How to Use a Tone Generator

cogenerator
  • 1 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 150
What You'll Need
Tone generator
What You'll Need
Tone generator

A tone generator is an extremely versatile device. It can perform a number of electronic-based functions. If you are wondering how to use this tool, here’s a guide that will help you.

Step 1 – Safety

A tone generator is a simple tool that is sometimes used with live and sometimes bare wires, so make sure you have taken precautions to avoid getting shocked.

Step 2 – Understand the Device

There are two main functions of a tone generator. Firstly, it is a great aid for electronic equipment testing and, secondly, it acts as a testing device for informational signals that come handy when dealing with telephone systems.

Step 3 – Check Voltage

You can check the voltage with the tone generator. All you have to do is turn off the switch located on the top. Now take the leads and establish contact with wires. If the LED comes on, that means electricity is passing and that it is a live wire.

Step 4 – Measure Resistor

If you turn the switch to the line position, you will be able to measure the resistor. If the resistor witnesses a waver your light will also waver accordingly.

Step 5 – Speaker

Another use of the tone generator is to test the speakers in your cars. Move the switch on the device to the tone setting. This will tone down and turn off the speaker volume.

Step 6 – DC Circuit

Take a couple of wires and establish contact with the DC Circuit. You can determine the positive wire by looking at the LED. A lit LED conveys that the wire that is connected to the red lead is the positive one. If you find a green light, a negative source has been connected to the red lead.

Step 7 – Toner

The toner function helps to detect any existing signals. It is equipped with speakers. In case your speakers are not working all you need to do is attach this toner to the back of the faulty speaker. If you hear sounds that are originating from the device, then it implies that the speakers have gone bad.

Step 8 – Trace wires

This tool is helpful in tracing wires to their origin. Adjust the generator to the tone position and place the toner beside it. Clipping it to a dead wire will help you trace the path of the wire.

Step 9 – Locate Brakes

Another use of the tone generator is to locate breaks. Connect the tool to the wire you wish to trace. Use an amplifier probe to run it through the wire's path. If you hear a drop in the tone, that implies that the tone generator has found a break in the wiring.

Step 10 – Telephone

You can locate the telephone lines using the tone generator. Connect the device to a telephone jack and turn it on. The tone probe will help in isolating the telephone wire from the other wires at the junction box.

Step 11 – Drill Bits

Find the accurate wall cavity by using this tool. After you drill through a wall clip the lead of the generator to the drill bit. Sweep the detector on the floor and wait till you hear the bit's exact location.

Step 12 – Plumbing

Locate your plumbing with this device. Tone up the plumbing metal lines by attaching the device's lead into the water pipe. Clip it to the handle of the valve. Try different locations and you will find what you are looking for.