RCA

Theremin
SERVICE NOTES

fiCA 1'htr<1nin

J
First l!dition-SM
Copyright November 1929

RADIO-VICTOR CoRPORATION OF AMERICA

233 BROADWAY, NEW YORK CITY

DISTRICf SERVICE STATIONS

BROOKLYN. N. Y. CHICAGO, ILl.. SAN FRAN CISCO, CAL.
Bide. No. IJ-168 · J9th St. 2001 Wuc Pcr•hinr Ro•d 2'74 Or-ann.. St,
J)At.LAS, T£XAS ATLANTA. GA.
Sllnt.l 1-"'� Hldg., Unit !"o. 2 1 SO l'4>ttrl St.
 PREFACE

The RCA Theremin is an electrical musical instrument played by the

free movement of the hands in space. The actual production of sound is
accomplished by means of a loudspeaker which must be connected to the
RCA Theremin. The loudspeaker may be located close to the Theremin or
at any convenient distance as required.

The electrical circuits incorporated in the instrument are designed to

operate from the house lighting drcuit controlled by a power switch mounted
on the cabinet. Provision is also made fo• adjusting pitch and volume by
suitable panel controls. A "play-off" switch provides for turning "On or
Off" the Theremin with switching off the power supply.

A knowledge of the design and operation of the instrument is desirable

if any service work becomes necessary. The present RCA Service Notes have
been prepared to provide service personnel with practical helps and technical

information in the performance of this service work. This information has

been compiled from experience with the problems encountered and presents
the best practice in dealing with them. A careful reading of these Service
Notes will establish their valu.e and it is suggested they be preserved for
ready reference.

In addition to supplying the Service Notes RCA maintains a corps of

engineers who visit the trade at frequent intervals to advis e and assist in the
performance of Service Work.

Property of the Radj;)-victor Corpo...a.t>on nf America. Confidential and t<J be u•ecl

011ly by thoRe <mthorized by RCA to Ju1-niah serviu in comtection with its nppara.tu.•.

Copyri.qhf 1929-Radi<H•icto·r CM·rwro.t.irm. of America

There min
 CONTENTS

Pace

Preface ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2

Electrical and Physical Specificationa ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• -------------------------- 5

Introduct!oo -
----- --- ----- ••••••••••.•••••••••••• __ .•••••••••••• ---__ ••_ ••••••- ------••. --. --.- 5

Electrical Description of Circuits .••..••.••••.••••••••• ----------------- -- --------------- ---- ----- 5

PART I-8ERVICE DATA

ln•tlllation --------------------------------- 8 Skip Effect in Pitch ControL.---------------- 10

Normal Operation --- -- -- --- --

- - - - - -
--- ------ 8 Service Data Chart -------------------------- 11

Volume Control Adjuatmeota ...•••••---- - ---- 9 S. P. U. Terminal Strip Voltages. •••..•••.••• 13

Pitch Adjustment Coodcnur Not at Center •••• 10 Tbercmin Radlotron Socket Voltages •••••••••• 13

Range Below 1100 Cycles •••••••••••••••••••• 10 Methods fo r Co ntinuity Teat•----------------- IS

Reversed Action of Pitch Control ••••••••••••• 10 S. P. U. Continuity Teats •••••••••••••••••••• IS

High Pitched Note ••••••••••••••••••••••..••• 10 Main Assembly Continuity Test ••••••••••••••• 't7

PART II-MAKING REPLACEMENTS

Replacing Parts in the Theremin Assembly •••• 18 Removal of Parts and Location of Cable .•••••• 18

ILLUSTRATIONS

RCA Theremln ----····---------------------- Schematic Circuit Diagram o! the Socket

Power Unit -·---------------------------- 9
Rear Interior Cabinet View.................. 4
Complete Layout and Cable Connection•------ 12
Top Chassis View of the Main Assembly...... 6
Wiring Diagram of the Socket Power Unit ••.. 14

Sub-chassis View of the Main Assembly....... 7

Wiring Diagram of the Main Assembly ••.•.••• 16

Schematic Circuit Diagram of the Main Internal CoMections of Filter and By-Paas
Assembly -------·-··--·------------··-··· 8 Condensers, and Filter Reactor····--------- 18

3 There min
 RCA THEREMIN
SERVICE NOTES
Prepared by RCA Service Department

ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Voltage Rating . 105-126 Volts
Frequency Rating 50-60 Cycles
Power Consumption • • 90 Watts
Type of Circuit . Special beat frequency oscillator
with audio stages
Number and Types of Tubes Three UY-2-27, 1 UY-224,
1 UX-120, 2 UX-171A,
and 1 UX-28Q-Total 8
Number of Osciltators . . 8
Type of Detector . Two-grid detector modulator
Number of A. F. Stages . . • 2
Recommended Loudspeaker . RCA Loudspeaker 106
Musical Range-3Yz Octaves Low e s t note of loudspeaker to
1400 cycles approximately

PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Height to top of Pitch Cootrol.Rod . 64 in.
Height of Cabinet . . 46Y. in.
Width, including Volume Control Loop SlY. in.
Width of Cabinet . 19 in.
Depth • • . 12 in.
Dimensions of Packing Case 14Yz in. x 24 in. x 51 in.
Weight, Net 67Y. lbs.
Weight, Shipping 99 lbs.

INTRODUCTION
The RCA Therernin is a mu sical instrument operating entirely on electrical pri n ­

ciples and played by the movement of the hands in space. Having no limitations such
as key boards, stops, etc., exceptional individuality of expression may be obtained.
The instrument covers approximately three and one half octaves, the highest note be­
ing about 1400 cycles. Figure 1 illustrates a rear interior cabinet view and Figures 2
and a a top and bottom chassis view of the main assembly. The operation of this
instrument is covered in the instruction book accompanying each RCA Theremin.
The pr ncipl e of operation of the RCA Theremin is that of th e beat frequency os·
i

cillator. The f requency of one oscillator may be varied by the capacity change caused
in an associated circuit by the movement of the hand to or from a pitch control rod.
Also an additional oscillator provides radio frequency current for heating the filament
of a UX-120 arrang ed so as to control the volume of output, this control being due to
the movement of the hand in relation to the volume control loop. A detailed descri p ­

tion of the functioning of the various circuits follows:

ELECTRICAL DESCRIPTION OF CIRCUITS

As stated in the foregoing, the musical note of the RCA Theremin is produced by
two oscillators of slightly different fr eqtten c y beating together. This beat note is then
amplified by two au di o stages. The change of note caused by the movement of the
hand is due to th e change of capacity across what is known as the pit ch coil, this
slight change having sufficient effect on an adjacent oscillator circuit to change the
frequency and thus the beat note, the amount of change depending on the p osi tion of
the hand in relation to the pitch control rod.

s Theremin
 Referring to the schem;.tic circuit Figures 4 and 5 and starting £rom the pitch control
rod we find the circuits functioning as follows:--
The pitch control rod is connecte(l to a coil having a very high inductance. Con­
nected to this coil is a small condenser and a sma ll concentrated coil This entire
circuit is tuned by the distributed capacity of its coils and resonates at approximately
172 K.C. Not having any fixed capacitor connected across it for tuning, the rat io of
inductance to capacitance is very high. Thus the small in·crease of capacity caused l>y
the hand close to the pitch rod will cause the circuit to change its natural period con­
siderably, a great deal more than if a large capacity and small inductance were used.
This pitch control circuit is connected to the grid side of the variable pitch con­
trol osciUa.tor the frequency of which is slightly greater than that of the pitch control
circuit. Bringing the hand close to the pitch rod will increase the parallel capacity in
that circuit and thus reduce its frequency. As this capacity is reflected in the oscilla­
tor circuit a similar decrease in frequency will result in that circuit , the amount of
decRase depending on the closeness o£ the frequency of the two circuits. Thus a
gTeater decrease in frequency of the oscillator circuit is obtained when the pitch con­
trol circuit is close to the oscillator circuit in fr equency than when it is at a greater
frequency difference.

Vlilt148U: IHCH OSCILLAIU, FUEO OSClllllCR YOt.UMt

llliMMI"'G ('0t10E.H$Ul TRIU.U1�6 CONOENSfP.

The next circuit to examine is the fixed pitch oscillator. This circuit oscill ates at
a frequency, when correctly adjusted, at a maximum of 1400 cycles greater than the
variable pitch oscillator. The amount of this difference is dependent on the frequency
of the variable pitch oscillator the frequency of which i s determined by the position
of the hand in relation to the pitc h control rod. The {req uency of the fixed pitch os­
cillator does not change while playin . f
An example of the functioning o these three circuits follows:-
The hand approaches the pitch control rod and increases th e ca paci ty across the
pitch control circuit. This capacity is reflected across the variable p1tch control oscil­
lator and thus reduces its frequency. This causes an audible frequency difference be­
tween this oscillator and the fixed pitch oscillator, the frequency of this note depend­
ing on the positor n of the hand. Bringing the hand close to the rod will increase the
capacity in the pit ch control cir .c uit, reduce the frequency of the variable pitch oscil­
lator and increase the difference between the frequency of this oscillator and the fixed
pitch oscillator. Thus an audible note is obtained, the note increasing in frequency as
the hand approaches the pitch control rod.
Examining the circuit diagram we find that each oscillator grid is connected to
the control and screen grid respectively of a Radiotron UY-224. As the screen grid
has the largest area, a 10,000-ohm resistance is connected in series with it to balance
the input to this tube and have each oscillator have t he same effect on the detector
action. This tube is a detector or combining tube that functions much in the same

Theremin c
manner as the first detector in a super-heterodyne circuit. The output of the detector
is then amplified by a two-stage audio frequency amplifier, the output of which goes
to the loudspeaker.
The remaining two tubes, Radiotron UX-120 and UX-171A toge ther with the fitst
audio frequency amplifier constitute the volume control system. Examining the UX-
171A we find that it is in an oscillating circuit that oscillates at about 420 K.C. Connected
to the grid side of the oscillator is the volume control loop circuit- This circuit reson­
ates at a frequency below the oscillator frequency when the hand is entirely removed
from the volume control loop. This is done for two reasons. If the two circuits were
in exact resonance, the load on the oscillator would be too great and operation would
.'
be unstable Also the pick-up current would be high and might damage the tube.
The ratio of inductance to capacity in this circuit is als o quite high. A small pick-up
coil is wound aronod the inductance coil of the volume control loop circuit and when
both circuits are nearly in resonance (hand entirely removed) sufficient radio frequency
current flows in this pick-up coil to light the filament of the Radiotron UX-120 to which
it is connected. I f the plate supply circuit to the Radiotron UY-227, that is the first
audio frequency amplifier, is examined we see that the current for this tube is fed
through the UX-120. Thus if the UX-120 were at maximum hrillianey, maximum

BY•PASS
(ONOENSER.S UNII

Figu:r� 3-Sul>-ohasris t>·iew of the n!4in auembl1f

volume woulcl be obtained. Likewise. if it were not lighted no signal output would
be obtained due to no plate current Aowing.
A condenser and resistor are placed in the plate voltage supply to the first audio
tube which regulates the time constant of the volume control. They are adjusted to
prevent any undue lag in operation o( the volume control, while preventing quick ac­
cidental variations in volume due to a slight unsteadiness of the hand. The condens­
er also increases the efficiency of the audio amplifier by preventing a loss of A.C. vol­
tage across the Radiotron UX-120. The low side of the resis tance instead of being
connected to ground is connected to a tap on the grid leak of the volume control osdl­
lat.or. This supplies a small negative potential to the plate of the first audio tube and
insures that uro volume is secured when the UX-120 emission is zero or nearly so.
Now getting back to the oscillator circuit that lights the filament of the UX-120
we see that if the load current is reduced, the brilliancy of the UX-120 will be de­
creased and likewise the volume. Thus when the hand approaches the volume control
loop, the natural period of the circuit is decreased in freque11cy, the circuit is out of
resonance with the oscillator by a n amount depending on the position of the hand and
less current is flowing in the pick-up coil with a consequent reduction in volume.
Thus we see from the foregoing explanation, a movement of one hand in relation
to the pitch control rod will cause a vari ati on in pitch and thus allow the playing of
music. A movement of the other hand in relation to the volume control loop will cause
an increase o r decrease in volume. The combination of these two monments consti­
tute• the technique of playing the RCA Theremin.

7 Theremin
c
 PART I-5ERVICE DATA
(1) INSTALLATION
The necessary instructions for installing the RCA Theremin are contained in the
instruction book that accompanies each instrument. The notes on location with re­
gard to metnl objects and all other points should be carefully checked, as satisfactory
operation depends on correct installation.

(2) NORMAL OPERATION

Normal operation of the RCA Therernin may be checked in the following mann.r :­
(a) Place the Theremin in operation by turning "On" the operating switch, turn­
ing the "Piny-Off" switch to "Play'' and making sure the renr doors are
closed.
(b) Stand erect directly in front of the Theremin so that the body is at a distance
from the cabinet determined by placing the right arm straight out from the
shoulder with the hand closed. In this position the hand should just reach
the pitch control rod.
(c) Now pull the right arm back to the shoulder. The Theremin should just ap·
proach zero beat in this position when the pitch adj11stment condenser is nt its
mid-position. It zero beat is not obtained adjust the pitch adjustment until it
is obtained with the hand in this position. Now extend the hand until it is
one inch from the pitch antenna. At thi$ point a note of from 1'100 to 1400
cycles should be obtained. This may be checked with a piano. C sharp, two
octa\•es above middle C is 1096 cycles and F shat·p, two octaves above middle
C Is l.W3 cycles. If these conditions are not fulfilled or the pitch adjustment
condenser is not in the center, adjust as described in Part I, Section 4.
The volume control may be checked as follows:-
(a) With the Theremin in operation and an audible note obtained, a good loud
sig-na! should be obtained with the hand entirely removed from the volume

Thercmin 8
"
 Mowu.
'MAM�I'.MU,

,-----'•/' liNt WtfAGI

..'"'l'"' ....,.

<X>ntrol loop and the volume control adjustment nt maximum (To the right).
Placing the hand close to the vol u tue control loop should reduce the volume
a n d give complete cu t-off when the hand is three inches above t h e l oop
and the volume control adjustment is at maximum. I! cut-off is not obtained
until the hand is closer or at a greater distance, an ndjustment such as des­
cribed in Part 1, Sectio n 8, must be made.

(3) VOLUME CONTROL ADJUSTMENTS

Should normal operation of the volume control not be obtained proceed as fol­
lows:-
(a) Volume control cuts olf when t he hand is at a greater distance than three
inches from the loop, the vo lume adjustment condenser being to the extreme
right or maximum position. Also full volume is not obtained when the hand
is completely rem ove d. The remedy Jn this case is to increase the capacity
of th e volume control osci llator t ri mmi ng condenser. This condens er is the
extreme right one when looking at the Theremin from the rear with the doors
open.
(b) Volume control cuts off when the hand is less th.an three inches from the loop,
the volume adjustment condenser being at maximum. The remedy in this
case is to reduce the capacity nt the volume contr ol t ri mmin g condenser on
the r ear of the chassis unt i l a nor mal condition is obtained.
(c) Volume control ha� reversed action or goes from low vol ume to high and then
low while the hand approaches the loop. This is due to being on the wrong
side of the resonance curve or in the latter condition going from one side of
resona nce through resonance and then to the other side. The remedy in both
cases is to reduce the capacity at t he volume control oscillator trimming con­
denser until normal operation is secured.
(d) A more accurate method of adjusting the volume control is by the use of a
milliammeter. An ad ap ter is necessary, which may be eit h er a UY or UX
ty pe and having means lor breaking the p late circuit. This adapter may be

9 Theremin
...
 placed either in the UX-120 socke t in the case of the �our-pron�; UX I)Tpe or
_ _ _
in the first audio UY-2.2? socket. A 0-5 m•lhammeter IS placed 1 0 senes w1th
the plate of ei th er tube through the connections p r ovided in the adapter.
The volume adjustment on the front of the Theremin is then set at maximum.
The right rear door is now opened the safety switch held down with one hand
,
and the volume control oscillator trimming condenser adjusted until the milli­
ammeter indicates 2 M.A. is flowing with door closed. The pitch should be
around zero beat whe11 making this adjustment. This is the correct adjust­
ment provided the effect noted in (c) is not obta ine d, in whic h case the
capacity should be reduced until another reading of 2 M.A. is obtained. Thus
the correct adjustment is found when the milliammeter reads 2 with the least
capacity at which such a reading may be obtained.

(4) PITCH ADJUSTMENT CONDENSER NOT AT CENTER

If the conditions indicated in Part I, S ection 2 are fulfilled but with the pitch ad­
justment condenser off center, it may be corrected as follows:-
(a) If the pitch adjustment is too far to the right, indicating too much capacity ,
the remedy is to increase the capac ity of the fixed pitch oscillator trimming
condenser located on the rear of the chassis. This is the center of the trim­
ming condensers.
(b) If the pitch adjustment is too far to the left, indicating too little capacity, re­
duce the capaci ty of the fixed pitch oscillator trim ming condenser.
Both of these adj ustments must be made by changing the trimming condenser a
little at a time, closing the rear doors and checking from the front for normal opera­
tion.
(S) RANGE BELOW 1100 CYCLES
This indicates the fixed pitth oscillator and variable pitch oscillator are at too
great a freque ncy difference from the pitch control circuit. The remedy is to increase
both the fixed pi tch oscillator and the varia ble pitch oscillator trimming condensers un­
til the n ecessary high note is obtained These are the l eft and center trimming con·
.
densers respecth·ely a t the rear of the Theremin. Care should be taken not to adju st
the oscillators so that the note will be hig he.r than 1400 cycles, as unstable operation
may result. 1100 cycles i s about C sharp, two octaves above middle C, and 1400 cy­
des about F sharp, two octaves above mid dle C on a p iano. A tuning fork or piano
-if available--can be used for a pitch stand ard. A reversal of connections to the con­
cen trated coil located inside of the large tone coil will also reduce the ran ge of the
There min .
(6) REVERSED ACTION OF PITCH CONTROL
This condition is caused by the fixed pitch oscillator being at a lesser frequency than
the variable pitch oscillator. Such action is caused by the fixed pitch oscillator trim­
ming condenser havin g too much capacity, the variable pitch oscillator havin g too lit­
tle capacity or both. T he remedy is to decrease and increase the capacity of the re­
spective trimming condensers until normal operation is secured.

(7) HIGH PITCHED NOTE

Should the Theremin give a his-h pitch"d squeal when no one is close to it the
fixed pitch oscillator trimming condenser is adjusted to too great a capacity. Also
too smal l an amount of capacity at the variable pitch oscillator, or both maladjust­
ments, will cause the condition represented by the effe<:ts noted in Section 6-only
to a lesser degree. Also this condition may be caused by the two pitch oscillators
b ein g too close to th � freque_ncy of t e t �ne coil. This is caused by too much capacity
�
at each of the two pttch osc11lator tnmmmg condensers. An open tone coil will cause
a constant high freque ncy note with little variation caused by various positi ons of the
hand in telation to the pitch control rod.
(8) SKIP EFFECT IN PITCH CONTROL
A pit ch cont � ol_ a bru ptly c�an_gin g from one fre quency to another, instead of giv­
. _
tng a smoo �h vanatlon of to �e 1nd 1cat es a P<> ?r Radt ot ron UY-22'1' in one of the pitch
control osctllators. Usually m the three Rad1otrons UY-227 used with each There­
min, t here will be found two th at will function satisfactorily in the pitch oscillator
sockets. � i !a
n erra�ic UY-227 in the oscl tor socket will probably function normally
� an au�•o ampltfier. Too much capac1ty at each of the trimming condensers on the
p1tch oscillators may cause a skip effect i n the range in add i tion to a greater than
normal range. The effect not�d in (7) may also be noted.
Theremin 10
..
(9) SERVICE DATA CHART
IDdi.catiOD Cause Remedy

No supply voltar� Tut with A. C. wltmeter at :loud-

�eaku auxiliary POwer �eepta-
cle (operatlntr and safety switcbea
should be closed)

DefectiYe safety switch Tc$t u above. Repair or re pla ce

Defective operatinlr owitch Test as above. R�p�e

Defective P
ower Trans former Check by continul.ty teats (Seeli<>n
13). Replac�
Rad iob:ons Fail to
Light Defeeti"e Radiotrons Replac�

UX-120 (only) fails to Light Lo w C"1l l t.t i o• UX--21 0 or J1l..

A ( No. 6")
tuk DOl -w.�. (A Ntoa cloY
l.cm......-cb .. .... c-r u-;., .an>c
G-10, li.S•V--t. a COiaYalin.t tat for o.
cill&tioa. Tbo bnoo bue ol tiM lam!>
"-ld k bold Ia tloe lo&Dd ·...S U..
chu b1!! � - lbc pRcJa -� rod or
"'IblOK contro! loop). Circ:1d.ta ov.t ot ad·
l- 1
Defective wirin�r Checlc by means of continuity teats,
Section� 12-13

Defective "Play-Off'' switch Replace

Loudapealcer defective or discon- Connect 0. K. spealcer

neeted

Tubes light- Tube Not. 1, 3, or 6 not o scillating Test tubes and continuity of cir-
Theremin fais
l cuits, Section 12
to play Ddective audio input tn.nsformer Cbeclc with continuity test

Grounds or opens Clu:dc continui t y Sections 12-13

Co ntrol grid connection open a.t Attllch contac t cap
UY-22�

Low emission or d efective Radio- Replac e

tron •

Poor wave form o! A. c. supply Try re��istancea of from 500 o hms

curr�nt to 2000 ohm s In series with COD•
trot grid or UY-224

Distorte d Open SSO-ohm resi stor Replace

Reproduction
Ddecti ..e audio transformer Replace

Open or imperfect chauill ground Repa ir

Improper voltages at audio S<Xkets Check with tables Sections 1(}-11,

Isol:�.te trouble by continuity t�st
Section 12

DefccliYc L9Qdspeaker Replace

Defective R:�.diotrons Repl:�.ce

Open o r shorted center tappe d fi xed Repair or replace

condensers

Hum
Open by-pass or filter condenser& Test and r eplac e
Shorted fi ller reactor Check by resis tance measur ement.
Replace
Open cha.ssis!!:!:ounds Check !rom diagrams Figures 7-8
Loose la minations in power trans- Repair or replace
former

11 Thrremin
(10) S.P.U. TERMINAL STRIP VOLTAGES
Line 120 volts-Adjustment switch in 120·volt position
Use D.C. voltmeter with a 0·300 volt scale and at least 1,000 ohms per scale volt
s-uch as incorporated in Weston Model 537, Type 2, test set, for the D.C. voltage. The
A.C. voltage may be measured· w it h an A.C. voltmeter of suita ble range. Refer to
Figure 6.

Cable on Cable
Terminal• Tubea Lighted Off
Nos. Volt. Voll:l

I to 6 (D.C.) 190 260

2 to 6• 190 260

3 to 6 140 230

S to 6 29.0 0

8 to 9 (A.C.) rms 2.5 2.8

10 to II (A.C.) rms 4.7 5.0

• With .Model 106 Loudspeaker connected to audio output pia jaclcs.

(These jacks may be s horted together for the purpose of talcing a re adi ng with nea-li&ible error
in the result).

(11) THEREMIN RADIOTRON SOCKET VOLTAGES

Line 120 volts-Adjustment switch in 120·volt position
The following voltages taken at each RadiQtron socket with the Theremin in oper­
ating conditio n should prove of. value when checking with test sets such as the Weston
Model 637, Type 2, or others giving similar readings. The plate currents shown are not
necessarily accurate for each tube, as the cable in the test set will cause some cirC'l.lits
to oscillate, due to its added capacity. Small variations of voltages will be caused by
different tubes and line voltages. Therefore the following values must be taken as
approximately those that will be found under varying conditions. Refer to Figure 6.

Tube
No.
Cathode to
Grid
Cathode to
Sere«> Grid
I Cathode to
Plate
Plate
Milam�
.11Uament or
Heater
Volta Volta Volta Volta

1 UY-ZZ7 11.5 - 60. 7.1 1.95

z UY-224 11.5 10.2 135. 0 1.95
3 UY-227 11.0 - 60. s.s 1.95
4* UY-227 0 - -2 to 40 Zero t.o 3.5 1.95
s• UX-120 0 - IJO to 64 0.5 to 4.1 unreadable
I
6• UX-171A 26 to 31 -
95. 12 to 17 4.6
7• UX171A 25 to 30 -
I 140 to 145 26 to 30 4.6

• The range of variation of the readings taken on bdiotrons Nos. 4 5, 6 and 7 is caused by a
change in the re90nance point of the volume control loop circuit. Any ohjeet
(such as the measur­
ing instrument cable, body of the operator, etc.} coming in proximity to this circuit will &ive the
variations noted above:.

13 Theremin
(12) METHODS FOR CONTINUITY TESTS
In making a continuity test whether it be for the The rent in assembly or the S. P. U.,
the following proceduro is recommended:
Disconnect the cable connecting the socket power unit to the Thercmin assembly,
the loudspeaker, and the A.C. supply cord at its outlet.
A pair of headphones with at least 4� volts in series, or preferably a voltmeter with
sufficient voltage to give a full scale deflection when connected across the battery ter­
minal s should be used in making these tests, for example, a 0-50 volt me ter with a 4P­
volt "B" battery. The R.adiotron socket contacts, numbers and lu gs used in these tests
are shown in Figure 6. The Theremin continuity wiring diagram is illustrated in Fig­
ure 8. The S. P. U. terminal numbers are shown in Figure 7.
Test leads should be of th.e flexible insulated type with partially insulated testing
tips, so that false readings will not be obtained through contact with the hands.
Similarly the hands should not touch the chassis or component parts.
The contacts of the test equipment should be placed across the terminals or leads
indicated in the following test table under the column marked "Terminals." If the re­
snlts are negativ e the cause of such negat ive effect will be found in the last column
under the heading, "Incorrect Effect Caused By." The second column indicates the
approximate correct resistance in ohms of most of the circuits tested.

(13) S.P.U. CONTINUITY TESTS

Remove UX-280 Radiotron and Disconnect Cable -Refer to Figure 8

Incorerc:t Effect
Test TennirWc <Corre<:t
Elfeet IndicatiOn Caused by

T erminal No. I to fi l ament 1000 ohm& Open Open reac tor

or rectifier socket

No. I to No. 7 Z 2.0 00 ohms Short ed Shorted filter condenser

No. 2 to one l o udspeaku Cl osed Open Open le:1d

pin jack

No. 2 to other pin jaclc Open Closed S h orted 0.02 condenser

No. 3 t o No. 4 Shorted O�n Open connection

No. J t o No. I 2500 oh m s 14 . 000 oh m s Open 2 2 50-ohm resistor

Z'lSO ohms Open 14,300-oluu resistor

N o. 3 to No. 6 20,000 ohms O�n Open 20,000-ohm resistor

Shorted Shorted 0.5 mfd. co ndenser

No. s to No. 8 or 9 1 3 o hms 25 to 3 0 ohm s Open power transformer winding

N o. 6 to No. 1 0 or 11 1 3 ohms 25 to 30 o hms Open power transformer winding

No. 7 to either plate con - 190 ohms Open Open connection or o�n w inding
ta. ct of re�ti 6er socket jn powe r transformer

N o . 8 to No .9 Shorted 60 ohms Open 5-v olt filament w inding

No . 10 to No. II Shorted 60 o h m s Open 2.S-volt filament windiag

Across con tac ts o f auxill- 3 t o 6 ohms Open Open primary of power transfonner
ary power rece p tacle or open 110-120-'Yt>lt switch

Acro ss b la
de s of � C i n p ut Closed Open Open o�ratiog ..witch, open aafety
plug wi th auxiliary re- switch . open lead or connection
ceptacle shorted

Fr o m either co n tac t or Open Closed G rounded p r imary in power trans-

auxiliary recept..c le to former
frame

l$ Thercm_in
(14) MAIN ASSEMBLY CONTINUITY TESTS
Remove Radiotrons and diseon.nect cable-Refer to Figure 8-A D.C. voltage is
used in making the tests and the resistance values given are D.C.

Teat Termlcall Com:et

Bffect CeuiOd. By
G1 toliile
ll 5600 ohms Open Open No. 1 osdlla19< coll or
SOOO·ohm reeistor or both
3 ohms Shorted 0.5 mfd. condenser
Colrlrol �d No. 2 5000 ohms Opt�� Open No. 2 oteillatCIC' eoliOf'
or G3 to frame 5000-ohm reaiator or both
Shorted Shorted 0.5 m!d. eondenaer
G<ito frame 5000 ohms Open Open secondary aud•o tran..
former No. 1, or open
ground connec:tioa
·

Shorted Short ed or grounded tran ..

former secondary
GS to filament S Shorted Open Open connection
GS to frame 100000 olum Shorted Shorte d 0. 5 mid. condenser oc
Grid grounded l.U
G6 to frame 1100 ohino Open Open gr id oscillator coil or
625:-ohm resistor or 420-ohm
realatOC'
Shorted Shorted fixed or trimmer cott·
den1er
G6 to P6 Open Shorted Shorted fixe d or trim mer c
on­
denier
G-7to frame 5000 ohms Shorted Closed or defective "Play-Off"
(Play-Off switch switch grounded or shorted
open) secondary No. 2 audio trana­
former
� meg-ohm Open audio tran.Iormer s«•
ondary
PI to fraliie Open Shorted Short.O 2 mfd. condenser
P1 to P2 11000 ohms Open 10,000-o hm resistor or
No. I audio ttanslormer
primary
PI to P3 S ohms Open Open plate coil of fixed or
variable pitch oscillator
PI to Leg I (Green) 10 000 ohms Open Open plate coil variable piU:b
oscill•tor or open 10, 000.
ohm r�sistor
P'2 to Lug I (Green) 1000 ohmt Open Open p r I m a r y fi rst audio
transformer
Plate P4 to frame 105,000 ohms Open Open primary second audio
transformer or open 100,000-
ohm or 420·ohm resistor
1000 ohm& Shorted 0.5 mfd. condenser
PS t o Lug 3 ( Blac k) 1000 olum Open Open 1000-obm resistor
PS to frame Open Shorted Shorted 2 mfd. eondenser
PIS to Lug 3 (Black) 1000 ohms Open Open plate coil of volume
control oscilb.tor
P6 to frame Open Shorted Shorted 2 mid. condenser
1000 ohms Shorted I mid. condenser
P7 to Lug 2 (B lue) Shorted Open Open connection
o frame
P7 t Qp"en Shorted Grounded lead
Cl, CZ, CJ, or C4 Closed Open Open connection or l ead
to frame
Cathode
lis to frame 100,000 ohms Open Open connection or 100,000-
or
ohm resistor or 420-ohm re.
Filament
sistor
P6 or F7 to frame Open Shorted Grounded lead
Hi, 2, 3, and 4 to Shorted Grounded lead or connection
Heater frame
Pitch co n trol rod t o Open 550 ohms Shorted pitch eoil c•rcuit fixed
l!iscel· Gl eondenser
b.11eous Volu01e eontrol loop Open ISO ohms Shorted oscillator retonant
tO G6 coil fixed condenser

!7 Thcremin
..
 PART U-MAKING REPLACEMENTS

The various assemblies o{ the RCA Theremin are readily accessible and replace·
menta are easily made. However, there a re some operations that require careful pro­
cedure as noted in the following paragraphs.

(1) REPLACING PARTS IN THE THERBMIN ASSEMBLY

All parts in the Theremin aMembly arc readily replaceable with tools ordinarimy
used in servicing radio rece ivi ng sets. However, the: fixed condensers used across the
variable:, and pitch oscillator coils arc: somewhat more critical in values than other parts
and may require some experimc.ntal work before a satisfactory replacement is made.
These condensers are rou ghly adjusted to the pitch coil and after a replacement is made,
the Theremin should be adjusted for correct operation by means of the trimming
condensers. If this is not possible then a substitution for the condenser just replaced
should be tried and one found that will allow a correct adjustmen t to be made by the
trimming condensers. A condenser that does not function satisfactorily in one There­
min instrument may prove O.K. in another.

11-lnUn!GL oottMcUo!w of lUter 4104

Fig"ro
b�t 0011do!M•r•, q,IS4 filter rea<:tor

When replacing a pitch control coil, sometimes a similar condition will result. If
after replacing a pitch coil it is found that the maximum range is not obtained by
adjust m ent of the trimming conde nsers one of the following proc edu res must be used.
(a) Try several pitch coils. One may be fo und of th e correct inductance for use in
place of the defective one.

(b) I£ the range is low, that is less than 1100 cycles, try removing a few turns
from the coil and readjusting the trimming condensers.

(e) Replace both tbe fixed condensers across the fixed and variable pitch oscilla­
tors \Vith ones of a greater capacity. Replacing one without the o ther will not
remedy the situation. Both must be replaced simultaneously.

(2) REMOVAL OF PARTS AND LOCATION OF CABLE

The cable that is used to connect the Theremin chassis and the S. P. U. is clamped
securely in a. definite place on the inside of the cabinet. Whenever any assembly i s
removed, and th#s cable is shifted from its position, i� is very important that it be re­
t urne d to its original position when the The r emin is returned to normal operation.
Failwe to have this cable in its no rmal position may result in inability to adjust the
Theremin for normal operation .

Thertmin 18
c
SUCCESS IN RADIO SERVICE WORK
The moot vR luablc asset of any business is GOOD WIJ.L. And

Good Will is nothing more o r less than public confidence in you

and your business; confidence to the point that your customers
arc willing aud glod to recommend you and your services to ac·
quaintances nnd friends.

That kind of Good Will does more to build busiueas than all
other forces combined. Three factors are involved in b uilding Good
Will for a radio service bu si n ess, i n g aining the conlidencO> of your
customers to the Jloint that they will d o a selling job for you. These
three essentials of sncce&& are:

Technical Ability •

Business Methods • • •

Parts an.d Test Instruments •

'l'eclutica.l Ability. Your technical •bili1y is refle ct ed in the

te&l instruments yo u employ, by the appearance of your shop and
'"ork lH�nch, and by the ''kit" that you carry into r.us t onter&' ltomes.
Uke the suc."Ceu.fu) member& of any of tbe professi.oat$, t he radio &erviN!
engineer muu continually study to keep up with the times.

Business Methods. Insofar u your ewuomers are <:oncernr.d

thcr.; -.re ju&t two indices to your buiincu met.hods: 11\e ''''Y yon
hao>dle yourself on the joh am\ 1ho quality of the Parts •nd !he Test
1118lrume•l1A you use.

Contrast the pir.ture or tlu� 1\'t'O Scn·ice Men sh.0\,'11 ()11 this P3 "' �·
l·:1u:lt ili ahout to make » call. Each is a. good s ervice man, 9,0 far a�

ability gots. But du:rc the liken�s euds. One has bmilltSs. wriueu
all 6\•er hilll. One has built his $Uect.RS on the (oundation or (•ir J )rices
fhr Kood ••ork and higheot quality J>llrlS. 11te 01beo· wonder& ,.•Jay his
ltusia1c�5 is elow ¢"en t.hough he offers "cut prioo�" ttl\ 3 result of lhe
har&ain repluccmcnt part5 be UM!a.