Heathkit C-2 Guide

ASSEMBLING AND
USING YOUR
Condenser Checker
Model C-2
THE HEATH COMPANY
BENTON HARBOR, MICH
PRICE $1.00

HEATHKIT
CONDENSER CHECKER
MODEL C-2
For electrolytic conden-
sers turn both controls to
get largest opening of eye.
Read power factor on
small scale
Turn this knob to balance
the bridge as shown by
the magic eye tube
Main dial reads directly
resistance or capacity in
the range selected. ....
Slide switch turns instru-
ment on and off.
Fully opened eye (maxi-
mum shadow) indicates
bridge balance.
Set the control fully coun-
terclockwise to test paper
mica and ceramic con-
densers. Turn clockwise
to check electrolytic con-
denser.
Neonbulb shows leaky
condensers by flashing or
asteady glow
Selector switch gives
choice of two resistance
ranges, four capacity
ranges and five polarizing
voltages for leakage test.
Connect- unknown conden-
ser to be tested between
these contacts
Connect unknown resistor
to be tested between these
contacts

ASSEMBLY OF THE HEATHKIT
MODEL C-2
CONDENSER CHECKER
is available for condenser ratings from 20 volts to 500 volts. Standards uled arefthree condfnsers
^60r c
e
^SI?°5«*^»«?SM^«™***- The operating voltages are obtained from the 117V
50/60 cycle AC line ONLY through apower transformer and half wave rectifier. Amagic eve tube
is used to indicate the "null" or balance of the bridge .V
It is not difficult to construct this instrument if the instructions are carefully followed Read the
manual fully through before starting the assembly.
s^LTcov^l^T "? PartS liSL Id6ntify 6aCh I«rtfuslngthe charts on the in-
parts w!SithePeking! necessary. Thus you will avoid throwing away any small
Familiarize yourself with the layout by studying the pictorial diagram and the photo prints Then
proceed by following the step-by-step assembly instructions. to prims, men
?™nJi?n°te^nfolderinSon tl
}einside of the back cover. Make agood mechanical joint of each
connection with clean metal to clean metal. Use only good quality Rosin Core Radio Type solder
Pastes or acids are difficult to remove and minute amounts left combine with moisture from the
air forming acorrosive product. Weeks or months later corrosion may result in untimely failure
NOTE: ALL GUARANTEES ARE VOIDED AND WE WILL NOT REPAIR OR SERVICE
INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH ACID CORE SOLDER OR PASTE FLUXES ARE USED
(When in doubt about solder, it is recommended that anew roll plainly marked "RosinCore
Radio Solder" be purchased.)
The tube socket pins are numbered from 1to 8starting at the keyway and reading clockwise
when viewed from the bottom.
^hertfnr3
,ffn^fn!;018 taVVtoleranC€ ratinSof Plus or minu*20% unless otherwise stated.
Therefore a100k ohms resistor may test between 80K ohms and 120K ohms. Frequently con-
densers show an even greater variation such as minus 50% to plus 100%. This Heathkit is de-
signed to accomodate such variation.
5!fi«f?i?rgeS wPart u. may be made by tte Heath ^pany. All parts supplied will work, just as
well as the part for which it was substituted. All substitutions will be of equal or better quality
than the original, and will be made in order that aminimum delay will occur in filling your order
The capacity standards C44, C15 and C16 are carefully selected to provide the required accuracv
C15 consists of amatched pair of .01 MFD condensers. Do not separate. reqmrea accur*cy.
STEP BY STEP ASSEMBLY
(S) means solder the connection. (NS) means do not solder yet.
Mount the tube sockets (054) with the tube socket rings (043) on the chassis (C29) with the
keyway away from the flange as shown in the pictorial. Mount the power transformed27*
ZSf 7S';!! Slng aS°lder lug under the nut near the chassis flange, and adual termina
strip (S32) under the screw head and alock washer under the nut on the side away rom the
flange. Install the irubber grommet (035) in the hole provided in the chassis
On the panel (C28A) mount the three banana jacks (V77B&R) (the red jack in the middle) with
speed nuts (044) as shown. Mount the slide switch (094) with 6-32 screws, using lockwashers
underthenuts. Mount the main control (C 18) and power factor control (C19) with control nuts
?ni
n
a
gli
ati0
pC7/TR She KK betWeen Cw^and P™61 and anickel washer between Panel nut!
Install the 7/16 rubber grommet (C24) in the hole provided in the panel.
Page 1
1.
2.

3. Wire up the selector switch (C20A) as far as possible before mounting. On the front deck
(nearest the knob shaft) with bare wire join contacts #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. (S) all except #1 (NS).
A30K resistor (C13) to contacts #7 (NS) and #8 (NS). A30K resistor to contacts #8 ,(NS) and
#9 (NS). A30K resistor to contacts #9 (S) and #10 (NS). A30K resistor to contacts #10 (S)
and #11 (NS).
On the rear deck a200 condenser (C16) to contact #3 (S)and#9 (NS). A.02 matched pair con-
denser (C 15) to contact #4 (S) and#9 (NS). A90K precision resistor to contact #8 (NS) and #9 (NS).
4. Mount the partially wired selector switch on the panel with acontrol nut, using acontrol lock-
washer between switch and panel and anickel washer between nut and panel. Before tightening
the nut securely, fasten apointer knob to the shaft temporarily. Turn the switch so the rotor
connects to contact #1 (as shown in pictorial). Now turn the whole switch assembly .so the
knob points at the "R" marking on the panel. Carefully remove knob and tighten mounting nut .
5. Assemble both end brackets (C30) to panel as shown using 6-32 screws. Use lock washers
under the nuts and mount one single terminal strip (038) under the lock washer nearest the
selector switch. Mount two single terminal strips (038) to the end bracket nearest the slide
switch, using 6-32 screws and lock washers under the nuts. Install the banana jack inserts by
pushing them into the banana jacks from the front of the panel as far as possible. Install neon
lamp (SG22) in lamp socket and insert lamp partly through grommet in panel.
6. A200k resistor (Vll) to single terminal near neon lamp socket (NS) and to contact #12 on
rear deck of selector switch (NS). Awire to contact #12 (S) and to center (red) banana jack
(NS). A30k resistor (C13) to center (red) banana jack (S) and to farthest switch terminal on
power factor control (S). Awire to center switch terminal on power factor control (S) and to
contact #12 on front deck of selector switch (NS). Awire to contact #12 (S) and to one lug on
lamp socket (S). Awire to other lug on lamp socket (S) and to adjacent terminal strip (NS).
Note: Make the wires to the lamp socket long enough to permit removal of the lamp if such
should be necessary.
7. A.5 condenser (C17) to terminal strip near neon lamp (S) and to nearest switch terminal on
power factor control (S). Awire to nearest terminal of power factor control (S) and to adjacent
banana jack (NS). Awire to banana jack adjacent to power factor control (S) and to contact
#9 on rear deck of selector switch (S). Awire to contact #8 on rear deck of selector switch
(S) and to farthest terminal of main control (S).
8. A2MFD precision condenser (C44) between the single terminal strips on the end bracket
(NS). Awire to the terminal strip on the end bracket nearest the panel (S) and to center ter-
minal of power factor control (S). Awire to terminal strip on the end bracket farthest from
the panel (S) and to contacts #5 and #6 on rear deck of selector switch (S). A68-75K resistor
(C41) to contact #7 on front deck (S) and to center terminal of the main control (NS).
9. Mount the assembled chassis to the end brackets with 6-32 screws, using lockwashers under
the nuts. Wire the filament circuit as follows: The two yellow leads from the transformer
twisted together and one wire to pin #2 (NS) and the other to pin #7 (NS) on 12A6 socket. Two
wires to pin #2 (S) and pin #7 (S) on 12A6 socket and, after twisting them together, to pin #2 (S)
and pin #7 (S) on 1629 socket. One red transformer lead to pins #3, #4 and #5 (S) onl2A6 socket.
Other red transformer lead to solder lug (NS). Awire to pin #1 on 12A6 socket (NS) and to
solder lug (NS). Awire to pin #8 on 1629 socket (NS) and to solder lug (S).
10. Twist black transformer leads partly together, one wire to alug on slide switch (S), other lead
to lug nearest slide switch on dual terminal strip (NS). Awire to pin #1 on 12A6 socket (NS)
and to center terminal on main control (S). An 8MFD condenser (O50) with negative lead to
pin#l on 12A6 socket (S), positive lead to pin #4 on 1629 socket (NS). An 8MFD condenser (O50)
with negative lead to pin #4 on 1629 socket (NS), positive lead to pin #8 on 12A6 socket (NS).
Note: Use spaghetti over the condenser leads to prevent accidental contact to other leads and
lugs.
f
'11. Awire to pin #8 on 12A6 socket (S) and to eontact #11 on front deck of selector switch (S). A
wire to pin #4 on 1629 socket (NS) and to contact #8 on front deck of selector switch (S). A
wire to pin #1 on 1629 socket (NS) and to contact #1 on front deck of selector switch (S).
Page 2

A10 Meg resistor (CIO) to pin #8 (S) and pin #5 (NS) on 1629 socket. A1Meg resistor (017)
to pin #4 (S) and pin #3 (S) on socket 1629 .A.01 MFD condenser (T13) to pin #5 (S) and to
pin #1 (S) on 1629 socket.
12. Awire to lug nearest selector switch on dual terminal strip (NS) and to terminal of main con-
trol nearest selector switch (NS). Awire to terminal of main control (S) and to banana jack
(S) nearest selector switch. A2K-1W precision resistor (C42) to contact #1 on rear deck of
selector switch (S),andto nearest lug on dual terminal strip (NS). A200K precision resistor
(V64) to contact #2 on rear deck of selector switch (S), and to nearest lug on dual terminal
strip (NS).
13. Temporarily connect the green leads from the transformer (do not shorten yet) one lead .to
contact #10 on rear deck of selector switch (S), other lead to lug nearest selector switch on
dual terminal strip (S). (These leads may have to be inter-changed as determined by the
initial test.) Place the line cord (078) through the rubber grommet in the chassis, tie astrain
relief knot on the inside and connect one lead to nearest lug on dual terminal strip (S), other
lead to alug on the slide switch. (S).
INITIAL TEST
Check the wiring carefully. We suggest following each wire and tracing over the corresponding
wire on the pictorial diagram with acolored pencil. Check each solder connection.
Plug the unit into a117 volt 50/60 cycle AC outlet ONLY. This unit will not operate and serious
damage will result if connected to DC. Turn unit on and allow aminute for warm up. The tuning
eye should light up to abright green.
Set selector switch to the high resistance range (Rx 100) and connect the calibrating resistor to
the "Res" jacks. Adjust the main control so that the eye opens. Set pointer to indicate the re-
sistance of the calibrating resistance, and tighten the set screw. The pointer travel should now
be practically the full length of the dial scale.
Set selector switch to the lowest capacity range. Without test leads inserted into the banana jacks,
check to determine if anull can be obtained at the low end of the scale.
Note the capacity indicated at balance. This small value (5-30 MMF) is the inherent minumum
capacity. When making accurate capacity measurements on the lowest range, subtract this value
from the indicated value. If null is not obtained, reverse green transformer leads. For greatest
accuracy on this lowest range, insert the leads of the condenser directly into the banana jacks.
This will eliminate errors caused by the test leads.
14. Properly connect the green transformer leads. Prepare the cabinet by installing the handle
(079) with two 10-24 screws, and pushing the rubber feet in the bottom holes. Install the in-
strument in the cabinet with six #6 sheet metal screws. This completes the instrument.
OPERATION OF THE HEATHKIT
MODEL C-2
CONDENSER CHECKER
The resistance bridge operates on AC of the line frequency. The bridge consists of the ratio arms
formed by the main control, one of two standard resistors (C42 or V64) and the unknown. Connect
the unknown to the jacks marked RES. Set the selector switch toRor Rx. 100 range and adjust
main control for maximum shadow of the tuning eye. Read resistance on main dial and add two
zero's if Rx100 range is used.
The capacity bridge operates on AC of the line frequency. The bridge consists of the ratio arms
formed by the main control, one of three standard condensers and the unknown. Connect the un-
known to the jacks marked CAP. Set the selector switch to the proper range and adjust, main
control for maximum shadow of the tuning eye. Read capacitance on main dial considering the
position of tha_selector switch.
Page 3

The extended range expands the high capacity end of the dial by adding resistance in series with
one side of the main control.
Electrolytic condensers frequently have acertain amount of internal resistance in series with the
capacity. To balance the bridge it is necessary to balance such resistance with resistance in
series with the standard condenser (power factor control). As electrolytic condensers are only
found in the higher capacity values, the control only functions on the high and extended ranges.
The leakage test places atest voltage on the condenser through aneon bulb circuit. Leakage is
indicated by rapid flashing or asteady glow. An occasional flash indicates only slight leakage and-
even perfect condensers frequently cause aflash during the initial charging surge. As electrolytic
condensers have an inherent leakage the switch on the power factor control suitably decreases
the sensitivity of the neon bulb circuit. Set the selector switch to the rated voltage of the con-
denser. The applied voltage, while proper for such test, is not necessarily the same as the rated
voltage of the condenser.
Note: On electrolytic condensers observe polarily: positive (+) terminal to red (center) jack.
The power factor is ameasure of the energy loss in an imperfect condenser. In filter applications
ahigher power factor decreases the effective capacity so that the effective capacity at 20% power
factor is 98% of the measured capacity. At 30% power factor the effective capacity is decreased
to 95%, while at 50% power factor the effective capacity is decreased to 87% of the measured
capacity.
Acondenser which will.not balance on any of the ranges but allows the eye to open on the low end
of the low range is open, while one which allows the eye to open on the high end Of the high ranges
is shorted.
CAUTION: Never leave the leads shorted together or connected to ashorted condenser as the
prolonged drain may damage the instrument.
CAUTION: NEVER CHANGE THE TEST LEADS WHEN SELECTOR SWITCH IS IN LEAKAGE
TEST POSITION AS THIS MAY RESULT IN SEVERE SHOCK.
Connect and disconnect test leads with the selector switch knob pointing straight down. In this
position the center (positive) terminal is disconnected.
NOTE that the tolerance of many types of condensers is quite wide. While small ceramic and
mica condensers used in tuned circuits sometimes have atolerance of ±2%, condensers for blocking
or by-pass applications seldom are rated closer than ±20%. Frequently tolerances of -50% to
+100% are encountered for by-pass and filter condensers. Many of the ceramic by-pass con-
densers are specified with aguaranteed minimum capacity.
NOTE: IK ohm is 1,000 ohms 1Meg ohm is 1,000,000 ohms
1MFD (or 1MF) (microfarad) is 1,000,000 MMF (micromicrofarad)
IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY
1. Recheck entire wiring. Most cases of difficulty result from wrong or reversed connections.
2. Check the AC voltages from the transformer: yellow to yellow: 9-12 VAC; green to green:
40-60 VAC; red to red: 400-500 VAC; from pin #8 on 12A6 socket to chassis 450-600 VDC.
3. Recheck the wiring of the selector switch. Often having afriend check the wiring will reveal
an error consistently overlooked.
4. If you are unable to obtain results, write the Heath Company, giving all possible information
such as voltages obtained and indication if any.
"\
5. If desired, your instrument may be returned to the factory. The Heath Company will check
your instrument and put it into operating condition for acharge of $3.00 plus any parts or
alterations required due to damaged or improper construction.
Page 4

NOTE: Before returning your instrument to the factory, be sure to tighten securely all chassis
mounting screws. Tighten power transformer securely. Attach atag, giving name, address and
trouble experienced, to your instrument. Pack instrument WITHOUT cabinet in arugged container,
preferably wood, using at least three inches of shredded newspaper or excelsior on all sides.
Do not use folded newspaper. Do not ship in original carton only.
Ship by prepaid express if possible. Return shipment will be made by express collect.
NOTE that acarrier cannot be held liable for damage in transit if packing, in HIS opinion, is in-
sufficient. WARRANTY
The Heath Company limits its warranty on any part supplied with any Heathkit (except tubes,
meters, and rectifiers, where the original manufacturer's guarantee only applies) to the replace-
ment within three (3) months of said part which, when returned with prior permission, postpaid,
was, in the judgment of the Heath Company, defective at the time of sale.
The assembler is urged to follow the instructions exactly as provided. The Heath Company
assumes no responsibility or liability for any damages or injuries sustained in the assembly
of the device or in the operation of the completed instrument.
HEATH COMPANY
Benton Harbor, Michigan
Part Parts
No. Per Kit
Resistors
C-2 CONDENSER CHECKER PARTS LIST
Part Parts
Description No. Per Kit Description
Controls and Switches
C42 12000 Ohm 1Watt Precision
V69 190000 Ohm Precision
V64 2200000 Ohm Precision
(1 for calibrating)
C13 530000 Ohm 1Watt
C41 168000-75000 Ohm 1Watt
VI 11200000 Ohm
017 11 Megohm
C10 110 Megohm
Condensers
C16 1
C15 1
200 MMF Mica Precision
.02 MFD Molded Precision
(Matched pair of .01 MFD)
C44 12MFD Tubular Precision
T13 1.01 MFD Paper
C17 1.5 MFD Paper
O50 28MFD/475V Electrolytic
Wire and Plugs
C26 1Length Hookup Wire
C35 1Length Spaghetti
C23 1Length Red Test Lead
C22 1Length Black Test Lead
078 1Line Cord
V40 1Red Banana Plug
V39 1Black Banana Plug
V44 2Alligator Clips
CI 91800 Ohm W. W. Control with
SPDT Switch
C18 110000 Ohm W. W. Control
C20A 12Pole 11 Pos. Rotary Switch
094 1SPST Slide Switch
Tubes and Lamps
C21 11629 Eye Tube
K23 112A6 Rectifier Tube
SG22 1NE51 Neon Lamp
tardware
031 14 6-32 X3/8 Screws
S22 14 6-32 Nuts
7S72 13 #6 Lock Washers
O102 6#6 Sheet Metal Screws
O30 210-24 X3/8 Screws
037 1Solder Lug
033 3Control Nuts
O101 3Control Lock Washers
028 3Control Nickel Washers
044 3Speed Nuts
035 13/8 Rubber Grommet
C24 17/16 Rubber Grommet
034 4Rubber Feet
Miscellaneous
Sockets, Jacks and Terminal Strips G38 1Indicator Knob
054 2Octal Sockets 051 2Pointer Knobs
043 2Octal Socket Rings C27 1Power Transformer
C25A 1Lamp Socket C28A 1Panel
V77R 1Red Banana Jack C29 1Chassis
V77B 2Black Banana Jacks C30 2End Brackets
M28 3Banana Jack Inserts T32 1Cabinet
038 3Single Terminal Strips 079 1Handle
S32 1Dual Terminal Strip C2 1Manual
Page 5

~?/eaJzh-k-Lt CONDENSER CHECKER
AAODEL C-Z ///2/^9 C34A