Hi People,

I was wondering if anyone here, may be an expert on Paton Valve Testers ?

I purchased one off of Ebay this week. I am trying to locate a circuit diagram as a couple of wires have managed to do a runner from where they should have been residing. Regardless, the unit appears to be in good condition save it probably will require a replacement tetrode, and I am not running it up until I have checked the power transformer.

My major problem is its lack of identification, the front panel only has the alpha numeric "MV77:126" I am guessing the MV77 is the model or a patent number of some sort, the 126, possibly the unit series number?

The front "gauge" has the words PALEC up top and below it has the words Paten Elect Inst. Ashfield Sydney .it is scaled 1 - 100 % with the words REPLACE ? GOOD.

The Tetrode is a Phillips 5Z3 which for the moment I will assume has had it.

The Chassis is predominantly, pressed metal. With a bakelite front plate.

In any case, if anyone may be able to steer me into the right direction toward this solution I would be most appreciative.

Cheers,

Risk

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You can call a cow a chicken, but do not expect it to lay eggs for your breakfast.......

I have a Paton VCT and there is a VCT-V

There was also a Military version that is similar made by Transmission Products (I think) The circuits may not be all that different.

Would like to see a photo ...is it still posted on e-bay?

5Z3 Is not in any way a Tetrode. It is a UX4 based Full wave rectifier similar to an 80.

Check out that seriously as the VCT used a 1V which is a single (half wave) UX4 Based Diode (6.3V filament) and VCT-V used half of a 6X5 (Octagonal base) 6.3V Heaters (not filament).

Check or replace any electrolytic or paper caps in it, after you prove the transformer (with rectifier removed).

Marc

Thanx heaps for the advice Marc

I found it late last night.

It is a Palec AC Valve Tester MV “Counter Type”

http://thebakeliteradio.com/page90/files/img482.jpg

I can now see how limited an exposure Ive really had to valves. It is all good, gotta love a steep learning curve.

Thanx heaps, that pic is the only one I could find on the internet, so I am guessing this thing is rare, which means finding a schematic is probably even worse.

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You can call a cow a chicken, but do not expect it to lay eggs for your breakfast.......

Http://www.shlrc.mq.edu.au/~robinson/Australian_radios/VCT-1.jpg

The above should get you to a VCT to look at. What you have is a basic Valve tester. VCT has a 6V Vibrator power supply and mains power supply as well as a multitester and a means of testing caps.

Designed for servicemen in remote areas at the time of it's build (1937 -38)

I still suspect that the valve testing section will be similaras it is only an "emmission" type tester.

Fortunately it will not have as many wires as this one. Genius was to use two colours. Black or Plum for everything.

I have a wiring diagram for VCT. Do have a look at that meter movement. It is highly likely that it is the same design as in the VCT

On the back of the movement under the clamp could lurk a screw. This actually holds parts together inside the meter movement. Should it come loose, it allows a part to float inside the housing. The other thing it achieved in the VCT was to Flash to the bracket destroying the springs in the meter. Thus an expensive re-build of it.

Whilst the MV is not going to see the voltages of the VCT, damage could still result, in this fault situation, if the screw & bracket can contact. Insulation Pahn paper / Elephant hide should eliminate the problem, when placed between the screw & bracket.

I've got a VCT -v for $50, but the handle and box-like-drawer were missing. And some paint is flaking, but it's very nice.

Hi Marcc- Ive just bought a Palec VCT which seems to be in good cosmetic condition but I'd like to check it out before plugging it in. Do you still have the schematic?