Figs. 2,563 and 2,564.—Frahm resonance type frequency meter. Fig, 2,563, portable meter; fig. 2,564, switchboard meter. The readings are correct in either the vertical or horizontal position. The energy consumption at 100 volts is about 1 to 2 volt amperes, and is approximately proportional for other pressures. The regular portable meters are arranged for pressures of from 50 to 300 volts, and for this purpose they are fitted with terminals for 65, 100, 130, 180, and 250 volts. In order to obtain full amplitude at intermediate pressures, a milled headed screw is provided for adjusting the base piece mechanically, and thereby permitting of regulating the pressure range within ±20 per cent; this insures indications of maximum clearness. Should it be desired to extend the standard pressure range of 50 to 300 volts, up to 600 volts, two further terminals for 350 and 500 volts are necessary, so that these instruments are provided with eight fixed terminals in addition to the mechanical regulating device. Instruments which are intended for connecting to one specific supply or to the secondary of a pressure transformer, require only a single pressure range, say 100 volts, with the aforementioned regulating device. The frequency range is from 7.5 to 600 cycles per second. In order to obtain easily readable indications, one reed is provided for every quarter period for frequencies below 30, for every half period for frequencies between 30 and 80, and for every whole period for frequencies between 80 and 140. The use of a smaller number of reed, that is to say, of larger intervals between the periods of vibration of adjoining reeds, is only recommended for circuits having very variable frequencies, as otherwise no reed might respond to the vibrations caused by intermediate frequencies. The arrangement of the separate reeds on a common base piece, permits supplying any combination of interval that may be required. It is often desirable to secure two ranges with one set of reed. To do this a second electromagnet is supplied. It is polarized, and operates on the same base plate. In the case of alternating current when the unpolarized magnet is used the reeds receive two impulses during each cycle, while with the polarized magnet they receive but one impulse per cycle. A commutator is provided to easily make the change from one range to the other. If there be two sets of reed, the one commutator may be connected to change both. This device is only applicable when alternating current is measured. Instruments with unpolarized magnets are made with frequencies of 15 to 300 cycles per second.
Ques. Describe the resonance method of obtaining the frequency.
Ans. In construction, the apparatus consists of a pendulum, or reed, of given length, which responds to periodic forces having the same natural period as itself. The instrument comprises a number of reeds of different lengths, mounted in a row, and all simultaneously subjected to the oscillatory attraction of an electromagnet excited by the supply current that is being measured. The reed, which has the same natural time period as the current will vibrate, while the others will remain practically at rest.
Figs. 2,565 and 2,566.—Side and end views of Frahm resonance type frequency meter reeds. Owing to the principle employed in the meter it is evident that the indications are independent of the voltage, change of wave form, and external magnetic fields.
The construction and operation of the instrument may be better understood from figs. 2,565 and 2,566, which illustrates the indicating part of the Frahm meter. This consists of one or more rows of tuned reeds rigidly mounted side by side on a common and slightly flexible base.
The reeds are made of spring steel, 3 or 7 mm. wide, with a small portion of their free ends bent over at right angles as shown in fig. 2,566 and enameled white so that when viewed end on they will be easily visible. The reeds are of adjustable length, and are weighted at the end.
A piece of soft iron, rigidly fastened on the base plate which supports the reeds, forms the armature of a magnet.