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Comments on My grid dip: how does this electron tube technology work?

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My grid dip: how does this electron tube technology work?

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Here is a video of the AN/PRM10, and here is a schematic (I believe the image can be zoomed):

an/prm10

As most commercial grid dip meters produced in the past, this one possesses several functions in addition to the grid dip function. One of these is the "absorption type wavemeter", that allows to measure the frequency of an incoming signal. Here is what they say in the doc: gd2

I'm interested only in the tuning head part (the right box in the above schematic). In fact, I am only interested in understanding the "absorption wavemeter" function, that is, whenever switch S-103 is in diode position (the grid dip function is easier to understand and is not the subject here). Basically, the electron tube acts as a diode, which together with the network formed by the Z-201 coil and the tuning cap, forms a basic resonating detector. But I don't understand how the current flows and how this works.

two important points that took me a while to understand:

  1. in diode position, switch S-103 connects the top wire to the earphone jack, which is in fact a connection to ground: only when the earphone is plugged in, the jack disconnects from ground (by mechanical pressure) and then connects to the the 4k earphone impedance. Anyway, the earphone is not needed for the normal absorption wavemeter function: only micro ammeter M-201 is used. So, basically the top wire is connected to ground and is not powered. Only the filament of the electron tube is powered.

  2. I was told that the grid of the electron tube is able to self biase (to a negative potential) whenever the filament of the tube is warmed.

N.B: The whole documentation of the grid dip can be found Here.

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1 comment thread

General comments (5 comments)
General comments
Olin Lathrop‭ wrote over 3 years ago

The schematic is pretty hard to read. A better scan at higher resolution would help. It would also help to explain what this device is supposed to do, and what external connections have what properties. It looks like it has pluggable modules at right, some sort of oscillator, and a control to adjust a meter reading (maybe to null out a signal?). Without knowing the overall purpose, everything else would just be guessing.

coquelicot‭ wrote over 3 years ago

@Olin Lathrop. I've added a link to the full documentation where everything could be seen. I have to go work, but later, I will add pictures if necessary.

Olin Lathrop‭ wrote over 3 years ago

Half that page has some foreign script, like Arabic or Hebrew. Besides, I don't want to read a whole manual. You should explain in a paragraph or so what this thing is supposed to do, what the user interface is, etc. I've never heard of a "grid dip" before, and certainly have no idea what you think that means. I noticed that the page you linked to calls it a "test oscillator" and doesn't mention "grid dip".

coquelicot‭ wrote over 3 years ago

@Olin Lathrop. A grid dip is a very well known device from the past, that is still used by radio ham. Google@grid dip to see tremendously many entries. I am not supposed to write an article here, sorry. Yet, since you say the question is unclear, I have added what I think that should be added to make it clearer. I don't understand why the page I've linked appears to you in foreign script: that's not the case for me.

Kranulis‭ wrote over 3 years ago

There is a saying: When everyone around you stinks, maybe it is you who has .... your pants. But seriously, back off a bit Olin. Why are you berating everyone, the man gave a good description, if you miss something to answer either ask nicely, don't ask at all, or google it yourself.