Triplett Fox & Hound Jr. User Manual

FOX JR.
HOUND JR.

Instruction Manual

&

Table of Contents

1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2. FOX Jr Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

3. HOUND Jr Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

4. Fox Jr Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

5. Hound Jr Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

6. Safety Warnings and Cautions . . . . . . . . 5

7. Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

8. Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

9. Detailed Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

10. Fox Jr. & Hound Jr. in Carrying Case . 30

11.Customer Support . . . . . . . . . . . 31

12. Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

1. Introduction

The Triplett FOX Jr and HOUND Jr Wire Tracing Kit
consists of the FOX Jr Compact Toner, the Hound
Jr Compact Probe, and the convenient belt pouch
/ carrying case. These compact versions of the
popular Triplett FOX and HOUND series of products
oer less demanding users a portable low cost wire
tracing solution.

84-862 Rev C 8/12

1

2. FOX Jr. Features

• Pocket-Sized with Pocket Clip

• Connects easily with alligator clips or

RJ-11 / RJ-45 combo plug

• Distinctive Warble tone is adjustable over

wide range

• 120VAC Line Cross Resistant

• Powered by one A23 Battery (included)

• 1 Year Warranty

3. HOUND Jr. Features

• Pocket-Sized with Pocket Clip

• Small and Streamlined to get into tight places

• Adjustable Sensitivity / Volume Control

• Visual Signal Strength Indicator

• Contains Hi-Gain Hi-Impedance Amplier

• Non-Conductive Probe Tip

• Detects FOX Jr Signal from up to 12" away

• Earphone Jack

• Power Beeper Reminder

• Powered by one A23 Battery (included)

• 1 Year Warranty

2

OFF

PITCH

Battery Cover /
Pocket Clip

Alligator Clip Leads
& RJ-11/RJ-45 Combo
Plug Lead

On - Off /
Pitch Control

Lead Holder

4. Fox Jr. Diagram

3

OFF

SENSITIVITY

On - Off /
Sensitivity
Control

Battery Cover /
Pocket Clip

Earphone
Jack

Inductive
Probe Tip

Visual Signal
Strength
Indicator (LED)

5. Hound Jr. Diagram

4

6. Safety Warnings and Cautions

6.1

Do not connect FOX Jr or HOUND Jr to any source

of AC power. AC voltages above 30 volts can be
dangerous, and may result in user injury. The FOX

Jr and HOUND Jr are not intended to trace live

AC power lines. The FOX Jr will be damaged if
connected to a live AC power line.

6.2

Use care when using the HOUND Jr to probe

any wire or cable. An unexpected dangerous

voltage may be present, which may result in

injury to the user.

6.3

Use caution when working with telephone
lines. They can support dangerous voltages. 50VDC

is often present, and 100VAC may be present
during ringing. Additionally, telephone lines may

support dangerous levels of common mode volt-

ages. In some circumstances, user injury may result.

5

6.4

Use caution when working with any long uncon-

nected wire or cable. Under some conditions,
unconnected wires may “oat up” to dangerous
potentials, and touching them may result in

user injury.

6.5

Use care when connecting the FOX Jr to any wire

or cable. An unexpected dangerous voltage may
be present, which may result in injury to the user.

6.6

Potentials applied to any connection of the FOX
Jr may appear on other FOX Jr connections. For
example, a potential applied to the RJ-11 plug
may appear on the alligator clips. This could
pose a shock hazard to the user, if for example, a

telephone cable with 120VAC on it is connected to
the FOX Jr. The 120VAC may appear on the alligator

clips, and shock the user

.

6

6.7

Do not use the FOX Jr or HOUND Jr if either unit

appears to be damaged. A damaged unit may

lead the user to a false conclusion, resulting in

user injury.

6.8

Do not use the FOX Jr or HOUND Jr if either unit

is wet. A wet unit may result in shock or injury to

the user if connected to live circuitry.

***WARNING***

The FOX Jr and HOUND Jr are designed to

work on non-energized (except telephone
lines) wires or cables. Attempting

to test energized wires may damage
the FOX Jr and HOUND Jr, cause user

injury, or both.

7

7. Specications

7.1 FOX Jr. Specs

Output Voltage: 6 volts peak to peak square
wave into an open circuit

Output Type: Warble
Output Frequency Range: 800Hz to 5KHz
Frequency Adjustment: Thumbwheel
Overload Protection: Tolerates 120 volts AC at

60Hz at alligator clips or
modular plug

Connections: Alligator clips and RJ-11 /

RJ-45 Combo modular plug

Lead Length: Approx 4"
Battery: A23, 12 volt , Triplett 37-60

(protected against the

accidental reversal of the

battery polarity)
Size: 5.8" (L) x 1.25" (W) x 0.8" (H)

8

Weight: Approx 1.6 oz.

7.2 HOUND Jr. Specs

Amplier: JFET and Integrated Circuit for

Hi-Impedance and Hi-Gain

Sensitivity: Adjustable with thumbwheel,
detects FOX Jr up to 12" away

Probe: Non-conductive, insulated

probe

Earphone Jack: Accepts standard 1/8"
(3.5mm) mini phone plug,

either mono or stereo.
For use with electromagnetic

(dynamic) earphones from

8 Ohms to 2000 Ohms.

Automatically mutes loud-

speaker when earphone is

used. An earphone with a

shielded cable is suggested to
reduce the

possibility of feed-

9

back from the cable to the
probe tip.

Signal Strength Indicator: Bright red dual LED

visual signal strength indicator

Battery: A23, 12 volt , Triplett 37-60
(protected against the

accidental reversal of the

battery polarity)
Power Beeper Reminder: HOUND Jr beeps and

ashes periodically to remind
user that it is on.

Size: 5.8" (L) x 1.25" (W) x 0.8" (H)
Weight: Approx 1.7 oz.

7.3 FOX Jr. & HOUND Jr. Kit

Case Size: 6.2" (L) x 2.8" (W) x 1.3" (H)

Weight: Approx 4 oz.
(both units & case)

10

8: Getting Started

8.1 Installing Batteries

Remove the black pocket clip from both the FOX Jr

and HOUND Jr. Install an A23 battery in each prod­uct, observing proper polarity (negative towards
tip), and replace the pocket clips.

8.2 Initial Tests
Turn on the HOUND Jr by rotating its thumbwheel

from the o position to the fully on position. At

this time, you may not hear any sound from the
HOUND Jr, or you might hear a buzzing sound
if standard uorescent lights or other electronic
equipment are operating in the vicinity. If you leave
the HOUND Jr operating this way, it will beep and
ash periodically to remind you it is turned on.

With the HOUND Jr’s tip positioned near the leads
of the FOX Jr, turn on the FOX Jr by rotating its
thumbwheel from the o to on position.

11

The FOX

Jr’s warbling signal should be heard coming from

the HOUND Jr. Adjust the thumbwheel on the

FOX Jr while listening to the HOUND Jr. Notice
how some pitches of the sound are louder than

others. In use, the user will usually adjust the FOX

Jr to one of the louder pitches, so the HOUND Jr
will be easier to hear while tracing wires.

With the FOX Jr adjusted to one of the louder

pitches, experimentally position the tip of the
HOUND Jr in dierent locations around the leads of
the FOX Jr, noting how the loudness of the HOUND

Jr, and the brightness of the signal strength LEDs,
increase as the leads are approached. Adjust the

thumbwheel on the HOUND Jr to reduce its loud­ness when the HOUND’s tip is right against one
of the FOX’s leads.

The HOUND Jr’s earphone jack accepts a standard
1/8" (3.5mm) mini-plug. This type is often used with

portable music playing devices. The earphone may
be either a stereo or mono type. For best results,
the lead wire should be shielded to reduce the

12

possibility of feedback occurring between the lead
wire and the HOUND Jr’s probe. When the plug is

inserted into the jack, the HOUND Jr’s speaker

is turned o, and the sound can only be heard
through the earphone.

To use the earphone, turn on the HOUND Jr with

the Volume / Sensitivity thumbwheel to minimum,
and then plug the earphone into jack. Adjust

the thumbwheel for a comfortable sound level
in the earphone.

Helpful Hints

Setting the Volume / Sensitivity thumbwheel to

minimum prior to using the earphone, as previ­ously described, can often save the user from a

jarring experience. Sounds that are not very loud

in the speaker, can be very loud in the earphone.

When using the earphone, the high gain of the
HOUND Jr’s circuitry may cause “feedback” at
high thumbwheel settings. Feedback is a squeal­ing or whining sound, and it can be very loud, so

13

use caution. Reduce the thumbwheel setting to
reduce the feedback.

Because the FOX Jr ’s test leads are so short, the

HOUND Jr may not detect the warble signal more
than a few inches away. When the FOX Jr is con­nected to longer wires, the HOUND Jr’s sensing
distance will improve.

At high thumbwheel settings, the HOUND Jr’s

high sensitivity may cause the Signal Strength

LED to ash when the tip is tapped or rubbed.

This is normal.

9: Detailed Information

9.1 Methods
Two dierent basic tracing methods are commonly

used . . . the “LINE/GROUND” connection, and the
“LINE/LINE” connection.

9.1.1 LINE/GROUND Connection
The LINE/GROUND connection produces the

strongest tracing signal, but also creates “crosstalk”

14

of the signal into other wires in the cable. If the user
is trying to identify a cable, and not an individual

conductor in the cable, the LINE/GROUND method

usually produces the best results. This method has

been used to trace electrical wires (like Romex),

speaker wires, intercom wires, thermostat wires,
alarm wires, cable television wires, etc. through
drywall, wood ooring, and carpeting.

A “good” ear th ground is usually not required. In
fact, a large metal object like an oce desk, a le

cabinet, or a metal plate on the oor, can be used.
On vehicles, the metal chassis of the vehicle can

be used as the ground. A metal hulled boat can

use the hull as a ground, and a wood or berglass
hulled boat can use the surrounding water as a

ground (make connection to a metal fitting in

contact with the water or drop a wire into the

water). The ground connection is only required

at the FOX Jr end of the cable or wire, however,
a ground connection at the far end is handy for

identication of the target wire (read following
text on tracing).

15

To setup the LINE/GROUND connection, clip one
alligator clip (either color) of the Triplett FOX Jr to

the “ground”, and the other alligator clip to the wire

being traced. (See Figure 1)

9.1.2 LINE/LINE Connection
The LINE/LINE connection is useful for identifying a

pair of wires in a multi-wire cable, or for identifying
a pair of wires in a bundle of wires. When wires are
“paired” in a cable, they are often twisted together
in a manner that reduces crosstalk of any signal

on the wires into adjacent wire pairs. Telephone
cables are constructed in this manner, so a LINE/
LINE connection is of ten used to trace telephone
cables. The FOX Jr’s modular plug applies a LINE/
LINE connection when plugged into its mating
modular jack (connected to a telephone line).
(See Figure 2)

16

MULTI-WIRE CABLE

TERMINALS

T

ARGET

WIRE

Figure 1 Line/Ground Connection

17

MULTI-WIRE CABLE

TERMINALS

T

ARGET

WIRES

Figure 2 Line/Line Connection

9.1.3 Testing

Whether the LINE/GROUND or LINE/LINE con-

nection is used at the FOX Jr, the use of the HOUND
Jr for tracing the signal is the same. In general, the
HOUND Jr is used by bringing it into proximity
with the wire/cable that is being traced, listening

18

for the TONE signal from the FOX Jr, and moving

the HOUND Jr in such a manner as to increase the

loudness of the TONE signal from the HOUND Jr’s
speaker . . . i.e. searching for the loudest TONE
signal. The HOUND Jr’s Volume Control is adjusted

to a comfortable level. Usually, it is set to maximum
when the tracing wires through walls and ceilings,
and is set to a lower setting when in close proximity

to the signal carrying wires. The HOUND Jr’s LED

glows brighter when the sound from the speaker is
louder. In situations where there is a lot of acoustic

noise, observing the brightness of the LED, or using

earphones, may prove more useful than attempt­ing to hear the signal from the speaker.

To begin using the HOUND Jr, turn on the HOUND
Jr by rotating its thumbwheel from the o position
to the fully on position. It is normal to hear a hum­ming or buzzing noise coming from the HOUND Jr’s
speaker when it is in an area with standard uores­cent lights, neon signs, transformers, etc. In fact,
an easy test to verify the HOUND Jr is working is to
move it toward an operating standard uorescent

19

light and note that the buzzing sound gets louder,

and the brightness of the LED increases. When used

out-of-doors, away from power wires, the HOUND
Jr may make only a slight hissing noise.

Before attempting to trace a wire/cable, with the

HOUND Jr’s tip positioned near the leads of the FOX
Jr, turn on the FOX Jr by rotating its thumbwheel
from the o to on position. The FOX Jr’s warbling
signal should be heard coming from the HOUND Jr.

Adjust the thumbwheel on the FOX Jr to peak the

loudness of the signal received on the HOUND Jr.

Connect the FOX Jr to the target wire/cable in
the desired fashion. Once again, test the FOX Jr’s
output signal by bringing the HOUND Jr’s tip near

the FOX Jr’s alligator clips (this is called “probing”
the wire/cable). The warble TONE should be heard
from the HOUND Jr’s speaker. If the warble TONE

is not heard, the wire/cable may be shorted. The
HOUND Jr cannot trace a shorted wire.

If the LINE/GROUND connection is being used, the

20

alligator clip connected to the ground should have
very little signal on it when probed by the HOUND
Jr. The other clip attached to the wire/cable should
have a strong signal on it.

If the LINE/LINE connection is being used, both

alligator clips should have about the same signal
on them . . . although it will be noted that neither
of the signals are as strong as the signal produced

by the LINE/GROUND connection.

9.1.4 Tracing Wires in Walls, etc.

After connected the FOX Jr to one end of the wire/

cable, bring the HOUND Jr near the suspect wire/
cable. The FOX Jr signal can often be heard a foot
or more away from the wire. If searching for wires in
walls, move the HOUND Jr along the surface of the
wall, noting the location of the strongest warble

TONE pickup. Using the HOUND Jr, trace the wire

through the wall by following the strongest warble

TONE pickup. (See Figure 3)

If the end of the wire/cable is exposed, for example,

21

DOORWAY

SPEAKER

WIRES

Figure 3

22

ADDITIONAL

SPEAKER

WIRES

SEVERAL

SPEAKER

FLOOR

WIRES

SHORT ENDS TO

MOMEMTARILLY

“KILL” TRACER TONE

in a junction or wall box, use the HOUND Jr to
determine if the FOX Jr warble TONE is present. If

so, you may have found the cable you are looking

for. You may nd that several cables in dierent
junction boxes produce similar strength warble
TONEs. This phenomenon is caused by crosstalk . .
. or “bleeding” of the TONE signal into other wires or

cables in proximity to the target wire. Sometimes,

the junction box contains several dierent wires/

cables, which due to size constraints of the box
itself, cannot be separated apart far enough to

identify the wire/cable with the TONE signal on

it. To assist in identifying the target wire, use the
“Remote Tone Kill” technique.

The FOX Jr supports the use of the Remote Tone

Kill test method. When the wire or wires (pair)

that the FOX is connected to, are shorted out,

locally or remotely, the warble TONE signal from

the FOX Jr is “killed”.

In situations where it is dicult to iden

target wire, because of crosstalk from other wires,

23

tify the

the target wire can be identied by shorting the

TONE to ground (if the LINE/GROUND connection
is being used) or shor ting out the wire pair with
the TONE on it (if the LINE/LINE connection is
being used). (See Figure 3) If you have found the
correct wire(s), the TONE will be completely killed.
If the TONE is still heard, but reduced somewhat in
level, you have not found the target wire(s). This

method is not foolproof, and experimentation,
common sense, and experience must be used to
apply it properly. However, in many instances, it will

provide trace verication. A caution . . . if you are

at a location where the only wire is not the target
wire, but it has a signal on it due to crosstalk . . . it
may appear that you have killed the FOX Jr warble

TONE when you short out the wire. To make sure,

leave the short on the wire in question, and go
back to FOX Jr, and test the alligator clips with the

HOUND Jr. If the TONE is still there, you have not

shorted the target wire.

Note: Even with the FOX Jr’s alligator clips shorted

24

out, the case of the FOX Jr will still radiate some

warble TONE. Do not confuse this with the warble
TONE coming from the alligator clips. Perform a

few experiments by shorting out the clips and
probing the FOX Jr with the HOUND Jr so you
know what to expect.

9.1.5 Tracing Wires within a Cable
When searching for specic wires within a bundle
or cable, it is necessary to separate the individual
wires apart from each other at the end of the cable
opposite the FOX Jr location. Probe the wires with
the HOUND Jr, attempting to identify the wire with

the strongest TONE on it. Adjust the HOUND Jr’s

thumbwheel as necessary. It is not necessary to
pierce the insulation of the wire. The wire with the

strongest warble TONE is the target wire. In some

cases, crosstalk into the other wires will make it

dicult to determine which wire has the strongest
TONE on it. Use the Remote Tone K ill method,

previously described, to identify the target wire.

25

If tracing a pair of wires, such as those used for a

telephone line, a lineman’s talkset (also called a
“handset”, “buttset”, or “craftset”) can be used to

positively identify the pair. Connect the suspect
pair to the talkset. If you have located the target

pair, the FOX Jr warble TONE will be heard,

strong and clear, in the earpiece of the talkset.

(See Figure 4)

HINTS:

The HOUND Jr works by capacitively sensing the
electrostatic field radiated by wires carrying a

signal (tone). The greater the radiated eld, the

better the HOUND Jr’s ability to locate a wire.

Anything that reduces the intensity of

the eld will impair the HOUND JR’s eectiveness
in locating a wire. HOUND Jr’s ability to locate a

wire. Anything that reduces the intensity of the

eld will impair the HOUND JR’s eectiveness in
locating a wire.

In general, several things aect eld intensity . . .

26

TALK SET

MULTI-CONDUCTOR

CABLE

Figure 4 Wire Tracing with a Talkset

shielding, signal (tone) amplitude on the wire, and

wire dress. In instances where a system is shielded

(shielded wires, metal junction boxes, metal
conduit, etc.), the effectiveness of the HOUND

Jr is impaired. In multi-wire cables, grounded
wires, or wires connected to low impedance

27

circuits, adjacent to the target wire can act as

shields, reducing the HOUND Jr’s ability to sense
properly. Spreading the wires apart will reduce the
shielding eect and allow the HOUND Jr to work
better. Defects in a cable or wires, such as shorts
or opens, will reduce the signal amplitude and
hence the HOUND Jr’s ability to locate the target
wire. Terminating a wire or line in a low impedance
also reduces signal amplitude and the HOUND Jr’s
locating ability. It is also possible for wire dress to
cause nullication of the eld. This may happen
with tightly twisted pairs of wires.

If the target wire is connected to other wires and
circuits, for example, to switches, lights, relays,

transformers, etc., the FOX Jr warble TONE will

pass through these devices and out onto other
wires connected to these devices ... making tracing

of the target wire very dicult, if not impossible.

The FOX Jr and HOUND Jr cannot be used to trace
wires buried underground or in concrete. This is

because the moisture content of the earth or

28

of concrete allows the surface to be electrically
conductive, causing it to act as a shield around
the buried wire.

The HOUND Jr will not trace wires through a metal
conduit. It can, however, identify the wires after
they exit from the conduit.

General Rules for Eective Tracing:

1) Do what works best. Try both LINE/GROUND
and LINE/LINE tracing.

2) Separate wires when possible.

3) Move wires away from shielding when possible.

4) Un-terminate wire if necessary.

5) Turn o noise sources to reduce buzzing.

29

10: Fox Jr. & Hound Jr.

Shown In Carrying Case

Notice that Pocket Clips
are on the outside of the

30

11: CUSTOMER SUPPORT

In the unlikely event that you experience
problems with your Triplett product, please
contact us at [e-mail].

12: Warranty

ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

Triplett warrants instruments and test equipment manufactured by
it to be free from defective material or workmanship and agrees to
repair or replace such products which, under normal use and service,
disclose the defect to be the fault of our manufacturing, with no
charge within one year of the date of original purchase for parts and
labor. If we are unable to repair or replace the product, we will make
a refund of the purchase price. Consult the Instruction Manual for
instructions regarding the proper use and servicing of instruments
and test equipment. Our obligation under this warranty is limited
to repairing, replacing, or making refund on any instrument or test
equipment which proves to be defective within one year from the
date of original purchase.

This warranty does not apply to any of our products which have been
repaired or altered by unauthorized persons in any way so as, in our

sole judgment, to injure their stability or reliability, or which have
been subject to misuse, abuse, misapplication, negligence, accident

or which have had the serial numbers altered, defaced, or removed.

Accessories, including batteries and fuses, not of our manufacture

31

used with this product are not covered by this warranty.

ALL WARRANTIES IMPLIED BY LAW ARE HEREBY LIMITED TO A PERIOD
OF ONE YEAR FROM DATE OF PURCHASE, AND THE PROVISIONS OF
THE WARRANTY ARE EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES
EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED.

The purchaser agrees to assume all liability for any damages and

bodily injury which may result from the use or misuse of the product

by the purchaser, his employees, or others, and the remedies provided
for in this warranty are expressly in lieu of any other liability Triplett
may have, including incidental or consequential damages.

Some states (USA ONLY) do not allow the exclusion or limitation of

incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclu­sion may not apply to you. No representative of Triplett or any other
person is authorized to extend the liability of Triplett in connection
with the sale of its products beyond the terms hereof.

Triplett reserves the right to discontinue models at any time, or
change specications, price or design, without notice and without
incurring any obligation.

This warranty gives you specic legal rights, and you may have other
rights which vary from state to state.

32