How to test Vactrol?

[digi2t]

Hi all,

I've come into possession of two, never used, Hamamatsu 0805A optos. Apparently, these were the devices that were used in the Mutron III. I've searched the net for datasheets to no avail. If someone can point me in the right direction on that, please do.

On the other hand, I was wondering if I could run some tests on these ones, and see if I could record how they react. I have a good DMM, and USB oscilloscope that I can use, but I'm not sure how I would set the test up.

I figure if I could provide some decent data on how these ones react (dark to light/light to dark, speed, etc.), maybe it would help define which optos or LDR's would be best suited to this type of circuit.

Or is it really worth doing at all?

Anyway, let me know.

Cheers,
Dino

[smallbearelec]

I was wondering if I could run some tests on these ones...Or is it really worth doing at all?

Not unless you want to confirm that the parts you have are in spec. The Hamamatsu part number was P873-13, and the data sheet is available here:

http://www.seekic.com/pdf/pdf_down.asp?id=1202413

Other posters here can tell you how to set up the test.

[digi2t]

I was wondering if I could run some tests on these ones...Or is it really worth doing at all?

Not unless you want to confirm that the parts you have are in spec. The Hamamatsu part number was P873-13, and the data sheet is available here:

http://www.seekic.com/pdf/pdf_down.asp?id=1202413

Other posters here can tell you how to set up the test.

Interesting....

First off, thanks for the link Steve. Best copy I've seen yet. Just wondering why all the schematics of the Mutron III that I've seen, have "0805" written on the Vactrol image. Case in point;

[smallbearelec]

Just wondering why all the schematics of the Mutron III that I've seen, have "0805" written on the Vactrol image.

0805 is Musitronics "house" number. Notice that switches are 0504, etc. ...

[digi2t]

Just wondering why all the schematics of the Mutron III that I've seen, have "0805" written on the Vactrol image.

0805 is Musitronics "house" number. Notice that switches are 0504, etc. ...

Damn! Thanks for pointing that out Steve. I hadn`t noticed that till now. The IC is labelled «0802» as well. 

Thanks for setting that straight for me Steve.

Cheers,
Dino