The Sussex VT1 as interpreted by Les Carpenter G4CNH
From an original design by Mike Rowe G8JVE December 2016
The Controls:
1. Valve pin switches (SW1 to SW9), each pin of the valve holders is given an independent
switch which may be set to the required supply. e.g., if pin 5 of the valve to be tested was its
anode, then switch number 5 (pin 5) will be set to position 6 (Anode). The full range of
selections for each switch are:-
Position 0 = open circuit
1 = Cathode
2 = Heater –
3 = Heater +
4 = Control Grid (G1)
5 = Screen Grid (G2)
6 = Anode 1 (A1)
7 = Anode 2 (A2)
8 = Diode 1 (D1)
9 = Diode 2 (D2)
2. Cathode/ Heater insulation indicator (works in conjunction with S17) which should in normal
circumstances remain extinguished unless there is a heater cathode leak in an indirectly heated
valve. The only other time when it would illuminate is when testing directly heated valves;
these must have their heaters connected to the Cathode line for Anode current to flow. When
testing directly heated valves e.g. DF96, it is necessary to apply an external jumper between
both Blue terminals.
3. Terminal posts for the application of external heater volts not provided by the Sussex VT1.
Typical valve that would require this are the U series and octal valves like the 35L6. As
mentioned in 2, the Blue terminal post must be linked to the Blue Top Cap (TC) terminal on
the rare occasions when directly heated battery valves are being tested.
Page 1 of 27
4. Heater Voltage switch SW10), giving the following options:-
Position 1 = External supply
2 = 1·4V
3 = 2V
4 = 4V
5 = 5V
6 = 6·3V
7 = 12·6V
5. The valve holder deck comprising of a B7G, B9A, B8A and International Octal. To cater for
older valves having fewer pins, an Octal Plug adaptor is used to provide pin connection by
way of miniature crocodile clips.
6. Top Cap connectors, by way of a plug/crocodile lead, allowing valve top caps to be connected
to Anode (Red), Grid (Green) or Cathode (Blue).
7. Anode Voltage selector (SW11) giving the following Voltage options:-
Position 0 = 0V
1 = 50V
2 = 75V
3 = 90V
4 = 100V
5 = 120V
6 = 150V
7 = 175V
8 = 200V
9 = 225V
10 = 250V
11 = 300V
Note: The 50Vposition was added later to provide extra protection when testing signal diodes.
8. Anode Current meter (mA) also doubles to show grid current during a Gas Test.
9. This is the Screen Grid Voltage selector (SW12) and gives the same ranges as the Anode
switch (7).
10. Grid Voltage meter to indicate amount of negative bias being given to the valve under test.
11. Multi-turn Grid Voltage control giving 0 to -45V.
12. Heater continuity LED, should illuminate when the Function switch is at position 0 and a
valve is inserted with the heaters correctly defined and set on the pin selector switches.
13. Inter-electrode short LED should remain extinguished throughout tests.
14. Function switch (SW14) whose actions are:-
Position 0 = Heater Continuity
1 = Anode to Screen Grid short circuit detection.
2 = Anode and Screen Grid short to Cathode detection.
3 = Test – Position for measuring Anode Current and Mutual Conductance (Gm)
15. Electrode switch (SW13) whose actions are:-
Position 1 = Anode 1
2 = Anode 2, mainly used for testing double Triodes.
3 = Diode 1 for testing diodes in multi-section valves or Rectifiers.
4 = Diode 2 for testing diodes in multi-section valves or Rectifiers.
16. Gm meter giving direct reading of Mutual Conductance as ma/V.
17. Gas test button (SW15) to check integrity of valves vacuum or internal presence of gas.
In this case a meter indication of 1mA indicates a Grid current of 1µA.
18. 50mA Test button (SW16). When using D1 or D2 the current is limited to 5mA to protect
signal diodes. However, when testing rectifiers used in power supplies, the button provides a
limited current of 50mA.
19. Cathode/Heater biased toggle switch (SW17) used to check the insulation between Cathode
and Heater. The switch is normally biased OFF to remove the -40V test voltage from the
heater circuits, especially important when testing directly heated valves.
20. CAL Switch (SW18), used to set up the gm meter. In its CAL position the test signal from the
oscillator board is set, using VR2 to give 100mV on the meter. The switch is then set to its
Normal position for measuring the signal present on the Anode of the valve under test.
As the same meter is used for both measurements then the results are relative to each other
and negate the requirement for using an additional Voltmeter.
Page 2 of 27
Testing an EL34 valve:
Prior to testing a valve, ensure that the
FUNCTION switch is set to 0 (Heater continuity) and the
ELECTRODE switch is set to 1 (A1).
The remaining switches are set depending on the valve parameters.
The data for an EL34 is first found in the AVO Handbook for the CT160.
Ignore the settings for the VCM163.
Set the selector switches on lower front panel to 126540310
Set HEATER switch to position 6 (6·3V).
Set Grid voltage on top right hand meter to 13·5V using the G1V control.
Set Anode voltage switch (AV) to position 10 (250V)
Set G2 voltage switch (G2V) to position 10 (250V)
Insert valve to be tested into the octal socket and verify that the heater continuity LED above the
Function switch is lit.
Check using the Cathode/Heater biased toggle switch that the Cathode/Heater leak LED is extinguished
.
Set FUNCTION switch to positions 1and 2, checking that the Leak LED remains extinguished.
IF THIS LED ILLUMINATES DO NOT CONTINUE – THE VALVE HAS AN INTERNAL SHORT!
Allow the valve to reach operating temperature, then set FUNCTION switch to position 3 (Test).
From the given AVO Handbook data figures, check the Anode current is approximately 75mA and the
Gm meter shows approximately 11.
While the valve is hot, check using the Cathode/Heater biased toggle switch that the Cathode/Heater
leak LED remains extinguished
If required, a check for the presence of gas in the valve can be made by pressing the GAS button and
noting the reading on the AI/GAS meter. As previously stated, 1mA indicates a Grid current of 1µA.
Set FUNCTION switch to 0 (Heater continuity) and allow valve to cool before removal.
Page 3 of 27
Testing a double Triode valve such as the ECC83:
Ensure that the
FUNCTION switch is set to 0 (Heater continuity) and the
ELECTRODE switch is set to 1 (A1).
The remaining switches are set depending on the valve parameters.
The data for an ECC83 is first found in the AVO Handbook for the CT160.
Once again, ignore the settings for the VCM163.
Set the selector switches on lower front panel to 741226413
Set HEATER switch to position 6 (6·3V).
Set Grid voltage on top right hand meter to 2V using the G1V control.
Set Anode voltage switch (AV) to position 10 (250V)
Set G2 voltage switch (G2V) to position 0 (0V)
Insert valve to be tested into the B9A socket and verify that the heater continuity LED above the
Function switch is lit.
Check using the Cathode/Heater biased toggle switch that the Cathode/Heater leak LED is
extinguished.
Set FUNCTION switch to positions 1and 2, checking that the Leak LED remains extinguished.
IF THIS LED ILLUMINATES DO NOT CONTINUE – THE VALVE HAS AN INTERNAL SHORT!
Allow the valve to reach operating temperature, then set FUNCTION switch to position 3 (Test).
From the given AVO Handbook data figures, check the Anode current is approximately 1·2mA and the
Gm meter shows approximately 1·6.
While the valve is hot, check using the Cathode/Heater biased toggle switch that the Cathode/Heater
leak LED remains extinguished
Set FUNCTION switch back to position 0 (Heater continuity).
Set ELECTRODE switch to position 2, which is the other half of the double Triode.
Set FUNCTION switch to positions 1and 2, checking that the Leak LED remains extinguished.
IF THIS LED ILLUMINATES DO NOT CONTINUE – THE VALVE HAS AN INTERNAL SHORT!
Allow the valve to reach operating temperature, then set FUNCTION switch to position 3 (Test).
From the given AVO Handbook data figures, check the Anode current is approximately 1·2mA and the
Gm meter shows approximately 1·6.
If required, a check for the presence of gas in the valve, in either ELECTRODE switch position 1 or 2,
can be made by pressing the GAS button and noting the reading on the AI/GAS meter. As previously
stated, 1mA indicates a Grid current of 1µA.
Set FUNCTION switch to 0 (Heater continuity) and allow valve to cool before removal.
Page 4 of 27
COMMISSIONING
1. Isolate HT (TB1 – 7 and 8) and Grid Bias 35V (TB1 – 10 and 11) taps on mains transformer.
2. Set Pin selector switches to 000000000.
3. Apply mains to correct taps on mains transformer e.g. Live to 230V* (TB1-4) and Neutral to
0V (TB1-1).
*This of course will be 115V for some other countries using a different transformer..
Measure heater voltages between TB2-2 and TB2-5 and check it is within expected tolerances.
If necessary try different mains transformer taps to achieve best figure.
4. Check that all three panel meters are lit and the internal fan is running.
Disconnect mains supply from the Valve Tester.
5. With a Multimeter connected to the Blue Cathode Top Cap 4mm socket, verify that it
measures infinity resistance on all pins of the valve holders.
6. Set Pin selector switches to 100000000 and verify Multimeter indicates continuity only on Pin
1 of all valve holders.
7. Set Pin selector switches to 010000000 and verify Multimeter indicates continuity only on Pin
2 of all valve holders.
8. Set Pin selector switches to 001000000 and verify Multimeter indicates continuity only on Pin
3 of all valve holders.
9. Set Pin selector switches to 000100000 and verify Multimeter indicates continuity only on Pin
4 of all valve holders.
10. Set Pin selector switches to 000010000 and verify Multimeter indicates continuity only on Pin
5 of all valve holders.
11. Set Pin selector switches to 000001000 and verify Multimeter indicates continuity only on Pin
6 of all valve holders.
12. Set Pin selector switches to 000000100 and verify Multimeter indicates continuity only on Pin
7 of all valve holders.
13. Set Pin selector switches to 000000010 and verify Multimeter indicates continuity only on Pin
8 of all valve holders.
14. Set Pin selector switches to 000000001 and verify Multimeter indicates continuity only on Pin
9 of the B9A valve holder.
15. Connect the Grid Bias 30V taps on mains transformer to (TB1 – 10 and 11).
16. Apply mains to the valve tester and verify that the Grid Voltage control can be set to provide 0
to -45V on the Grid Voltage Panel Meter.
17. Set Pin selector switches to 400000000, Function switch to 1 and verify this negative voltage
is available at Pin 1 of each valve holder.
18. Set Pin selector switches to 200000030 and connect the Multimeter between Pins 1 and 8 of
the Octal valve holder. Verify that the heater voltages obtained agree with the setting of the
Heater Volts switch, bearing in mind that the 1·4V and 2V settings will be DC as opposed to
AC for the other settings and may appear high due to no loading.
Disconnect mains supply from the Valve Tester.
19. Connect the HT taps on mains transformer to (TB1 – 7 and 8).
20. Connect a Multimeter to the input side of either the Anode or Screen Voltage selector switch
with respect to the Blue Cathode Top Cap 4mm Terminal.
21. Slowly apply mains supply via a Variac and confirm that the voltage rises but stabilises at
approximately 300V and rises no further.
Disconnect mains supply from the Valve Tester.
22. Transfer Multimeter from the Voltage selector switch chosen in step 20 and connect it to Pin 1
of the Octal Valve holder. Set the Pin selector switches to 500000000.
23. Apply mains supply to the Valve Tester, set Function switch to 3 and check the Multimeter
shows the voltage as selected by the Screen Grid (G2/V) switch from 0 to 300V.
Page 5 of 27
24. Set the Pin selector switches to 600000000 and check the Multimeter shows the voltage as
selected by the Anode (A/V) switch from 0 to 300V only when the Electrode switch is set to
A1.
25. Set the Pin selector switches to 700000000 and check the Multimeter shows the voltage as
selected by the Anode (A/V) switch from 0 to 300V only when the Electrode switch is set to
A2.
26. Set the Pin selector switches to 800000000 and check the Multimeter shows the voltage as
selected by the Anode (A/V) switch from 0 to 300V only when the Electrode switch is set to
D1.
27. Set the Pin selector switches to 900000000 and check the Multimeter shows the voltage as
selected by the Anode (A/V) switch from 0 to 300V only when the Electrode switch is set to
D2.
28a.If you have fitted a CAL Switch (SW18) then go to 28b else connect an rms Meter between
The Green Top Cap Grid 4mm terminal and the Blue Top Cap Cathode 4mm terminal.
The rms Meter should read 100mV and may be adjusted if required by VR2 on the main
board. If the rms Meter does not indicate anything then it may be necessary to adjust VR1 to
ensure good oscillator start up and best waveform.
28b. If you have fitted a CAL Switch (SW18), set it to its CAL position and adjust VR2 to give
100mV on the Meter. The switch is then set to its Normal position ready for measuring the
signal present on the Anode of the valve under test. As the same Meter is used for both
measurements then the results are relative to each other and should negate the requirement for
using an additional Voltmeter.
Main Board Components:
NOTES: The link connecting RL1 pin 14 to the Drains of TR2 and TR4 has been replaced with an
open type of fuse holder which takes a 20mm 250mA Quick Blow Fuse (See Page 13). This Fuse could
also be re-sited (if desired) to a dedicated Panel Mount Fuse Holder.
A circuit board Tracking Error exists which connects the Anode of D3 to C2 (+) and which negates the
power control provided by RL1. To correct for this, the Track should be cut linking D3 to C2. A new
Track connection for D3 Anode should be made by using a short wire link, thus connecting D3 Anode
to the main HT+ line that feed the Drains of TR2 and TR4.
A diode has been placed across R12 in an attempt to protect the AC mV meter in the event of a mal-
function in the voltage control circuits (See Page 11).
Page 6 of 27
Relay Daughter Board:
Low Voltage Heater Board:
Page 7 of 27
Top Cap connecting lead:
Valve Adaptor lead:
Coloured wires indicate pin numbers according to the resistor colour code.
Brown Pin 1
Red Pin 2
Orange Pin 3
Yellow Pin 4
Green Pin 5
Blue Pin 6
Violet Pin 7
Grey Pin 8
Page 8 of 27
Technical Notes:
Power Input:
Mains power is applied to the transformer via the 1 Amp slow blow fuse. The wires of the transformer
are colour coded as shown, the 240V primary taps proving to be the best option for UK power supplies
so the input is applied to the Red and Blue/Grey wires. Because the custom made transformer has no
tags for connections, use is made of two 12-way terminal blocks. Terminal block one (TB1) carries the
mains input and also the HT and Relay supplies which are both bridge rectified on the main board.
Terminal Block two (TB2) carries the heater and meter supplies.
TB1 TB2
1 Primary 0V 1 Not Used
2 Primary 10V 2 Heater 0V common
3 Primary 210V 3 4V Heater Tap
4 Primary 230V 4 5V Heater Tap
5 Primary 250V 5 6·3V Heater Tap
6 Not Used (Guard) 6 12·6V Heater Tap
7 250V HT Winding 7 6V Winding for Meter 1
8 250V HT Winding 8 6V Winding for Meter 1
9 Not Used (Guard) 9 6V Winding for Meter 2
10 35V Relay/Bias Winding 10 6V Winding for Meter 2
11 35V Relay/Bias Winding 11 6V Winding for Meter 3
12 Not Used 12 6V Winding for Meter 3
The use of AC supplies for the three panel meters is acceptable as these will operate on either AC or
DC supplies. Note that by supplying each meter with its own isolated supply, it allows the meters to be
freely allocated to any task, especially for current measurement of the high voltage supply.
The heater supplies are fed to selector switch S2, position 1 of this switch being reserved for accepting
an external supply via the Yellow and Blue terminal posts mounted on the front panel. Thus valves
with heater voltages outside of the range of the more common ones provided, e.g. the 50C5 with a 50V
heater, can be supplied externally.
The 5V AC Heater supply is additionally routed to a Low Heater Voltage Board comprising of TR100
(TIP41) controlled by zener diode D100. This circuit provides a DC smoothed 2V or 1·4V for testing
directly heated battery valves. The diode string D102-D104 was initially provided in case the 1·4V
supply was too high but in practice only one diode was required.
The Fan supply is derived from the 12V AC Valve Heater supply, half wave rectified by D15 and
smoothed by C14.
Page 9 of 27
HT Supply - Rectification and pre-regulation:
The 250V HT winding of the mains transformer is bridge rectified by diodes D1, D1a, D2 and D2a
before being smoothed by C1. The relay RL1 isolates the HT until the Function switch is set to position
3 (TEST). Un-regulated HT is fed to the Drains of the power FET’s TR2 and TR4 (shown on next
section). The circuit built around TR1 is a pre-regulator designed to produce +300V for the Anode and
Screen voltage selector switches. Tr1 is a constant current source of approximately 1mA for the Zener
diode chain ZD1 to ZD7 which are 6 x 47V + 15V = 297V. This supply is feed to each selector switch
that operates at high impedance, each resistor chain adding up to 900kΩ and drawing 333µA.
The supplies thus available (from zero to 300V) are fed to the gates of the FET’s which act as source
followers.
Page 10 of 27
Anode and screen current limiters:
Both current limiters work in the same manner by having a transistor sensing the voltage drop across a
feed resistor in the source of each FET. When this voltage reaches approximately 0·6V, the transistor
turns on and lowers the voltage applied to the protected FET’s Gate. The Screen supply current is fixed
by R10 and will be approximately 0·6/22 = 27mA. The Anode supply has its resistor value switched by
the Electrode Switch. In the A1 and A2 positions there is a total resistor combination of 6·316Ω (R7,
R35 and R39) placed across R6 (120Ω) and gives an Anode current of 95mA maximum. In the D1 and
D2 positions, the resistance is removed except for the 120Ω R6, which now limits the available current
to 5mA thus protecting small signal diodes. When testing power rectifiers, there is a boost button
provided that increases the Anode current to 50mA by placing 13·34Ω (R36,R37 and R38) across R6
when pressed.
It was felt that a bit more A1/A2 anode current would be beneficial when testing some
valves so R39 was deleted and R35 changed from 27Ω to 11Ω which with R6 gives
approximately 120mA. To avoid having three resistors in parallel for the diode current,
R38 was deleted and R36 and R37 made 27Ω each.
R12 is the sense resistor for the gm meter and R13 the sense for the Anode current meter.
Gm Measurement:
Gm is a measurement of gain and is in fact the change in Anode current (mA) from a change in Grid
voltage (V).
In the Sussex we apply 0.1V to the grid of the valve under test and measure the change in Anode
current across a 10 Ohm resistor R12. Let us assume a valve under test has a gain of 25, if we were
using 1V as a grid voltage we would expect a change in Anode current of 25mA and therefore there
would be 250mV developed across R12. But as we are using 0.1V signal then the voltage developed
will be a tenth of this i.e. 25.0mV. This figure is what will be displayed on the front panel Gm meter.
Due to failures encountered with this meter under fault conditions, for example if the Anode supply
FET goes short circuit, protection diodes placed across R12 has been tried and seems to help.
The diodes have a combined forward turn on voltage of 1.2V
approximately so should not affect the 1V max (100mA) expected in
normal use.
Whether simple diodes fitted on their own will be sufficient has yet
to be proven!
Page 11 of 27
Relay and Bias supply:
The 35V AC input is bridge rectified by D8, D9, D10 and D11, smoothed by C11 and provides the
supply for all relays. The supply is also fed via R27 to Zener diode ZD10 to provide a stabilised 8V
supply for the phase shift oscillator built around TR6. VR1 is adjusted for best waveform, normally just
before oscillation ceases and the sine wave is passed to driver TR7. After passing C8 the sine wave is
applied to VR2 which is adjusted to give 100mV RMS at the grid feed point. Here it is being
superimposed on the grid bias as set by the series regulator TR8 and which is monitored by the grid
voltage meter.
Leakage Detector
The BC237 emitter is at -ve voltage, and the base is tied to –ve through the high value resistor R30. In
this condition the transistor is cut off and the LED is extinguished. If either the anode or G2 has a leak
to ground, (+ve with respect to emitter & base) a positive voltage will appear at the base and the
transistor will conduct thus illuminating the LED. The higher the +ve voltage caused by a lower
leakage resistance, then the brighter the LED will shine.
Leakage 1 Places a 0V on G2 whilst looking at the Anode circuit to detect a leak between the two.
Leakage 2 Connects the Anode and G2 lines together to detect a leak between them and other
electrodes in the valve under test.
Page 12 of 27
HT Fuse:
Later addition comprising of FS2 (20mm 250mA Quick Blow) and open Fuse Holder.
This is mounted in place of previous wire link but could also be panel mounted if preferred..
Page 13 of 27
50 Way Connector:
For ease of maintenance, the stacked circuit boards are wired to a 50 way Canon D connector.
Any required replacement of semiconductors or modifications is greatly assisted by being able to
withdraw all of the active circuitry as one module.
The grey shaded pins are those that are used in the Sussex, a full list of connection details appear on the
next page.
Page 14 of 27
50 Way connector Pin details;
Pin Colour Remarks Board Ident
1 Red HT Input from Transformer TB1-7 AA
2 N.U.
3 Red HT Input from Transformer TB1-8 AB
4 N.U.
5 Red 35V AC Input from transformer TB1-10 AE
6 N.U.
7 Red 35V AC Input from transformer TB1-11 AF
8 Green 0V to gas test and function switches AD
9 Green Ground Connection M
10 Red TEST Enable from Function Switch AH
11 Green 0V to Anode Volts Selector Switch G
12 Green 0V to G2 Volts Selector Switch J
13 Green To Cathode/Heater LED Cathode L
14 Green To Short Circuit LED Cathode B4
15 Red Short Circuit Detector to Function Switch B3
16 Red Cathode to Pin Selector Switches (1) K
17,18 & 19 N.U.
20 Red Anode Current Limit control AJ
21 Red Anode Current Limit control AK
22 N.U.
23 Red Input from Gas Test Switch RL3 - A2
24 Red Anode Voltage to Function Switch D
25 Red Screen Voltage to Function Switch H
26 N.U.
27 Red 12V AC to Fan Rectifier from TB2-6 D15 ANODE
28 Green Heater Return from TB2-2 C8 & FAN 0V
29 Red Heater Volts IN from Selector Switch C6
30 Green Heater Return to Pin Selector Switches (2) C7
31 Green To Heater LED Cathode C3
32 Red To Heater LED Anode and Function Switch C1
33 Red Heater Volts OUT to Pin Selector Switches (3) C5
34 Red HT to Anode Volts Selector Switch E
35 Red HT from Anode Volts Selector Switch F
36 Red HT to G2 Volts Selector Switch P
37 Red HT from G2 Volts Selector Switch Q
38 N.U.
39 Red To Gm Meter A
40 Red To Gm Meter B
41 Red To Anode Current Meter (+) RL3 - PIN 11
42 N.U.
43 Red To Anode Current Meter (-) RL3 - PIN 21
44 Green 0V (screen leads) from AG AG
45 Blue Voltage to Grid Voltage Meter T
46 Green 0V to Grid Voltage Meter N
47 Green Control Voltage to Pin Selector Switches (4) RL3 - PIN 24
48 Green 0V to Grid Voltage Control W
49 Blue Voltage to Grid Voltage Control Y
50 Blue Voltage from Grid Voltage Control X
NOTE: REF PIN SELECTOR SWITCHES, as an example, look above at Pin 33; this indicates Pin
Selector Switches (3). The figure (3) in this example refers to its front panel marking position.
The switches actual physical position will be +1 due to the fact that position 1 is open circuit (0).
Page 15 of 27
Circuit Diagrams – Pre-switching circuit.
Page 16 of 27
Switching circuit
Page 17 of 27
Physical wiring
Page 18 of 27
Interior Wiring:
Drill drawings:
Base Plate:
Page 19 of 27
Front Edge:
Sloping Front:
Page 20 of 27
Top Edge:
Page 21 of 27
Rear Panel:
Page 22 of 27
Parts List:
Circuit Designator Qty Value
Resistors
R1, R21, R26 3 470R
R2 1 120K
R3, R8 2 1M
R4, R14, R15, R18, R19, R20, R22, R23, R24, R28, R29, R32 12 10K
R5, R9 2 100R
R6 1 120R
R7, R12 3 10R
R10 1 22R
R11 1 470K
R13 1 1R
R16 1 100K
R17 1 300K
R25, R31, R33 3 1K
R27 1 2K7
R30 1 820K
R35 (early design) 1 27R
R35 (later design) 1 11R
R36 (early design) 1 22R
R36 (later design) 1 27R
R37 (early design) 1 68R
R37 (later design) 1 27R
R38 (deleted on later design) 1 68R
R39 (deleted on later design), R100 2 47R
voltage selector switches 10 15K
voltage selector switches 32 150K
VR1 1 220R
VR2 1 4K7
VR3 1 50K
Capacitors
C1 1 100uF
C2 1 220nF
C3 1 47uF
C4, C5, C6 3 6.8nF
C7 1 100nF
C8 1 1uF
C9 1 1uF
C10, C14 1 100uf/63V
C11 1 470uF
C12 1 1uF
C13 1 22uF/400V
C100 1 1000uF/16V
C101 1 100uF/16V
Page 23 of 27
Circuit Designator Qty Value
Semiconductors
D1, D1a, D2, D2a, D7, D8, D9, D10, D11, D12,
D13, D14, D15, D16, D17, D101, D102, D103, D104 19 1N4007
D3, D4, D5, D6 4 1N4148
TR1 1 MPSA92
TR2, TR4 2 1RF 830
TR3, TR5 2 MPSA42
TR6, TR7 2 BC307
TR8 1 MJE350
TR9 1 BC237
TR100 1 TIP41A
ZD1 -ZD6 (47V 1W Zener alt: BZX85C47) 6 1N4756A
ZD7 - ZD9, ZD11, ZD12 (15V 1W Zener alt: BZX85C15) 5 1N4744A
ZD10 (8V2 1W Zener alt: BZX85C8V2) 1 1N4738A
ZD100 (2V7 1W Zener alt: BZX85C2V7) 1
LED Panel Mount 3
LED Wire ended 1
Panel Meters
M1 - Grid Volts (200V DC) 1
M2 - Anode current/Gas test (200mV DC) 1
M3 - Gm (200mV AC) 1
Switches
G2 Voltage Selector Switch (1P 12W) MBB – LORLIN CK1034 1
Anode Voltage Selector Switch (1P 12W) MBB – LORLIN CK1034 1
Valve Pin selector switches (1P 12W) BBM – LORIN CK1024 9
Heater selector switch (1P 12W) BBM – LORIN CK1024 1
Function switch (3P 4W) BBM – LORLIN CK1026 1
Anode/Diode switch (3P 4W) BBM – LORLIN CK1026 1
Gas Test switch (Push to Make) 1
50mA Diode switch (Push to Make) 1
Relays and Inductors
RL1, RL2,RL3 3 48V DPCO
Transformer (Ed Dinning Custom made) 1
Hardware
Case, console, 350 x 180 x 100/50 mm (Deltron 5190920) 1 RS232774
Knob, 15mm, black (Sifam) 14 RS225704
Cap for 15mm knob (Sifam) 14 RS225899
Figure Dial, 15mm 0-11 at 30 deg. (Sifam) 14 RS4680644
Terminal block, 12 way 6A 2 RS4649867
20mm Fuse Holder for FS1 1
20mm open Fuse Holder for FS2 1
4mm Socket – Red (Anode) 1
4mm Socket – Blue (Cathode) 1
4mm Socket – Green (Grid) 1
4mm Terminal Post - Yellow 1
Page 24 of 27
Circuit Designator Qty Value
4mm Terminal Post - Blue 1
FS1 – 2A A/S 20mm 1
FS2 – 250mA QB 1
Design changes made from original
(These have been embodied into the circuit diagram)
Problem
When an EZ41 was inserted it into the socket it flashed violently inside and the Tester
gave a horrible buzzing sound due to the minus supply being shorted. This happened
with the valve selectors properly set up and with the Tester set to Heater Continuity.
The valve had a shorted cathode/heater and thus was shorting out the minus supply
which is why it produced fireworks.
The first attempt at solving this, shown on the following page, worked fine except that
a short circuit cathode heater now kept Relay 2 energised due to its A1 pin being
connected to the grounded heater line.
Simple answer, take RL2b pin 14 to its own separate 0V, I used main board pin AC in
the final new arrangement.
Unit works first class now, no nasty sparks if the valve has a direct cathode to heater
short and yet the cathode/heater LED picks up the fault when you select leak tests etc.
Page 25 of 27
Page 26 of 27
Drifting oscillator amplitude.
Reports of varying 1kHz sine wave amplitude with temperature have been received from numerous constructors.
Although the Author has not had this problem with the Sussex after a suitable warm up time, one answer is to
modify the oscillator into a temperature controlled Wien bridge circuit. The following is an example of what
may possibly be done to the present main board oscillator section. The underside view shows in Red what tracks
need to be cut and those lines in Green show new connections, some using short lengths of hook up wire.
Caution: This arrangement has not been tried so there may be unknown errors!
Page 27 of 27
