Triplett 630-APL User manual

+ + + +
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
MODEL
630-APL
VOLT-OHM-MILLIAMMETER
MANUAL ONLY < $ 50

Моде! 630-АРІ.
Volt-Ohm-Milliammeter
The
Triplett
Electrical
Instrument
Company
Bluffton,
Ohio

FOREWORD
With your purchase of a Model 630-APL Volt-Ohm-Milliammeter, you
have made a worthwhile investment, not only in a fine instrument, but
backed by a company which has been making instruments for more
than half a century. The Triplett Company stands behind your. 630-APL
and will give all possible assistance in its use and maintenance.
TRIPLETT WARRANTY AND CONDITIONS OF SALE
The Triplett Electrical Instrument Company warrants instruments manufactured by
it to be free from defective material or factory workmanship and agrees to repair
or replace such instruments which under normal use and service, disclose the
defect to be ihe fault of our manufacturing. Our obligation under this warranty is
limited io repairing or replacing any instrument or test equipment which proves to
be defective, when returned to us transportation prepaid, within ninety (90) days
from the date of original purchase.
This warranty does not apply io any of our products which have been’ repaired or
altered by unauthorized persons or service stations in any way so as, in our
judgmeni, io injure their stability or reliability or which have been subject to misuse,
negligence or accident or which have had the serial number altered, effaced, ог
removed. Neither does this warranty apply io any of our products which have been
connected, installed, or adjusted otherwise than in accordance with the instructions
furnished by us. Accessories including all vacuum tubes and batteries not of our
manufacture used with this product are not covered by this warranty.
The Triplett Electrical
at any t or change
any obligation.
Instrument Company reserves the right to discontinue models
specifications or design, without notice and without incurring
Upon acceptance of the material covered by this invoice the purchaser agrees to
assume all liability for any demages and bodily injury which may result from the
use or misuse of the material by the purchaser, his employees, or others, and that
The Triplett Electrical Instrument Company shall incur no liability for direct or
consequential damage of any kind.
Parts will be made available for a maximum period of five (5) years after the
manufacture of this equipment has been discontinued. Parts include all materials,
charts, instructions, diagrams, accessories, et cetera, which were furnished in the
standard or special models.
This warranty and conditions of sale are in lieu of all others expressed or ines
and по representative or person is authorized to assume for us any other liability
in соспесіїоп with the sale of our products.
The Triplett Electrical Instrument Company
Bluffton, Ohio
Printed in U.S.A. Part No. 84-90-102563-14
(For above Serial No. 21,672)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
кап A de 4
Operation
E NA Р РР 6
MM OMS dc ea en 8
MESHES DCS Resistance ....:.........4+гь......... 10
МЕН бале i l.l nh mh 12
СОЗИ ОЮН Volts (DB) .....................:..14
Operator CAGE . ER dc Ee E ան vira SEL
ТИ оа CASI O асел ыкъ ee eae A 18
Additional Measurements
METIO NOUS. ааа e a RERO OL 20
Meas oar ԱՏՈՒ... EA |
ACCESSES. ::........:....:-...Հ.:..- 21
BedditionaleApplications ................................ 22
Momence И О E I ав зиз 29
Interior View — Parts Location .......................... 26
ROplaco apli da о a 27
(СА аап оо м. e 28
Data
ЕМО ԱՆ UI UE. Eure x 29
PIA ICONOS Color Ов... 30
EIA Resistor and Speaker Color Code ................. 31
EVA МЛ КООШ ойе Шш ль. оока ди. e 31
EIA. Transionmer ¡Color Code... co een 32

4 FAMILIARIZATION
The Model 630-APL Volt-Ohm-Milliammeter is a rugged
long scale multi-range instrument in a compact portable case.
Remove the test leads from the small envelope and notice
the two alligator clips enclosed. The clips slide over the ends
ої the test prods and make very handy connectors.
Plug the small ends of the test leads into the panel jacks
marked СОМ and V-9-A. The jacks and plugs are espe-
cially made for trouble-free, low resistance connections.
Scales
Notice there are five scales on the meter. The top scale
(red) is used when measuring ohms. This scale is marked
from 0 to 1K (at left side). With the switch knob turned to
ОХ І, the ohms scale is read just as it is marked. With the
switch knob turned іо 9X10, the numbers on ohms scale must
ай be multiplied by 10. Likewise ОХІК апа QX100K mean
to multiply by 1000 and 100,000 respectively.
The second scale from the top (black) is used to read
all DC currents and voltages. The third from the top (red) is
used for all AC voltages except the 3 volt range—the latter
is read on the bottom red scale (marked 3 at full scale).
The lowest scale (black) is used for all decibel measure-
ments. Notice the chart near the lower right hand corner of
the dial. This is used in conjunction with the DB scale as
explained on page 14.
Panel
Just below the meter is a small plastic screw. This is
rotated with a small coin or screw driver to adjust the meter
рол to zero. This need Бе adjusted only occasionally
ut for best accuracy the pointer should always be on zero
before making a measurement.
The large knob in the lower center of the panel is used
to select all ranges. The markings are self explanatory.
Left of the knob is a recessed О АП) control used when
making resistance measurements.
To the right of the knob is a recessed switch used for
reversing polarity on DC ranges.
Observe the jacks and note carefully the marking for

5
each. You will use the СОМ апа V-Q-A, jacks for most
measurements. The polarity reversing switch must be in the
"DC-, 9, ACV” position for all ohm and ACV measurements.
PROTECTION: A one ampere fuse is incorporated in the ohm circuits for
protecting the ohm circuit when it is accidentally placed across high voltage. A
spare fuse is attached to unit inside the tester.
NOTE: This fuse is in series with ohmmeter circuit and is physically mounted on
the back of the meter housing.
You are cautioned not to substitute the indicated 3AG Littlefuse for it can
disturb the balance of the circuit and read in error.
Accuracy
Your 630-APL is accurate to within 114% of full scale
reading on all DC ranges except the 5000 volt range which
is within 3%. AC ranges, except 5000 V, are accurate to
within 3% when used at 775 Ի on 60 cycle sine wave volt-
ages. The 5000 ACV range is accurate to within 31242. The
resistance ranges are accurate to within 1⁄2% of the scale
length. Precision non-aging resistors insure lasting accuracy.
All units are calibrated at 77° Е. AC ranges are calibrated
on a 60 cycle sine wave. In choosing ranges always en-
deavor to have the readings fall in the upper (or right hand)
Бай of the scale for greatest accuracy. Also for greatest
accuracy, the instrument should Бе used in the horizontal
position.
Ranges
The following ranges are self contained in your 630-APL:
DC Volts 2.5-10-50-250-1000-5000 at 20,000 Ohms
per Volt/0-.250 at 10,000 Ohms per volt
AC Volts 0-3-10-50-250-1000-5000 at 5,000 Ohms
per Volt
DC Microamperes 0-100 at 250 Му.
DC Milliamperes 0-10-100-1000 at 250 Му.
DC Amperes 0-10 at 250 Mv.
Ohms 0-1000:10,000..... (44-44 сї сепіег scale)
Megohms 0-1-100....(4400-440,000 at center scale)
Output Volts(AC) 0-3-10-50-250-1000 at 5,000 Ohms per Volt
Decibels сором TI 21-35: 49.-61, 75 օո 600
Ohm line
Your 630-APL is well constructed but like any instrument
should be handled carefully. You will also want to keep the
panel clean as cleanliness and carefulness go hand in hand.

6 ОРЕВАТІОМ
Measuring DC Volts (Fig. 1)
Rotate the selector switch to the appropriate range for
DC volts. Always start with the highest range if in doubt
as to the approximate voltage.
In choosing ranges, endeavor to have the readings fall
in the upper, or right hand, half of the scale for greatest
accuracy.
Plug the black test lead into the COM jack and the red
lead into the У-О-А jack as shown in Figure 1.
CAUTION: When measuring up to 5000 volts set the
selector switch on the 5000/1000 range, plug the red lead
into the jack marked 5000 DCV, and leave the black lead
in COM.
Connect the test prods ACROSS the voltage source. The
red lead is positive. Where polarity is difficult to determine,
the meter may read backwards. No damage will be done if
this occurs. Simply reverse the polarity switch.
The V-Q-A jack will be positive when the polarity switch
is in the “DC+” position.
Read all DC voltages on the top black meter scale.
Notice that the scales are not all marked exactly the same
as the range indicated by the knob position. Thus 0-2.5 volts
is read on the 0-250 scale (i. e. — by 100) on all readings,
the 0-1000 range is read on the 0-10 scale by adding two
zeros, and the 0-5000 range is read on the 0-50 scale by
adding two zeros.
The high sensitivity of 20,000 ohms per volt will allow
you to take measurements in low current circuits such as
grid and discriminator circuits.
Voltages as low ав .005 volts, (.250 volts full scale at 10,000 ohms рег volt)
may be read by using 100 uA DC current range. Simply place the range selector
in the 100 WE position and read the voltage on the 0-250 scale (divide by 1000 for
volts).
CAUTION: For maximum safety do not handle tester or leads when connected
to high voltages. Make certain that no condensers are charged to a high voltage.
NOTE: To measure above 1000 volts, the red lead must be plugged into the
5000 DCV jack and selector switch set on the 5000/1000 DCV range.
For handy operation chart see pages 16 and 17.

Figure 1—Measuring DC Volts

8 ОРЕВАТІОМ
Measuring ՃՇ Volis (Fig. 2)
Rotate the Selector switch to the appropriate range for
AC volts and set the polarity switch to ACV. Always start
with the highest range if in doubt as to the approximate
voltage.
In choosing ranges, endeavor to have the readings fall
in the upper, or right hand, half of the scale for greatest
accuracy.
Plug the black test lead into the COM jack and the red
lead into the V-Q-A jack as shown in Figure 2.
CAUTION: When measuring up to 5000 volts set the
selector switch on the 5000/1000 range, plug the red lead
into the jack marked 5000 ACV, and leave the black lead
in COM. E
Connect the test prods ACROSS the voltage source. As
there is no polarity on AC, the red and black leads may be
interchanged without causing the meter to read backwards.
Use the two lower red scales for AC volt readings. Note
that the bottom scale is to be used ONLY for one range,
namely the 0-3.
When using the 0-1000 AC volt range, read on the 0-10
scale by adding two zeros. When on the 5000 volt range
use the 0-50 scale by adding two zeros.
Wiih the special design of the two diodes in a modified
full wave bridge circuit, the 630-APL gives a wide frequency
response usable from 10 ср 8 to 500 Kc.
CAUTION: For maximum safety do not handle tester
or leads when connected to high voltages.
NOTE: To measure above 1000 volts, red lead must be
plugged into the 5000 ACV jack and the selector switch set
on the 5000/1000 ACV range.
For handy operation chart see pages 16 and 17.

Figure
2
一
Measuring
АС
Volts

10 ОРЕВАТІОМ
Measuring DC Resistance (Fig. 3)
Rotate the selector switch to the appropriate range for
ohms determined from the following chart:
To Read Set Switch to
0-1000 ohms. ois aon aeaa Нр Qxl
0-10,000 ........2: 22 A 2X10
01 Meg. Անն Ր... охік
0-100: Ա 22.22... ss. OX 100K
Set the polarity switch to О.
Plug the black test lead into the COM jack and the red
lead into the У-О-А jack as shown in Figure 3.
Short the test prods together and adjust the О ADJ knob
until the meter pointer reads 0 on the top red (2) scale.
(The 0 for the ohms scale is at the extreme right side of
the scale.)
Connect the test prods across the resistor as shown. If
the resistor is wired in a circuit, disconnect one end of the
resistor before taking the reading.
Each time an ohm range is changed, it is well to check
the 0 setting as outlined in paragraph 4 above.
The basic scale 0-1K (0-1000) is used for reading on all
ohm ranges. Simply multiply the scale numbers by 1, 10,
1000, or 100,000 as indicated by the selector switch setting.
It should be kept in mind that in the measurement of
resistance а current is passed through the unknown resistor.
Generally this current is so small as to be negligible. How-
ever on the 0-1000 range fairly high current is employed.
CAUTION: On Xl ohm position reading approximately center scale (4.4 ohms)
the current drain from the 1.5 volt battery is 170 MA. It is desirable to make a
practice of using one of the higher ohm ranges for general continuity or circuit
testing. This will give you much longer battery life.
NOTE: In the ohms circuit the battery polarity at the leads is as indicated.
The red lead is positive.
Since the scale of an ohmmeter is non-linear, the accuracy of the reading
cannot be expressed as a per cent of full scale. Ohmmeter accuracy is generally
referred to as a linear scale such as the DC volt scale. Thus +11/;% ohmmeter
accuracy means an allowable +34, divisions on the DC scale. For example
2 ohms could read from about 1.85 to 2.2 ohms and Бе within tolerance.
NOTE: Do not touch any metal parts of the circuit when using the high ohm
ranges. It is not dangerous but your body resistance can cause serious error.
For handy operation chart see pages 16 and 17.

UNKNOWN
RESISTOR
Figure 3—Measuring DC Resistance
11

12 ОРЕВАТІОМ
Measuring DC Current (Fig. 4)
Rotate the selector switch to the appropriate range for
DC current. Always start with the highest range if in doubt
as to Ше approximate current.
In choosing ranges, endeavor to have the readings fall
in the upper, or right hand, half of the scale for greatest
accuracy.
Plug the black test lead into the COM jack and the red
lead into the V-Q-A jack as shown in Figure 4.
Connect the test prods in SERIES with the circuit to be
measured. Do not test directly across any potential circuits
as this may burn out the instrument and shunt. The red
lead is positive. Where polarity is difficult to determine, the
meter may read backwards. No damage will be done if
this occurs. Simply reverse the polarity switch.
Read all current ranges (including microamperes, mil-
liamperes, and amperes) on the upper black scale. When on
the 10 Ma. range use the 0-10 scale and read direct. On the
100 Ma. range again use the 0-10 scale by adding one zero.
CAUTION: Turn off the power before connecting the
meter to the circuit. Do not handle tester or leads in high
voltage circuits.
In using the 100 microampere range, the meter may read
differently than calculations would indicate. This is some-
times caused in low current circuits by a slight leakage of
voltage due to moisture. Other times a slight potential is
generated by soldering or joining of dissimilar metals. Even
the proximity of fumes or liquid acids and alkalies may react
with the metal parts of the circuit and generate slight cur-
rents. The fingers should not be permitted to touch the metal
parts of the prods or circuit as body resistance can also up-
set some circuits.
For handy operation chart see pages 16 and 17.

OUT O PUT
OPEN
CIRCUIT
Figure 4 一 Measuring DC Current
13

14 OPERATION
Measuring Output Volts (DB) (Fig. 5)
Output is generally measured in units called the decibel,
a terminology used to indicate power levels in amplifiers or
telephone work.
Do not confuse the DB with the VU (Volume Unit). The
VU is based on .001 watt dissipated in а 600 ohm line and
is measured with a meter having special ballistic charac-
teristics.
Rotate the selector switch to the appropriate AC volt
range and set the polarity switch to ACV. Refer to the small
chart on the meter dial for the range to use. Always start
with the highest range if in doubt as to the approximate
number of decibels.
Normally it is recommended to measure output by plug-
ging the black lead into the COM jack and the red lead
into the OUTPUT jack as shown in Figure 5.
Oftentimes a DC voltage is present in the circuit where
output is to be measured. The extra jack marked OUTPUT
with a .1 mfd condenser in series is provided to block the DC.
The condenser impedance is generally disregarded in
most measurements. Where no DC is present, this output
voltage can be read accurately by using the 630-APL as a
regular AC voltmeter (i. e. by plugging the red lead into the
V-Q-A jack instead of OUTPUT.)
Connect the test prods across the plate circuit or speaker
voice coil.
Read all DB ranges on the bottom black scale using the
small chart on the meter dial. For example, when the selector
switch is set on the 3 AC volt range, the DB scale is direct
reading. When on the 10 AC volt range, add 10 to reading
on the DB scale, thus with the meter reading —2, the ap-
proximate DB reading is +8 DB.
For a reference level of .006 watt in 500 ohms, subtract
(+)7 DB from the reading to obtain the absolute value of
decibels.
For handy operation chart see pages 16 and 17.

When using the 5000 АС voltage range for
output measurements il is necessary էօ
place а condenser capable of withstandins
this high voltage external to the tester and
connected in series to the 5000 AC volt jack
usina the COM ¡jack to complete the circuit.
This external condenser is not a furnished
part of the equipment.
Figure 5—Measuring Output Volts (DB)
15

16
OPERATIC
To
Set
Switch
To
Plug
R
Measure
Selector
Polarity
In
J
DCAVOLTS
057250
100
ША
either
Vo
0-25
2.5
քՇՄ
either
Մ-
0-10
10
DCV
either
Մ-
0-50
50
քՇՄ
either
V-
0-250
250
քՇՄ
either
V-
0-1000
1000/5000
DCV
either
V-
0-5000
1000/5000
DCV
either
500
AC
VOLTS
0—3
3
АСУ
АСУ
Մ-
0-10
10
ՃՇՄ АСУ
V-
0-50
50
ACV
ACV
V=
0-250
250
ACV
ACV
V-
0-1000
1000/5000
ACV
ACV
V-
0-5000
1000/5000
ACV
ACV
50C
DC
CURRENT
0-100
Ua
DC
100
pa
either
уч
0-0
Ma
DC
10
DCMA
either
Մ-
0-10
Ма
DC
100
DCMA
either
Մ-
0-1000
Ma
DC
1000
DCMA
either
Մ-
010
AMPS
DC
10
AMP
either
Մ-
ОНМ5
0-1000
охі
о
V-
0-10,000
QX10
Q
V-
0-1
Meg
QXIK
о
V-
0-100
Meg
QX100K
Q
V-
DECIBELS
ՀԱ
to
F
S
ACV
ACV
Ос
ՏՅ
to
F21
10
ACV
ACV
Or
+4
to
+35
50
ACV
ACV
Ou
+18
to
+49
250
ACV
ACV
Ov
+30
to
+61
1000/5000
ACV
ACV
Or
+44
to
+75
1000/5000
ACV
ACV
501

T CHART
JTest Lead Read Each Scale
È Marked | Оп 4 Div. Equals
BLACK SCALE
- |". 0:250 DC—-1000 0.005 Volt
1 | 0-250 DC--100 0.05 Volt
ւ 0-10 DEX] 0.2 Volt
A 0-50 DCX1 1.0 Volt
ւ 0-250 DCX1 5.0 Volts
N 0-10 DCX100 20.0 Volts
թի — 0-50 DCX100 100.0 Volts
| RED SCALE
3 0-3V nox! 0.05 Volt
3 0-10 АСХІ 0.2 Volt
A 0-50 AG 1.0 Volt
A 0-250 АСХІ 5.0 Volts
A 0-10 ACX100 20.0 Volts
ACV 0-50 ACX100 100.00 Volts
BLACK SCALE
А 0—10 DCX10 2.0 ша
1 0-10 DCX1 0.2 Ma
A 0-10 DCX10 2.0 Ma
A 0-10 DCX100 20.0 Ma
X 0-10 DEG 0.2 Amp
Each Scale Division Equals (in ohms)
^ RED SCALE | 04 | 45 | 5-10 | 10-20 | 20-50 | 50-200
A 2x1 NEARS. [1 ER | 50
қ 95210 знижен О թանի». 5150-1500
| AXIK правового 52011525 1525. |1506
A 9x 100K | 10K | 20K | SOK | 1006 | 500K | 5 Mea
| BLACK SCALE
t DB plus 0 * Black test lead
t DB plus 10 ae Ns "
К DB plus 24 plugged in “COM
ті DB plus 38 jack for all
it DB plus 50 measurements
ACV DB plus 64

18 ОРЕВАТІОМ
Measuring Сарасіїу (Fig. 6)
Your 630-APL сап Бе used to measure capacity by the
arrangement shown in Figure 6. It is set up as ап AC volt-
meter. See page 8.
Use the following chart to determine the AC voltage
range to use. ALWAYS start with the selector switch on the
250 volt range since, if the condenser is shorted, serious
damage may result to the meter when on a low range.
To Set Deflection
Measure Selector in
MFD Switch to AC Volts
.002 | [ 45
.004 | | 183
006 + 8 ACV 47528
008 | | 065
.010 | | 2.10
CAUTION: Do not attempt to use this test on electrolytic
condensers.