Triplett 2000 User manual

84-873
7/07
Type 3
Railroad Test Sets
Instruction Manual
Model 2000
Model 2001
Model 2002
Model 2003
2000
Series
TRIPLETT
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Page 2
SAFETY RULES
Warning
This Tester has been designed with your safety in mind. However,
no design can completely protect against incorrect use. Electrical
circuits can be dangerous and/or lethal when lack of caution or poor
safety practices are used.
Read the Manual
Read this Instruction Manual carefully and completely. Voltages and
currents within the capability of this test equipment can be hazard-
ous. Follow the instructions in this manual for every measurement.
Read and understand the general instructions before attempting to
use this tester. Do not exceed the limits of the tester.
Safety Check
Double check the switch setting and lead connections before mak-
ing measurements. Are you following all of the instructions? Dis-
connect the tester or turn off the power before changing switch
positions. Do not connect to circuits with voltage present when
switch is in any ohms or current position. When replacing fuses, use
only specified type fuses and insert in correct fuse holder.
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Don't Touch
Don't touch exposed wiring, connections, or other "live" parts of an
electrical circuit. If in doubt, check the circuit first for voltage before
touching it. Turn off the power to a circuit before connecting test
probes to it. Be sure there is no voltage present before you touch
the circuit. Do not use cracked or broken test leads.
High Voltage Is Dangerous
Always start with the power off. Be sure there is no voltage present
before making connections to the circuit. Don't touch the tester, its
leads, or any part of the circuit while it is on. Before disconnecting
the tester, turn the circuit off and wait for the meter to return to
"zero".
Distribution Circuits Pack a Punch
In high energy circuits such as distribution transformers and bus
bars, dangerous arcs of explosive nature can occur if the circuit is
shorted. If the tester is connected across a high energy circuit when
set to a low resistance range, a current range, or any other low im-
pedance range, the circuit is virtually shorted. Special equipment
designed for use with these circuits is available. Contact a qualified
person for assistance before attempting to make measurements on
any high energy circuit.
Safety Is No Accident
Note: Specifications subject to change without notice.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES 2
1.0 INTRODUCTION 6
2.0 PRODUCT FEATURES 8
2.1 Code Measurements 8
2.2 The Cab Filters 10
2.3 Auto-Polarity 10
2.4 Power Supply Features 10
3.0 PREPARATION FOR USE 12
3.3 Meter Mechanical Zero 13
3.4 Visual Inspection of the Test Set 14
3.5 Visual Inspection of the Test Leads 14
3.6 Battery and Fuse Test 15
3.7 Battery and Fuse Replacement 18
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4.0 GENERAL OPERATION 20
5.0 OPERATION 22
5.1 Measuring AC and DC Voltage 22
5.2 Measuring DC milliAmps 24
5.3 Measuring DC and AC Amps 26
5.4 Measuring Resistance 28
5.5 Measuring Dry Contacts 32
5.6 Measuring DC Pulse Code Signals 33
6.0 SPECIFICATIONS 34
6.1 Electrical Specifications 34
6.2 Physical Specifications 43
7.0 ACCESSORIES, PARTS, AND SERVICE 44
8.0 LIMITED WARRANTY 48
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Package Contents
The standard shipping package contains the following items:
Test Set
Test Leads
This Instruction Manual
Carrying Case with Strap
Spare Fuses
Two, 9V Alkaline Batteries
One, D-cell Alkaline Battery
1.2 Product Description
The Model 2000 Series of Railroad Test Sets are specialized VOM's
designed for measuring the signal parameters of railroad coding
equipment. They maintain compatibility with older technologies,
while at the same time, offering functions and features not found on
standard VOM's.
1.2.1 Easier to Use for Normal Operation
Fewer jacks, more ranges, and a logical layout of the front panel all
contribute to the Test Sets' ease of use. The use of a multi-turn
Ohms Adjust Control facilitates accurate resistance measurements.
Also, the measurement of relay contact on time requires no adjust-
ments.
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1.2.2 Measurement of Code Parameters
The measurement of code parameters has been made simple and
accurate. No longer is it necessary to count pointer swings to mea-
sure code rate. On time can be measured on live signals as well as
relay contacts. Peak levels can be determined quickly and auto-
matically. Adjustment to the code equipment peak level can also be
made without constantly readjusting the Test Set.
1.2.3 Expandable
Optional circuit boards may be installed to allow for the filtering of
60 Hz, 100 Hz, 200 Hz, or 250 Hz cab signals. The base unit may be
upgraded at any time to include these filters without loosing the
initial investment.
1.2.4 Four Models
The 2000 Series currently consists of four models. The base Model
2000 has all the features mentioned above with the exception of the
Cab Filters. The Model 2001 includes selectable 100 Hz and 250 Hz
Cab Filters. The Model 2002 includes selectable 100 Hz and 200 Hz
Cab Filters. The Model 2003 includes selectable 60 Hz and 100 Hz
Cab Filters.
1.2.5 Selectable DC Amps Polarity
The DC Amps function has selectable polarity. This is useful for mea-
suring the transmit and receive currents in pulse coded track cir-
cuits.
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2.0 PRODUCT FEATURES
2.1 Code Measurements
Code parameters may be directly measured with the Test Set. These
code measurements are active in any AC or DC voltage or current
range, as well as the Dry Contact function. These functions are se-
lected by placing the Code Function Switch in the desired position.
The Pointer will momentarily return to zero and then indicate the
appropriate reading. If the Range Switch or any other switches are
changed, then the measurement circuitry is automatically reset and
made ready for the new measurement.
2.1.1 Peak Hold
This function will capture and hold the peak level of the signal. If the
peak level of the signal is varying slightly, the Test Set will average
25 of these readings to give an average peak level. For DC func-
tions, the polarity of the peak is also captured and displayed using
the NEG Indicator. For the Dry Contact Range, Peak Hold will cap-
ture and hold a momentary contact closure.
CAUTION: The 2000 Series Type 3 will continue to read out the
averaged value of the last captured measurements, even after the
signal has been removed. The value will continue to be read out
until a new signal is captured or the Test Set is reset by changing
the setting of the Code Function switch or the Range switch.
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2.1.2 Peak Follow
This function is similar to Peak Hold, except the peak measurement
will follow the peak level automatically, even if it is decreasing. This
permits easier adjustment of peak levels. No averaging is performed,
so if the peak level is varying, the Pointer will follow it.
WARNING: The 2000 Series Type 3 will continue to read out the
value of the last captured measurement, even after the signal has
been removed. The value will continue to be read out until a new
signal is captured or the Test Set is reset by changing the setting of
the Code Function switch or the Range switch.
2.1.3 Rate
This function directly measures the rate of the signal. The result is
displayed on the CODE RATE scale. Only after two readings are
taken and found to be close together, does the Pointer deflect. It
may require up to eight seconds for the reading to be updated if the
rate changes. This reduces the possibility that noise may cause a
false rate indication. Also, the peak signal level must be at least
10% of full scale for the measurement to be made. The rate of the
highest level signal of either polarity is displayed.
2.1.4 On Time
This mode is similar to the Rate function, except the percentage of
time that the signal is on is displayed. The on time is read using the
"%" scale. Nominal Code Rate is 50% duty cycle.
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2.2 The Cab Filter
If the Test Set has Cab Filters, then all AC functions may select one
frequency to be measured. This is invaluable when multiple cab
signals are being sent, as it negates the need to turn off one of the
cab signals to measure the other one. The Signal Select Switch is
simply placed in the position indicating the frequency to be mea-
sured. All functions behave the same, except that only the signal of
interest is measured.
2.3 Autopolarity
2.3.1 Auto-Polarity
For all DC functions, the Test Set works in the auto-polarity mode.
The highest level peak of either polarity and its timing parameters
will be measured. In this mode, the Pointer will always deflect up-
scale, with the NEG Indicator lighting for signals of negative polar-
ity. The highest level peak of either polarity and its timing param-
eters will be measured.
2.4 Power Supply Features
2.4.1 The Sleep Feature
Since the Test Set relies on batteries for operation, a battery saving
feature has been incorporated to extend the battery life if acciden-
tally left on. This is known as the Sleep mode. After approximately
five minutes of non-use (Pointer at less than 1% of scale and no
range switch changes) the Test Set will power down, reducing bat-
tery drain and extending battery life. This mode is indicated by the
Pointer deflecting down scale into the Sleep Zone. To reactivate the
Test Set, simply rotate the Range Switch. NOTE: DURING SLEEP,
THE TEST SET WILL NOT RESPOND TO ANY INPUT.
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