valve tester
Contents
1. 1 a CONTACT DETAIL 4 G 5 7 How Does The Orange VT1000 Differ From Other Commercially Available Valve Testers 7 Features and TUNCUIONS 9 What will my valve tester test occu SERE TEE 10 Valve Sockets amp Valve tuer ee pr pted qut beste 11 ValyB SSS VEA 11 Leine VOU VaVe TESTET UAM T 12 vake Morching 14 Valve Matching Valul ee 14 Q0 H HOH 17 FREE EXTENDED WARRANTY OFFER ss soxstosk ous xete vp epu SEVERE PRI Sd ano Scr Vent cras 19 e218 6 c e E T 20 orangeamps com amp our online ShOp easi ive IURE EXE Aes c oben tss PREMIER 20 SOC EMEUS 20 52182151800 20 soba argue renee m E m 20 ieu2. 20 OWNER S MANUAL VALVE TESTER VT 1000 Orange USA 2065 Peachtree Industrial Ct Suite 208 Atlanta GA 30341 USA Tel 1 404 303 8196 Fax 1 404 303 7176 info orangeusa com 5 MANUAL CONTACT DETAILS Orange Amplification OMEC House 108 Ripon Way Borehamwood Hertfordshire WD6 2JA ENGLAND Tel 44 20 8905 2828 Fax 44 20 8905 2868 info omec com Orange Music Electronic Jiaxing Ltd No 55 Development Zone Road Huimin Economic Development Zone Jiashan Zhejiang 314112 China TI Z G Ims U T ORSDGE VALVE TESTER VT 1000 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS m intended to alert the user to the presence of un insulated dangerous voltage within the product s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is HSIIDSN4 The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle and WARNING are intended A to alert the user to the presence of important operating instructions Failure to heed the Instructions will result in severe injury or death Read these instructions keep these instructions Heed all warnings follow these instructions WARNING Electrical equipment is dangerous and can contain potentially fatal high voltages Voltages are presen
3. FAIL LED is illuminated OWNER S MANUAL VT 1000 ORSDGE VALVE TESTER Step 5 Once the test completes and the green yellow or red indicator lights then the test is finished however as valves may get hot during the test we recommend that you make sure that the glass envelope is cool before attempting to remove it In any case we recommend the use of protective I e gloves when handling valves Test Status HSIION GREEN If a green LED is illuminated this indicates that the valve is GOOD YELLOW If a yellow LED is illuminated this indicates that the valve is worn and should be replaced as soon as possible this is for matching values 3 4 amp 5 RED If a red LED is illuminated this indicates that the valve has failed and should be replaced immediately Note That some specific faults found by the VT1000 may be either transitory or not immediately obvious when used in normal operation However they could manifest themselves when the valve comes under stress or heavy load during a performance OWNER S MANUAL ORANGE VALVE TESTER VT 1000 VALVE MATCHING VALUE VALVE MATCHING VALUE A matching number indicated by the LED s at the end of the test is based on a combination of measured parameters to give an indication of how the valve will perform according to its typical HSI19N3 function in an amplifier After the valve has been t
4. VALVE TESTER 1000 n TI Z G Ims U T 5 MANUAL VALVE TESTER VT 1000 Thank You Since 1968 when the company was founded Orange has been a pioneering force the guitar amplification industry Today with team of the world s finest amplifier engineers Orange continues to push back the boundaries of conventional valve amplifier design HSIION Our commitment to craftsmanship and quality control has allowed our amplifiers to stand the test of time giving their owners as much pleasure now as the day they were bought To maintain this level of excellence each Orange amplifier is put through many rigorous test procedures before leaving the factory The warmth tonal quality and rich harmonics generated by a valve amplifier cannot be reproduced by artificia means Many guitarists have reached the same conclusion neither the transistor nor microchip is a suitable alternative to valve technology This booklet contains valuable technical and safety information Please take the time to read this manual as the information may enhance the sound and performance of your amplifier We are confident that you will be delighted with your new purchase and that it will provide you with many years of enjoyment OWNER S MANUAL ORANGE VALVE TESTER VT 1000 CONTENTS lisi folu
5. ested the tester will assign a matching number ranging from 1 to 15 Basically the higher the value the higher the gain of the valve If a number of valves are tested the gain or matching valve can then be used to group together pairs or quads of valves For example if two EL34s were tested and both passed with a 10 matching value then these valves could be considered as a matched pair of EL34s Specific tonal variations have been noted even between closely matched fully serviceable valves having different gain groups even produced by the same manufacturer The VT1000 matching number can provide a way to ensure that the amplifier has a consistent tonal quality even after the replacement of one or more valves Sometimes new valves don t give high matching numbers does this mean that they are still OK Normally yes In general a higher number indicates a newer or less worn valve however due to manufacturing tolerances a range of values are possible even with new stock Manufacturers of amplifiers design their products to accommodate these normal tolerances without any deterioration in performance When fitting power valves in pairs or quartets the closeness of the number is much more important as mismatched valves will directly impact the sonic performance of the amplifier Pre amp valves are often double triodes i e they have two identical valves in the same glass envelope and close matching of these two halves is ve
6. ested into the correct socket selecting the type 5 MANUAL ORANGE VALVE TESTER VT 1000 from a list using two up down buttons using an LED bar display then finally pressing an OK button to start the test test then proceeds without further user input elapsed time is shown on the LED display during the test when one of three LED s is lit to indicate a Good Worn or Fail condition In addition the LED display indicates a matching number which is based on a summation of the many results obtained during the test and has been specifically designed to reflect the operation of HSI19N3 the valve according to its normal function in an audio amplifier For example power valves are graded with their emission and control grid performance as primary factors whereas pre amp valves are graded with different parameters to reflect their role in signal amplification and phase splitting applications If the valve is faulty or worn then this will be indicated at the end of the test The simplicity of operation belies what is going on inside the box where a sophisticated microprocessor controlled testing system incorporating DIVO Technology is in operation allowing full control over all inter electrode switching and measurement operations In addition all voltages required by the tester are internally derived stabilized and controlled by the m
7. heck Heater cathode insulation Leakage Heater cathode insulation Short Circuit Tests for heater current abnormalities Amplification factor Voltage gain Power gain Screen grid test Mutual conductance test Dual test for double triodes Emission Inter electrode leakage Inter electrode short circuit Flash over arc detection high voltage breakdown Gas ionisation test In addition to the tests listed above the VT1000 performs a series of unique tests under varying load conditions which are designed to filter out bad valves and to assess if the valve is good or needs to be replaced 5 MANUAL ORSDGE VALVE TESTER VT 1000 VALVE SOCKETS amp VALVE SELECTION I e VALVE SOCKETS Valve socket 1 far left for octal power valves HSIION PHYSICALLY DAMAGED VALVES No damage will occur to the VT1000 by testing faulty or damaged valves However under no circumstances should any attempt be made to insert into the test socket or to test a valve which is physically damaged as this could present a hazard to the user or others If a valve envelope is accidentally damaged during a test the OK button should be used to terminate the test and the power connector removed The valve should then be allowed to cool after which it should be removed using protective gloves and then safely disposed of DO NOT touch any exposed metal parts of the valve during the operation and ensure that no fragment
8. icrocontroller allowing rapid static and transient tests without generating unnecessary heat The test algorithms used have been developed using data from tests on hundreds of new used and faulty valves We are passionate about valve technology and our aim throughout has been to make the Orange VT1000 a sophisticated modern truly portable valve tester which is primarily useful but also stylish appealing to all valve users whether amateur professional or in the music retail trade OWNER S MANUAL VT 1000 ORANGE VALVE TESTER FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS m Pre Amo ORADGE VALVE TESTER HSIION Description Valve socket for octal power valves Valve socket for EL84 valves Valve socket for pre amp valves Selected valve type text both UK and US Valve matching value range between 1 amp 15 Valve status result good worn amp fail Control buttons Centre button selects valve type and starts the test The two outer buttons move valve selection from right to left OWNER S MANUAL ORANGE VALVE TESTER VT 1000 WHAT WILL MY VALVE TESTER TEST The Orange 1000 valve tester performs a series of comprehensive tests based on manufacturers hg design specifications typical valve failure modes Testing sequences include Heater filament test Short circuit HSIIDSN4 Heater filament test Open circuit Heater filament test Tolerance c
9. nce and an optimum set up could be result of experimentation using different valves with different matching values used in different TI Z G Ims U T locations within the amp 5 MANUAL ORANGE VALVE TESTER VT 1000 FAQ eer Why need a valve tester when can test old or suspect valves an amplifier There are several reasons why old or suspect valves should not be tested directly in an amplifier Valves can have many different fault conditions some are obvious such as internal arcing or inter electrode short circuits These fault conditions may cause serious damage to other components in HSI19N3 the amplifier Others are not immediately obvious but can lead to instability unreliable operation poor performance and possibly long term damage to other components The VT1000 gives a clear indication of a wide range of fault conditions which could otherwise cause damage to other components In addition a patented predictive software algorithm has been developed from the analysis of hundreds of faulty valves which seeks to intelligently determine the onset of fault conditions sometimes before they become apparent in normal operation If re test the same valve the readings are slightly different is this ok The VT1000 uses a complex algorithm which analyses the many different tests which are automatically performed In order to keep the total test time to a minim
10. nted by the government or local authorities OWNER S MANUAL ORANGE VALVE TESTER VT 1000 How DOES THE ORANGE 1000 DIFFER FROM OTHER COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE VALVE TESTERS N Commercial valve testers have been available almost since valves were invented incorporating many excellent techniques and designs over the years However the vast majority have a number of common features which we considered to be a barrier to the modern valve user namely They require a certain level of user interaction in that parameters have to set for individual valves being tested They require a certain depth of knowledge about valve theory which some users may not have e The results obtained on meters or digital readouts require a certain level of user interpretation e They are often quite large and bulky In a lot of cases they are also not very portable and since most are mains operated require selection of mains voltage if required to be used in other than their native country When developing the VT1000 we decided to break the mould to produce a fully automatic valve tester which performs a wide range of tests quickly and accurately Requiring little or no knowledge of valve theory it can be operated by experienced users and those who just want to know that the valves in their amplifier are in good condition It requires no user interaction other than inserting the valve to be t
11. onal year can be added by registering your product HSIIDSN4 Valves supplied with an Orange amp or purchased separately at our online store are covered for 90 days from the date of purchase The warranty status of any Orange product is subject to its being used for its intended purpose in suitable conditions As the manufacturer we reserve the right to refuse to warranty any Orange product which has been misused in any way whatsoever REGISTER RIGHT NOW AT www orangeamps com 5 MANUAL VALVE TESTER VT 1000 NEWS AND MERCHANDISE ORANGEAMPS COM amp OUR ONLINE SHOP Our website is a great place to view high resolution images of our products hear sound clips of our amplifiers view important Orange news releases and read 3 party product reviews We also sell HSI19N3 merchandise and certain products online such as Valves clothes books footswitches spare knobs and dials are available from many music retailers as well as direct from orange Visit us at www orangeamps com and also to access our secure online shop SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook We use social networks such as Facebook to help us see how thousands of our customers are using Orange products around the world We regularly engage in discussions about past present and future products Photos from tradeshows award ceremonies and other events are regularly featured on our Facebook page and is the best way
12. ry important in some parts of the circuit OWNER S MANUAL ORANGE VALVE TESTER VT 1000 VALVE MATCHING VALUE FOR DOUBLE TRIODE PRE AMP VALVES Double triode pre amp valves have two valves inside one envelope i e an amp B side After the VT1000 has tested a double triode providing that the valve passes two matching value LEDs will illuminate For section A the LED will flash and for section B the LED will be constant If only one constant LED is illuminated this means that both sides of the valve are the same In general the closer the LEDs are together the better if two matching valves are apart by more than 6 values the VT1000 will fail the valve HSIION In the example below both sections of the valve are fairly well matched 6BQ5_ 81 12AT7 ECC82 12AU7 Sir d nh SES TS 81 12AT7 ECC82 12AU7 ECC83 12AX7 k eut NO enh ev OWNER S MANUAL ORSDGE VALVE TESTER VT 1000 Many pre amp valves have critical roles within amplifier circuitry and some areas are less critical than others A valve with a low gain value may still function to an acceptable level depending on where it is used within the circuit If such circuits are known and understood valves can be arranged according to their circuit location in order to get the best sound from the amp Note Tonal variations will come down to personal prefere
13. s of glass remain around the tester before using it again OWNER S MANUAL ORANGE VALVE TESTER VT 1000 USING YOUR VALVE TESTER Step 1 Decide what valve you would like to test and identify what valve test socket is required for the test e Octal power valves such as EL34s KT66 etc use valve socket 1 e EL84 valves use valve socket 2 HSIION e Preamp valves use valve socket 3 Step 2 Carefully insert the valve into the correct valve socket and ensure it is seated flat e Valves must be tested at room temperature e Testing a hot valve may result in a failure as the tester is calibrated to heat the valve up as part of the test sequence e Only one valve must be inserted into the tester at any one time Step 3 Ensure the supplied power lead is connected to the tester and is switched on Press the OK 7 on the control buttons to initiate then by moving the left and right selector buttons carefully select the valve type which you are about to test When the correct valve type has been selected press again and the test will commence Step 4 Wait It takes approximately two minutes for the tester to test a valve during this time a number of red LEDs will illuminate and flash As the test progresses the number of LEDs illuminated will gradually decrease until the test is completed If the valve fails at any point the test is automatically terminated and the red
14. t when the equipment is turned on and also for some time after the equipment has been turned off You can still get an electric shock when the equipment is turned off and disconnected from the power Disclaimer Orange Amplifiers its suppliers and subsidiaries accept no liability for any damage s injury s or death incurred from using this product e Only use the power supply provided to operate this product e The unit should be kept out of the reach of children and under no circumstances should anything other than a valve be inserted into the test sockets Valves should OWNER S MANUAL ORSDGE VALVE TESTER VT 1000 be inserted and removed from this product in accordance to the user manual Donot use this product if it has been exposed to liquid or if objects have fallen into open areas Do not use in damp or wet conditions and keep away from liquids at all times TI Z G Ims U T e Do open the equipment case There are no user serviceable parts in this product Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel Unauthorised modification of this equipment will invalidate any warranty e fthe product does not operate normally when the operating instructions are followed then refer the product to an authorised service engineer e All electrical and electronic products should be disposed of separately from the municipal waste stream via designated collection facilities appoi
15. to get the very latest news about all things Orange To join the community you can visit our Facebook page www facebook com orangeamps Forum We have a loving and active community on our forum which is a great place for engaging with other Orange product owners Our forum is at forum orangeamps com or available via WWW Orangeamps com YouTube We regularly post new videos of products artists and sometimes special sketches featuring Orange Endorsers Our YouTube channel is here http www youtube com orangeamplifiers OWNER S MANUAL
16. um the unit is calibrated at manufacture to test cold valves If a valve is subsequently re tested while still warm then a slightly different reading may be observed There is nothing to be gained by re testing the valve as the glass envelope will become hotter and increase the length of time before it can be safely removed Some faulty valves fail at different stages in the test is this normal Yes the VT1000 automatically performs many tests on the valve whilst the LED bar graph elapsed time indicator is running If the valve fails at any point the test is automatically terminated and the red FAIL LED illuminated In this way the test time for faulty valves is kept to an absolute minimum OWNER S MANUAL VALVE TESTER VT 1000 If accidentally plug a double triode into the EL84 socket or vice versa will any damage be caused either to the valve or to the VT1000 No the VT1000 will detect that the wrong type of valve is fitted and the red FAIL LED will be lit Unlike some competitive products no damage will be done to the valves under these circumstances TI Z G Ims U T 5 MANUAL VT 1000 VALVE TESTER FREE EXTENDED WARRANTY OFFER The Orange VT1000 valve tester is under warranty for one year subject to consumer protection laws in the country of purchase and distributor s terms and conditions an additi
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