Triplett Fox & Hound User manual

TRIPLETT
Instruction Manual
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Fox 2 and Hound 3 Instruction Manual
Table of Contents
1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 3
2. FOX 2 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 4
3. HOUND 3 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 5
4. Safety Warnings and Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 8
5. Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 - 14
6. Control Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 - 16
7. Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 - 23
8. Operating Instructions: Detailed Information . . . 23- 60
9. Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
10. Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 & 63
1: Introduction
The FOX 2 and HOUND 3 wire tracing kit consists of a pre-
mium FOX 2 Tone Generator (Toner) and a newly designed
HOUND 3 Inductive Amplier (Probe). The FOX 2 is a bat-
tery operated handheld lightweight multi-function Toner that
generates multiple tones, performs some basic telephone
line tests (loop mA and line polarity), provides a visual and
audible continuity test, and incorporates Triplett’s True Trace
and TripLatch tests. The HOUND 3 is a battery operated
handheld lightweight Probe, with a thumbwheel Sensitivity
control and Signal Strength indicator LED. It improves on
previous designs (the HOUND and HOUND 2) with built-in
LED illuminators, a bandpass lter, an earphone jack, and
an easy access battery cover. An included convenient carry-
ing case (with belt loop attachment) provides ease of use
and protective storage for the FOX 2 and HOUND 3.
84-864 Rev A
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When used together, the FOX 2 and HOUND 3 aids in identi-
fying, locating, and tracing wires, cables, and other conduc-
tors. When the FOX 2 is used to apply a “tone” to a wire, the
HOUND 3 can usually locate the wire inside of, or behind
electrically non-conductive surfaces (plastic, wood, drywall,
etc), up to 12 inches away. The HOUND 3 does not have to
contact a wire to identify it….. i.e no stripping needed. FOXs
and HOUNDs have been used in the telephone, electrical,
security, sound reinforcement, video, automotive, and boat-
ing industries, to name a few.
2: Key Features of the FOX 2
• “TrueTrace” - Cadence of tracer tone changes when pair is
momentarily shorted, allowing for definite ID of target
wire pair
• Cordless Phone Interface - use a standard cordless phone
for hands-free “TrueTrace”!
• 3 Methods of Connectivity
• RJ-11 plug for tracing Telephone lines
• RJ-45 Jack for tracing LAN cables
(trace BNC cables w/ optional RJ-45 to BNC adaptor)
• Alligator clips for connection to stripped wires or
terminal panels
• “Trip-Latch” a unique latch testing technique using
“TrueTrace” for testing Alarm Sensors
• Overload Protected - 120VAC Line Cross Protection
• Overload Warning Beeper - alerts user to potential
hazards
• Warble/Pulse Tracer Tone - Selectable tone for audible &
visual ID using Hound 2 or Hound 3 Probes
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• High Output Tracer Tone
• Generates 2 of 6 user selectable Tracer Tones
• Internal User Selectable Settings - HI/LO Pitch Shift,
Warble/Continuous Tracer Tone, On/Off Audio Pilot Tone,
On/Off Cadence Shift
• Tone/Battery LED - indicates that Tracer Tone is on and
battery is OK
• Audio Pilot Tone - confirms the Tracer Toner signal
• Visual & Audible Continuity Test
• Red/Green Telephone Line Polarity LEDs - also indicates
AC/RING Signal
• Supplies “Talk Power” to allow communicating between
handsets (talksets) or powering a telephone
• Line powered in Tone Mode
• Built in Telephone Ringer
• “Power Latch” - prevents accidental turn-ons
• Magnetic Back - stick the Fox 2 to steel surfaces
• Works with either Hound, Hound 2, or Hound 3 Probe
• Powered by standard 9 Volt Battery (not included)
3: Key Features of the HOUND 3
• New Headlights to help light your way in dark areas
and reduce florescent light noise!
• Streamlined Design allows for better access in
hard-to-reach areas
• New Shielded Design to suppress “Feedback Squeal”
• Bandpass Filter to suppress 60Hz and Hi Frequency Noise
• Earphone Jack for use in quiet or noisy environments.
• Improved Sensitivity and Loudness
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• Includes New Conductive Plastic Duck-Bill Tip for Safer,
Easier Penetration in cable bundles -
Metal tip also included
• Easy Access Battery Door
• Adjustable volume / sensitivity control
• LED gets brighter as the signal gets stronger
- LED indication even works when Earphones are used!
• Contains a hi-gain, hi-impedance amplifier
• Capable of identifying the Fox 2’s tone up to 12 inches away
• Rugged, moisture resistant, mylar cone speaker
• Powered by a standard 9V battery (not included)
• One Year Warranty
4: Safety Warnings and Cautions
4.1
The FOX 2 is designed to tolerate momentary unintentional
application of 120VAC to all of its external connections. A
warning beeper sounds when 120VAC is accidentally applied.
The FOX 2 is not designed to be used as a 120VAC detector.
Although the FOX 2 will tolerate 120VAC without damage, a
shock hazard is present. The user may be injured by electri-
cal shock. The circuitry in the FOX 2 is designed to reduce
the possibility of damage to the product, not to guarantee
that the user will not be injured.
4.2
Do not use the FOX 2 as a 120VAC voltage detector.
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4.3
The FOX 2’s 120VAC warning beeper will not sound if the
battery is dead. Do not rely on the beeper to indicate the
presence of dangerous voltages.
4.4
The 120VAC protection circuit in the FOX 2 uses a light bulb,
whose glow can sometimes, but not always, be seen thru
the FOX 2’s case. Do not rely on this visual indication to
determine the presence of dangerous voltages.
4.5
The FOX 2 is not designed to tolerate accidental application
of voltages exceeding 132VAC 60Hz. Applying higher volt-
ages may cause damage to the FOX 2, and may injure the
user.
4.6
The FOX 2 is not designed to indicate any degree of preci-
sion in the accidentally applied voltage. That is, when the
warning beeper sounds, this does not mean that exactly
120VAC is present. The warning beeper will sound for volt-
age from approximately 80VAC to 132VAC.
4.7
Use care when connecting the FOX 2 to any wire or cable.
An unexpected dangerous voltage may be present, which
may result in injury to the user.
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4.8
Potentials applied to any connection of the FOX 2 may ap-
pear on other FOX 2 connections. For example, a potential
applied to the alligator clips may appear on the RJ-45 jack
and the Wireless Interface plug. This could pose a shock
hazard to the user, if for example, a LAN cable with 120VAC
on it is connected to the FOX 2. The 120VAC may appear on
the alligator clips, and shock the user.
4.9
The FOX 2 is designed to tolerate accidental application of
120VAC across its alligator clips, across the Wireless Inter-
face plug, and across its RJ-45 jack. However, there is no
protection circuitry to protect against the application of
120VAC between the different connections. For example, a
120VAC connection between the Wireless Interface plug and
the alligator clips is not protected. Product damage and user
injury may result if 120VAC is applied in this manner.
4.10
The 8 pins of the RJ-45 jack are separated into 2 groups of 4
pins. The 4 pins are shorted together in each group. The
FOX 2 applies its Tracer Tone across these groups. The FOX
2 is protected against the application of 120VAC across these
groups. If 120VAC is applied to the RJ-45 jack in a manner
that causes the voltage to be applied to the pins within one
of the groups, the 120VAC will “see” a dead short. This may
result in damage to the product or injury to the user.
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4.11
Use caution when working with telephone lines. They can
support dangerous voltages. 50VDC is often present, and
100VAC may be present during ringing. Additionally, tele-
phone lines may support dangerous levels of common mode
voltages. In some circumstances, user injury may result.
4.12
Use caution when working with any long unconnected wire
or cable. Under some conditions, unconnected wires may
“float up” to dangerous potentials, and touching them may
result in user injury.
4.13
Use care when using the HOUND 3 to probe any wire or cable.
An unexpected dangerous voltage may be present, which
may result in injury to the user.
4.14
Potentials applied to the HOUND 3’s probe may appear,
greatly reduced, at the earphone jack. This could pose a shock
hazard to the user, if for example, the probe is brought in
contact with a high voltage potential.
4.15
The HOUND 3’s metal probe can accidentally short out a cir-
cuit that is being tested. Use care when testing live circuitry,
or an accidental short may result in equipment damage or
user injury.
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5: Specifications
5.1: FOX 2 Specifications
5.1.1: Telephone Line Polarity Test:
Indication: Red and Green LEDs light for Normal and
Reversed polarity
Load: Approx. 13mA at 50VDC (usually less than off-hook
recognition current)
Protection: Tolerates momentary 120VAC Line Cross
without damage.
5.1.2: Telephone Line Ringer and Visual Ring Indication:
Indication: Red and Green LEDs light simultaneously,
Beeper sounds
Protection: Tolerates momentary 120VAC Line Cross
without damage.
5.1.3: Tracer Tone (with fresh battery):
Waveform: Differentiated Square Wave
Level: Approx. 12Vpp (+5dBu, 600 Ohm) into an open
circuit (unterminated cable or telephone line)
Approx. 4Vpp (-20dBm) into a 600 Ohm load
(terminated telephone line)
Frequencies: 4 frequencies located between 600Hz and
2000Hz, depending on user setting
Types: Warble, Continuous, Pulse
Audio: Low level pilot tone verifies tracer tone is active
True Trace Cadence: Slow - approx 2Hz
Fast - approx 7Hz
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True Trace Response Time:
500 milliseconds max at 100 Ohms or less
1 second max at 10K Ohms
True Trace Threshold: 10K Ohms or less
Internal Settings:
Warble or Continuous Tracer Tone
Hi or Lo Pitch Tracer Tone
Pilot Tone On or Off
True Trace On or Off
Protection: Tolerates momentary 120VAC Line Cross
without damage.
5.1.4: Connections:
RJ-45 Jack for connection to LAN cable
RJ-45 to RJ-11 Adaptor Cable for connection to phone line
Color Coded Alligator Clips for connection to stripped wires
or terminals
RJ-11 Plug for connection to Wireless Telephone
5.1.5: Wireless Telephone Interface:
Tracer Tone signal is applied to RJ-11 plug for connection to
wireless phone base station. Level is approx. -20dBm when
connected to the base station. Loop current is not supplied.
Protection: Tolerates momentary 120VAC Line Cross with-
out damage.
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5.1.6: Audible Continuity:
Beeper sounds when continuity is established
Threshold: Typically 500 to 1000 Ohms with new 9v battery
Open Circuit Voltage: 10v max.
Test Current: 60mA max
5.1.7: Visual Continuity:
LED lights when continuity is established
Threshold: Typically 2K Ohms with new 9v battery
Open Circuit Voltage: 10v max.
Test Current: 30mA max
5.1.8: Talk Power:
Open Circuit Voltage: 10v max.
Current (Short Circuit): 30mA max
Current with 1K Loop: Typically 5mA with new 9v battery
5.1.9: 120VAC Warning:
When in the OFF / POLARITY mode, the Red and Green Po-
larity LEDs light simultaneously when 120VAC is present.
The 9v battery may or may not be installed.
In all modes, the beeper sounds in staccato fashion, i.e. beep-
beep-beep-beep etc. The 9v battery must be good for this to
work.
The applied voltage must not exceed 132VAC 60Hz or dam-
age to the product and user injury may result.
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5.1.10: Power:
Battery: Standard 9v Alkaline Battery
Battery Life: Approx 100 hours continuous in Tone
Generator mode
Telephone Line Powered Operation: Tone Generator
operates without 9v battery installed. Operates from
standard telephone line (46 to 53v, 400 to 1800 Ohms)
in normal or reverse polarity.
5.1.11: Dimensions:
Case: 3.7"H x 2.4"W x 1.1"T
(93mm x 61mm x 28mm)
Leads: Alligator Clips: Typically 10 inches long
Wireless Interface: Typically 7 inches long
RJ-45 to RJ-11 Adaptor: Typically 10 in. long
5.1.12: Weight:
Typically 6 ounces including battery
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5.2: HOUND 3 Specifications
5.2.1: Amplifier
High impedance bootstrapped FET input for high gain and
sensitivity. Incorporates a bandpass filter to improve sensi-
tivity to FOX signals while suppressing 60Hz.
5.2.2: Sensitivity
Detects FOX’s tone up to 12 inches away.
5.2.3: Speaker
1-1/2" mylar coned speaker with high strength alnico mag-
net is rugged and moisture resistant.
5.2.4: Probes (2 provided)
a) Solid aluminum conical probe for low resistance contact
testing
b) Conductive Plastic duckbill probe with metal threads for
sensitive non-shorting testing.
5.2.5: Earphone Jack
Accepts standard 1/8" (3.5mm) mini phone plug, either mono
or stereo. For use with electromagnetic (dynamic) earphones
from 8 Ohms to 2000 Ohms. Automatically mutes loud-
speaker when earphone is used. An earphone with a shielded
cable is suggested to reduce the possibility of feedback from
the cable to the probe tip.
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5.2.6: Signal Strength Indicator
Bright red LED signal strength indicator maintains sensitiv-
ity, even when the earphone is used.
5.2.7: Power
A standard 9 volt alkaline battery (NEDA 1604A, Eveready
522) provides power for all circuitry. The battery is acces-
sible by removing a convenient snap-on door (no tools
required). The HOUND 3 is protected against the accidental
reversal of the battery polarity.
5.2.8: Illumination
2 efficient bright white LEDs powered from separate current
sources provide constant illumination until battery is mostly
depleted (about 6 volts).
5.2.9: Size
1-7/8" dia at speaker, 1-3/8" dia at body, 8-1/4" long with
metal probe, 9-1/4" with conductive plastic probe.
5.2.10: Weight
Less than 8 ounces including battery
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6: Fox 2 and Hound 3 Control Locations
(See Figures 1 and 2)
TRACER TONE
VISUAL CONT.
TALK
OFF / POLARITY
AUDIBLE CONT.
WARBLE
PULSE
UNLOCK BATTERY TEST
AC / RING
REV NORM
CORDLESS
INTERFACE
G
RJ-45 Jack
H
Battery Test / Cadence LED
I
Warble / Pulse Button
A
Cordless Interface
B
Continuity / Talk LED
C
Unlock Button
D
Function Switch
E
Polarity LEDs
D
A
C
B
E
F
F
RJ-45 to RJ-11 Adaptor
G
H
I
J
Alligator Clips
J
Figure 1
FOX Control Locations
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AA
Conductive Plastic
Duckbill Tip
BB
Metal Conical Tip
CC
LED Lights
DD
Signal Strength Indicator
EE
Power Button
FF
Sensitivity Control
GG
Earphone Jack
HH
Battery Connector
I I
Battery Strap
JJ
Battery Cover
KK
Battery (not included)
LL
Speaker Cover
AA BB
CC
DD
EE
FF
GG
HH I I
JJ
KK
LL
Figure 2
Hound 3 Control Locations
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7: Getting Started
7.1: The FOX 2
7.1.1:
The Power Latch feature of the Function switch prevents
accidental turn-on of the FOX 2. To apply power to the FOX
2, press the Unlock button down while sliding the Function
switch from the OFF / POLARITY position to one of the other
switch positions.
7.1.2: Installing a standard 9 volt battery in the FOX 2
Remove the screw on the back of the case. Remove the
case front. It may be necessary to apply slight pressure to
LEDs to remove case front. Install / replace the battery. Re-
assemble the case, taking care to align the front to the back
before inserting screw.
7.1.3: Testing the Battery
A continuous battery test is performed while the FOX 2 is in
the TRACER TONE mode. If the battery is good, the BAT-
TERY TEST LED will flash. If the battery is weak, the LED will
not flash.
Helpful Hints:
The FOX 2 will often work in the TRACER TONE mode long
after the LED has stopped flashing. However, for the stron-
gest tracer signal, the battery should be replaced soon after
the LED stops flashing.
The AUDIBLE CONT mode draws more power than the
TRACER TONE mode. Because of this, it is sometimes pos-
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sible for the battery to test OK, and for the TRACER TONE
mode to work, but for the AUDIBLE CONT mode not to work.
This happens when the battery is weak, with enough power
to operate the TRACER TONER mode, but not enough power
to operate the AUDIBLE CONT mode. This condition is most
often seen when a carbon zinc battery is used instead of an
alkaline battery. If the FOX 2 behaves strangely in Beeper
mode, install a new battery.
7.2: The HOUND 3
7.2.1: Installing a 9 volt battery in the HOUND 3
Remove Battery Cover (JJ) by pressing the release tab to-
wards probe end of the case. Remove Battery Connector (HH)
and Battery Strap (II). Snap Connector to 9 volt battery and
slide Strap over battery. Position Strap so that the finger tab
is on the side of the battery. Insert battery into HOUND 3
case, placing bottom of battery against foam, and compress-
ing the foam while completing the battery insertion. Lead
wires should be behind battery and “dressed” to allow bat-
tery to be fully inserted. The finger tab on the Strap should
be sticking out of the Battery Compartment. This tab is used
to remove the battery. Fold the tab over, and secure the Bat-
tery Cover to the case by inserting the end near the Ear-
phone Jack (GG) first, and snapping the opposite end of the
Cover to the case.
7.2.2: Testing the battery in the HOUND 3
The battery in the HOUND 3 will not last as long as the bat-
tery in the FOX 2. The LED Lights (CC) can be used as a
rough indication of battery charge. With a fresh battery, the
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Lights will be bright, and the HOUND 3’s Speaker (LL) will
produce a loud, strong, signal from the FOX 2. As the bat-
tery is drained, the signal from the FOX 2 will not sound as
loud in the HOUND 3’s Speaker. When the Lights begin to
dim, the battery should be replaced.
7.3: A Few Basic Tests
Turn on the FOX 2 by pressing the UNLOCK button and slid-
ing the Function Switch to the TRACER TONE position. Set
the WARBLE / PULSE button (I) to WARBLE. This is the
position that most users prefer for wire location and trac-
ing.
Rotate the HOUND 3’s Sensitivity Control (FF) to its mid-
position. Turn on HOUND 3 by pressing and holding the
Power Button (EE). Bring the HOUND 3’s probe (AA or BB)
near the FOX 2’s alligator clips. The warbling signal from the
FOX 2 should be heard in the HOUND 3’s Speaker (LL). Ad-
just the Sensitivity Control for the desired loudness. Move
the probe of the HOUND 3 closer to and farther away from
the FOX 2’s alligator clips. Notice how the loudness of the
warble sound increases, and how the brightness of the Sig-
nal Strength Indicator (DD) increases as the probe ap-
proaches the alligator clips.
In general, the HOUND 3 is used by bringing it into proxim-
ity with the wire/cable that the FOX 2 is connected to, listen-
ing for the TONE signal from the FOX 2, and moving the
HOUND 3 in such a manner as to increase the loudness of
the TONE signal from the HOUND 3’s speaker . . . i.e. search-
ing for the loudest TONE signal.
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The HOUND 3’s Sensitivity Control is usually set to maxi-
mum when tracing wires through walls and ceilings, and is
set to a lower setting when in close proximity to the signal
carrying wires. In situations where there is a lot of acoustic
noise, observing the brightness of the LED, or using ear-
phones, may prove more useful than attempting to hear the
signal from the speaker.
Helpful Hints:
It is normal to hear a humming or buzzing noise coming
from the HOUND 3’s speaker when it is in an area with fluo-
rescent lights, neon signs, transformers, etc. In fact, an easy
test to verify the HOUND 3 is working is to move it toward
an operating fluorescent light and note that the buzzing sound
gets louder, and the brightness of the LED increases.
If the buzzing sounds from fluorescent lights interfere with
tracing/locating wires, the user may consider turning the fluo-
rescent lights off and using the HOUND 3’s built in lights
(which do not produce any noise).
7.4: Choosing a Probe Tip
The HOUND 3 is supplied with 2 Probe Tips. The metal coni-
cal tip provides the strongest signal in most cases, because
it can make a metallic electrical connection with a wire car-
rying the FOX 2 signal. In some cases, the metal tip can be a
safety hazard . . . because it might short out a live circuit
that the user is “probing”. The metal tip is rather short and
large in diameter, making it difficult to insert into wire bundles
while searching for the target wire.
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