
filament voltages, the action of the double-audio output
the lst-A. F. tube.
stage shown in Fig. 26 on Page 27 is typical of all
As a result, the grid voltage becomes alternately less double-audio output stages in Atwater Kent screen-grid
negative and more negative than its normal bias value, receivers.
thus producing corresponding variations in the lst-A. F. The A. F. variations in the plate-circuit current of the
plate-circuit current equally above and below its normal lst-A. F. tube produce an A. F. voltage across the pri-
value. mary of the input A. F. transformer. This induces a
The current variations in the lst-A. F. plate circuit corresponding A. F. voltage across the secondary.
are exactly similar to the A. F. current variations in the A tap connection is made to the center of the sec-
detector plate circuit, but of much greater amplitude or ondary of the input A. F. transformer. This tap is
power owing to the amplification provided by No. 1 connected to the negative end of a bias voltage. The
A. F. T. and the lst-A. F. tube. positive end of the bias is connected to the filament cir-
cuit of the 2nd-A. F. tubes, thus maintaining the grids
DET.—1st A. F. COUPLING
CONDENSER
of both tubes at a negative voltage with respect to their
filaments.
The plate of each 2nd-A. F. tube is connected to the
primary of an output A. F. transformer. A center-tap
on this primary is connected to the positive terminal of
a high-voltage D. C. supply.
The A. F. voltage developed across each half of the
secondary of the input A. F. transformer is superim-
posed on its normal grid bias voltage.
This makes the grid voltage of each tube alternately
less negative and more negative than its normal bias
voltage, and produces corresponding variations in the
plate-circuit current of each tube equally above and
below its normal value.
When the grid voltage of one 2nd-A. F. tube is be-
coming more negative, the grid voltage of the other
2nd-A. F. tube is becoming less negative; consequently,
A -B +B. DETECTOR
the plate-circuit current of one decreases as the plate-
FIG. 20. DIAGRAM SHOWING RESISTANCE COUPLING BETWEEN
circuit current of the other increases.
DETECTOR AND IST-A.F. TUBES, This produces a co-operating A. F. variation of cur-
rent through the primary of the output A. F. trans-
(b) Resistance-Coupled lst-Audio former. As the primary has a high opposition to A. F.
current variations, an A. F. voltage is set up across the
Fig. 20 shows resistance coupling between the detector
primary.
and lst-A. F. tubes.
In this circuit the grid of the lst-A. F. tube is con- This A. F. voltage across the primary of the output
nected to the negative end of a bias resistor in its transformer is similar in form to the A. F. voltage across
cathode circuit through a grid leak of about one-tenth the primary of the input A. F. transformer, but of much
of a megohm. This leak provides a path for the grid greater power owing to the amplification provided by
bias voltage to reach the grid, and it also prevents the the 2nd-A. F. tubes.
accumulation of a negative charge on the grid. The advantages of the double-audio output stage are
The A. F. current variations in the detector plate briefly as follows:
circuit set up an A. F. voltage across the detector- 1. The two tubes acting together provide more
coupling resistor. This A. F. voltage is fed to the grid than twice the available undistorted output power of
of the lst-A. F. tube through a fixed condenser of large one tube of the same type.
capacity which has low effective resistance to A. F. cur- 2. The double-audio output tubes balance out any
rent variations, but very high effective resistance to D. C. variation or ripple in their plate-voltage or grid-
The A. F. voltage which is fed through the coupling voltage supply, thus reducing hum. In order to
condenser is superimposed on the normal grid bias volt- secure this balanced condition it is necessary to use
age of the lst-A. F. tube. matched tubes.
June, 1931 23
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ATWATER KENT RADIO

The Audio-Frequency Amplifier (Continued)


E. The Electro-Dynamic Speaker. F. A Summary of the Action of the Receiving
Circuit
The Atwater Kent electro-dynamic speaker, which is We have now studied the action of the various sec-
used to convert the electrical output of the audio- tions of the receiving circuit, and before beginning to
frequency amplifier into audible energy, or sound waves, study the power supply system, it may be helpful
has a practically uniform response to all audio fre- briefly to review what we have read.
quencies. 1. The R. F. amplifier selects the frequency of one
The A. F. voltage across the primary of the output broadcast station, excludes all other stations, and ampli-
transformer induces an A. F. voltage of much smaller fies, without distortion, the energy received from the
value in the secondary (owing to the step-down ratio of desired station.
this transformer). This low A. F. voltage is fed into 2. The detector circuit rectifies the amplified R. F.
the voice coil of the speaker. The voice coil has low energy and allows the modulation of this energy to
resistance, consequently on a strong signal the A. F. affect the audio-frequency amplifier.
current in the voice coil circuit is comparatively high. 3. The audio-frequency amplifier increases the power
The magnetic field produced by flow of current through of the audio-frequency energy delivered by the detector
the voice coil reacts against the constant powerful field tube.
of the electro magnet, thus producing motion of the 4. The electro-dynamic speaker converts the electrical
voice coil. output of the audio-frequency amplifier into audible
energy or sound waves.

THE POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM IN A. C.-OPERATED MODELS


The power supply system must take the 110-volt A. C. (b) The R. F.—detector—lst-A. F. filament winding
(alternating-current) and from it produce high-voltage supplies 2.5 volts A.C. for the filaments of the R. F.—
D. C. (direct-current) for the plate and screen circuits, detector—lst-A. F. tubes.
low-voltage direct-current for the grid circuits, and low- (c) The rectifier filament winding supplies 5 volts
voltage alternating-current for the filament circuits. A. C. for the filament of the rectifier tube.
This is done in this way: (d) The high-voltage winding provides about 350
volts A. C. to each plate of the rectifier tube (measuring
A. The Power Transformer from the center tap of the high-voltage winding to each
The 110-volt A. C. supply is fed into the primary of plate of the rectifier).
a power transformer (see Fig. 21). There are four These values of secondary voltage are obtained by
secondary windings on this transformer: designing the transformer in accordance with a funda-
mental electrical principle that the ratio of primary volt-
(a) The 2nd-A. F. filament winding provides 2.5 age to secondary voltage is equal to the ratio of primary
volts A. C. for the filaments of the 2nd-A. F. tubes. turns to secondary turns.

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

The Power Supply stem (Continued)


r

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.)

DISTRIBUTING THE HIGH-VOLTAGE D. C. TO MEET THE


REQUIREMENTS OF THE RECEIVING TUBES
After the high-voltage A. C. has been rectified and (In the 2nd-A. F. tubes, the return path of the plate
filtered into pure D. C, it is distributed among the circuit is somewhat different, as will be described later.)
tubes in such a way as to meet the voltage requirements
of each tube. (b) How Grid Bias is Obtained
(a) Feeding the Plate Circuits The plate current of each tube, or the plate and
screen current of each R. F. tube, flows through the
In order to understand how the correct voltages are bias resistor.
applied to each tube, it is helpful to study the circuit of
early Model 55 in Fig 15-A, and note that the negative This current produces a voltage across the bias re-
line of the filter circuit goes through the speaker field sistor and, if the grid return of the tube is connected to
coil to the chassis. Also, by tracing out the plate circuit the negative end of the resistor, the grid will be held at
of each tube, and the screen circuit of each R. F. tube, a negative voltage with respect to the cathode.
it will be found that these are all fed from the positive This voltage (across the bias resistor) constitutes the
line of the filter circuit. grid bias for the particular tube. The value of the bias
After entering the plate or screen circuit, how does voltage is governed by the resistance of the bias re-
the current get back to the negative side of the filter sistor, and by the value of the total current flowing
circuit? through the bias resistor.
The return path for each plate and screen circuit is This may be understood more readily by studying
across the electron-stream between plate and cathode, or Fig. 24 which shows the complete plate circuit of an
screen and cathode, then through the bias resistor for R. F. tube. Here, as indicated by arrows, the current
that tube and back to the negative line (chassis) of the flows from the positive side of the filter circuit through
filter circuit. the primary of the R. F. transformer, across the plate-

FILTER CHOKES

PULSATING PURE SMOOTH


DIRECT-CURRENT DIRECT-CURRENT
OUTPUT FROM
RECTIFIER

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

The Power Supply System (Continued)

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

The Power Supply System (Continued)


(d) Tracing the Bias Circuit currents of all plate and screen circuits flow through
In the complete diagram of early Model 55, Fig 15-A, the negative line of the filter circuit, and therefore
it is not as easy to trace out the complete plate-circuit through the field coil, there is a D. C. voltage across
path of each tube, as it is in Fig. 24. This is caused this coil.
by the fact that in a desire to make the complete dia- In Model 66, the voltage across the field coil is about
gram (Fig. 15-A) follow the actual wiring of the set, so 80 volts. Therefore, by connecting the filament circuit
it will be most helpful in service work, we have shown of the 2nd-A. F. tubes to the positive side (chassis) of
separate chassis connections for the grid circuits, cathode the field coil, and connecting the grid return of the
circuits, and negative end of the main filter circuit. 2nd-A. F. tubes to the negative end of the coil, the grids
This may be appreciated by comparing Figs. 24 of the 2nd-A. F. tubes are maintained at 80 volts nega-
and 25, which are identically the same electrically, but tive with respect to their filaments.
appear different because in Fig. 24 there is one chassis The connection to the filament circuit is made through
connection for all the circuits, while in Fig. 25 the the center-tap of a filament-shunt resistor for the reason
chassis connections are shown separately. explained previously.
(e) How Grid Bias is Obtained for 2nd-A. F. Tubes In the A. C.-operated models which employ 245 and
171-A tubes, requiring a grid bias of about 45 volts, a
The grid bias for the 2nd-A. F. tubes could be secured similar biasing system is used, but instead of using the
by connecting the filaments of these tubes to the nega- entire voltage across the field coil, a potentiometer ar-
tive end of the filter circuit through a suitable resistor, rangement of resistors is connected across the field coil
and connecting the grid return (center-tap of the sec- so that the correct portion of the total voltage is avail-
ondary of the 2nd-A. F. in-put transformer) to the able for grid bias of the 2nd-A. F. tubes. This is shown
negative end of this resistor. in the diagram of early Model 55, Fig. 15-A, and also in
However, as the 2nd-A. F. bias voltage must be about Fig. 27.
45 volts for the 245 tubes, and about 80 volts for the Because of this careful engineering design, the speaker
250 tubes, it would not be economical to use this high field coil serves three purposes:
voltage (which is subtracted from the total voltage 1. It acts as a filter choke, thus helping to smooth
available for the plates of the 2nd-A. F. tubes) merely out the plate-voltage supply.
for biasing the 2nd-A. F. tubes. 2. The D. C. voltage across the field coil is used in
Therefore, a different method is used, as shown in whole or in part to bias the grids of the 2nd-A. F. tubes.
Fig. 26. Here the speaker field coil is used as a filter 3. The total plate current of the tubes, flowing
choke and is connected in the negative line of the filter through the field coil, produces a strong magnetic field
circuit. The field coil has resistance, and, as the D. C. in the circular air-gap of the speaker magnet.
2nd A. F. INPUT 2nd A. F. OUTPUT
TRANSFORMER TRANSFORMER

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

The Power Supply System (Continued)


(f) How the Screen-Grid Voltage is Controlled varies in different models, and also in different types of
The sensitivity of the R. F. amplifier, and conse- the same, model. The arrangement vised in Model 55
quently the output volume of the set, may be controlled and 55-C is shown in Figs. 28 and 29.
by regulating the screen voltage.
(g) The Complete D. C. Distributing System
When the screen voltage is adjusted to its maximum
value, the R. F. amplifier has greatest sensitivity and Having now reviewed the rectifying and filtering cir-
amplification. Both of these factors decrease as the cuit, and having described how the plate, grid, and
screen voltage is decreased. screen voltages are obtained, it will prove helpful to
For engineering and production reasons the circuit study Fig. 27, which shows the complete D. C. dis-
arrangement for securing the correct screen voltage tributing system for later Model 55.

Fio. 28. IN EARLY MODEL 55 AND


55-C, THE SCREEN VOLTAGE IS AD- —v^y^y )
JUSTABLE FROM ZERO TO ABOUT 78
VOLTS, AS SHOWN AT REFT.
V.
-W+J-: + 1 VOLUME BLEEDER
CONTROL y RESISTOR
FIG. 20. IN LATER MODEL 55 AND
VVWV I
55-C, THE SCREEN VOLTAGE IS AD-
"8 v.- -82 Vr JUSTABLE FROM ABOUT 15 TO 90
VOLTS, AS SHOWN AT RIGHT.

R. F. GRID
BIAS RESISTOR The screen voltage is measured with
a high-resistance D. C. voltmeter "V."

-OUTPUT FROM FILTER - -OUTPUT FROM FILTER

June, 1931 28

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ATWATER KENT RADIO

IMPORTANT FACTS THE ATWATER KENT DEALER SHOULD KNOW


1. Replacing R. F. Transformers. A 6-volt battery-type receiver may be operated on
Atwater Kent dealers should keep constantly in mind 32 volts by using a suitable resistor (several commercial
this fact: types are available) in series with the line, to reduce
Single R. F. transformers are not sold separately. the voltage to that required for the filaments of the
When a single R. F. transformer in a set becomes tubes. Resistors equipped with automatic cut-out to
burned out or damaged, it is necessary to replace the prevent overload are available.
entire R. F. transformer group or assembly. This is due The 32-volt system cannot be utilized to supply the
to the fact that these coils are matched in groups at the plate or "B" voltage to a battery-type set. This must
factory and sold from the factory in complete groups be supplied by dry "B" batteries. Storage "B" batteries
only. which can be recharged (in sections) from the 32-volt
If you do not have a replacement group in stock, re- system are also available.
turn the group containing the damaged coil or coils to
your distributor who will exchange it for a new group 7. Use of the Electro-Dynamic Speaker on Early-Type
and charge you only for the coil or coils needing replace- Sets.
ment. Refer to parts list for prices of replacements on
We do not advise attempting to use an electro-
each type of set.
dynamic speaker with our earlier type sets designed
2. Replacing Coils in Magnetic Speakers. primarily for the use of a magnetic speaker. The dealer
Coils for magnetic (horn or cone) type speakers are is advised to endeavor to sell the customer a complete
not sold separately. new receiver in such cases, explaining to the customer
This is due to the fact that when a new coil is in- the advantage of having an outfit in which the set and
stalled it is necessary to remagnetize the poles which speaker were designed by the factory, to work together
can only be done at the factory. When you have a to give maximum performance.
speaker unit with burned out coil, return the unit to
the distributor who will replace it and charge you only 8. Use of Screen-Grid Tubes in Early Models.
for the burned out coil plus a small labor charge. It is frequently asked if it is practical or advantageous
to use screen-grid tubes in the early type electric or
3. Replacing Carbon-Type Volume Controls. battery receivers which were manufactured before the
Parts jor carbon-type volume controls (used in later screen-grid tubes were developed,
screen-grid sets) are not sold separately. The answer to this question is that a receiver must be
Owing to the fact that special tools are required for
assembling carbon-type volume controls, parts for this especially designed in order to use screen-grid tubes;
type control are not furnished separately. When one owing to the peculiar nature of these tubes and their
of these controls develops trouble, return it to your extreme sensitivity, they will not give best results in an
distributor for replacement at a charge for labor and ordinary tuned R. F. circuit of the early type. It can
material involved. therefore be readily seen that it would be impractical
to re-design an old set to permit using these tubes,
4. Operating 25-Cycle Sets on 60-Cycle Current. owing to the expense and complications involved.
A receiver designed for 25-cycle operation will func- Here again the dealer is advised to urge the customer
tion satisfactorily on 25-, 40- or 60-cycle current. How- to trade-in his old set as part payment on an up-to-date
ever, a 60-cycle set must not be operated on 25-cycle model.
or 40-eycle current, otherwise overheating and damage
will result. 9. Adding Extra Speakers or Headphones to Various
5. Converting D. C. Sets to A. C. and Vice-Versa. Atwater Kent Receivers.
The dealer may frequently be confronted with the Very often it is desired to use one or more additional
question as to the possibility of changing over a D. C. speakers or headphones in other rooms, etc., the extra
set for use on A. C. or vice-versa. The cost of making speakers being connected so that they can be switched
any such change would be entirely prohibitive, con- on or off independently of the regular or original
sequently the only solution in a case of this kind (where speaker. The method used for making connections of
the current is changed or customer moves to a location the additional speakers depends upon the type of set.
where current is different) is a trade-in for a model An outline follows:
using the current called for. If the dealer can not (1) Magnetic Sets.
handle the exchange himself he should take the matter One or several additional magnetic or inductor-type
up with his distributor. One exception to this may be JB speakers or headphones may be used by simply con-
mentioned in the case of an A. C. set which may be necting in parallel with the original speaker; that is,
operated from a D. C. line by using a small motor gen- simply run leads from the output or speaker posts of
erator—these can be purchased for as low as $50.00. the set to the additional speakers at their locations.
6. Operating a Radio on a 32-volt D. C. Lighting System. If more than two or three additional speakers are
Probably the most economical method of utilizing the used a series-parallel connection is advisable. Head-
32-volt farm lighting system for radio is to use a stand- phones may be used in place of speakers if a suitable
ard A. C.-type receiver in connection with a small motor resistor is connected in series with one lead to regulate
generator, designed to operate on 32-volts D. C. and the volume.
deliver 110 volts A.C. There are several such gen- A single-pole—single-throw switch in one lead to each
erators available at reasonable prices. extra speaker will permit it to be turned on at will.
June. 1931 29
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ATWATER KENT RADIO

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.

SPEAKER PLUG COVERING REMOVED FROM CABLE

A. K. No. 146 50
OUTPUT TRANS

JACK FOR PHONES


^. Y
| OR SPEAKER

FIG. 32. CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENT FOR ADDING AN EXTRA

SPEAKER TO MODEL 55, 60 OR 6(i.

June, 1931 30
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ATWATER KENT RADIO

SERVICE NOTES FOR SCREEN-GRID RECEIVERS


A. Replacing R. F. Transformers and Variable Con- E. Operating-Voltage Measurements:
densers: One of the quickest methods of testing the screen-
As in the other Atwater Kent single-dial receivers, if grid receivers is by measuring the voltage at each tube
one R. F. transformer is defective or damaged, the entire socket as indicated in the tables for each set. Please
group must be replaced. Likewise if one variable con- note that the voltage values are approximate only. These
denser is defective, all of the variable condensers must measurements must be made while the set is in opera-
be replaced. Single R. F. coils or variable condensers tion, using either a commercial set-analyzer, with
are not furnished. adapters which fit into the tube sockets, or using sepa-
rate A. C. and D. C. voltmeters, making connection to
B. Replacing Eyeletted Parts: the tube socket-contacts under the base plate. All of
The tube sockets, identifying plates and tube-shield the socket-contacts may be exposed by inverting the
bases are fastened with eyelets to the base-plate, and set and removing the flat bottom-plate.
several parts are eyeletted to the main panel, but if
any of these parts requires replacement, it may be re- F. Continuity Testing:
moved by cutting out the eyelets, and the replacement Separate parts may be tested for continuity with a
part may then be mounted in position with short 6/32 voltmeter and battery in the usual way. If there is any
or 8/32 screws and nuts. doubt as to whether a part is shorted, grounded, or open,
it is advisable to remove all connecting leads to that
C. Synchronizing Condensers: part and test it separately.
When synchronizing the condensers, connect the When making continuity tests, see that the control-
oscillator pick-up lead to the Short-Antenna post, and grid leads do not touch the chassis.
place the local-distance switch in the "distance" position.
The bottom-plate should be screwed in position when G. Antenna:
testing any of the screen-grid models for output volume,
or when synchronizing the condensers. However, in Two antenna posts are provided on the set, marked
order to avoid the necessity of removing and replacing "Long Antenna" and "Short Antenna." The Long-
this plate a number of times, it will be found more con- Antenna post gives somewhat greater selectivity.
venient to cover the top of the test bench with a sheet Indoor aerials for the screen-grid receivers should be
of tin (about 20 gauge), which should be connected to erected as far as possible away from grounded metal,
ground. This sheet of metal acts as a shield in place such as pipes, steel beams, electric wiring, etc. A good
of the bottom-plate. outside antenna is recommended in preference to an
In Model 61, the chassis must not be connected to indoor antenna.
ground, so in this case the ground connection to the
sheet of tin should be opened. When testing both H. Ground:
A. C. and D. C. receivers, an on-off toggle switch may It is necessary to use a good ground connection. In
be connected in the ground lead to the tin sheet. This some cases, depending on the installation conditions,
switch should be opened when testing the screen-grid the sets will work satisfactorily without a ground, but
direct-current receivers. for best results we strongly advise the use of a good
ground connection.
D. Use Top Plate:
Owing to the design of the R. F. amplifying circuit I. Output Tubes:
in the screen-grid receivers, it is necessary to use a top The two A. F. output tubes (2A and 2Aa) should
shielding-plate when synchronizing the variable con- be matched on a tube tester, otherwise the set may hum.
densers. In the shield for three-condenser receivers,
such as Model 55, it is necessary to cut a hole in the The speaker-plug must not be removed from its
shield over the rotor of No. 1 condenser in order to socket while the set is in operation.
make this rotor accessible for adjustment. This hole
should be about l'/2 inches in diameter with its center J. Local-Distance Switch:
2'/4 inches from the left edge of the shield and about The set should be operated with the local-distance
\y% inches from the front edge. The rotor of No. 1 switch in the local position when receiving near-by
condenser may then be adjusted with one finger through stations. Failure to do this may result in distortion
this hole. No. 2 condenser rotor may be adjusted by when receiving near-by stations. This use of the local-
turning the control knob, and No. 3 rotor may be distance switch should be explained to owners, in order
reached from the right-hand side of the chassis. to avoid unnecessary discussion.
In four-condenser screen-grid receivers, such as Model
60, a l]/2 inch hole should be drilled in the shield over K. Phonograph Adaptors:
the rotors of No. 1, No. 3 and No. 4 condensers. Owing to the fact that resistance coupling is used
A top shield for the three-condenser type receivers, between the detector and the 1st audio stage on Model
and a top shield for the four-condenser type receivers, 55, 55-F, 60 and 66, the usual type of phonograph
with holes cut as mentioned above, should be available pick-up may not give satisfactory volume on these re-
at each testing bench. These specially-drilled shields ceivers. However, some manufacturers have special
are NOT supplied from the factory. pick-ups for these models.

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ATWATER KENT RADIO

PLANNING THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT


1. The Service Room Set of small socket type hex. wrenches.
The first thought of the dealer, once he has been Open end wrench for toggle switch (for 5^-inch hex.
"sold on the idea" of rendering real service, will be a nut).
suitable workshop or service room in which to carry on
this work, and also the tools and equipment he will Assortment of screw drivers, pliers and wire cutters.
require to perform radio service completely and effi' Assortment of spring type clips for quick connections.
ciently.
Assortment of small fuses (1 and 2 Amp. and 100
In most cases it will be necessary for the dealer to
MA.)
utilize for his service room whatever location may be
available for this purpose under the conditions of his Pair of special wrenches for removing cone of E
present floor layout, but where there is a choice, or in speaker (Part No. 9255).
case of the occupying of new quarters where any de-
sired layout can be planned, it is suggested that the Jig for setting volume-control contact (Part No.
service and parts stock room be arranged adjoining or 15115).
convenient to the rear of the sales and display room.
With this arrangement, customers bringing sets in for Set of three shims for centering the voice coil in
service can be referred promptly to the "Service De- electro-dynamic speakers (Part No. 20171).
partment," which will avoid unnecessary delay and in-
terference with the work of the floor salesman. The Three gauges for centering top-pole-piece in electro-
dealer's "outside service man" can, of course, enter the dynamic speakers. Each gauge consists of a three-
shop by the rear entrance. inch length of No. 54 drill rod.
The service room need not be very large, but should Two specially-drilled top plates for use in synchroniz-
be well lighted. If possible to have outside light directly ing condensers in screen-grid receivers. See Page
on the service bench or table from one side or the rear, 31 for details.
it will enable the service man to work more efficiently
and consequently to produce better results.

2. The Repair Bench


The service bench or "repair table" should be four
or five feet long and about twenty inches deep. The
height should be about thirty-six inches, so as to permit
the repairman to work at it conveniently while standing.
The top of the table should be of fairly heavy pine
wood, and the legs should be heavy enough to insure
the bench being absolutely firm and free from vibration.
One or two round-topped stools can be provided for
the men when working on jobs requiring considerable
time.

3. Suggestions for Service Equipment vv


TO 6-VOLT BATTERY
A reasonably complete outfit of meters and tools, FIG. 33. MAGNETIZING A SCREW DRIVER.
which will cover the making of any ordinary tests and A magnetized screw driver is of great assistance in removing and
repairs, is suggested as an initial equipment for the inserting screws in places which are ordinarily difficult to get at, and
dealer's service room, and consists of the following: it is suggested the dealer prepare one. To magnetize a screw driver,
simply insert the blade inside a coil about 50 turns of No. 18 or other
Voltmeter panel (see Page 39 for description). insulated wire, the terminals of which are connected' to a 6-volt battery
and close the circuit for a moment.
Multi-wave oscillator covering the broadcast range
and also 130 K. C.
Milliameter, 0-100 M. A. 4. Arranging the Equipment
A separate continuity testing meter or "ohmmeter." All tools frequently used should be kept in a definite
Tube testing device (any standard make). place where they will be accessible without delay. A
Hydrometer. row of hooks at one end of the work table or on the
Soldering iron and equipment. wall can be recommended for this.
Testing prongs with cables (several pair). The testing equipment may be arranged as shown on
Set of small open-end hex. wrenches. Page 38.

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Planning the Service Department (Continued)


5. Locating Repair Parts Stock and Repair 7. Keeping Records on Service
Material This feature is one which the dealer cannot afford to
neglect if a smooth-running Service Department is to be
The best method of arranging the stock of repair maintained, and if the avoidance of misunderstandings
parts is to keep them in rows of small wooden bins or with the customer and unnecessary correspondence with
in glass jars on sets of shelves on the wall. Each bin or the distributor is desired.
jar should be carefully labeled with the part number
and name. Pads of printed forms, serially numbered and with
sufficient copies for office records and the customer,
It will also be advisable to have an additional set of should be used for handling repair jobs, and the date
shelves for complete sets and speakers—for example a on which a set is brought in for repair, date repair is
shelf for jobs "to be repaired," one for sets "ready for made, and also delivery date with customer's signature
delivery," and one for sets "awaiting instructions" from obtained, should be carefully entered.
the owner or waiting for parts which have been ordered.
It is extremely important for the dealer to fill out the
warranty tag that accompanies each set and promptly
return the post card section to his distributor. The
b. Equipment for the Outside Service Man dealer-record-card should be filed for reference in order
The amount and type of equipment provided for the to determine whether future repair jobs are in the war-
dealer's "outside service man" will depend on the total ranty period.
investment being made in service equipment, and the
ability of the outside man in using meters, etc., to locate If a repair "invoice" is made out separately, the num-
and perhaps repair minor troubles in the customer's ber of the repair tag and all other data should be placed
home. on the invoice.

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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ATWATER KENT RADIO

Planning the Service Department (Continued)


work are essential. The third factor, however, is not
usually given due consideration, in fact too often it is
sadly overlooked.
The Service Department, rather than being looked
upon as a necessary evil (as it was several years ago
before the dealer had been educated to its true value),
is now considered one of the biggest factors for building
good'will and indirectly increasing sales that the dealer
can possibly have. But this is not possible unless the
service man takes the proper attitude toward the cus-
tomers and his own work. He should always assume
the attitude that "the customer is right." He should
listen politely to his story of his trouble and endeavor
to assure him cheerfully and convincingly that his diffi-
culty will soon be a thing of the past. Confidence in the
product and in his own ability will be a powerful factor
in the service man's favor in this connection. He should
never argue with a customer and never make promises
he cannot fulfill. All appointments made should be kept
without fail.

All in all, a proper understanding of the psychology


of service on the part of the service man will help to
make the Service Department a great asset to the event-
ual success of the radio dealer's business.

FIG. 34. Two VIEWS OF A WEI^-LAID-OUT SERVICE ROOM.

June, 1931 34
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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

testing through the windings of a transformer or re- CIRCUIT.

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-

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ATWATER KENT RADIO

SYNCHRONIZING VARIABLE CONDENSERS IN


BELTED-TYPE RECEIVERS
In order to secure the best sensitivity, volume, and justment at 800 K. C. and finally at 1000 K. C.
selectivity from a receiver of the single'dial type, it is Carefully tighten the pulley set-screws when the
extremely important that all the tuned circuits be syn- rotors are adjusted for peak output at 1000 K. C. The
chronized at all settings of the tuning dial. output reading at 1000 K. C. should be the same after
If the synchronism has been disturbed in a belted- the screws are tightened as before, otherwise the rotors
type receiver, the condensers may be re-synchromzed have been disturbed while tightening the screws, and
by loosening the pulley set-screws and adjusting the the operation must be repeated.
rotor of each condenser separately to give peak output Now tune to 800 K. C. and readjust the oscillator
on a constant-strength signal of 1000 kilocycles. The pick-up to the same position it had when making the
pulley screws are then tightened, and if the condensers previous test at 800 K. C. The reading now, with the
and the R. F. transformers are matched, the synchronism pulley screws tightened, should be at least 75% as much
should be good at all points on the dial. If the. syn- as the reading previously secured at this frequency when
chronism is not good at other points on the dial, as
the rotors were adjusted separately.
evidenced by weak reception, either the condensers or
the R. F. coil group are not properly matched. In this The same comparison is made at 600 K. C.
case a new condenser group or a new transformer group If, with the pulley screws tightened, the output
(as necessary) should be installed and the condensers reading at 800 or at 600 K. C. is less than 75% of the
should be re-synchronized. reading that was secured when the rotors were adjusted
When synchronizing condensers, it is necessary to separately, it indicates that either the R. F. transformers
use a local oscillator to provide signals and a meter to or the variable condensers are not matched, and a new
indicate output volume. group should be installed.
Note that the pulley set-screws are tightened when
The local oscillator is necessary in order to secure
the rotors are adjusted for peak output at 1000 K. C.
constant signal strength. Signals from broadcast stations
The set-screws should not be touched after that.
are not sufficiently constant for this work.
An output meter is required to secure a reliable in-
dication of output volume. The ear is not reliable for
this purpose.
A suitable output measuring circuit is describe'd on
Page 41.
The oscillator feeds a weak signal into the receiver.
The signal is amplified in the receiver and produces a
reading on a meter that is connected to the output of
the set. This meter indicates the strength of the output
volume.
The reading on the output meter is greatest when all
the tuned circuits in the set are adjusted to the same
frequency as the oscillator signal. Therefore, if the
variable condensers are adjusted separately to produce
maximum output volume from the signal, each tuned
circuit will be in resonance with the signal and in syn-
chronism with each other.
It is necessary to check the variable condensers at
three different broadcast frequencies in order to make
certain that the tuned circuits are accurately syn-
chronized at all settings of the tuning dial.
The oscillator must provide modulated signals at 1000,
800 and 600 kilocycles. The pick-up control or attenuator
on the oscillator should be calibrated so that it may be
re-set at any time to give the same output.
A No. 8112 grid condenser should be connected be-
tween the pick-up lead and the antenna post on the set.
The checking and synchronizing procedure is as
follows:
Loosen the pulley set-screws on all condensers except
the dial condenser. Adjust the rotor of each condenser
separately to give peak output on the 600 K. C. signal.
Note the position of the oscillator pick-up control and Fin. 37. TIGHTENING PULLEY SET SCREWS AFTER CONDENSERS
the peak reading of the output meter. Repeat this ad- HAVE BEEN SYNCHRONIZED AT 1,000 KILOCYCLES.

June, 1931 37
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ATWATER KENT RADIO

DESCRIPTION OF TESTING EQUIPMENT

Fin. 38. SUGGESTED ARRANGEMENT FOR A TESTING BENCH.

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

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ATWATER KENT RADTO

FIG. Hi), SUGGESTED LAYOUT TOR VOLTMETER PANEL.


Clips for a fuse are mounted on the front of the panel, at right side of the thermo-galvauometer.

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

Description of Testing Equipment (Continued)


The Voltmeter Panel

FIG. 40. DIAGRAM OF VOLTMETER TESTING CIRCUIT AS SEEN FROM REAR.

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

Description of Testing Equipment (Continued)


Output Measuring Circuit for Sets Prior to Model 84

For Magnetic For For F, L, D, For 46, 55, 60,


Speaker Sets Q P, and H 61, 66, 67,
20, 35, 37, 40, etc. Chassis Chassis etc.
CAUTION—USE ONLY ONE OF THESE FOUR CABLES AT ONE TIME
FIG. 41. DIAGRAM OF OUTPUT MEASURING CIRCUIT.

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

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ATWATER KENT RADIO

Description of Testing Equipment (Continued)


Output Measuring Circuit

(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.

ABBREVIATIONS USED IN VOLTAGE TABLES


Abbreviation Meaning In the tables, to identify a certain contact of a certain
1 R 1st radio frequency socket socket, the abbreviation of the contact is combined with
the abbreviation of the socket.
2 R 2nd radio frequency socket
3 R 3rd radio frequency socket Thus the grid (G) contact of the third R. F. socket
4 R 4th radio frequency socket is referred to as G3R. The negative filament contact of
D Detector socket the second A. F. socket is referred to as —F2A. The
cathode of the detector socket (in A. C. sets) is CD.
1 A 1st audio frequency socket
P2A means the plate contact of the second audio fre-
2 A 2nd audio frequency socket quency socket, and so on.
2Aa 2nd audio frequency socket
3 A 3rd audio frequency socket The use of these symbols will enable the service man
-f- F Positive filament contact quickly to recognize the corresponding socket on the
— F Negative filament contact set without having to refer to the chart or wiring dia-
G Grid contact gram.
P Plate contact In all cases where " — F" and "-h-F" appear on the
S Screen-grid contact: diagrams and drawings of Atwater Kent A.-C.-operated
C (in A. C. sets) Cathode contact receivers, these markings are used for identification pur-
R. F. T Radio frequency transformer poses only, as the A. C.-operated filaments or heaters
A. F. T Audio frequency transformer have no fixed polarity.

June, 1931 42

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ATWATER KENT RADIO

Fir.. 42-A. MEASURING THE -j -B DETECTOR VOLTAGE AT THE POWER-UNIT TERMINALS.

June, 1931 43

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ATWATER KENT RADIO

Operating Voltage Tests (Continued)


The table of voltages (for A. C. receivers prior to In using the accompanying voltage table (for re-
screeivgrid) on the facing page, is arranged logically ceivers prior to screen-grid) remember that the volt-
to trace defects from the source of power, and it is ages listed are only approximate, being the average
advisable to follow the table as given. The sketch Fig. values for the various models.
42-B of the top view of Model 42 type of receiver shows When testing a defective set, many service men
clearly the identification of the various socket-contact prefer to locate the defective part or circuit before re-
eyelets in all Atwater Kent receivers of this general moving the chassis or power unit from the cabinet.
type. These eyelets are partly covered by the tube This may be done by measuring the plate, grid, and
bases, when the tubes are in the sockets, but contact filament voltages at the power-unit terminals and at
may be made to the eyelets through long, thin brass or each tube socket while the set is connected for opera-
steel test prongs, sharpened at the ends. The prongs tion, with all tubes in their sockets and the 110-volt
should be pressed down on the eyelets and twisted in supply current turned on. If made systematically, the
order to remove the insulating coating from the eyelets voltage measurements provide a quick method of locat-
and make good contact. In screen-grid models, the ing defective parts. The voltages at the terminals of
socket-contact eyelets can not be reached from the top the power unit should be measured first, and then the
of the set, so it is necessary to invert the receiver and voltages at the tube sockets, making contact through
remove the bottom plate, thus exposing all socket- the eyelets that clamp the socket-contacts to the molded
contacts, etc. A chart showing the identification of base. The illustrations, Figs. 42 and 42A show how the
these contacts is given in the description of each screen- voltmeter leads are put in contact with the socket-
grid receiver. eyelets, or with the power-unit terminals, when making
measurements. In screen-grid type receivers, the set
If it is necessary to remove the chassis or power unit should be inverted, with bottom plate removed, and
from the cabinet to make repairs, we sviggest that the measurements made directly to the socket-contacts, as
regular continuity tests be applied to these parts before outlined in the voltage table which accompanies the
reassembling in the cabinet. description of each screen-grid receiver.

FIG. 42-B. Tor VIEW OF MODEL 42 RECEIVER.


The identification of socket-contact eyelets in this view may he applied to all Atwater Kent receivers of this general type.
The voltage of the three filament circuits are approximately as follows:
R. F.-lst-A. F. filament supply terminals^ 1.5 volts.
Detector filament supply terminals—2.5 volts.
2nd-A, F. filament supply terminals=:5.0 volts.

June, 1931 44

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VOLTAGE READINGS ON A. C. SETS (Prior to Screen-Grid)
TESTS MADE WITH SET IN OPERATION, ALL TUBES IN SOCKETS
Use High-Resistance D. C. Voltmeter (About 0-50-250) To Measure Plate and Grid Voltages. Use A. C. Voltmeter To Measure Filament Voltages.

MAKE TESTS IN ORDER LISTED


Voltages at Power Unit
Approx. NO VOLTAGE
MEASURE ACROSS REMEDY
Voltage INDICATES**

2.5V Fil. Supply Terminals. 2.4


FILAMENT 1.5V Fil. Supply Terminals. 1.5 Open filament winding or open
Replace power trans-
connection in power trans-
VOLTAGES 5V Fil. Supply Terminals. 4.9 former.
former assembly.
Fl to F2 (on Rect. Socket). 4.9
Open high-voltage winding, Apply continuity
One 1.5V Fil. Supply Terminal 180 tests across filter
to +B, R.F. open filter choke or open
R.F.-lst-A.F. bias resistor. and high-voltage
winding. Repair
as necessary.
"B" One 1.5V Fil. Supply Terminal 155 Open lst-A.F. plate resistor. Replace resistor.
VOLTAGES** to +B, lst-A.F.
One 2.5V Fil. Supply Terminal 45 Open Det. plate resistor. Replace resistor.
to +B, Det.
One 5V Fil. Supply Terminal
180 Open speaker-choke, open pri. Replace defective as-
of output trans., or open 2nd- sembly.
to +B, 2A. A.F. bias resistor.
Ground to one 1.5V Fil. Supply ]fj ; Open R.F.-lst-A.F. grid-bias
BIAS Terminal. resistor. Replace defective re-
sistor.
VOLTAGES Ground to one 5V Fil. Supply 45* Open 2nd-A.E. grid-bias re-
Terminal. sistor.

Voltages at Tube Sockets


MEASURE ACROSS Approx. NO VOLTAGE
REMEDY
SOCKET EYELETS Voltage INDICATES**

—F lo +F on each R.F. Socket 1.4


FILAMENT and on lst-A.F. Socket. Open fil. leads, cable or broken
VOLTAGES —FD to +FD. cable connection.
—F2A lo +F2A. 4.8
—FIR to P4R. 160-180 Open white cable lead, open
(4th R.F. not used in all R.F. plates res. or open pri.
Models.) No. 4 R.F.T. Remove Chassis
160-180 from cabinet.
—F3R to P3R. Open white cable lead, open Apply continuity
R.F. plate res., or open pri. tests, and repair
No. 3 R.F.T. as necessary.
—F2R to P2R. 160-180
Open primary circuit No. 2
R.F.T.
PLATE —FIR to P1R. 160-180
Open primary circuit No. 1
VOLTAGES** 45 R.F.T.
—FD to PD.
Open yel. cable lead, open con-
nection or open primary No.
155 1 A.F.T.
—F1A to PlA.
Open black-red-tracer cable or
180 open pri. No. 2 A.F.T.
—F2A to P2A.
—F2Aa to P2Aa. 180 | Open connection or open pri- Test output trans,
(2Aa tube used on electro- i mary of output transformer. and connections.
dynamic Sets.)

G1R to —FIR. 13 Open ant. coil (choke or sec-


ondary of antenna trans.).
G2R to —F2R. 13 Open sec. No. 1 R.F.T. or open
No. 1 grid resistor.
G3R to —F3R. 13 Open sec. No. 2 R.F.T. or open
No. 2 grid resistor. Remove Chassis
from cabinet.
GRID G4R to —F4R. 13 Open sec. No. 3 R.F.T. or open Apply continuity
No. 3 grid resistor.
VOLTAGES (4th R.F. not used in all tests, and repair
Models.) as necessary.
G1A to —F1A. 13 Open secondary No. 1 A.F.T.
G2A to —F2A. 45* Open secondary No. 2 A.F.T.
G2Aa to —F2Aa. 45* Open secondary No. 2 A.F.T.
(3Aa tube used on electro-
dynamic Sets.)
* 15 volts on Model 43.
k
* Low plate voltage may indicate a leaky condenser. A shorted filter-condenser will cause overheating. The plate voltages in Model 36 and early 37
are lower than given in this table.
4?
June, 1031
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