OPERATING

AND
MAINTENANCE
HANDBOOK
No. OM 868B

Universal Bridge
TYPE TF 868B

JA 346/001 to JA 346/250
Serial Nos. JA 585j001 to JA 585j200
JA 705/001 to JA 705/200

MARCONI INSTRUMENTS LTD., ST. ALBANS, HERTS., ENGLAND

C.P. 5c 11/60 Copyright © 1960 OM 868B
1*-10/60
Contents
Section Page
SCHEDULE OF PARTS SUPPLIED 3
DATA SUMMARY 4

1 DESCRIPTION 5
1.1 GENERAL 5
1.2 OPTIONAL ACCESSORY 5

2 OPERATION 7
2.1 INSTALLATION 7
2.2 PRELIMINARIES 7
2.3 USING THE BRIDGE 7
2.3.1 Test Terminal Voltages 7
2.3.2 Connecting the Component 7
2.3.3 Resistance Measurement 8
2.3.4 Inductance Measurement 8
2.3.5 Using the D.C. Choke Adaptor (optional accessory) 9
2.3.6 Capacitance Measurement 10
2.4 NOTES ON INDUCTANCE MEASUREMENT 10
2.4.1 Use of 1 kc/s-10 kcfs Switch 10
2.4.2 High Inductance Measurement 11
2.4.3 Low Inductance Measurement 11
2.4.4 Phase Balance 11
2.4.5 Q-tan il and Series Parallel Conversion 11
2.5 NOTES ON CAPACITANCE MEASUREMENT 12
2.5.1 Residual Capacitance 12
2.5.2 Stray Capacitance 12
2.5.3 In Situ Measurements 13
2.5.4 Q-tan il and Series Parallel Conversion 13

3 TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION 14
3.1 CIRCUIT SUMMARY 14
3.2 FUNCTION OF CONTROLS 14
3.2.1 Balance Control 14
3.2.2 Press for R x 10 Switch 15
3.2.3 Phase Balance Control 15
3.2.4 Fine-Q Control 15
3.2.5 Q-tan il Switch 15
3.2.6 1 kcfs-1 0 kcfs Switch 15
3.2.7 LCR Switch . 15
3.2.8 Range Switch 15
3.3 CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION 16
3.3.1 Bridge A.C. Supply (Oscillator-Amplifier) 16
3.3.2 Bridge D.C. Supply 16
3.3.3 Measuring Bridge Circuits ~
16
3.3.4 Amplifier-Detector 18
3.3.5 Power Supplies 18
3.3.6 D.C. Choke Adaptor 18

2 OM 868B
1-2/60
 CONTENTS

Section Page

4 MAINTENANCE 20
4.1 REMOVAL FROM CASE 20
4.2 MAINS INPUT ADJUSTMENTS 20
4.3 WORKING VOLTAGES 20
4.4 REPLACEMENT OF VALVES 20
4.5 ADJUSTMENT AND LOCATION OF PRESET COMPONENTS 21
4.6 SCHEDULE OF TESTS 23
4.6.1 Apparatus Required 23
4.6.2 Insulation 23
4.6.3 Oscillator-Amplifier 23
4.6.4 Measuring Bridge 23
4.6.5 Amplifier-Detector 24
4.6.6 Calibration of Main Balance Dial 24
4.6.7 Checking the Phase Balance Dial Calibration 25
4.6.8 Calibrating the Phase Balance Dial 25

5 COMPONENT LAYOUT ILLUSTRATIONS

GENERAL VIEW FROM REAR Fig. 5.1
UNDERSIDE OF CHASSIS-AMPLIFIER-DETECTOR Fig. 5.2
UNDERSIDE OF CHASSIS-OSCILLATOR-AMPLIFIER AND POWER
SUPPLY Fig. 5.3
RANGE SWITCH ASSEMBLY Fig. 5.4
BALANCE DIAL ASSEMBLY (EXPLODED VIEW) Fig. 5.5

6 DRAWINGS
COMPLETE CIRCUIT DIAGRAM Fig. 6.1
MEASURING BRIDGE CIRCUITS Fig. 6.2
D.C. CHOKE ADAPTOR Fig. 6.3

7 SPARES ORDERING SCHEDULE SOS I

ILLUSTRATIONS IN TEXT
UNIVERSAL BRIDGE CONTROLS Fig. 2.1
TEST TERMINAL VOLTAGE AT BALANCE FOR INDUCTORS Figs. 2.2 & 2.3
TEST TERMINAL VOLTAGE AT BALANCE FOR CAPACITORS Fig. 2.4
Q-TAN ?>CONVERSION CHART Fig. 2.5
FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM OF TF 868B Fig. 3.1
SIMPLIFIED RESISTANCE BRIDGE Fig. 3.2
SIMPLIFIED INDUCTANCE BRIDGE Figs. 3.3 & 3.4
SIMPLIFIED CAPACITANCE BRIDGE Fig. 3.5
SIMPLIFIED CIRCUIT OF D.C. CHOKE ADAPTOR Fig. 3.6

SCHEDULE OF PARTS SUPPLIED

1. One Universal Bridge Type TF 868B complete with valves, etc., as under:-
Valves: One: 12AT7 (ECC81) Double Triode.
Two: 12AX7 (ECC83) Double Triodes.
One: 6X4 (EZ90) Full-Wave Rectifier.
Lamps: One: 6·3-volt, 0·15-amp M.B.C. pilot lamp.

2. One Operating and Maintenance Handbook, No. OM 868B.

3. When specially ordered, D.C. Choke Adaptor Type TM 6113.

OM 8688 3
1*-10/60
Data Summary

Range
INDUCTANCE: I [LH to 100 henrys in 7 decades; at I and 10 kcfs.
CAPACITANCE: I [L[LF to 100 [LF in 7 decades; at 1 and 10 kcfs.
RESISTANCE: 0·1 ohm to 100 MO in 8 decades; at d.c.
Q: 0·1 to 10 at I kcfs; I to 100 at 10 kcfs.
TAN 8: 0·001 to 0·1 at 1 kc/s; 0·01 to 1 at 10 kcfs.
As Q = 1/tan 8, scales combined to give extended Q coverage up to 1,000 and
tan 8 up to 10.

Accuracy
INDUCTANCE: At 1 kc/s: ± 1% ± 0·3 [LH ± 0·1% of full scale.
At 10 kcfs: ± 3%.
CAPACITANCE: At 1 kc/s: ± 1 % ± 0· 3 [L[LF ± 0·1 % of full scale.
At 10 kcfs: ± 3%.
RESISTANCE: ± 1% ± 0·01 ohm ± 0·1% of full scale.
Q: At 1 kcfs: ± 10% ± 0·2.
TAN 8: At 1 kc/s and for capacitors of 50 [L[LF and over: ± 10% ± 0·002.
OSCILLATOR
FREQUENCY: ± 2t%.

Bridge Energizing Source

LAND C: Internal 1- and 10-kc/s oscillator; output level of the order of 350 m V.
R: Internal d.c. supply; nominally 5 volts. When x 10 multiplier is used, voltage
is increased to not more than 25 volts.

Power Supply: 200 to 250 volts, or 100 to 150 volts after adjusting internal links, 40 to 60 cfs,
25 watts approx. Models supplied ready for immediate 100- to 150-volt use if
specified at time of ordering.

Dimensions and Weight: Height Width Depth Weight

11 tin 19t in 10 in 26lb
(30 cm) (50 cm) (26 cm) (12 kg)

4 OM 8688
1--2/60
1 Description
---- ·---------· ----------------

1.1 GENERAL factor, is the ratio of reactance to resistance in a

series circuit, or susceptance to conductance in a
The Universal Bridge Type TF 868B is a direct- parallel circuit.
reading instrument which measures values of induct-
Tan a, also known as loss tangent, dissipation
ance from 1 fLH to 100 henrys, capacitance from
factor or D, is the reciprocal of Q.
1 fLfLF to 100 fLF, and resistance from 0·1 ohm to
X B 1 R G
100 MO. Q=-=- tana=-=-=-
The instrument employs a single dial for the R G Q X B
measurement of inductance, capacitance, and Power factor, another term commonly used to
resistance values. Changing the setting of the LCR express capacitor losses, is the ratio of resistance to
and RANGE selector switches automatically changes impedance, or conductance to admittance, and
the dial calibration together with the bridge circuit differs from tan a by less than 1 %when their values
conditions to suit the component under test. are less than 0.15.
For inductance and capacitance measurement For convenience, an instruction plate is fitted
the bridge is energized by an RC oscillator-amplifier which interrelates values of Q and tan a together
that can be switched to 1 kc/s or 10 kc/s. The out- with effective series and parallel values. The plate
of-balance bridge voltage, after amplification and also gives summarized instructions for operating
detection, is displayed by a moving-coil meter on the Bridge.
the front panel. Measurement of inductance and The test terminals are located on top of the
capacitance is normally made at 1 kcfs; however, instrument; the flat top provides a useful insulated
the use of 10 kc/s is an advantage, for example, platform for supporting the component to be tested.
when evaluating low-Q inductors. When measuring inductive components, the use-
When measuring resistance, a d.c. voltage is fulness of the instrument may be extended by the
applied to the bridge. The out-of-balance bridge use of the D.C. Choke Adaptor, desc~ibed below.
voltage is interrupted at twice the supply frequency
by means of a vibrator (or chopper) before being 1.2 OPTIONAL ACCESSORY
applied to the amplifier-detector circuits. This D.C. Choke Adaptor Type TM 6113
system gives a high degree of sensitivity without the With this Adaptor fitted to the Bridge terminals,
use of a high potential across the component. an inductor in the range 100 mH to 100 henrys can
A control, PHASE BALANCE, is provided for be measured at 1 kcfs while a d.c. current up to
balancing out the resistive component when induct- 200 mA is passed through it from an external
ance and capacitance are being measured. This source.
control has two scales which are calibrated in Q The essentia~ function of the Adaptor is to isolate
and tan a respectively. The scale in use is deter- the Bridge from the d.c. supply, while at the same
mined by the setting of the Q-TAN a switch. The time preventing the external circuit from appearing
Q scale is calibrated from 0·1 to 10, and the tan a as an undesirable load across the test terminals.
scale from 0·001 to 0·1. When making a measurement, the introduced error
Q is normally used for inductors and tan a for is not likely to be greater than 3 %; this can be
capacitors. ignored, or eliminated by a simple substitution
Q, also known as magnification factor or storage method.

OM868B
1*-10/60 5
 Rx.IO SWITCH TEST TERMINALS BALANCE METER
Press to multiply Connect component Adjust controls for
resistance scale using short leads: minimum reading
by 10 " earthy " side to
LOW terminal
RANGE SWITCH
Adjust to suit
component. If LCR SWITCH ABRIDGED
approximate value Adjust to suit INSTRUCTIONS
unknown, select measurement
highest range and Q-Tan ll
conversion

PHASE BALANCE
Set at mid-scale;
Select I kc/s then adjust to
PILOT LAMP obtain final
except for
low-value balance by
inductors alternating with
MAIN BALANCE CONTROL MAIN BALANCE
SUPPLY SWITCH Set pointer at left-hand
window. Turn counter-
clockwise quickly and note
meter deflection: for FINE-Q CONTROL
downward deflection Q-TAN SWITCH Set midway for
MAINS LEAD reduce RANGE setting; for Select tan ll low Q values.
Stowed in upward deflection turn for capacitors- Adjust only when
case handle clockwise and search for also for inductors PHASE BALANCE' too
recess balance. with Q>IO coarse.

Fig. 2.1 Universal Bridge controls.

6 OM 868B
1-2/60
 2 Operation
2.1 INSTALLATION be seen in Figs. 2.2 to 2.4. The employment of
a.c. for capacitance measurements need not pre-
The Universal Bridge is normally dispatched
clude the testing of electrolytic components.
with its valves in position and with its mains input
circuit adjusted ready for immediate use on 240
volts, within the supply frequency range 40 to 2.3.2 Connecting the Component
60 cjs. If required, the instrument may be adjusted
Components to be measured are connected
for operation from other supplies within the ranges
between the HIGH and Low terminals. It is good
lOO to 150, and 200 to 250 volts.
practice always to keep the connecting leads as
To check or alter the tappings on the mains short as possible, thereby avoiding the risk of intro-
transformer, refer to Section 4.2. ducing unwanted capacitance and mains hum pick-
up. Generally, the resistance of even long leads is
very small, and, when compared with the value of
2.2 PRELIMINARIES the component under test, can usually be ignored.
Small components-which should not be held in
Having checked that the instrument is correctly the hand during measurement-can often be directly
adjusted to suit the particular supply voltage to supported by the test terminals, or conveniently
which it is to be connected, proceed as follows:- placed on the insulated top of the instrument.
(1) If necessary, mechanically adjust the meter to When making measurements on physically large
indicate zero. inductors and capacitors, the possibility of error
due to the close proximity of the instrument case
(2) Connect the mains lead to the supply socket. may be verified by raising the component above the
The ''lead is normally stowed in the left-hand Bridge platform on a suitable insulated support
case handle recess. before repeating the measurement. Further checks
(3) Put the supply switch up; the red pilot light may be made with the component orientated at
should now glow. different angles.
It is important when connecting reactive com-
•.:_, (4) Before,prpceeding further,"allow a short warm- ponents that the significance of the HIGH and LOW
up period. Two minutes is sufficient for normal terminals be observed. Large capacitance effects
purposes. between the HIGH terminal and the ca·se, or earth,
must be avoided if the high accuracy of the Bridge
is to be realized. Capacitors, for example, should
2.3 USING THE BRIDGE have their inner electrode connected to the HIGH
terminal, and the outer electrode and/or screening-
The following sections give detailed instructions can connected to the LOW terminal. The signifi-
for using the instrument. Concise reference infor- cance of the HIGH and LOW terminals is further
mation for use when making a measurement will be explained in Section 2.5.2.
found on top of the instrument, and on the anno- Although, as a general rule, it is not recom-
tated photograph, Fig. 2.1. mended that the Universal Bridge be used for
in situ measurements, satisfactory results may be
obtained provided that the user exercises care
2.3.1 Test Terminal Voltages with respect to:-
(a) Stray capacitance,
A feature of the TF 868B is the use of low bridge
energizing voltages. Details of these voltages are (b) Mains hum pick-up,
included in the DATA SUMMARY, where it will be (c) Earth connections to the component under test.
seen that there is little risk of damage to the test When making in situ measurements, the presence
component, or need to switch off when handling of an earth connection to either side of tire com-
the test terminals. ponent being tested would h::tve the effect of short-
Curves showing variations in a.c. terminal voltage circuiting the bridge. The method of making in situ
when measuring inductance and capacitance will measurements is further explained in Section 2.5.3.

OM 8688 7
1-2/60
SECTION 2

2.3.3 Resistance Measurement 2.3.4 Inductance Measurement

(l) Connect the component to the test terminals. (1) Connect the component to the test terminals.
(For notes on connections see Section 2.3.2.) (For notes on connections see Section 2.3.2.)
(2) Set the LCR switch to R. (2) Set the LCR switch to L, the PHASE BALANCE and
(3) If the approximate resistance is known, set the FINE Q controls about mid-way, and the Q TAN IJ
RANGE switch so that the· anticipated value is switch to Q.
above the left-hand scale window (except for (3) Normally set the oscillator frequency to 1 kc/s,
values less than I ohm), and carry on as in but use 10 kc/s when measuring low-inductance
step (5). low-Q coils. (For further information on the
If the resistance value is completely unknown, set choice of frequency see Section 2.4.)
the RANGE switch to the highest setting and
(4) If the approximate inductance is known, set the
continue as follows:-
RANGE switch so that the anticipated value is
(4) Turn the BALANCE pointer to the left-hand scale
above the left-hand scale window (except for
window and then turn it rapidly counter-clock-
values less than 10 !LH), and carry on as in
wise, noting the meter indication.
step (6).
If the meter reading increases, the correct range If the inductance value is completely unknown,
has been selected, that is, the resistance is
set the RANGE switch to the highest setting and
greater than the value shown in the left-hand
continue as follows:-
scale window.
If the meter reading decreases, then reduce the (5) Turn the BALANCE pointer to the left-hand scale
RANGE setting by one step and repeat from (4); window and then turn it rapidly counter-
continue to do this until the meter reading clockwise, noting the meter indication.
increases. If it still decreases when the bottom If the meter reading increases, the correct range
range is reached, then the resistance value is has been selected, that is, the inductance is
less than I ohm. greater than the value shown in the left-hand
(5) Starting from the left-hand scale window, rotate scale window.
the pointer clockwise (or counter-clockwise for If the meter reading decreases, then reduce the
values below I ohm) to obtain a minimum RANGE setting by one step and repeat from
meter indication. A meter indication in the (5); continue to do this until the meter reading
region of the first two scale divisions should be increases. If it still decreases when the bottom
obtained before reading the resistance value range is reached, then the resistance value is
from the BALANCE dial. less than 10 [LH.
For values above 10 MO, operate the PRESS (6) Starting from the left-hand scale window, rotate
FOR R x 10 switch while searching for balance, the BALANCE pointer clockwise (or counter-
andmultiply the scale reading by 10. clockwise for values below 10 !LH) to obtain a

~ 300
-
...J
<(
;:;
z
I~DUC,TORJ AT llkc/l
w
1-
(Q ABOVE I) OTHER RAN~ V
~...J 200 ./
V
<(
z
~
a:
/
V
w
~~--
V """'
--
1-

1-
~100 / l---"IOO·f&H RANGE-
1-
V l,..--
/~ ~
w
~
~

(§ ~ ....
Fig. 2.2 Test Terminal
a:
a.
a.
<( 0
l/
0
Voltages at balance BALANCE -DIAL READING

for Indur:tors. k OF FULL- SCALE

OM 8688
8 1-2/60
 SECTION 2

Fig. 2.3 Test Terminal '>

Voltages at balance ._,E
for Inductors. ..J

-
~
1-
z soo
~
uJ
OTHER RANGES ~
1-
R 400 ~
/ ~
V
V
..J
<t
z
~
a: 300
uJ
I
/ /
1-
V.oo;uH RANGE
1-
If)
uJ 2.00 / / I

1/ /
1- I
uJ
1- INDUCTORS AT 10 kc/s
<t
~ lOO
x
0
a:
Cl
Cl
<t
/1
0 40o~ 600/o
BALANCE - DIAL READING
0
/o OF FULL- SCALE

minimum meter indication. If no clear mini- 2.3.5 Using the D.C. Choke Adaptor (optional
mum is obtained-as may happen with low-Q accessory)
r.f. coils-try again with the PHASE BALANCE The D.C. Choke Adaptor is specially designed for
control set to successively lower readings. This measurements on iron-cored inductors within the
may ·necessitate re-setting the RANGE switch and range 100 mH to 100 henrys, using the Bridge
therefore, if balance is still unobtainable, re- operating frequency of 1 kcfs. By means of the
check the RANGE setting as in (4). Adaptor-which fits on top of the instrument-
d.c. up to 200 mA from an external source may be
(7) For final balance adjust the main BALANCE and passed through the winding of the inductor while
PHASE BALANCE controls alternately until a measurement is being made. To make such a
sharply-defined minimum reading is obtained measurement, proceed as follows:-
in the region of the first two meter scale (1) Measure the inductor, using the Bridge nor-
divisions. mally as described in Section 2.3.4.
When measuring low-Q coils, adjust the (2) Disconnect the test inductor and connect the
BALANCE and PHASE BALANCE controls carefully Adaptor by means of the spade lugs. Earth the
to obtain minimum meter deflection as des- Adaptor terminal E to the nearest convenient
cribed above, then adjust the. BALANCE and place on the instrument case, and plug in the
FINE Q controls alternately to obtain a final external d.c. supply, taking care to observe the
balance point. As the value of Q increases, so polarity. Do not switch on the supply.
the effect of the FINE Q control decreases. (For (3) Connect the test inductor to the HI and LO ter-
further details on low-Q and low-inductance minals of the Adaptor and adjust the Q TRIM-
measurements, see Sections 2.4.3 and 2.4.5.) MERS (switch and trimming capacitor) to restore
the BALANCE meter reading to minimum. If it is
necessary to further adjust the BALANCE control
to restore balance, then the amount of adjust-
ment necessary will represent the error intro-
Note: Correct balance should normally reduce the duced by the presence of the Adaptor and
meter reading to approximately the second scale external circuit.
division. Spurious indications of balance may be (4) Measurements involving core polarization may
experienced due to the short-circuiting effect of the now be carried out by switching on the d.c.
bridge on the oscillator-amplifier output, when the supply and adjusting the current flowing
BALANCE and PHASE BALANCE controls are turned through the inductor winding to suit the test
towards minimum value and zero Q respectively. conditions.

OM 868B 9
1-2/60
SECTION 2

'> Fig. 2.4 Test Terminal

.....E
...J
:!
....
I I I I lkc/sI
t - - CAPACITORS AT
Voltage at balance
for Capacitors.
z
uJ

--
....

- r-- r-- r--.. -

0
0..
500
...J
<(

-
~ OTHER RANGES
1--
r--.. .
~
0::
uJ
....
....
"'....uJ 400
...............
~
-r--.......
""~
uJ
~
~ IOOf'.F" RANGE
X

I I
"'
0
0::
0..
!i 300 0
20 0~ 60'/o
0 0
80/0
BALANCE- DIAL READING
%OF FULL- SCALE

2.3.6 Capacitance Measurement range is reached, then the capacitance value is

(1) Connect the component to the test terminals. less than 10 fLfLF.
(For notes on connections see Sections 2.3.2 (6) Starting from the left-hand scale window, rotate
and 2.5.) the BALANCE pointer clockwise (or counter-
(2) Set the LCR switch to C, the PHASE BALANCE and clockwise for values below 10 fLfLF) to obtain a
FINE Q controls about mid-way, and the Q-TAN 8 minimum meter indication.
switch to TAN 8. When measuring high-loss (7) For final balance, adjust the PHASE BALANCE
capacitors it may be preferable to set the control and then the main BALANCE control.
Q-TAN 8 switch to Q; for further information Continue to do this alternately until a sharply
see Section 2.5.4. defined minimum meter reading is obtained
(3) Set the oscillator frequency to 1 kcjs. within the region of the first two scale divisions.
(4) If the approximate capacitance is known, set
the RANGE switch so that the anticipated value
is above the left-hand scale window (except for 2.4 NOTES ON INDUCTANCE MEASURE-
values less than 10 fLfLF), and carry on as in MENT
step (6). 2.4.1 Use of the 1 kc/s-10 kc/s Switch
If the capacitance value is completely unknown,
The Universal Bridge is primarily designed for
set the RANGE switch to the highest setting and
the measurement of inductance and capacitance at
continue as follows:-
I kcjs. However, the 10 kcfs position of the switch
(5) Turn the BALANCE pointer to the left-hand scale may be used with advantage for low-Q and low-
window and then turn it rapidly counter- inductance measurement, as described in Section
clockwise, noting the meter indication. 2.4.3. Greater discrimination and ease in initially
If the meter reading increases, the correct range balancing the circuit may then be obtained.
has been selected, that is, the capacitance is If final balance readings are taken at 10 kcjs, the
greater than the value shown in the left-hand main BALANCE scale is direct-reading, but the read-
scale window. ing on the PHASE BALANCE dial must be multiplied
If the meter reading decreases, then reduce the by 10; this multiplication must also be made before
RANGE setting by one step and repeat from (5); use is made of the Conversion Chart on top of the
continue to do this until the meter reading instrument. The use of the Conversion Chart is
increases. If it still decreases when the bottom dealt with in Section 2.4.5.

10 OM 8688
1-2/60
 SECTION 2

2.4.2 High Inductance Measurement The final reading on the main BALANCE control dial
To avoid error in measurement, inductors having will depend on the resistive loss-effectively in series
a low self-resonant frequency should not be tested or in parallel-associated with the component under
at 10 kc/s. If their self-resonant frequency is lower test.
than about 5 kcfs, then test results at even 1 kc/s The position of the Q-TAN S switch determines
will be in error-inductance will appear high, and which corresponding PHASE BALANCE scale is in use,
magnification low. For example, a coil of 50 henrys and whether effective series or parallel values are
true inductance, 20 [L[LF self-capacitance, and having being measured. When the operating frequency is
a Q of 10 at 1 kc/s will appear, when measured at I kc/s, the calibrated range of the Q scale is from
1 kcfs, to have an inductance of about 51·5 henrys, 0·1 to 10, and that of the tanS scale from 0·001 to
and a Q of about 9·5. The self-resonant frequency 0·1. Since Q = 1/tan S, it will be appreciated that
of such an inductor is 5 kcfs. these two scales combine to give a Q coverage up
These errors increase rapidly as the self-resonant to 1000, and tan S up to 10. When the operating
frequency of the inductor approaches the frequency frequency is 10 kc/s, the reading on either scale
of the oscillator, and it is, of course, impossible to must be multiplied by 10, and balance can as a rule
measure an inductor which resonates below 1 kc/s, be obtained on either scale.
since such a component will exhibit capacitive Depending upon the position of the Q-TAN S
reactance. The effective capacitance of the com- switch, the main BALANCE dial indicates either the
ponent may be measured by the bridge, and will effective series inductance or the effective parallel
appear to have a poor power factor. inductance. When Q is less than 10, or tanS greater
The inherent capacitance of the bridge at the test than 0·1, appreciably different points of balance
terminals is low-approximately 0·1 [L[LF-and will will be obtained. Inductor measurements made
contribute little to lowering the self-resonant fre- with the Q-TAN S switch at tan S-::!specially at
quency of the test component. 10 kc/s where the tanS range is 0 to !-should be
converted to the equivalent series value as described
in Section 2.4.5.
2.4.3 Low Inductance Measurement The FINE-Q control is in series with the PHASE
When measuring components possessing low BALANCE control resistor when measuring Q, and is
values of Q and inductance, it will be noticeable switched out of circuit when measuring tan s. The
that the setting of the main BALANCE and PHASE usefulness of this control in obtaining a fine degree
BALANCE controls are interdependent. This inter- of balance is only apparent for low values of Q
dependence will, in general, be more apparent at which brings the PHASE BALANCE control resistor to
1 kc/s than at 10 kcfs. Therefore it usually assists the coarse low-resistance end of its range. The
if 10 kc/s is employed to obtain the initial balance range of the FINE-Q control is about 0·06 Q.
point before using 1 kcfs for final balance. If, how-
ever, 10 kc/s is used for final balance, it should be
remembered that the PHASE BALANCE dial reading 2.4.5 Q-tan S and Series Parallel Conversion
must be multiplied by 10.
If the FINE-Q control is positioned in the centre A typical conductor can be regarded as a circuit
of its range, and the PHASE BALANCE control consisting of inductance and resistance in series.
adjusted for approximate balance in conjunction When the Q-TAN S switch is set at Q, the bridge is
with the main BALANCE control, then further adjust- arranged so that the series value of inductance is
ment of the FINE-Q control in step with the BALANCE indicated on the main BALANCE dial. This arrange-
control will greatly facilitate final balance adjust- ment holds good for Q values up to 10 (100 at
ment. 10 kcfs).
The residual inductance, Lo, of the bridge is For inductors of higher Q value, it is necessary
approximately 0·1 [LH; this value should be sub- to switch to tan S which extends the upper limit of
tracted from the measured inductance for highest Q to infinity (tanS is equivalent to 1/Q; therefore
accuracy. when tan S = 0, then Q = oo ). The inductor under
test is now no longer measured as a series circuit,
but rather as if the inductor loss is entirely due to a
2.4.4 Phase Balance parallel resistor. This is not a realistic arrangement
When measuring inductance or capacitance, the for the usual inductor, but the difference made to
PHASE BALANCE control must be adjusted in addition the measured value of inductance is quite small, and
to the main BALANCE control (as described in decreases in significance as Q increases.
Sections 2.3.4 and 2.3.6) in order to obtain balance. If Ls is the series inductance, and Lp the parallel

OM 868B 11
1-2/60
SECTION 2

Fig. 2.5 Q-tan ~Conversion CharT. Q-TAN S AND SERIES-PARALLEL CONVERSION

This is also reproduced Q and tan S scales direct reading at I kcfs. At Setting of O·TAN S switch determines whether
10 kcfs multiply by 10; then perform any necessary result is in terms of series or parallel values. See
on top of the instrument. Q = lftan S conversion. table below.

c
L c. L

L .
P·
or
c p Q
Series
L,.R,
Parallel
c,.R,
100 50 20 10 2 ,., 1•2 1·1 I·OS 1·01 1·01
Parallel Series
TANS L,.R, c,.R,

I
O·l
Q I
0'2
I
O·S
I I I I
10 20 50 100
I '·,· ·,' ., .. ,, ,,. I I.,. (\ 11'1'1;\ ·, ,·,·,·, '• I ., ... \ 1 '/''I I ,,. I I'/ I \ 11'1'{ J ,',','1 ... , ., 'j' 't 1 '( ,.,., 't t' I 'IIJ"/'t'• I !•J
10 O·S 0·2 0·1 O·OS
tanS

cos rp =POWER FACTOR = tan S for values below 0·1.

equivalent indicated by the main BALANCE dial set- may be measured and also subtracted from the
ting when switched to tan ~, then:- reading of the Bridge.
L=L(
s
l )
P 1 + tan 2 ~ • 2.5.2 Stray Capacitance
When tan ~ = 0·1, it will be seen that Ls is 1% If reference is made to the Functional Diagram,
less than Lp. For smaller tan ~settings the difference it will be seen that any unwanted capacitance that
is even less: for instance, at tan ~ = 0·03 (Q = 33), exists between the LOW terminal and the case only
the difference is 0·1 %. When switched to tan ~, shunts the amplifier-detector input. However, un-
therefore, the fraction wanted capacitance from the HIGH terminal to the
case shunts the standard capacitor arm, and there-
1 + tan 2 ~ fore gives rise to error.
represents the multiplying factor to be applied to The error due to stray capacitance between the
the inductance value indicated on the main BALANCE HIGH side of the test capacitor and the case takes
dial in order to obtain the equivalent series value. the form of an incorrectly-low capacitance reading
The difference between these two values becomes on the Bridge at balance. Theoretically, this can be
increasingly apparent for Q values less than 10, or corrected, to a close approximation, by multiplying
tan ~ values greater than 0.1. the capacitance reading by the factor (1 Cu)/Cs, +
The scales given on the Conversion Chart on top where Cu is the unwanted stray capacitance effec-
of the instrument (and also reproduced in Fig. 2.5), tively between the HIGH terminal and the case, and
interrelate values of Q and tan ~. For Q values Cs is the value of the standard capacitor in the
less than 10, the series inductance value indicated bridge. The PHASE BALANCE reading is also in error
on the main BALANCE dial may be conveniently due to Cu and can be similarly corrected by dividing
converted to equivalent parallel value bv placing a or multiplying the indicated tan ~or Q, respectively,
straight-edge at right-angles to the scales, and using by (I +
Cu)/Cs. In practice there may be some
the multiplying factor obtained from the upper difficulty in estimating Cg; however, since Cs = ClO
(Lp/Ls) scale. When the operating frequency is = 0·1 fLF, it will be seen that Cg must be consider-

I 0 kcfs, it must be remembered that the reading on able before correction is needed. Hence, errors due
the PHASE BALANCE dial must be first multiplied to this cause can usually be neglected provided
by IO. that (i) the component under test is positioned so
that stray capacitance to the case is minimized, and
2.5 NOTES ON CAPACITANCE MEASURE- (ii) the component is connected so that the major
MENT part of the stray capacitance: is effectively between
the LOW terminal and the case.
2.5.1 Residual Capacitance In the case of screened capacitors that are
With the LCR switch set at C, the residual capaci- employed with one electrode and screen earthed, a
tance, Co, of the bridge is 0· I fLfLF. When measuring true representation of the operational conditions
low values of capacitance this amount should be can be obtained if the screen and the electrode to
subtracted. Capacitance between the leads to the be earthed are both joined to the LOW terminal
test component must not be overlooked; its value when measuring the capacitor on the Bridge.

12 OM 868B
1-2/60
 SECTION 2

2.5.3 In Situ Measurements 2.5.4 Q-tan o and Series Parallel Conversion

The ' capacitor ' under test may actually be a
structure of some kind in which one ' electrode ' is When measuring capacitance, with the Q-TAN o
large (e.g. chassis). The latter may pick up so much switch set at TAN o, the bridge arrangement measures
field at mains frequency and its harmonics that, if the test component as a series circuit of capacitance
it is connected to the LOW terminal, and therefore and resistance. Such an arrangement would be
to the amplifier-detector input, balance cannot be normal for the measurement of good quality capaci-
found easily. In this case, the ' large ' electrode tors possessing a tan o(power factor) ofless than 0·1.
may be connected instead to the HIGH terminal. If it is thought that the capacitor actually has
Having read the capacitance in this way, the effect predominant shunt loss, and may be more accurately
of unwanted capacitance between the HIGH ter- represented by a parallel circuit of capacitance and
minal and the case due to the ' large ' electrode resistance (CpRp), then the indicated BALANCE dial
may be checked, and if necessary, a correction value, C 8 , may be converted by using the formula:-
applied.
The following precautions are recommended, C _ Cs
assuming, for example, that the component to be P- 1 + tan 1f
2

measured is a ganged capacitor in a receiver, where The difference between Cp and Cs in terms of
the body of the capacitance is bonded to the chassis. parallel or series equivalents is 1 %for tan o = O·l,
(1) Disconnect the receiver and coil up the mains and 0·1% for tan o = 0·03.
lead. Capacitors possessing a tan o value greater than
(2) Position the receiver so that its metal work, 0·1 (low Q) require the Q-TAN o switch to be set at
e.g. chassis or case, is at least 3 in. from the Q in order to obtain balance. With the bridge
case of the Bridge, metal bench top, or any arranged in this way, the main BALANCE dial will
other 'earth' metal object on the bench. now indicate the parallel value of capacitance
(3) Disconnect all other components associated (CpRp), whereas a low-Q capacitor such as an
with the capacitor to be tested; then, using electrolytic may actually possess a predominant
leads of not more than about 2 ft. long, connect series loss so that the equivaknt circuit CsRs is the
the HIGH terminal to the receiver chassis, and truer condition. Under these circumstances, a con-
the LOW terminal to the appropriate stator of version from the BALANCE dial reading to equivalent
the capacitor. series value may be obtained from:-
(4) Proceed to make the measurement, finally sub-
cs cpC ~2Q )
2

tracting the separately measured capacitance =

between the connecting leads.
or by using the Conversion Chart on top of the
Should stray interference mask the balance point, instrument. If a straight-edge is placed at right-
the lead connected to the LOW terminal should be angles to the scales and aligned with the Q value
screened-the screen being connected to the case obtained directly from the PHASE BALANCE dial, the
of the TF 868B. figure obtained from the upper (CsCp) scale is the
It must be left to the user to decide if the test multiplying factor necessary to convert the BALANCE
conditions suggest, or justify, correction for un- dial capacitance reading from parallel to series
wanted shunt capacitance. If this is thought to be equivalent.
comparatively large, then the incurred percentage
error can be found in the following way. It is important to note the large difference
Mter balance has been achieved, note the capaci- between Cs and Cp as the Q of the test component
tance reading, and then, without disturbing the test is reduced, viz.:-
arrangement, disconnect (without moving) the Q =5 Cs = Cp + 4%
leads from the Bridge terminals. Substitute a
capacitor of similar value to the capacitor under
Q =3 Cs = Cp + 11%
test, but of smaller physical size: connect this ·
Q =2 Cs =, Cp + 25%
directly to the test terminals and balanc·~ the With electrolytic capacitors in particular, It Is
bridge. With this capacitor still connected, recon- found that, provided that the Q is greater than 5,
nect the lead to the HIGH terminal and note the the results are fairly reliable. As Q decreases, the
percentage change when the bridge is adjusted for interpretation of the measurement after applying
balance again. This percentage error should then the CsfCp relationship does not necessarily give
be applied to the original measurement. results having any great degree of accuracy.

OM 8688 13
1-2/60
3 Tec.hnical Description
The following description is intended to be read For inductance and capacitance measurements,
in conjunction with the Functional Diagram, Fig. the unbalanced output from the bridge is applied
3.1, and the Circuit Diagrams in Section 6. Detailed directly to the input of the first amplifying valve,
information concerning components and their cir- V3a. For resistance measurement, where the un-
cuit references will be found in the SPARES balanced output is d.c., this output is first inter-
ORDERING SCHEDULE, Section 7. which also rupted, or chopped, by the contacts of a vibrator.
lists certain mechanical items. After amplification by V3 and V4a, the amplified
voltages are applied to the diode detector, V4b, and
3.1 CIRCUIT SUMMARY the BALANCE meter. A system of a.g.c. prevents
meter overloading while at the same time retaining
Two separate energizing sources are available to bridge sensitivity.
the measuring bridge circuit for evaluating reactive
and resistive components. When measuring induct-
ance and capacitance, the 1-kcjs or 10-kc/s output 3.2 FUNCTION OF CONTROLS
from the oscillator-amplifier is applied to the
3.2.1 Balance Control
measuring bridge via a coupling transformer. When
measuring resistance, a d. c. supply, available at two The BALANCE control variable resistor RV9, is a
levels, is obtained from the rectified output of the special-quality high-precision component which
secondary windings on the mains transformer. forms one arm of the measuring bridge circuit.
Applicable voltage values will be found in the The adjustment of this control enables the value of
DATA SUMMARY at the front of this handbook. the component under test to be balanced against
The change between the a.c. and d.c. energizing accurately known circuit values.
inputs is effected by the operation of the LCR The resistance track of R V9-which conforms
switch which simultaneously alters the arrangement to a semi-log law-is individually calibrated on the
of the measuring bridge circuit to suit the type of BALANCE dial before being fitted into the instru-
component under test. ment. The spindle of RV9 which carries the moving

IIll
3-STAGE

A.G.C.

lkc/1 OR IOke/s D.C. INPUT UNBAI..ANCE

INPUT TO BRIDGE TO BRIDGE OUTPUT
(LOA C) (A) FROM BRIDGE
UNBALANC£
OUTPUT

VIBRATOR
UNB.tL.ANC£ UiBALANCE
OUTPUT OUTPUT

RANGE

R RXIO

·@~', BALANCE

' ' , _____ , /

Fig. 3.1 Functional Diagram of TF868B.

14 OM 868B
I 2/60
 SECTION 3

parts of the BALANCE dial assembly, is driven by the with the FINE-Q variable resistor, RV 10, and both
control knob via a slow-motion drive. An exploded shunt the standard capacitor, ClO. When switched
view of this complete assembly and associated to TAN 3, RV6 and RVlO are disconnected and,
linkage and cord drive with the LCR and RANGE instead, the RV5 section of the PHASE BALANCE
switches, can be seen in Fig. 5.5. control is placed in series with ClO.

3.2.2 Press for R x 10 Switch 3.2.6 1 kc/s-10 kc/s Switch

The switch, SB, is spring-loaded and contacts Switch SA selects 1 kc/s or 10 kc/s by appro-
SBb normally select the R23 arm of the bridge. priately switching the RC ladder networks in the
With this resistor in circuit, the BALANCE dial is grid circuits of the oscillator valve, VI a. The
direct-reading. When SB is depressed, the resistance operational use of this switch is described in
scale reading of the BALANCE dial must be multiplied Sections 2.4.1 and 2.4.3.
by 10. In the latter position, contacts SBa select
increased d.c. voltage automatically, in order to 3.2. 7 LCR Switch
maintain bridge sensitivity when using the R x 10 This three-position, 7-pole switch, SD, performs
facility. the following functions. When switched for induct-
ance and capacitance measurements it:-
3.2.3 Phase Balance Control (1) Selects the bridge-energizing a.c. supply, and
This control provides the main variable resistive adjusts the measuring bridge circuit to suit th:!
(phasing) element in the standard arm of the bridge. type of component to be tested.
It consists of ganged variable resistors RV5 and (2) Selects the 1-kc/s and 10-kc/s tuned circuits
RV6, only one of which is placed in circuit at a which include L1 and L2, into the grid circuit
time by the operation of the Q-TAN 3 switch. ofV3b.
When Q is selected, RV6 is placed in series with (3) Mechanically alters the title of the BALANCE
the FINE-Q resistor, R VlO, and both shunt the dial calibration.
standard capacitor ClO. When TAN 3 is selected,
RV6 and RVlO are disconnected and, instead, RV5 When switched for resistance measurement it:-
is placed in series with ClO. (1) Selects the bridge d.c. energizing supply, and
As in the case of the main BALANCE dial, the also the a.c. supply for the vibrator coil L3.
PHASE BALANCE dial is individually calibrated for Q (2) Rearranges the measuring bridge circuit to that
and tan 3 against the variable resistance values of of a Wheatstone bridge, and exchanges the
RV5 and RV6 before being fitted into the instru- tuned circuits in the grid circuit of V3b for
ment. C28. (C28 in conjunction with R35 provides a
low-pass filter.)
3.2.4 Fine-Q Control (3) Mechanically changes the BALANCE scale title
This control, RVlO, serves as an extension to the to read ohms.
PHASE BALANCE variable resistor, RV6. For normal The mechanical linkage between the BALANCE
operation when measuring Q, the value of RVlO is dial and the RANGE and LCR switches can be seen
insignificant when compared with the value of RV6. on the exploded illustration Fig. 5.5 at the back of
For very low measured Q values, however, when this handbook.
the sliding contact of RV6 is in position at the low-
value coarse end of its movement, the FINE-Q con- 3.2.8 Range Switch
trol provides a fine adjustment to the remaining The function of the RANGE switch, SE, is to select
resistance in the circuit. the correct value of bridge arm resistance appro-
priate to a particular range setting. It is a two-
3.2.5 Q-tan 3 Switch pole, seven-position switch controlled by the front
Associated with the PHASE BALANCE control, the panel RANGE knob and selects any one of the
function of this switch, SF, is to alter the arrange- resistors Rl3 to R23 together with associated com-
ment of the standard arm of the bridge in order to pensating capacitors and preset resistors.
provide either a parallel or series resistance capaci- A drive cord and pulley arrangement between
tance arm. The purpose of this is to simulate the the switch shaft and the BALANCE dial mechanism
loss in the component under test, as further changes the dial-window calibration fi!;ures to
explained in Sections 2.4.4 and 2.4.5. indicate the selected range. Fig. 5.4 shows the front
When switched to Q, the RV6 section of the and rear views of the complete RANGE switch
ganged PHASE BALANCE control is placed in series assembly and its associated components.

OM 868B 15
1-2/60
SECTION 3

3.3 CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION UN BALANCE

OUTPUT VOLTAGE
3.3.1 Bridge A.C. Supply (Oscillator-Amplifier)
The double triode valve, VI, performs the com-
bined function of oscillator and amplifier. Section
VIa is connected as a RC phase-shift oscillator.
RANGE LOW
Switched RC ladder networks provide the necessary (Switched Test
circuit constants for the maintenance of oscillatory rtsistors
Rl3toR21) HIGH
conditions at I kc/s and 10 kcfs.
The three-stage network including preset resistor
RV l controls the 1-kc/s oscillations. Similarly, the
10-kcfs oscillation is controlled by the four-stage
network which includes preset resistor RV2. Selec-
tion of these circuits is by means of the 1 Kcjs-
10 Kcjs panel switch, SA.
Output from the oscillator is applied to the grid
of VI b which functions as an amplifier. Trans-
former T1 couples the output of the amplifier
section to the bridge input; it is a step-down trans-
former of specialized design which affords efficient
matching into the bridge impedance, and possesses
the properties of low self-capacitance and small
external magnetic field. The resistor, RIO, shunted
across the primary winding of Tl, minimizes the
pulling effect on the oscillator due to the changes in Fig. 3.2 Simplified Resistance Bridge.
bridge impedance which are reflected back to the
input by Miller effect.
the bridge, and the variable resistor R V9 in a third
arm, are operated by the RANGE and BALANCE
3.3.2 Bridge D.C. Supply
controls respectively.
The d.c. voltage required by the bridge when One of the two resistors, R22 or R23, in the
measuring resistance, is obtained from the rectified fourth arm, is selected by the PRESS FOR R x 10
outputs of secondary windings LT3 and LT5 on switch SB. This switch, which is spring-biased to
the mains transformer. The PRESS FOR R x 10 the R position, also performs the function of
panel switch SB is spring-biased and normally selecting increased d.c. supply to the bridge in order
selects winding LT3 alone. The output is then to restore sens!tivity when using the R x 10 facility.
applied to the bridge circuit via the full-wave
rectifier MR 1. Inductance Bridge. Inductance is measured by
When the PRESS FOR R x 10 switch is operated, comparison with a standard capacitance, CIO, in
the switch section SBa selects secondary windings an opposing (standard) arm of the bridge, while
L T3 and LT5 in series, and the d.c. supply to the loss in the component under test is balanced out by
bridge is increased. At the same time, the switch equivalent resistance introduced into the arm, either
contacts SBb change the resistance in one arm of in series, or in parallel, with C10.
the bridge as described in Section 3.2.2. Such an arrangement is shown in Figs. 3.3 and
6.2, where the PHASE BALANCE resistor RV6 (with
associated FINE-Q resistor RVIO) is shown in parallel
3.3.3 Measuring Bridge Circuits
with C10, for the measurement of inductance and Q.
The choice of bridge circuit is effected by the An alternative method is for the PHASE BALANCE
LCR selector switch. Operation of this switch brings resistor RV5 to be connected in series with C10,
into use the circuit arrangement to suit the type of when the Q-TAN a switch, SF, is set to the TAN a
component under test. position. With this method of connection, the
Resistance Bridge. For resistance measurement, main BALANCE indications represent the equivalent
the circuit is connected as a Wheatstone Bridge parallel inductance. (See Figs. 3.4 and 6.2.)
(Figs. 3.2 and 6.2) where the component under test A Conversion Chart for converting parallel
forms one resistive arm via the test terminals. inductance to equivalent series inductance, and
Switched resistors R 13 to R21 in a second arm of tan a to Q on parallel scales, is printed on top of

16 OM 8688
1-2/60
 SECTION 3

UN BALANCE UNBALANCE
OUTPUT VOLTAGE OUTPUT VOLT AGE

RANGE RANGE
(Switched (Switched
rt:sistors rulstors
Rl3toR21) Rl3 to R21)

STANDARD
CAPACITOR CIO

PHASE
BALANCE RVS

Fig. 3.3 Simplified Inductance Bridge

-.
Fig. 3.4 Simplified Inductance Bridge
(measuring inductance with series loss). (measuring inductance with parallel loss).

the instrument, and also reproduced in Fig. 2.5.

The use of the scales is described in Section 2.4.5.
Switched resistors R13 to R21, together with UN BALANCE
OUTPUT VOLTAGE
their compensating components, and variable
resistor RV9, provide the RANGE and BALANCE
controls respectively as in the Wheatstone arrange-
ment. Details concerning the bridge-energizing a.c.
supply will be found in Section 3.3.1.
RANGE LOW
Capacitance Bridge. When changing from induct- (Switched
rczsistors
T<St
Terminals
ance to capacitance measurements, the standard Rl3toR21) HIGH
capacitance arm (ClO and PHASE BALANCE resistor)
is interchanged in position with the BALANCE
resistor, RV9, by the contacts of the LCR switch.
(See Fig. 3.5.)
As for inductance, the arrangement for the
standard arm of the bridge will depend upon the
loss in the capacitor under test. A typical arrange- STANDARD
CAPACITOR CIO
ment of the measurement of capacitance and power
factor (tan 3) where the resistive loss can be con-
sidered as a series component, is shown in the
simplified circuit, Fig. 3.5, and Fig. 6.2. Switched
resistors (with compensating components) R13 to
R21, and variable resistor RV9, provide the RANGE
and BALANCE controls as in the inductance bridge;
in fact, if comparison is made between the two
bridges, it will be seen that they offer exactly the -.
same operational functions. Fig. 3.5 Simplified Capacitance Bridge.

OM 8688 17
1-2/60
SECTION 3

3.3.4 Amplifier-Detector The BALANCE meter has a 100-fLA moving-coil

movement which forms part of the diode load of
This circuit employs two double-triode valves, V4b together with resistors R42 and R43, and
V3 and V4, in an arrangement consisting of three indicates the state of balance of the bridge.
stages of amplification, followed by a detector
The a.g.c. voltage, which is approximately one-
feeding a BALANCE meter, M 1.
third of the total voltage developed across the
When resistance is measured, the out-of-balance detector load, is tapped off at the junction of R42
d.c. voltage from the bridge is applied via an RC with R43 and applied to the grid of the input
filter network to the vibrating contacts, SG, and amplifier via resistors R41 and R30. Resistor R41
the grid of V3a. The RC filter network affords and capacitor C23 produce a time constant
smoothing of the bridge out-of-balance voltage such that the a.g.c. delay is I 0 seconds. This
while, at the same time, attenuating any supply- arrangement has the advantage that comparatively
frequency hum pick-up on the test component. fast changes in bridge out-of-balance voltage are
The vibrator contacts perform a chopping action at fully displayed initially on the BALANCE meter, and
twice the supply frequency, thereby converting the then the gain of the amplifier is slowly and auto-
out-of-balance voltage from d.c. to a.c. at approxi- matically adjusted by the a.g.c. to suit the new
mately I 00 cfs; this is then applied to the grid of conditions. Standing current due to the diode,
V3a via R29 and C21. The vibrator coil is energized which would normally produce a reading on the
by the secondary winding LT2-the circuit to the meter, is balanced out by a reverse voltage applied
coil being completed when the LCR switch, SD, is from the cathode of V4a.
turned toR.
It will be observed from the SPARES ORDER-
Adjustment of the potentiometer, RV 4, across ING SCHEDULE that the value for R48 is a
the vibrator coil minimizes the effect of mains hum nominal one. The actual resistance value for R48
pick-up via the vibrator contacts. is adjusted during initial calibration of the instru-
When measuring inductance and capacitance, the ment in order to obtain, as near as possible, zero-
out-of-balance 1-kc/s or 10-kc/s voltage from the reading on the BALANCE meter when the bridge is
bridge is applied to the grid of the first amplifier balanced.
stage, V3a, via the contacts of the LCR switch, and
capacitors C20 and C21.
3.3.5 Power Supplies
The double-triode sections V3a and V3b function
as conventional RC-coupled amplifiers with the The internal power supply for the TF 868B is
addition of switch-selected tuned circuits between provided by the power transformer, T2. Two
them. These circuits are automatically brought tapped primary windings permit a series, or series-
into use by the action of the LCR switch, SD. When parallel, arrangement in order to cover the input
switch SD is set to R, the filter consisting of C28 ranges lOO to 150 volts and 200 to 250 volts at
and R35 gives a low-pass frequency response. 40 to 60 cfs.
During resistance measurement, this eliminates the The h.t. supply is derived from a full-wave recti-
high frequency components in the wave-form pro- fier V2 via resistance capacitance smoothing. V2 is
duced by the vibrator. When the LCR switch is separately heated from winding LTl. The panel
moved to either L or C, capacitor C28 is replaced light is connected across the heater winding LT4
by two tuned circuits in tandem. These circuits, via a dropping resistor, R46. Secondary winding
which consist of coils L1 and L2, shunted by appro- LT2 supplies 6·3 volts a.c. for the vibrator coil.
priate capacitors, offer maximum circuit sensitivity Windings LT3 and LT5 together with the full-
at the oscillator frequencies of 1 and 10 kcfs. wave metal rectifier MRl, provide d.c. for the
Precise preset tuning of L1 and L2 is achieved by bridge during resistance measurement, as described
means of tapes coated with a graded film of iron in Section 3.3.2.
powder; adjusting these tapes varies the effective
air-gap in the ferrite cores. The method of adjust-
ing these tapes when new coils are fitted is described 3.3.6 D.C. Choke Adaptor
in Section 4.6.5. This Adaptor, which is supplied as an optional
The double-triode section V4a provides a further accessory, is also described in Sections 1.2 and 2.3.5.
stage of amplification, the output of which is applied Referring to the Simplified Circuit Fig. 3.6, it
via C29 to V4b. Section V4b is diode connected; will be seen that the external d.c. supply is applied
it performs the function of a detector supplying across the winding of the inductor under test via
d.c. to the BALANCE meter M1, and also provides coils L1 and L2. The tuned circuits which include
voltage for a.g.c. purposes. Ll and L2 are tuned to resonance at 1 kc/s, and at

18 OM868B
1-2/60
 SECTION 3

this bridge frequency, serve the purpose of signifi- complete Circuit Diagram Fig. 6.3 at the end of
cantly isolating the load due to the d.c. supply this handbook) is made variable by means of the
from the test terminals of the Bridge. The d.c. is switched capacitors Cl to C6, and the trimmer
prevented from flowing through the measuring capacitor, VCl. Fixed tuning only is employed for
bridge circuit by the presence of the capacitor CIO. L2/C8, since this circuit only shunts the amplifier-
To account for the variation in frequency between detector input of the Bridge, and therefore does not
different instruments, tuned circuit Ll/C7 (see the affect the accuracy.

D.C.INPUT +

C9

L2

TUNED TO lkc/s CB

TEST INDUCTOR
HI

r~
BRIDGE TEST TERMINALS

Fig. 3.6 Simplified Circuit of D.C. Choke Adaptor.

OM868B 19
1-2/60
4 Maintenance
4.1 REMOVAL FROM CASE matches the supply voltage. The illustration
above shows the transformer adjusted for 230-
To remove the chassis-complete with the front
volt operation.
and top panel-from the case, place the instrument
on its back and withdraw the four screws from the
centre of the moulded feet of the case. Return the
instrument to its upright position so that by tilting 140V 105V
it forward, the rear edge of the platform may be 240V 205V
grasped prior to the removal of the panel and
chassis assembly from the case. The mains lead
should be free to run through the case-handle
recess.

4.2 MAINS INPUT ADJUSTMENTS

I
lOO V
1
TAPA
I
TAP B
1
ov
200V
Before making any adjustments, ensure that the
mains lead is disconnected from the supply.
The TF 868B is normally dispatched with its
mains transformer tappings adjusted for use on (b) 100- to 150-volt range
240 volts within the supply frequency range of 40 TAP A is linked to the ' 100 V' tag, and TAP B
to 60 cfs. Adjustment to suit other voltages can be to that marked '0 V'. One fly-lead must be
made by altering the tappings on T2. connected to either '0 V' or ' + 10 V ' and
The two tapped sections of the double wound the other to the tag whose designation added
primary winding are connected in series for 200- to to 0 or 10 as appropriate, matches the supply
250-volt operation, and in series-parallel for lOO- voltage. The illustration above shows the
to 150-volt operation. To change from one input transformer adjusted for 130-volt operation.
voltage to another, proceed as follows:-
4.3 WORKING VOLTAGES
The voltages given in Tables 3 and 4, for guidance
140V lOS V when servicing the instrument, are representative
240V 205V of the readings to be expected if measurements are
made with a meter having a resistance of 20,000
ohms-per-volt, e.g. Avometer model 8.
On individual instruments some difference in
voltage readings may be expected due to normal

IOOV
1 1 variations in valve performance and component
values. The supply voltage and that for which the
instrument is adjusted should be as nearly as
TAPA TAP B OV
200V possible in agreement.

4.4 REPLACEMENT OF VALVES

(a) 200- to 250-volt range All valves are easily accessible after first removing
the instrument from its case. A list of valves fitted,
TAP A is linked directly to TAP B; this increases together with suitable equivalent types, will be
the output at certain tags by I 00 volts, i.e. the found in Table I. Any valve which becomes faulty
' 140 V' tag is now used for 240-volt working. should preferably be replaced by a valve of the-type
One fly-lead must be connected to either ' 0 V ' originally supplied in the instrument. If this is not
or ' +I 0 V ', and the other to the tag whose possible, then Table 1 should provide a useful guide
designation added to 0 or 10 as appropriate, to suitable alternatives.

20 OM 868B
···-10/60
 SECTION 4

When replacing valves, this may be done without

special selection with the exception of V3. In the
case of this valve, it is possible that the introduction
of mains hum may be experienced even with an
exact replacement type. If several of these valves
are available, then this difficulty may be overcome
by substitution. (See Amplifier Hum-Level, Section
4.6.5.)
a b
(B9A) (B7G)

TABLE 1
Any valve which becomes faulty should preferably be replaced by a valve of the type originally supplied
in the instrument and designated in the following table. If this is not possible, the additional data given by
the table may be used as a guide to suitable alternatives.

British British
Valve Type Base Commercial Services u.s. '
Equivalent Equivalent Equivalent

Vl Brimar a ECC81 CV455 12AT7

12AT7 I B309 CV4024* 12AT7WA*
I Double Bl52 6060*
ii
I
Triode II M8162*

V3 Brimar a ECC83 CV492 12AX7

V4 12AX7 B339 CV4004* 6057*
Double M8137*
Triode
I

V2 Brimar b EZ90 CV493 6X4

6X4 U78 CV4005
Full-Wave
Rectifier
I I
'

* High-reliability type

4.5 ADJUSTMENT AND LOCATION OF preset controls, it is important that after switching
on, the instrument should be allowed at least a
PRESET COMPONENTS
IS-minute warm-up period.
The 1-kc/s and 10-kcfs adjustment preset resis-
During factory calibration, the performance of
tors, RVl and RV2, will be found fixed on the
the Bridge is brought to within close limits by means
centre chassis together with the hum-neutralizing
of preset controls. Following the replacement or
preset resistors, R V3 and RV4. The preset com-
ageing of certain components, it may be necessary
ponents-resistors RV7, RV8, and RVll, together
to repeat the procedure by which these presets were
with capacitors Cll, Cl2, and CI:~-associated
originally adjusted.
with the RANGE control-are attached to the plate
The Section dealing with the calibration pro- at the rear of the RANGE switch assembly.
4

cedure appropriate to each preset is given in All the above components are marked with their
Table 2. circuit references as can be seen from the annotated
Before attempting adjustment to any of these photographs Figs. 5.1 and 5.4.

OM 8688 21
1*-10/60
SECTION 4

TABLE 2 TABLE 3
Preset Section Describing Valve Electrode Voltages
Component Adjustment Anode
I Cathode
RV1 4.6.3 Vall·e
Pin No. Voltage Pin No. Voltage
RV2 4.6.3
RV3 4.6.5 V1a 1 150 3 0·9
RV4 4.6.5
V1b 6 280 8 3·1
RV7 4.6.4 V2 1 and 6 300 a.c. 7 370
RV8 4.6.4 V3a 1 135 3 0·5
RVll 4.6.4 V3b 6 110 8 0·65
Cll 4.6.4 V4a 1 200 3 0·8
C12 4.6.4 V4b 6 8
- 0
C13 4.6.4 I

L1 4.6.5
L2 4.6.5 All voltages shown above are d.c. with respect
to the chassis, unless otherwise specified; test
terminals open-circuited.

TABLE 4
Power Supply Voltages

Supply Measured between I Voltage

I
i-E-a-ch_H_.-T-.-ta_g_o_n_T_2-an_d_c-ha_s_s-is-.-------~-3-00_V_a-.c-.-
H.T.a.c.
H.T. d.c. Capacitor C30 positive tag and chassis. 370 V d.c.
H.T.d.c. Capacitor C31 positive tag and chassis. 290 V d.c.
H.T.d.c. Capacitor C22 positive tag and chassis. 265 V d.c.

L.T. 1 a.c. L.T.1 tags on transformer T2.* 6·3 Va.c.

L.T. 2 a.c. L.T. 2 tags on transformer T2. 6·3 Va.c.
L.T. 3 a.c. L.T. 3/L.T. 5 and L.T. 3 tags on T2. 6·3 Va.c.
L.T. 4 a.c. L.T. 4 tags on transformer T2. 6·3 Va.c.
L.T. 5 a.c. L.T. 3/L.T. 5 and L.T. 5 tags on T2. 27 Va.c.

Bridge d.c. Output from MR1 (LCR switch at R, test terminals . 3·8 V d.c.
open-circuited). ;

Bridge d.c. Output from MR1 (LCR switch at R, range switch 0·4 V d.c.
at 1n, test terminals short-circuited).

Bridge d.c. Output from MR1 (LCR switch at R, Rx 10 switch 21 V d.c.

pressed, BALANCE control at full scale, test ter-
minals open-circuited).

Bridge a.c. Secondary tags of T1 (LCR switch at L or c, Q- 200-500

TAN a switch at TAN a, test terminals short- mV a.c.
circuited, RANGE switch rotated from lowest to
highest range at 1 kc/s and 10 kc/s).
------~-------------------------

* Warning: Tags L.T.1 on transformer T2 are at h.t. potential

with respect to the chassis.

22 OM 8688
1-2/60
 SECTION 'l

4.6 SCHEDULE OF TESTS In the absence of the necessary test equipment for
The following information is based on extracts adjusting RV1 and RV2, as described above, an
from the internal Factory Test Schedule, and is alternative method may be resorted to whereby the
included to enable the user to carry out a series of resonant frequencies of the tuned circuits in the
tests by which the main points of performance of amplifier-detector are used as standards. The pro-
the instrument may be checked. Details concerning cedure is as follows:-
the adjustment of preset components is also (1) Connect a 1000-ohm resistor between the LOW
included. terminal and the case.
(2) Adjust the LCR and RANGE switches for 100
4.6.1 Apparatus Required henrys full-scale calibration.
(a) 500-Volt Insulation Tester. (3) Adjust R V1 at 1 kc/s and R V2 at 10 kcjs to
(b) Avometer model 8, or similar multi-range obtain maximum meter reading.
meter; 20,000 ohmsjvolt. Oscillator-Amplifier Output. Connect the meter
(c) Simple Oscilloscope-for displaying Lissajous across the secondary winding ofTl. For all settings
figures. of the bridge controls, the voltage measured at
(d) B.F.O. or RC Oscillator, with a range of 1 kc/s 1 kc/s and 10 kc/s should be of the order of 200 to
to 10 kcjs; e.g. Marconi Audio Tester Type 500 mV.
TF 894A, or RC Oscillator Type TF 1101.
(e) Wheatstone Bridge-to measure 16 kO. 4.6.4 Measuring Bridge
(f) Resistance standards; 100, 1 MO, and 10 MO. (Apparatus required: Items e andf)
Bridge Preset Resistors. To secure good accuracy,
4.6.2 Insulation the bottom and two top resistance values switched
(Apparatus required: Item a.) into the RANGE arm of the bridge are adjusted by
The measured insulation between each live pin preset controls RV11, RV8, and RV7, respectively.
of the supply plug and the chassis, with the mains The setting of these controls can be checked as
switch set to ON is normally about 50 M 0 or follows:-
greater. (1) Set the RANGE and LCR switches to the 10 ohms
full-scale calibration.
4.6.3 Oscillator-Amplifier
(2) Connect a 10-ohm standard resistor across the
(Apparatus required: Items b, c, and d.) test terminals, and check that the bridge
Checking Oscillator Frequency. Adjustments to balances with the BALANCE pointer indicating
the preset resistors RVl and RV2, in the 1-kc/s and 10 ohms accurately. Adjust RVll if necessary.
10-kc/s oscillator circuit are made before the instru- (3) Turn the RANGE switch to obtain 1 MO full-
ment is dispatched. It is not normally expected scale calibration. Connect a 1-MO standard
that further adjustment will be necessary. To check resistor across the test terminals and proceed
the oscillator frequency:- in a similar manner to (2) above, but adjust
(1) Select the 10 mH range; short-circuit the HIGH RV8 to obtain balance when the BALANCE
and LOW terminals; then connect the oscillo- pointer indicates 1 MO.
scope ' Y ' input between the terminals and the (4) Turn the RANGE switch to obtain the 10 MO
case. full-scale calibration. Connect a 10-MO
(2) Connect the ' X ' input terminals to the b.f.o.; standard resistor, using the same procedure, but
then, by the Lissajous method, check the 1 kc/s adjusting RV7 for accurate indication.
and 10 kc/s bridge oscillator frequencies. If standard resistance values are not available
Adjust the frequency if necessary by means of when carrying out the above procedure, an alter-
RV1 and RV2. native method may be employed using su_i_table
In order to obtain a frequency accuracy that will available resistors. The resistance values are first
compare with the original factory calibration, a measured on the lower bridge ranges, making use
suitable frequency standard should be connected of (and at the same time testing the accuracy of)
to the ' X ' deflection input of the oscilloscope the R x 10 facility. An example of this alternative
instead of the b.f.o. detailed above. Changing the method is shown below.
setting of any of the controls should not alter the (1) Connect a resistor of about 100 kO across the
frequency by more than 2% at 10 kc/s. The change test terminals; measure its resistance accurately
at 1 kc/s should be negligible. on the 100-kO full-scale calibration range.

OM 868B 23
1-2/60
SECTION 4

(2) Turn the RANGE switch to obtain 10-kn full- cuit of V3b is made before the instrument is dis-
scale calibration, and measure the resistance on patched. Accurate tape adjustment is made, the
this range with the R x 10 switch pressed. This surplus being cut off and the remaining ends stuck
checks the multiplying facility. down. It is not expected that the user will normally
(3) Connect a suitable resistor of about 1 M n find it necessary to adjust these inductors.
across the test terminals. Measure this accu- To check the tuning of these inductors, remove
rately on the 100-kn range with the R x 10 the oscillator-amplifier valve VI, and connect the
switch pressed. test oscillator-adjusted to give an output of
(4) Release the R x 10 switch and turn the RANGE approximately I mY-between the LOW terminal
switch to obtain 1-Mn full-scale calibration. and the chassis. Switch to 1 kc/s and verify by
Adjust RV8 if necessary to obtain balance with observing the TF 868B meter indication while the
the pointer indicating the correct resistance b.f.o. frequency is being varied, that the amplifier
value. is correctly tuned. Repeat at 10 kcjs.
(5) Connect a resistor of about 10 Mn across the Should it be found necessary to replace either Ll
test terminals. Measure the resistance accu- or L2, first ensure that the frequency of the oscil-
rately on the 1-Mn full-scale calibration range lator is accurately adjusted as described in Section
with the R x 10 switch pressed. 4.6.3.
Before fitting the replacement inductor into the
(6) Release the R x 10 switch and turn the RANGE
instrument, check first that the coated tape is free
switch to obtain 10 Mn full-scale calibration. to pass between the core air gap. After the inductor
Proceed in a similar manner to (4) above, but
is fitted allow sufficient warm-up period-at least
adjusting RV7, if necessary, for accurate
15 minutes-then connect a 1000-ohm resistor
indication.
between the LOW terminal and the chassis and
Bridge Preset Capacitors. To secure good tan il switch to 100 henrys full-scale calibration.
accuracy when making capacitance measurements, Pull the tape through the core and observe its
the three top resistance values which are switched approximate position for maximum meter indica-
into the RANGE arm of the bridge have reactance tion, then continue to pull the tape for a further
compensation added by means of preset capacitors 3 in. Coat both sides of this 3-in. length of tape
Cll, Cl2, and C13. The setting of these capacitors with a suitable adhesive before returning it to its
can be checked as follows:- previous position. Finally adjust for an accurate
(1) Set the LCR and RANGE switches for 100-f.lfLF maximum meter indication. Cut off the surplus
full-scale calibration. tape, stick down the free ends, and allow to dry.
Amplifier Hum-Level. The existence of excessive
(2) Select TAN il and 1 kc/s; then turn the PHASE
hum-level is indicated by a high value of minimum
BALANCE control to zero tan il.
meter indication at balance. The procedure for
(3) Connect a suitable value of capacitor across the reducing this effect is as follows:-
test terminals to permit balance near the full-
scale end of the calibration. The component (1) Set the LCR and RANGE switches to the 10-Mn
selected should be of high grade, with air full-scale calibration range. Short-circuit the
dielectric. test terminals and earth them to the nearest
point on the instrument. Use the minimum
(4) Balance the bridge for minimum meter reading,
amount of connecting wire to ensure that there
using the BALANCE control and adjusting Cl 1 if is no hum pick-up as a result of this connection.
necessary.
(5) Repeat the procedure for O·OOI-fLF full-scale (2) Adjust RV3 and RV4 for minimum meter
calibration, selecting a suitable air dielectric deflection.
capacitor. Adjust Cl2 if necessary. (3) Balance the bridge using a low-value resistor
(6) Repeat a similar procedure for 0·01-fJ.F full- across the test terminals, and check that the
scale calibration. Adjust C13 if necessary, using meter reading will fall within approximately the
an insulated tool. A high quality capacitor first two scale divisions of zero.
known to have an approximately zero value of Note: Replacement of the first amplifier valve, V3,
tan il should be used. may necessitate the above procedure.
4.6.5 Amplifier-Detector
(Apparatus required: Item d.) 4.6.6 Calibration of Main Balance Dial
1-kc/s and 10-kc/s lnductors. The preset tuning Checking Existing Calibrated Dial. First check
adjustment of inductors Ll and L2 in the grid cir- that the pointer, when turned fully counter-clock-

24 OM 8688
1*-10/60
 SECTION 4

wise, aligns with the mechanical-stop mark a little 4.6. 7 Checking the Phase Balance Dial Calibration
below the scale zero. Then: (i) remove the earth
connections from the potentiometer R V9 and con- Q Scale. To check the scale, rotate the control
nect the Avometer between the 'earthy' end and to its maximum clockwise position, and ensure that
the sliding contact. Check that upon rotating the the cursor hair-line coincides with the limit mark
BALANCE pointer clockwise, the ' hop off' point on the left of the Q-scale zero. If the cursor does
corresponds to the scale zero. (ii) Remove the not coincide with the limit mark, then the dial
Avometer and connect the Wheatstone Bridge. should be moved relative to the spindle of the
Check that, starting from zero scale, each calibra- ganged potentiometers RV5 and RV6.
tion mark is separated by 5 ohms up to a resistance Connect the Avometer across RV6 (front gang)
of 200 ohms, and then by 10-ohm divisions up to and switch to tan ~- Check that when moving the
1080 ohms. (4 on the scale should equal400 ohms.) dial counter-clockwise the ' hop off' point corre-
If an error is found to be consistent all round the sponds with the scale zero. Remove the Avometer
dial, and confirmed by the pointer not properly and connect the Wheatstone Bridge. Check that,
aligning with the mechanical stop mark, then commencing from 0, the scale markings correspond
remove the BALANCE knob, felt washer, and Perspex with the resistance values given in Table 5.
cover, and adjust the slow motion drive. Tan ~. Disconnect the earth connection from
If the error is not constant, it may be necessary RV5 (rear gang) and connect the Wheatstone
to replace RV9. When ordering a replacement for Bridge. Commencing from 0, check that the scale
RV9, it will be noted from the Spares Ordering markings correspond with the resistance values
Schedule that a replacement BALANCE dial must given in Table 6.
also be obtained.

Calibrating a Replacement Balance Dial. It is TABLE 5 TABLE 6

normal, when replacing RV9, to obtain also a
ready-calibrated BALANCE dial. Should, however, a RV6 RV5
Q R; ohms tan~ R; ohms
blank dial be obtained, the method of calibration
is as follows:- 0·5 796 0·005 7·96
(1) Switch to the maximum capacitance range so 1 1592 0·01 15·92
that 30 ~-LF appears in the top calibration win- 1·5 2390 0·015 23·90
dow. 2 3190 0·02 31·90
2·5 3980 0·025 39·8
(2) Using the exploded view, Fig. 5.5, as a guide, 3 4780 0·03 47·8
dismantle the BALANCE dial assembly, and then 3·5 5580 0·035 55·8
reassemble to include the replacement potentia- 4 6370 0·04 63·7
meter and blank dial. Leave off the Perspex 5 7960 0·05 79·6
window. 6 9560 0·06 95·6
(3) Rotate the control fully counter-clockwise and 7 11140 0·07 111·4
mark the dial to correspond with the position 8 12770 0·08 127·7
of the pointer. 9 14360 0·09 143·6
10 15920 0·1 159·2
(4) Connect the Avometer across RV9. Slowly
rotate the pointer clockwise (and hence the
sliding contact of R V9), to find the ' hop off ' 4.6.8 Calibrating the Phase Balance Dial
point and mark the scale zero.
In the event of a failure of either RV5 or R V6,
(5) Remove the Avometer and connect instead the
it will be noted from the SPARES ORDERING
Wheatstone Bridge. Commencing at the scale
SCHEDULE that a complete ganged assembly
zero mark (which is commencement of the
must be obtained, together with a calibrated PHASE
resistive track of R V9) mark the scale in incre-
BALANCE dial. Should a blank dial be obtained, or
ments of 5 ohms up to a resistance of 200 ohms,
if the user prefers to reverse the existing dial, then
and then in 10-ohm divisions to 1080 ohms.
calibration can be effected by referring to the infor-
(6) Remove the Wheatstone Bridge and solder the mation given in Section 4.6. 7 above, and 'fables 5
circuit connections to RV9. Remove the dial and 6. After the calibration marks have been made,
for permanent engraving, or marking in black the dial should then be removed for permanent
ink. engraving, or marking in black ink.

OM 868B 25
1*··10/60
 5 COMPONENT LAYOUT ILLUSTRATIONS

For details
see fig 5.4.
SD SDdb

MRI

SB

MI se

SG/L3

Y3

RY9
RVI

GENERAL VIEW FROM REAR Fig. 5.1

OMS68B
l-2/60
 C21 R31 PLI R29 C20 CIS R34

C28

C25 R28

R72 R35

C24

C27 C23

V3 R41

R36

R37 R39

L2 R43

C26 C29 Ll V4 R40 R42 R48

UNDERSIDE OF CHASSIS
AMPLIFIER-DETECTOR
OM868B
1*·-10/60 Fig. 5.2
 Cl3 Rl8 SE SEed SEed SE ea Rl9 RIS RI?

Cl2

Cl I

RVS Rl3 RV? SEab RV? Rl6 Rl4 RVS

REAR VIEW
FRONT VIEW

OMS68B
RANGE SWITCH ASSEMBLY
1-2/60.
Fig. 5.4
 R24 Cl7 C6 CS C4 RII SA Rl2 R5 VI RV5/RV6 R4

CIB R9

Cl9 R6

R26 RIO

R27

RVJ R45

C23 R46

RV2 T2

C3 RV4 RJ RVI R2 RI Cl C2 CB V2 C30 C9 R33 C22

UNDERSIDE OF CHASSIS
OSCILLATOR-AMPLIFIER AND POWER SUPPLY
OM 868B
1-2/60 Fig. 5.3
 145 137 141 133
\140 concealed) 130 136 131 126 128

138

124

142

123

144 139 143 134 132 135 129 127 125

The annotation numbers are SOS Item Numbers

as given in the Spares Ordering Schedule

0M66BB
1-2/60 BALANCE DIAL ASSEMBLY
Fig. 5.5
 6 DRAWINGS

OSCILLATOR-AMPLIFIER BRIDGE AMPLIFIER- DETECTOR

&
r---~----------.-------------------------------------------~----------------------------------------c---~------------------T-----------------HT•
POWER SUPPLV

SCREEN
--------:-..,
I
I
I
I
I
I
lkc/• C. I I
I

I
SA•

•
C4

I- I I
• A. G.C -
y

--J_
Ll

hi I
..
Ll.

• b • 4

Rt.NGE

~
·3VX. LCR

.______________________
IOO"'A
~

159

COMPLETE CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

OM868B
l*-10/60 Fig. 6.1
(EX TD28513 ISSUE 6)
 r.::---..• TO AMPLIFIER· DETECTOR

T
SWITCHED FOR CAPACITANCE MEASUREMENT

j
MEASURING BRIDGE CIRCUITS
Fig. 6.2
 ,.--~ TO AMPLIFIER- DETECTOR

TANS
0

-.,
SWITCHED FOR INDUCTANCE MEASUREMENT

'

l
 - - - - - .... TO AMPLIFIER-DETECTOR
VIA FILTER

-,
SWITCHED FOR RESISTANCE MEASUREMENT

OM868B
1-2/60
 Cl
2000
]J]JF

C2
2000
}J]JF

C3
2000
ppF

C4
2000
ppF
CS
2000
}J]JF

C6
2000
}J]JF *Nominal value only-
actual value to be selected
C7 during calibration.

T UNEO TO Jkc/s HI

-E

SKT A
E
C9 L2

t~Kr_e_T
. .·._'~'_F___.c~o;~:: ]-----(g..-----~~ ~~~~F
lo·o71fF"
TUNED TO I ~c{s

D.C. CHOKE ADAPTOR

OM868B
1~2/60 Fig. 6.3
7 Spares Ordering Schedule
No. SOS/868 B

for UNIVERSAL BRIDGE TYPE TF 868 B

When ordering replacement parts, always quote the TYPE NUMBER and SERIAL NUMBER of the instrument
concerned.
To specify the individual parts required state for each part the QUANTITY required and the appropriate
SOS ITEM NUMBER.

For example, to order replacement for the 12 kil resistor, R3, and the 0·01-[LF capacitor, C27, quote
as follows:-
Spares required for TF 868B, Serial Number 000000
I off, SOS Item 3
I off, SOS Item 83
It is most important that the code ' SOS ' preceding each item number should not be omitted.

SOS
Item Circuit Description Works
No. Ref Ref

FIXED RESISTOR$
I RI Composition, 10 kil ± 10%, tW. 9I-TF868B
2 R2 Composition, IOO kn ± 5%, tW. High stability 92-TF868B
3 R3 Composition, I2 kil ± 5%, tW. High Stability. 93-TF868B
4 R4 Composition, I2 kil ± 5%, tW. High Stability. 93-TF868B
5 R5 Composition, 330!1 ± IO%, tW. 94---TF868B

6 R6 Composition, 330!1 ± IO%, !W. 94---TF868B

7 R7 Composition, 2·2 Mn ± IO%, tW. 95-TF868B
8 R8 Composition, 220!1 ± IO%, tW. 96-TF868B
9 R9 Composition, 33 kil ± IO%, tW. 97-TF868B
10 RIO Composition, 22 kil ± 10%, tW. 98-TF868B

11 Rll Composition, 330!1 ± IO%, tW. 94---TF868B

12 R12 Composition, 470 kn ± 10%, tW. 99-TF868B
13 R13 Carbon, High Stability, 493 kn ± I%, 1W. 19-TM3961/2
I4 R14 Carbon, High Stability, 493 kn ± 1 %, 1W. 19-TM3961/2
15 R15 Carbon, High Stability, 49·3 kn ± 1%, 1W. 20-TM3961 /2

16 R16 Carbon, High Stability, 49·3 kil ± 1%, 1W. 20-TM3961/2

17 R17 Wire-wound, Special Non-Inductive, 10 kil ± 0·1 %. 21-TM3.961 /2
18 R18 Wire-wound, Special Non-Inductive, 1 kn ± 0·1 %. 22-TM3961/2
19 Rl9 Wire-wound, Special Non-Inductive, lOOn ± 0·1 %. 23-TM3961 /2
20 R20 Wire-wound, Special Non-Inductive, 9·99!1 ± 0·1 %. 24---TM3961/2

OM868B SOS l
1-2/60
SECTION 7

SOS
Item Circuit Description Works
'')
No. Ref. Ref.

21 R21 Wire-wound, Special Non-Inductive, 1n ± 0·5 %. 25-TM3961/2

22 R22 Wire-wound, 9·97n ± 0·1 %. TB200I2/38
23 R23 Wire-wound, 99·95n ± O·I %. TC9638A
24 R24 Composition, I50 kn ± IO%, !W. 102-TF868B
25 R25 Composition, I50 kn ± IO%, tW. I02-TF868B

26 R26 Composition ISO kn ± 10%, tw. I02-TF868B

27 R27 Composition, I 50 kn ± IO%, !W. 102-TF868B
28 R28 Composition, I Mn ± IO%, tW. I03-TF868B
29 R29 Composition, I Mn ± IO%, tW. I03-TF868B
30 R30 Composition, 4·7 Mn ± IO%, tW. I07-TF868B

31 R3I Composition, 1 kn ± IO%, !W. I05-TF868B

32 R32 Composition, 220 kn ± IO%, !W. I06-TF868B
33 R33 Composition, 33 kn ± 10%, !W. 97-TF868B
34 R34 Composition, 220 kn ± 10%, tW. I06-TF868B
35 R35 Composition, 1 Mn ± IO%, !W. 103-TF868B

36 R36 Composition, I kn ± IO%, !W. 105-TF868B

37 R37 Composition, 4·7 Mn ± IO%, tW. I07-TF868B
38 R38 Composition, 1 Mn ± 10%, tW. 103-TF868B
39 R39 Composition, 330n ± 10%, !W. 94-TF868B
40 R40 Composition, 33 kn ± IO%, tW. 97-TF868B
j
41 R41 Composition, 10 Mn ± 10%, !W. I04-TF868B
42 R42 Composition, 100 kn ± 10%, tW. 108-TF868B
43 R43 Composition, 68 kn ± 10%, !W. 109-TF868B
44 R45 Wire-wound, fibre-cored, 330n ± 5%, 3W. 110-TF868B
45 R46 Composition, 15n ± 10%, !W. 1I1-TF868B

46 R47 Wire-wound, fibre-cored, 5·6 kn ± 5%, 3W. 112-TF868B

47 R48 Composition, 220 kn ± 10%, !W.* 106-TF868B
* Nominal value, Actual value determined during calibration.

VARIABLE RESISTORS

48 RVl Wire-wound, 30 kn ± 10%, 3W, Linear. 83-TF868B

49 RV2 Wire-wound, 30 kn ± 10%, 3W, Linear. 83-TF868B
50 RV3 Wire-wound, SOOn ± IO%, 3W, Linear. 84-TF868B
51 RV4 Wire-wound, SOOn ± 10%, 3W, Linear. 84-TF868B
52 RV5 and Ganged assembly. Each section wire-wound, semi-log law, 4W.
RV6 RV5 is 160n and RV6 is I6 kn. Order item 120 also. TB29395

53 RV7 Wire-wound, 30 kn ± 10%, 3W, Linear. I6-TM396I/2

54 RV8 Wire-wound, 3 kn ± IO%, 3W, Linear. I7-TM396I/2.
55 RV9 Wire-wound, llOOn semi-log law. Order item 13I also. TBI7655/2
56 RV10 Wire-wound, lOOn ± IO%, 2W. 87-TF868B
57 RVII Wire-wound, sub-min. Preset, 300n ± 10%, tW. I8-TM3961/2

SOS 2 OM 8688
1-2/60
 SECTION 7

SOS
Item Circuit Description Works
No. Ref. Ref.

CAPACITORS

58 Cl Paper, 0·05 f.LF ± 10%, 500 V d.c. 118-TF868B

59 C2 Paper, 0·01 fLF ± 5%, 1000 V d.c. 119-TF868B
60 C3 Mica, 0·003 f.LF ± 2 %, 350 V d.c. 120-TF868B
61 C4 Mica, 1500 fLfLF ± 2%, 350 V d.c. 121-TF868B
62 C5 Mica, 1500 fLfLF ± 2%, 350 V d.c. 121-TF868B

63 C6 Mica, 1500 fLfLF ± 2%, 350 V d.c. 121-TF868B

64 C7 Mica, 1500 fLfLF ± 2%, 350 V d.c. 121-TF868B
65 C8 Disc Ceramic, 0·01 fLF + 80%-20%, 300 V d.c. 122-TF868B
66 C9 Disc Ceramic, 0·01 fLF + 80%-20%, 300 V d.c. 122-TF868B
67 ClO Polystyrene, 0·1 f.LF ± 0·1 %, 350 V d.c. 123-TF868B

68 Cll Air, Preset, 0·5-5 f.LfLF, 500 V d.c. 28-TM3961/2

69 Cl2 Air, Preset, 0·5-5 f.Lf.LF, 500 V d.c. 28-TM3961 /2
70 Cl3 Air, Preset, 3-30 f.Lf.LF, 75 V d.c. 29-TM3961 /2
71 Cl4 Melinex, 1 fLF ± 20 %, 250 V d.c. 30-TM3961/2
72 Cl5 Disc Ceramic, 0·01 fLF + 80% -20%, 300 V d.c. 122-TF868B

73 Cl6 Paper, 0·1 fLF ± 20 %, 500 V d. c. 124-TF868B

74 Cl7 Paper, 0·1 fLF ± 20%, 500 V d.c. 124-TF868B
75 Cl8 Paper, 0·1 fLF ± 20 %, 500 V d.c. 124-TF868B
76 C19 Paper, 0·1 fLF ± 20 %, 500 V d. c. 124-TF868B
77 C20 Ceramic, 470 fLfLF ± 20 %, 500 V d.c. 125-TF868B

78 C21 Ceramic, 470 f.Lf.LF ± 20 %, 500 V d. c. 125-TF868B

79 C22 Electrolytic, 8 fLF, 450 V d.c. 126-TF868B
80 C23 Melinex, 1 fLF ± 20 %, 250 V d.c. 127-TF868B
81 C24 Ceramic, 3000 f.Lf.LF ± 20%, 500 V d.c. 128-TF868B
82 C25 Ceramic, 1000 fLfLF ± 20%, 500 V d.c. 129-TF868B

83 C26 Mica, 2540 fLfLF ± 2 %, 350 V d.c. 130-TF868B

84 C27 Paper, 0·01 fLF ± 5%, 1000 V d.c. 119-TF868B
85 C28 Ceramic, 1000 fLfLF ± 20%, 500 V d.c. 129-TF868B
86 C29 Paper, 0·1 fLF ± 20 %, 350 V d.c. 124-TF868B
87 C30 Electrolytic 8 fLF, 450 V d.c. 126-TF868B

88 C31 Electrolytic 8 fLF, 450 V d.c. 126-TF868B

TRANSFORMERS AND INDUCTORS

89 T1 Oscillator Output Transformer. TM5873·

90 T2 Mains transformer. TM5149/8
91 L1 Ferroxcube Inductor, 0·1 H, complete with adjustable tape. TM5871
92 L2 Ferroxcube Inductor, 2·5 H, complete with adjustable tape. TM5872

OM 868B SOS 3
1*-10/60
SECTION 7

SOS '·'""l.
)
Item Circuit Description Works
No. Ref. Ref.

VIBRATOR RELAY AND HOLDER

93 L3/SG Siemens Type 130G. 80-TF868B
94 Holder for Relay. TB28515

VALVES AND VALVE HOLDERS

95 Vl Double Triode Type 12AT7. 137-TF868B
96 Holder for Vl, B9A with skirt. TB26905
97 Screening can for Vl. PC17502/1
98 V2 Full-wave Rectifier, Type 6X4. 138-TF868B
99 Holder for V2, B7G. TB26904/4

lOO V3 Double Triode, Type 12AX7. 139-TF868B

101 Holder for V3, B9A. TB26905/4
102 V4 Double Triode, Type 12AX7. 139-TF868B
103 Holder for V4, B9A. TB26905/4

RECTIFIER AND BRACKETS

104 MRl Rectifier. 81-TF868B
105 Rectifier bracket. TB28496

PILOT LAMP AND HOLDER

106 PLl Pilot Lamp, Tubular, 6·3-volt, 0·15-amp, M.B.C. 14--TF868B
107 Holder for PLl. 13-TF868B

METER
108 Ml Moving Coil, 0-100 fLA, 5000 nominal. TM3970/87

SWITCHES
109 SA Toggle, 2 pole, 2 position changeover. TB23903/2
110 SB Toggle, 2 pole, 2 position changeover, biased to one position. TB23903/l
111 se Toggle, 2 pole, 2 position changeover. TB23903/2
112 SD Rotary, 8 pole, 3 position, 3 wafer. TC4428/492
113 Complete RANGE switch assembly including items 53, 54, 57,
and 113, also items 13 to 21, and 68 to 71 inclusive. TM3961/2

114 SE Rotary, 2 pole, 7 position, 2 wafer complete with screen. 1-TM396l/2

115 SF Toggle, 2 pole, 2 position changeover. TC23903/2
._)
SOS 4 OM 8688
1-2/60
 SECTION 7

SOS
Item Circuit Description Works
No. Ref Ref

KNOBS, DRIVES, AND DIALS

116 Knob for LCR switch, SD. TB23920/46
117 Knob for RANGE switch, SE. TB23920/34
118 Knob for PHASE BALANCE control, RV5/RV6. TB23920/34
119 Knob for FINE Q control, RV10. TB23920/1
120 Calibrated PHASE BALANCE dial. Order Item 52 also. TB29394

120/1 Blank PHASE BALANCE dial. TB29394

120/2 Cursor for PHASE BALANCE dial. TB25273/4
121 Complete BALANCE dial assembly comprising Item 55 and Items
122 to 145 inclusive.
122 Knob. TC26605f10
123 Felt Spacer. TB25002/114
124 Perspex Window. TC18378/4

125 Slow Motion Drive. TA17746

126 Pointer. TB28487
127 Shim Washer. TB6775/211
128 Cover Plate. TB28482
129 Stud. TB28484

130 Shoulder Screw. TB28485

131 Calibrated Dial. Order Item 55 also. TC28499
132 RANGE Shutter. TC28500
133 Bush. To identify these TB28486
134 Engraved RANGE Dial. parts see exploded TE17646
view of main TC28497
BALANCE dial,
135 Link. Fig. 5.5 TB28495
136 Lever Assembly. TB29405
137 Pulley. TB28488
138 Washer, tin. B.S.F. (2 used) 73-TF868B
139 Drive Cord. TB18892

140 Tension Spring. TB15342/12

141 Drum. TC28498
142 Spacer. TB25001/367
143 Spacer. TB25001/310/
P34
144 Fixing Bracket (2 used). TE17645/15

145 Pulley. TB22703/1B

OM 8688 SOS 5
1-2/60
SECTION 7

SOS ')
Item Circuit Description Works
No. Ref. Ref.

MISCELLANEOUS
147 Front Panel. TE28509
148 Chassis. TE28510
149 Chassis Component Screen. TC28506
150 Screen Cover. TB28520
151 Chassis Side Plate (L.H.). TD28504/1

152 Chassis Side Plate (R.H.). TD28504

153 Instrument Case. TE24711/3
154 Case Handle. TC17659
155 Rubber Bush for Moulded Feet. TA17718
156 Mains Lead Assembly. TM2650AQ

157 HIGH or LOW Terminal. TB23482/26

158 Support Plate for LRC and RANGE switches. TC28507
159 Condenser Cleat and Retention Band, Size 3. 74-TF868B
160 Condenser Cleat and Retention Band, Size 4. 60-TF868B
161 Abridged Operating Instructions Plate. 46-TF868B

162 Set of three Hexagonal Wrenches for Socket Set Screws, Sizes 2, 4,
and 6BA; complete in linen bag. 143-TF868B

SOS 6 OM 8688
1-2/60
 SECTION 7

SOS
Item Circuit Description Works
No. Ref. Ref.

D.C. CHOKE ADAPTOR

163 Chassis. TD31305

164 Cover. TD31306
165 Terminals, Type B (3 used). TB23482J28
166 Connecting Lug (2 used). TB31313
167 Tag Strip (2 used). TC29515/15

168 SI Switch, Rotary. TC4428/545

169 Knob for SI. TC17848/4
170 V Cl Variable Capacitor, 500-2500 f.l.f.I.F. 30-TM6113
171 Knob for VCl. TB28666
172 Cl Capacitor, Ceramic 2000 f.l.f.I.F ± 20 %, 500 V d.c. 29-TM6113

173 C2 Capacitor, Ceramic 2000 f.l.f.I.F ± 20%, 500 V d. c. 29-TM6113

174 C3 Capacitor, Ceramic 2000 f.l.f.I.F ± 20 %, 500 V d.c. 29-TM6113
175 C4 Capacitor, Ceramic 2000 f.l.f.I.F ± 20%, 500 V d.c. 29-TM6113
176 CS Capacitor, Ceramic 2000 f.l.f.I.F ± 20%, 500 V d. c. 29-TM6113
177 C6 Capacitor, Ceramic 2000 f.l.f.I.F ± 20 %, 500 V d. c. 29-TM6113

178 C7 Capacitor, 0·07 f.I.F (nominal value).*

179 C8 Capacitor, 0·07 f.I.F (nominal value).*
180 C9 Capacitor, Electrolytic 1 f.I.F, 350 V d.c. 27-TM6113
181 ClO Capacitor, Electrolytic 32-32 f.I.F, 350 V d.c. 26-TM6113
182 L1 Coil Assembly. TB31309

183 Ferroxcube Cores for L1 (2 pairs used). 33-TM6113

184 L2 Inductor Assembly, including Items 185 and 186. TM6147
185 Coil Assembly. TB31309
186 Ferroxcube Cores for L2 (2 pairs used). 33-TM6113

*Adjust this capacitance value to achieve resonance at 1 kcfs with associated inductor.

OM 8688 SOS 7
1-2/60