This manual applies to Models ATRT-01, ATRT-01B, and ATRT-01D; the operating procedures are
virtually the same for all models; any differences, which relate to the test units’ power sources, are
clearly described within the step-by-step procedures.
SAFETY WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This device shall be used only by trained operators.
All transformers under test shall be off line and fully isolated
Do not Service or Test alone.
Do not perform test procedures or service unless another person is also present who is capable of
rendering aid and resuscitation.
Do Not Modify Test Equipment
Because of the added risk of introducing additional or unknown hazards, do not install substitute
parts or perform any unauthorized modification to any Model ATRT-01 Test unit. To ensure that
all designed safety features are maintained, it is recommended that repairs be performed only by
Vanguard Instrument Co. factory personnel or by an authorized repair service. Unauthorized
modifications can cause serious safety hazards and will nullify the manufacturer's warranty.
Follow Exact Operating Procedures
Any deviation from procedures described in this operator’s manual may create one or more safety
hazards, damage the ATRT-01 or the test transformer, or cause errors in the test results; VIC
assumes no liability for unsafe or improper use of the ATRT-01.
Figure 25-4 Quick Test Menu.......................................................................................................28
Figure 25-5A Preset Voltage Menu...............................................................................................28
Figure 25-5B Test Result Menu....................................................................................................28
Rev 02
May 02, 2002
Model ATRT-01 (v) Operating Instructions
4
1.0 Introduction
The Model ATRT-01 is a microprocessor-based, field-portable, automatic, transformer, turnsratio test meter designed for on-site measuring of: turns ratios, winding polarity, and no-load
excitation currents of single and 3-phase utility transformers. The ATRT-01 can also test potential
transformers (PTs) and primary current transformers (CTs). The ATRT-01 may not test some
types of donut transformers (i.e., toroidal windings), since its not designed for that application.
2.0 Applicability
The ATRT-01 is available in three models: ATRT-01 (basic), ATRT-01B, and ATRT-01D.
a. The basic ATRT-01 is a line-powered 120/240 V ac (selectable), 50/60Hz unit.
b. The ATRT-01B is powered by a rechargeable lead-acid-gel battery cell. An ATRT-01B
with a fully charged battery will provide a minimum 0f 4 hours of continuous operation. A
built-in charger allows the ATRT-01B’s battery to be recharged while it is testing.
c. The ATRT-01D is powered by 6 D-cell batteries (no ac is used). To conserve battery
power, the ATRT-01D will automatically turn off after sitting idle for 1 minute. A fully
charged set of batteries in the ATRT-01D provides power for up to 200 tests.
3.0 Operating Configuration
The ATRT-01 tests transformer ratio by applying an excitation voltage to primary (H) windings
and monitors secondary (X) winding voltage. The users can also test 3-phase transformers using
the ATRT-01. The user is required to connect the H and X cable leads to the appropriate windings
for each phase. Since the ATRT-01 test lead connections to the (3-phase) transformer bushings are
different for each phase, the ATRT-01 simplifies this procedure by displaying hook-up instructions
on the LCD screen as testing progresses.
The ATRT-01 detects test-lead hook-ups for errors before a test: The ATRT-01 applies a lowlevel test voltage (300 mV) across the winding being tested and senses the induced secondary
voltages. Any time an induced voltage is greater than the applied excitation voltage, it's detected as
a hookup error. If a cross-connection error is detected, the ATRT-01 aborts the test and displays:
“Hook-Up Error." But, if no hookup error is detected, the ATRT-01 applies a full 40-volt (20-volt
for ATRT-01B/-01D) test voltage to the transformer being tested and the winding (voltage) ratio is
displayed. Excitation current (in milliamperes) and winding polarity are also displayed.
The ATRT-01 lets users enter nameplate voltages for the specified turns-ratio calculation. From
this calculated turns-ratio, the ATRT-01 will calculate and display the percentage of difference
(based on the difference between the calculated and measured values).
A built-in RS-232C port allows the ATRT-01 to interface with an IBM PC. Transformer-testing
program software, supplied with each ATRT-01, runs on an IBM Windows?-based computer and
lets users control the ATRT-01 from a computer in the field. With a computer, users can run a test
and save the test results in the field, then recall the test later in an office to generate a test report.
Since data are stored in an ASCII format, test results can be exported into any database desired.
Rev 02
May 02, 2002
Model ATRT-01 (v) Operating Instructions
5
4.0 Principle of Operation
The ATRT-01 measures transformer turns ratio by applying a test voltage across the (H) winding
and sensing induced voltage on the secondary (X) winding. (For safety, testing is always done in a
step-down transfer, regardless of the transformer’s actual use.) There's no load on windings during
testing, so measured voltage ratio is virtually the same as the winding turns ratio. The ATRT-01
measures turns ratios in a range from 0.8 to 15,000. Excitation current (via H leads) is measured
for reference and ranges from 0.0 to 2,000 mA (0 to 200 milliamperes for ATRT-01B and ATRT-
01D). Winding polarity is displayed as "+" (in phase) or "-" (out of phase). The ATRT-01
calibrates its own sensing circuits before each test; therefore, calibration by the operator is not
required.
5.0 Specifications
Model ATRT-01(v) specifications are listed below in Table 5-1
Table 5-1. Model ATRT-01 (v) Turns-Ratio Meter Specifications
(Unless otherwise indicated, each specification is the same for all three ATRT-01 models.)
TypePortable, Automatic, Single-Phase Transformer Turns-Ratio Meter
Size (inches)12 L by 8 W by 9 H
Weight (pounds)ATRT-01: 8, ATRT-01B: 9.5, ATRT-01D: 9.5
Turns Ratio-Measuring Ranges0.800 to 15,000.00
Turns-Ratio Accuracy0.8-999: ?0.1 %
CalibrationSelf Calibrating; No operator calibration required
Excitation VoltageATRT-01: 40 Volts ac, ATRT-01B/ATRT-01D: 20 Volts ac
Excitation CurrentATRT-01: 2 amps, ATRT-01B/ATRT-01D: 0 to 200 milliamperes
Current Accuracy? 2 % of Reading (? 1 Digit)
Winding PolarityDisplayed on LCD screen
DisplayLCD: 20 Characters wide by 4 Lines, viewable in bright sunlight
Serial InterfaceRS-232C, 19200 baud, 8 data bits, 2 start bits, 1 stop bit
Temperature? Operating: -20 ?C to 55 ?C? Storage: -40 ?C to 65 ?C
WarrantyOne-Year on Parts and Labor
Rev 02
May 02, 2002
Model ATRT-01 (v) Operating Instructions
6
Table 5-2: ATRT-01, ATRT-01B, and ATRT-01D Cable Set
ItemDescriptionQty
1
Test-Lead Cable, 15-foot
1
Single-Phase Connections
2
3
Power Cord (Note 1)1
RS-232C Cable1
Note:
1. The ATRT-01D requires no power cord.
2. A Canvas Cable-Carrying Bag is included with the cable set.
6.0 Cable Marking and Identification:
Both H and X cable test leads are terminated with heavy-duty battery clips. Test cables are
identified as follows:
Table 6-1. Cable Markings and Identification
Test Cable NameTransformer TerminalsClip ColorIdentification
H CablesHRedH1, H2
X CablesXBlackX1, X2
Rev 02
May 02, 2002
Model ATRT-01 (v) Operating Instructions
7
7.0 ATRT-01 Operating Controls And Indicators
Figure 7-0. Model ATRT-01 Front-Panel Controls, Indicators, and Connectors
RS-232CComputer-Interface port, 9-pin, female DB type
connector; RS-232C interface port allows ATRT-01
to interface with an IBM computer. Data rate is set to
19,200 baud, 1 start bit, 8 data bits, 2 stop bits, and
no parity bit. Connector pin functions are:
PIN SIGNAL
2 Tx
3 Rx
5 Gnd
None (display)LCD screen: 4 line by 20 character; back-lighted,
sunlight readable; Displays menus, test results, and
status readouts.
NoneHigh and Low voltage connector, 16-pin male.
120/220Vac, 1A, 50/60HzInput power connector and fused power switch with
Figure 8-0. Model ATRT-01B Front-Panel Controls, Indicators, and Connectors
Fig. 8-0
Panel MarkingsFunctional Description
Index
1
2
3
4
5
6
Rev 02
May 02, 2002
RS-232CComputer-Interface port, 9-pin, female DB type connector; This
RS-232C interface allows ATRT-01B to interface with an
IBM computer. Data rate is set to 19,200 baud, 1 start bit, 8 data
bits, 2 stop bits, and no parity bit.
PIN SIGNAL
2 Tx
3 Rx
5 Gnd
None (display)LCD: 4 line by 20 character screen; backlighted, sunlight
readable; Displays menus, test results, and status readouts.
None (H & X)High voltage and Low voltage connector, 16-pin male.
120/220Vac, 1A,
50/60Hz
Input power connector with third-wire safety ground.
Figure 9-0. Model ATRT-01D Front-Panel Controls, Indicators, and Connectors
Fig. 9-2,
Panel MarkingsFunctional Description
Index
1RS-232CComputer-Interface port, 9-pin, female DB type connector;
This
RS-232C interface port allows the ATRT-01D to interface
with an
IBM computer. Data rate is set to 19,200 baud, 1 start bit, 8
data bits, 2 stop bits, and no parity bit.
PIN SIGNAL
2 Tx
3 Rx
5 Gnd
2None (display)Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD): 4 line by 20 character screen;
backlighted, sunlight readable; Displays menus, test results,
and status readouts.
3None (H & X
High voltage and Low voltage connector, 16-pin male.