Teacher III

COMPENDIUM OF NOTES
COMPUTER SYSTEMS SERVICING
(GRADE 8 – SECOND QUARTER)

WEEK 1 - 2

USING ANALOG AND DIGITAL MULTI-TESTER

A. Initial Steps in Using Analog Multi-tester

1. Connect the test probe to the appropriate jack.

The red test probe to the positive (+) jack and the black to the common (-) jack.

-COM + POS
(Black) (Red)

2. Check if the pointer rests exactly at the infinite zero position in ohmmeter range.

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Check the probes if they are in condition. (Ohmmeter calibration)

a. Set the Multi-tester to corresponding selector resistance range.

b. Short the two test probes lead together.

Zero Ohm
Adjustment
knob

Note:
The pointer should deflect towards
zero ohm reading

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 Zero
ohm

Adjust the ohm adjustment if the As indicated, the pointer rests out of the
pointer could not rest exactly at “O” ohm range of ohmmeter scale. Adjust the ohm
reading. adjustment counter clockwise until the
pointer rests “O” ohm reading.

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A. Resistance Measurements

1. Always do the “Initial Steps in Using Analog Multi-tester”.

2. In testing resistors, capacitors, diodes etc. do not touch both test probe lead, because our
body also has resistance that could affect the reading value of the electronic components we
are testing.

3. If you do not know the value of the resistor to be measured, find the ohmmeter selector
setting until you have a clear reading in the ohmmeter scale.

Ohmmeter Scale
(From infinite to Zero)

Infinite Resistance
open resistor – Open connection
or

Zero Resistance – Short

connection

Ohm Adjustment
Ohmmeter Selector
Range
(x1, x10, x1K, x10K
ohms)

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4. Select the desired resistance range scale with selector switch.

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Testing a 55 K ohm resistance
Range: x10 Kohm

The pointer stops at 5.5 in x10K range on

selector switch

Testing a 55 K ohm resistance

Range: x1 K ohm

The setting (x1K in 56K Ohm resistor) is not an

advisable setting in testing 55 K ohms resistance. Because, the
pointer stops somewhere in 50. You cannot clearly read the
resistance value, unlike in x10K ohm setting.

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B. Voltage Measurement

Set the selector knob to the proper scale range. The chosen scale range must be higher that the
anticipated voltage to be measured. The settings for AC and DC illustrates below and voltmeter
scale where the voltage read.

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Voltmeter Scale (AC/DC)
(From 0 to 10, 50, 250)

DC Voltmeter Selector Range

(0.5, 2.5, 10, 50, 250, 1000)

+ POS (red)

- COM (black) - AC Voltmeter Selector Range

- (10, 50, 250, 1000)

Direct Current (DC) Voltage Measurements

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Be careful in testing DC voltages especially in polarity. Be sure that the positive test probe
(red) is at the positive voltage supply and the negative test probe (black) is at the negative or
common ground of the supply voltage.

As illustrated, the deflection of the pointer differs from example

5. Do not be confused because the only difference is the setting, not the voltage. The first setting
sets at 10 volts. This setting is more sensitive than 50 volts setting. Be careful in setting the voltage.
In testing voltage like in our example, the best setting for 9 volts is at 10-volt setting. Because it
reads more clearly than 50-volt or higher. Do not test 9-volt or higher in 0.5 or 2.5 volts setting. It
can damage your tester.

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 Alternating Current (AC) Voltage Measurements

In testing AC Voltages, it does not matter if the test probes are interchanged.

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Digital Multi – Tester

A digital multi-tester is very different compared to analog multi-tester in terms of display. Digital
multi-tester is purely electronic, without any moving element or coil. It uses Liquid Crystal display or
LCD which is also in calculators and digital watches.

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Using Digital Multi-tester

Compared to Analog Multi-tester, digital multi-tester is more convenient and easier to operate
because of the digital display. The digital shows the exact value that you will need. Unlike in the
analog where sometimes you need to compute for the exact value. No need to calculate.

Digital Multitester Selector Switch

In measuring, be careful in selecting selector range. For instance, in measuring

resistance, the selector setting must be at ohm selector range only. Take note that the chosen
range must be higher than the anticipated voltage or current to be measured.

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LET US APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED

Task 1: Using a Multimeter, get three (3) different sizes of battery (you can use those from your wall
clock, tv remote control or cp battery). Then test the voltage of each battery.

Points Criteria
5 - Correctly measured/tested all
3 - Correctly measured/tested two
1 - Correctly measured/tested one

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WEEK 3 - 4

RESISTOR COLOR CODING

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Sample 1: 4 - Band
Give the value and tolerance of the
resistor band: orange, brown, red ,
silver. As shown below Solution:

From the figure 3-11 and table 3-1

1st digit: Orange - 3

2nd digit: Brown - 1
3rd digit: Red - x100
4th digit: Silver - +10%

Therefore:
31 x 100 = 3.1 kilo ohms (KΩ) + 10%
Resistor value

Orange Brown Red Silver

Sample 2: 5 – Band
Give the value and tolerance of the
resistor band: Green, Violet, Gray,
Brown, Brown. As shown below Solution:

From the figure 3-11 and table 3-1

1st digit: Green -5

2nd digit: Violet -7
3rd digit: Gray -8
4th digit: Brown - x10
5th digit: Brown - + 1%

Therefore:
578 x 10 = 5.78 kilo ohms (KΩ) + 1%

Resistor value

Green Brown Brown

Violet Gray

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 We, and many others, were taught a little sentence to remember the sequence of the resistor
colors like Black, Brown, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Violet, Gray, and White, which refers to:
“Black Boy Rape One Young Girl but Violet Gives Willingly.” As you will agree this saying no longer
applies to the society we live in today for obvious offending reasons. And we are hesitant to even
mention it but fact is, it was part of our ‘learning’ for decades and so we decided to mention it for
reference purposes only.

Sample 3: 4 – Band

Give the value and tolerance of the

resistor band: yellow, blue, brown,
gold. As shown below Solution:

From the figure 3-11 and table 3-1

1st digit: Yellow - 4

2nd digit: Blue -6
3rd digit: Brown - x10
4th digit: Gold - + 5%

Therefore:
46 x 10 = 460 ohms (Ω) + 5%

Resistor value
Sample 4: 5 – Band
Yellow Blue Brown Gold

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 Give the value and tolerance of the
resistor band: Violet, Red, Yellow,
Orange, Orange. As shown below Solution:

From the figure 3-11 and table 3-1

1st digit: Violet -7

2nd digit: Red -2
3rd digit: Yellow - 3
4th digit: Orange - x1000
5th digit: Orange - + 3%

Therefore:
723 x 1000 = 724 kilo ohms (KΩ) + 3%
Violet Orange Orange
Red Yellow
Resistor value

Note:
K Ω = Kilo ohm (Ω) = 1,000 ohms (Ω)
M Ω = Mega ohms (Ω) = 1,000,000 ohms (Ω)

Tolerance – The percentage of change in the value of a resistor due to manufacturing defect or
variation in humidity and temperature. Therefore the rated resistance value of resistor is more or
less than its rated value.

Example 1:
What is the possible resistance value of 100Ω + 10%
Since the tolerance of the given resistor is + 10%

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Solution:
Decimal equivalent for 10%
For + 10%

100 + (100 x 0.10) = 110Ω (maximum)

Given resistance
For – 5%
100 – (100 x 0.10) - 90Ω (minimum)
To get familiarized with abbreviations in values, used below 4700 or 4K7, 1000 or 1K, which is all
the same. _ Every thousand (1000) is called a ‘K’ which stands for ‘Kilo”. The ‘M’ stands for ‘Mega’
(million). 1 Mega is 1000K or 1000 000 ohms. So 4K7 means 4 thousand and 7 hundred or 4700
ohms. 6K8 means 6 thousand and 8 hundred or 6800 ohm. One more example, 1M2 means
1million and 200,000 or 1,200,000 Ohms. Here are a couple more: 1K92 = 1.92K = 1920 ohms,
100E = 100 ohms, 19K3 = 19.3K = 19300 ohms, 1M8=1.8M, etc., etc. These are abbreviations
you find everywhere in the industry, schematics, diagrams and whatever. It is normal and takes a bit
of time to get used to.

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 SELF-CHECK 3.1.4

A. Resistor Reading. Give the value and tolerance of the color-band resistor.

Rated Resistance: _______ ohm

Tolerance: _________________

Red Red Red silver

Rated Resistance: _______ ohm

Tolerance: _________________

orange red yellow gold

Rated Resistance: _______ ohm

Tolerance: _________________

brown black orange silver

Rated Resistance: _______ ohm

Tolerance: _________________

white blue violet silver

Rated Resistance: _______ ohm

Tolerance: _________________

green violet green

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B. Multiple Choice.

1. A resistor's first three color bands are brown, black, and red. What is its value?
a. 10 Kohms b. 10 ohms
c. 1000 ohms d. 200 ohms

2. Which digit does the color yellow denote on a resistor color band?
a. 2 b. 4
c. 7 d. 3

3. A 47 Kohm resistor would have which colors on its first three bands?
a. yellow, violet, orange b. orange, yellow, violet
c. red, white, blue d. yellow, violet, white

4. Which digit does the color orange denote on a resistor color band?
a. 3 b. 6
c. 9 d. 1

5. A resistor's first three color bands are red, yellow and black. What is its value?
a. 420000 ohms b. 240 ohms
c. 24 ohms d. 32 ohms

6. Which digit is represented by a blue band on a resistor?

a. 4 b. 8
c. 6 d. 9

7. Which digit is represented by a black band on a resistor?

a. 100 b. 1
c. 1000 d. 0
8. A resistor's first three color bands are brown, green and red. What is its value?
a. 2000 ohms b. 1500 ohms
c. 250 ohms d. 510 ohms

9. Which color represents the digit 6 in the resistor color code?

a. red b. blue
c. pink d. green

10. Which of these colors is NOT used in the resistor value color code?
a. black b. violet
c. white d. turquoise

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 WEEK 5 - 6

BASIC TEST USING ANALOG MULTI-TESTER

When testing any form of electronic equipment there are several precautions you must take.

1. Make sure the equipment is disconnected from wall socket power.

2. Be aware that devices such as televisions, microwaves and so on, contain components
which can hold enough electrical current to stop a human heart after it has been removed from
a power supply. So if you do not know it, do not touch it. If you do, take extra precautions,
even the experienced ones may die with a simple mistake.

3. Electrical current can damage your testing equipment when used improperly, So always
make sure that your testing equipment is set to the correct testing mode, voltage and amp
settings. Most importantly, make sure that your testing equipment is the correct
equipment for the job. Remove electronic components to be tested from the circuit board in
testing resistance.

Proper handling of Test Probe in

Testing Electronic Components

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 A. Testing Resistors

1. Read tine indicated color code on the resistor (see resistor reading on chapter 3). If the
resistor ca not be read due to discoloration or burnt body, replace it with the same
resistance and wattage as the schematic diagram illustrates.
2. Calibrate the ohmmeter.
3. Set the Multi-tester to ohmmeter range: xl, x10, x1 K, xl0K, etc., depending on the
resistance value. Probably higher ranges first until you have a clear reading.
4. Place the test probe to the two terminal lead of the resistor as shown above. Do not touch
the test probe lead simultaneously while testing. But holding just one test probe lead is OK.

Good Resistor
The meter reading should be close to the rated value of the resistor depending on the tolerance
of the resistor.

Defective Resistor
1. The tester pointer does not deflect at all. The Resistor is OPEN.
2. The resistance reading has big difference to the resistor rated value. The resister is OUT OF
TOLERANCE

B. Testing Capacitors

If you do not have the correct equipment for testing a capacitor, here is a simple way to do it. Most
capacitors rarely become damaged, and when they do, you may notice the following physical features;
arcing or burning at the insulator, the presence of what looks like an oily film on top of the capacitor
or under it. An oily kind of smell is also a positive sign that it may be defective. The last possible
physical indication is the most easy to spot, any bulging on the capacitor means that it either has
broken down or is in the process of breaking down, which means that it needs to be replaced.

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1. Discharge the energy stored to capacitor by shorting the two terminal lead momentarily.

2. Set the multi-tester ohmmeter range.

Capacitance Range
0.01 µF to 1µF x l0K
1 µF to 47 µF x 1k
47 µF to 1000 µF x 10
1000 µF and above xl

3. Connect the positive probe to the capacitor negative lead and the negative probe to capacitor
positive lead, as shown below.

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Good Capacitor

The tester pointer will deflect, and then move back to its initial position.

Defective Capacitor
1. The tester pointer won't deflect at all. The capacitor is OPEN.
2. The tester pointer will stop on the 0-ohm scale. The capacitor is SHORTED.
3. The tester pointer deflects toward the right position but does not return to its initial
position or remains stationary. The capacitor is LEAKY. See illustration below.

C. Testing Diode

As with most electronic components, physical damage is the first sign to look for in a diode.
Some good signs of a damaged diode are: a burned cracked diode, a spot that looks like a
blister (like a small cigarette burn sometimes). Some diodes will even be split in two. You can also
look for a burnt smell coming from the diode. This is a nasty smell, you cannot miss it. If there are
no physical signs, you will have to test it. If your multi-meter has diode testing mode then this
will be very easy.

1. Set the ohmmeter range in x1 or x10. Connect positive probes of the tester to the anode (A) of
the diode and negative probe to the cathode (K) of diode. It should be no deflection or infinite
resistance, as shown below.

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2. Reverse the test probe. Connect the positive probe to cathode (K) and negative probe to
anode (A). The tester should deflect but not rest at zero ohm as illustrated below.

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Defective Diode

1. The tester pointer won't deflect even the probe is reverse. The diode is OPEN.
2. The resistance reading deflects and measures the same in both directions. The diode is
SHORTED.

Why does the tester pointer deflect by connecting the

positive probe to cathode and negative probe to
anode? Is it reverse bias? Look at the figure below

The positive probe

connected to the
negative of the
3-Volt batter inside
the multi-tester
in ohmmeter
range (full
current in xl ohm
range)

D. Testing LED

Do the same steps as that of the diode. But instead of monitoring the pointer of the tester, the LED
itself can be used as tester by connecting the positive probe of the tester to the negative terminal
lead of the LED. (X1 ohm setting). If the light glows, obviously the LED is OK, if it does not, the LED
is defective. (Make sure that the Multi-tester and battery are in good condition).

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 Testing LED the using MULTI-TESTER

LED glows in this set-up

Testing LED the using 9-Volt Battery

LED with a resistor to protect

the LED in excessive current

510
Ω to 1K Ω

LED
LED GLOWS only bias
is forward

NEGATIVE
POSITIVE

Forward bias LED connection

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E. Testing Transformer

A Transformer is checked for continuity just like a wire.

Set the Ohmmeter range in 1 ohm

Attach the test probes (any direction) to the terminals of the primary transformers. The pointer
should deflect.

Set the Ohmmeter range in 1x ohm

Secondary usually
3, 4.5, 6, 7.5, 9, 12 volts, etc.

Attach the test probes (any direction) to the terminals of the secondary transformer. The pointer
should deflect.

Defective Transformer
1. The resistance of the primary car secondary windings is very low that the pointer
almost stops at zero ohm, the transformer winding is SHORTED.
2. The resistance of the primary and secondary windings is very high that the pointer
does not deflect at (infinite resistance). The transformer winding is OPEN.

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You can also test the transfer by measuring voltage at the secondary winding.

F. Testing Loudspeakers

Testing speakers is also similar to testing a transformer because of its similar materials use.

Set the Ohmmeter range in x1 ohm

1. Set the ohmmeter in ax1 ohm. Attach the positive probe to the negative terminal of speaker and
negative probe to positive terminal. As illustrated.

There are two indications:

1. The reading could be either 4 ohms or 8 ohms depending on the rated impedance of the
speaker.

2. You can hear scratchy sound because the battery inside the tester supplies the speaker
which then produces scratchy sounds.

2. If you do not a multi-tester, you can also test the speaker with a battery. By connecting the battery
terminals to corresponding polarity of the speaker. You can also hear scratchy sounds. If you
cannot hear anything, the speaker is defective.

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LET US APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED

Q & A: - Answer the following questions:

1. What are some basics for reading a multimeter?

2. What do I set the meter on if I want to check a 12-volt battery?
3. On a digital multimeter, while testing a resistor, the knob is set to 2M and the reading shows
0.332, what is the value?
4. What is the x1 setting?
5. What is the possible reason or cause if the needle is past 0 on the multi-tester?

Task 1: Using a Multimeter, get three (3) different cable/wire then test the continuity of each
cable(s) or wire(s).

Points Criteria
5 - Correctly measured/tested all
3 - Correctly measured/tested two
1 - Correctly measured/tested one

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 WEEK 7 - 8

BASIC SOLDERING

Electrical termination of a signal involves providing a terminator at the end of a wire or cable
to prevent an RF signal from being reflected back from the end, causing interference. The
terminator is placed at the end of a transmission line or daisy chain bus (such as in SCSI), designed
to match impedance and hence minimize signal reflections

Electrical Connections
Whether adding new electrical gear or rewiring something already aboard, the requirements
for a reliable and safe electrical connection are the same. You need the right wire, the right
terminal fittings, and a couple of inexpensive hand tools.

SOLDERING

The following information will aid you in learning basic soldering skills. It should enable you
to solder wires to electrical connectors, splices, and terminal lugs. Special skills and schooling are
required for the soldering techniques used in printed circuit boards and micro miniature
component repair.

SOLDERING PROCESS

Cleanliness is essential for efficient, effective soldering. Solder will not adhere to dirty, greasy,
or oxidized surfaces. Heated metals tend to oxidize rapidly. This is the reason the oxides, scale, and
dirt must be removed by chemical or mechanical means. Grease or oil films can be removed with a
suitable solvent. Connections to be soldered should be cleaned just prior to the actual soldering
operation.

Items to be soldered should normally be "tinned" before making a mechanical connection.

Tinning is the coating of the material to be soldered with a light coat of solder. When the surface
has been properly cleaned, a thin, even coating of flux should be placed over the surface to be
tinned. This will prevent oxidation while the part is being heated to soldering temperature.
Rosin-core solder is usually preferred in electrical work. However, a separate rosin flux may be used
instead. Separate rosin flux is frequently used when wires in cable fabrication are tinned.

• Soldering Tools

- Soldering Iron is a device for applying heat to melt solder for attaching two metal parts.
A soldering iron is composed of a heated metal tip and an insulated handle. Heating is
often achieved electrically, by passing a current, supplied through an electrical cord,
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 through a heating element. For electrical work, wires are usually soldered to printed
circuit boards, other wires, or small terminals.

A low-power iron (15-30 Watts) is suitable for this work.

Some soldering irons have interchangeable tips for different types of work. Fine
round or chisel tips are typically used for electronics work. A new tip needs to be coated,
heated, and then covered with solder before its first use. This procedure is called
"tinning". The tinning forms a liquid layer which facilitates the transfer of heat to the work
piece. A dirty tip does not transfer heat well. The tip needs to be kept coated with a shiny
layer of solder by occasional wiping and applying solder directly to the tip.

- Soldering Tool Stand it is a place of the soldering iron to keep them away from
flammable materials. The stand often also comes with a sponge and flux pot for cleaning
the tip.

- Desoldering Sucker it is the removal of solder and components from a circuit for
troubleshooting, repair purposes and to salvage components. Electronic components are
often mounted on a circuit board and it is usually desirable to avoid damaging the circuit
board, surrounding components, and the component being removed.

Note: Your teacher will send you a video link for the basic soldering techniques.

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 WEEK 9 - 11

COMMON ELECTRICAL WIRE SPLICES AND JOINTS

As a student in Computer Systems Servicing, you should acquire the important knowledge and
skills in wire splices and joints and should be familiar with the actual application of every splice and
joint. This will serve as your tool in performing actual wiring installation. Of course, another factor
is the knowledge in interpreting and analyzing the wiring diagram (your lesson in 1st Qtr) especially
if the circuit is complicated.

The following are the Common Electrical Wire Splices and Joints

Rat Tail or Pig Tail

This kind of joint is commonly used to join two or more conductors inside the junction box. It is
suitable for service where there is no mechanical stress when wires are to be connected in an
outlet box, switch, or conduit fitting

Y-Splice

This method of wrapping is generally used on small cables because the strands are flexible and all
can be wrapped in one operation.

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Knotted tap

Joint all the splices discussed up to this point are known as butted splices. Each was made by
joining the free ends of the conductors together. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to join a
branch conductor to a continuous wire called the main wire. Such a junction is called a tap joint.

Plain tap joint

This is used where the tap wire is under considerable tensile stress circuit.

Aerial Tap

This is used as a temporary tap usually done in constructions sites. The easy twist will facilitate tap
wire movement.
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 Duplex cross joint

This is a two-tap wire turned simultaneously and is used where the two tap wire is under heavy
tensile stress.

Western Union Short-tie Splice

This is the most widely used splice or joint in interior wiring installation to extend the length
of wire from one point to another.

Western Union Long-tie Splice

This is used extensively for outside wiring to extend the length of wire from one end to another.

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Cross Joint

The same application is done as in plain tap and the only difference is that this tap is a
combination of two plain taps place side by side with each other.

Wrapped tap or Tee joint

This is used on large solid conductors where it is difficult to wrap the heavy tap wire around the
main wire.

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LET US APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED

Task 1: Get a cardboard or illustration board (you can recycle), the size of a letter size paper
(8.5”x11”). Then get wires (stranded or solid, again you can recycle used wires). Do the different
splices and joints you learned from this compendium, then place it in the cardboard/illustration
board. You will be rated according to the rubrics below:

5 – Skillfully performed

4 – Very Satisfactory performed

3 – Satisfactorily performed

2 - Fairly performed

1 – Poorly performed

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