VACUTRACE Vacuum Tube Curve Tracer
5
Operation
Front Panel
The controls have been laid out and spaced for easy and intuitive operation. Be sure
to select standby mode before changing tubes or socket adapter cards.
Control/Indicator Description
Tube Select
Sets the operating mode and chooses which tube to sweep.
There are two tube circuits, A and B, which define the sections
within a dual tube (or left and right sockets on the octal power
pentode adapter). Stby mode shuts down all signals to the
sockets, including heater supplies. Selecting A or B tests just
that tube. A/B mode alternately tests both tubes resulting in
overlapped curves and is ideal for matching tubes. 2A mode
doubles current and power capability by shunting the cathode
current sense resistors together.
Grid Steps
Selects the step size (gain) for the grid amplifiers. There are
always eight steps starting at 0V.
Voltage
This is the main limit control and sets the maximum value of
plate voltage for sweeping. When the limit is reached, the
plate voltage ramps back down to 0V initiating another cycle.
Current
Sets the maximum value of cathode current for a sweep.