Custom Search
|
|
  |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Strobotac The STROBOTAC (figure 2-7) is an electronic flash device in which the flash duration is very short (a few millionths of a second). (Table 2-1 contains a description of the controls and indicators shown on the strobotac in figure 2-7.) Because of this short flash duration, the strobotac can measure very rapid motion. The box contains a swivel mount with a STROBOTRON LAMP in a reflector, an electronic pulse generator to control the flashing rate, and a power supply that operates from the ac power line. The flashing rate is controlled by the large knob; the corresponding speed (rpm) is indicated on an illuminated dial that is viewed through windows in the knob. Figure 2-7. - Electronic strobotac.
Table 2-1. - Strobotac Controls and Indicators CONTROLS AND INDICATORS (see figure 2-7)
The normal speed range is from 110 to 25,000 rpm. At speeds below 600 rpm, "flicker" becomes a problem because the human eye cannot retain successive images long enough to create the illusion of continuous motion. The life of the strobotron lamp is approximately 250 hours if used at flashing speeds of less than 5,000 rpm, or 100 hours if used at higher speeds. All alternating voltage sources are generated at a set frequency or range of frequencies. A FREQUENCY METER provides a means of measuring this frequency. The electrical output frequency of ac power generators can be measured by a vibrating reed, a tuned circuit, or by a crossed-coil, iron-vane type meter. The vibrating-reed device is the simplest type of frequency meter. It has the advantage of being rugged enough to be mounted on generator control panels. A simplified diagram of a vibrating-reed frequency meter is shown in figure 2-8, views A through D. In view A, you can see that the current to be measured flows through the coil and exerts maximum attraction on the soft-iron armature twice during each cycle. The armature is attached to the bar, which is mounted on a flexible support. Reeds of suitable dimensions to have natural vibration frequencies of 110, 112, 114, and so forth, up to 130 hertz are mounted on the bar (view B). The reed with a frequency of 110 hertz is marked 55 hertz; the one with a frequency of 112 hertz is marked 56 hertz; the one with a frequency of 120 hertz is marked 60 hertz, and so forth. Figure 2-8. - Vibrating-reed frequency meter.
When the coil is energized by a current with a frequency between 55 and 65 hertz, all the reeds are vibrated slightly; but, the reed having a natural frequency closest to that of the energizing current vibrates through a larger amplitude. The frequency is read from the scale value opposite the reed having the greatest amplitude of vibration. In some instruments, the reeds are the same length; but they are weighted by different amounts at the top so they will have different natural rates of vibration. An end view of the reeds in the indicator is shown in view C. If the energizing current has a frequency of 60 hertz, the reed marked 60 will vibrate the greatest amount, as shown. View D shows a hand-held vibrating-reed frequency meter mounted on the casing of a motor-generator. Tuned Circuits TUNED CIRCUITS are used as filters for the passage or rejection of specific frequencies. BANDPASS FILTERS and BAND-REJECT FILTERS are examples of this type. Tuned circuits have certain characteristics that make them ideal for certain types of filters, especially where a high degree of selectivity is desired. A series-tuned circuit offers a low impedance to currents of the particular frequency to which the circuit is tuned and a relatively high impedance to currents of all other frequencies. A parallel-tuned circuit, on the other hand, offers a very high impedance to currents of its natural, or resonant, frequency and a relatively low impedance to others. If you feel you need to review the subject of tuned circuits at this time, refer to NEETS, Module 9, Introduction to Wave-Generation and Wave-Shaping Circuits, for more information on these circuits and their applications. Frequency measurements in the af range can be made by the comparison method or the direct-reading frequency meter. Frequency comparisons can be made by the use of a calibrated af generator in conjunction with either an oscilloscope or a modulator and a zero-beat indicating device. Direct-reading frequency measurements can be made by instruments using series, frequency-selective electrical networks, bridge test sets having null indicators, or counting-type frequency meters. Heterodyne Frequency Meters Heterodyne frequency meters are available in several varieties. They measure the frequency of the unknown signal by matching the unknown signal with a locally generated signal of the same frequency obtained from a calibrated, precision oscillator. This method is normally referred to as zero beating. When a perfect frequency match is obtained, it is indicated by the absence of a beat note (zero beat). The technician generally uses a set of headphones to detect a zero-beat condition in the equipment being tested. The basic heterodyne meter (figure 2-9) is a calibrated variable oscillator, which heterodynes against the frequency to be measured. Coupling is accomplished between the frequency meter and the output of the equipment under test. (NOTE: This coupling should be in accordance with the step-by-step procedures listed in the technical manual for the frequency meter.) The calibrated oscillator is then tuned so that the difference between the oscillator frequency and the unknown frequency is in the af range. This difference in frequency is known as the BEAT FREQUENCY. As the two frequencies are brought closer to the same value, the tone in the headset will decrease in pitch until it is replaced by a series of rapid clicks. As the process is continued, the clicks will decrease in rapidity until they stop altogether. This is the point of zero beat; that is, the point at which the frequency generated in the oscillator of the frequency meter is equal to the frequency of the unknown signal being measured. Figure 2-9. - Basic heterodyne meter (block diagram).
Q.7 In a heterodyne-type frequency meter, what is the difference between the oscillator
frequency and the unknown frequency? |
 
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
