Instruction Sheet
for the PASCO
Model ME-9243A
012-05131B
7/93
$1.00
Spark Timer
TIME
INTERVAL FREQ
(Hz)
(sec)
100
0.01
50
0.02
0.04
Frequency
selector knob
0.1
0.2
0.4
RATE
SELECTOR
Power ON LED
(flashes at selected
frequency rate)
USE THIS RATE
FOR SETUP!
POWER ON –
RATE INDICATOR
25
10
PUSH
TO SPARK
5
2.5
WARNING
VOLTAGE!
Introduction
The PASCO Model ME-9243A Spark Timer provides
accurate, phase-locked sparking at 7 different frequencies.
The spark track is clear and simple, without any double
sparking. The high voltage (HV) cable and the black
ground cable are each 1 meter long. Also included with the
ME-9243A is a 6' long power cord and this instruction
sheet.
Safety Summary
Power source:
This apparatus is intended to operate from a power source
of 90-130 VAC (rms) OR 180-260 VAC (rms), 43-62 Hz.
A protective ground connection by way of the grounding
connector in the power cord is essential for safe operation.
Grounding the Spark Timer:
To avoid electrical shock, plug the power cord into a
properly wired receptacle.
Danger arising from loss of ground:
Upon loss of the protective ground connection, all
accessible conductive parts (including knobs and controls
that may appear to be insulated) can render an electric
shock. Use a power cord that is in good condition.
ME-9243A
SPARK TIMER
Ground cable
(1 m)
HIGH
High Voltage (HV)
cable (1 m)
Use the proper fuse:
To avoid fire hazard, use only a 0.5 A fuse, type 3AG,
rated at 250 VAC.
Do Not Operate in Explosive Atmospheres:
To avoid explosion, do not operate this product in an
explosive atmosphere.
Connect Case Ground to Apparatus Frame Before
Energizing:
Attach the alligator clip end of the black ground cable
to the apparatus being used.
Operating Instructions
Safety:
Refer to the Safety Summary for power source, grounding,
and other important safety matters pertaining to the use of
this equipment. Before connecting the instrument to a
power source, read the following instructions about line
voltages, power cords, and fuses; then verify that the
correct power-input fuse is installed.
© 1993 PASCO scientific
012-05131B
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
TO AVOID ELECTRIC SHOCK THE POWER CORD
PROTECTIVE GROUNDING CONDUCTOR MUST BE
CONNECTED TO GROUND.
DO NOT REMOVE COVER. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
DISCONNECT INPUT POWER BEFORE REPLACING FUSE.
FOR CONTINUED FIRE PROTECTION REPLACE ONLY
WITH 0.5 A, 250 V, TYPE T FUSE, (PER IEC 127-2/III).
LINE VOLTAGE RANGE:
90 - 130 VAC OR
180 - 260 VAC
POWER: 54 W MAX
FREQ.: 47 - 63 HZ
FUSE
ON
OFF
Power Cord:
The Model ME-9243A is delivered with a three-wire
power cord. At the end of the cord is a three-contact plug
for connection to the power source and to protective
ground. For electrical shock protection, insert this plug
only into a power source outlet that has a securely
grounded protective-ground contact.
Replacing the Line Fuse:
This instrument fuse holder is located in the power cord
receptacle. Verify that the proper fuse is installed and/or
replace a defective fuse by performing the following steps.
➀ Unplug the power cord from the power source and the
power input module.
➁ Slide the window over to the left and eject the fuse for
inspection.
➂ Note the fuse value and verify proper type and rating.
0.5 A, type 3AG, 250 VAC, fast blow.
➃ Replace the fuse, slide the window back and reconnect
the power cord.
Spark Gap Distance
When used with the PASCO ME-9226 Air Track and
Spark Timer System or the ME-9228 Spark Timer Kit, the
recommended spark gap distance between the electrodes
and the wires or paper mounting strip is 2 mm. Making the
gap larger causes the spark to “wander” and leave multiple
marks. A very large gap can cause a dangerous shock and
may damage the Spark Timer.
Setup
➀ Ground the Spark Timer being used with the black
ground cable. Make this connection secure. Then attach the HV cable to the apparatus.
➁ Supply power to the Spark Timer as discussed previ-
ously. Press the power switch to the ON position. Set
the rate selector to 2.5 Hz to test your setup.
➂ Select the desired output frequency for the high voltage
pulses.
➃ Depress the red spring-loaded pushbutton to energize
the high voltage pulses.
➤ NOTE: Care must be taken to provide adequate
ground return for the external High Voltage circuit
to the instrument case ground. A shock hazard will
exist if this is not done.
Timing of the output HV spark is derived from an internal
oscillator, which is set to 100.00 Hz ± .02 Hz at time of
manufacture. This will hold for the following conditions:
Voltage: 90-130 VAC OR 180-260 VAC; 50/60 Hz
Temperature: 23°C ± 15°C
Other
The PASCO ME-9243A Spark Timer is included in the
ME-9226 Air Track and Spark Timer System. This
consists of the SF-9214 Air Track with Accessories, the
SF-9216 Variable Output Air Supply, the ME-9228 Air
Track Spark Timer Kit, and an Instruction Manual and
Experiments Guide (part number 012-01783).
Limited Warranty
PASCO scientific warrants this product to be free from
defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one
year from the date of shipment to the customer. PASCO
will repair or replace, at its option, any part of the product
which is deemed to be defective in material or workmanship. This warranty does not cover damage to the product
caused by abuse or improper use. Determination of
whether a product failure is the result of a manufacturing
defect or improper use by the customer shall be made
solely by PASCO scientific. Responsibility for the return
of equipment for warranty repair belongs to the customer.
Equipment must be properly packed to prevent damage
and shipped postage or freight prepaid. (Damage caused
by improper packing of the equipment for return shipment
will not be covered by the warranty.) Shipping costs for
returning the equipment, after repair, will be paid by
PASCO scientific.
To Reach PASCO
For Technical Support call us at 1-800-772-8700 (tollfree within the U.S.) or (916) 786-3800.
➤ NOTE: The Power ON LED in the front panel
will light up and flash at the rate of the selected
frequency.
2
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