How to build an audio signal tracer for less than $3

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  • Опубліковано 22 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 92

  • @GeorgeChristofi
    @GeorgeChristofi  6 років тому +5

    I notice I have a creaky chair!

    • @Quark.Lepton
      @Quark.Lepton 3 роки тому

      Umm….we thought it was something else…🤣

  • @mtvmousetelevision
    @mtvmousetelevision 3 роки тому +3

    Great video! I have read several webpages, threads and viewed several videos and this is the best.

  • @sadunnakipoglu9471
    @sadunnakipoglu9471 7 місяців тому

    Thank you and appreciate your effort. Greetings to you from Turkey .

  • @douglasbollinger3626
    @douglasbollinger3626 2 роки тому +1

    I ordered some parts to build this for cb/ham radio repairs. I hope I can get it working. Thank you for sharing the video!

    • @GeorgeChristofi
      @GeorgeChristofi  2 роки тому

      It's a useful tool for repairs. I couldn't get by without a tracer of some description.

    • @douglasbollinger3626
      @douglasbollinger3626 2 роки тому +1

      @@GeorgeChristofi I got the amplifier in the mail the other day, still waiting on the little speakers. I'm trying to find a tube of some sort like you used, but not sure what to use. I don't know really how to use a tracer yet, but hoping to learn. Thank you again!

    • @GeorgeChristofi
      @GeorgeChristofi  2 роки тому

      @@douglasbollinger3626 I used a tube that some medication came in. My latest probe kit build has used a a tube that vitamins came in.

    • @douglasbollinger3626
      @douglasbollinger3626 2 роки тому

      @@GeorgeChristofi Ok, thank you, gives me some ideas!

    • @douglasbollinger3626
      @douglasbollinger3626 2 роки тому

      @@GeorgeChristofi I got it put together today, except for mounting it in a tube or something, but it works! Thank you for sharing!

  • @Codeeze
    @Codeeze 5 років тому +2

    Thanks for the inspiration George - I have some of these boards arriving today, so will have a play later and see what I can rustle up. I already have a few Sig tracers, but you can never have enough... :D

  • @oldgold4u3971
    @oldgold4u3971 Рік тому +2

    Hi George. A very well-presented video, and thanks for sharing your ideas and knowledge. Please tell me how the geranium diode is placed in the circuit for RF tracing, and do the two input capacitors remain there? Cheers, Richard

    • @GeorgeChristofi
      @GeorgeChristofi  Рік тому +1

      The geranium diode really can be placed in any orientation as it is just rectifying AC so whether you take the positive side of the waveform or the negative it doesnt matter too much. The capacitors do stay in line.

    • @oldgold4u3971
      @oldgold4u3971 Рік тому

      @@GeorgeChristofi thank you

  • @tonybegood111
    @tonybegood111 6 років тому +1

    Excellent George. ...by the way great Audio and video. ...

    • @GeorgeChristofi
      @GeorgeChristofi  6 років тому +1

      Many Thanks. I am trying to get it better all the time... Now I have to work on getting my hair tidy and getting a personality!

  • @jimmiemack1947
    @jimmiemack1947 Рік тому

    From the probe to the input are there diodes, caps or resistors? Thanks.

  • @robtitheridge9708
    @robtitheridge9708 5 років тому +2

    very neat george. One inprovement you could make for RF work is to add a small 1 or 2 trasistor pre amp so you can check signals coming off the tuneing cap and coils and before the 1st if stage.

    • @GeorgeChristofi
      @GeorgeChristofi  5 років тому

      It would be something I would do in a bigger unit for sure. This was more an example that the build is not complex or beyond anyone who has just got into the hobby. It certainly is a valid point to make the unit more flexible.

    • @robtitheridge9708
      @robtitheridge9708 5 років тому

      @@GeorgeChristofi Agreed and for traceing audio it's perfect

  • @TheOpenAirGarage
    @TheOpenAirGarage 6 років тому +1

    Nice signal tracer. Will come in super handy.

    • @GeorgeChristofi
      @GeorgeChristofi  6 років тому

      I was happy it turned out so well and with not a great deal of real effort.

  • @thehappylittlefoxakabenji8154
    @thehappylittlefoxakabenji8154 5 років тому +1

    neat little unit cant say I am impressed with the excruciating little squeaker !

    • @GeorgeChristofi
      @GeorgeChristofi  5 років тому +1

      It isn't bad considering it was all chinese stuff from Aliexpress. sure, it isn't the most sensitive, the nicest to listen to or even the best way to do things but it was a simple throw together with parts I had lying around!

    • @thehappylittlefoxakabenji8154
      @thehappylittlefoxakabenji8154 5 років тому

      @@GeorgeChristofi yes I do that sometimes use what ever is to hand it does get the job done I used to use a crystal earpiece and jack socket in a ball point pen case to trace signals worked well if you could find a crystal earpiece that worked ! thanks for the Sub !

  • @conundrum112
    @conundrum112 5 років тому +1

    Hi George, very well done.

  • @keithbrandaw7229
    @keithbrandaw7229 4 роки тому +1

    hello George , Very compact probe sensitive, great video George!

    • @GeorgeChristofi
      @GeorgeChristofi  4 роки тому

      It is a great little tracer. Not the most sensitive but not totally deaf either Keith.

  • @Valerifon1
    @Valerifon1 10 місяців тому

    Hello George, I just found this video and have subscribed to your channel. I just have 1 question for the moment. I've looked through the comments (and found the link to the schematic on the UK site - thanks!) and I don't see it mentioned so I'll ask: where did you get the clear probe tube shell please? This is just the project I've been looking for and am looking forward to assembling it. Cheers - Luther

  • @old64goat
    @old64goat 6 років тому +4

    Nice little probe.

    • @GeorgeChristofi
      @GeorgeChristofi  6 років тому

      Thanks Bill. I'm happy with the way it's working. Given that it fits in the small tube it turned out nice.

  • @elsaarmstrong-zp6ng
    @elsaarmstrong-zp6ng 11 місяців тому +1

    Where in the UK can you buy the little pcb for this probe?

    • @GeorgeChristofi
      @GeorgeChristofi  11 місяців тому

      I don't know as mine all came from China direct.

  • @blugoose86
    @blugoose86 11 місяців тому +1

    Interesting choice of test music. LOL Reminds me of my childhood. Too bad you don't have the "45". You could have played the "B" side and we can hear it backwards.

  • @mtvmousetelevision
    @mtvmousetelevision 3 роки тому +1

    George, my crocodile clips don't seem to fit as well as yours. What single, or four pin connectors could I use, possibly JST type?

  • @spankysmp
    @spankysmp 5 років тому +2

    George - is this easy to build for a novice? I watched todays RC Live and it finally clicked as to why they are so useful with the help of a circuit diagram when tracing faults. I know Graham uses his a lot. Which board should I look for? Thanks. Has someone got 'plans'?

    • @GeorgeChristofi
      @GeorgeChristofi  5 років тому +1

      It really is novice level because the audio board is already configured. all you do is add the input section. if all you are doing is looking for audio then the only thing you need to add is a capacitor to protect the input. I used a 2Kv rated one simply because I pole about in valve sets and can come across voltages up to 700v in places. Another version of this type of generator is www.pasttimesradio.co.uk/build/diyradio.html and this can be built very easily. if you take the schematic from that website, the probe is actually everything in front of c2 and can be used with any audio amplifier module. Mosslack and robert gibbons on youtube are working on a good kit which is close to completion and you can either wait for the full kit or work from the schematic. Mosslack (Doug) has been working on a lot of generators and the final one seems to be the best of the lot.

  • @Rebel9668
    @Rebel9668 6 років тому +3

    LMAO...They're coming to take me away Ha-Haaaaaaaaa...I love old novelty songs like that. I have that one here along with a ton of others. Had to introduce Charlie Drake's "My boomerang won't come back" to a young guy the other day who didn't get it as the reference I used about it when he said he'd gotten a boomerang. Love the signal tracer build.

    • @GeorgeChristofi
      @GeorgeChristofi  6 років тому +1

      I used to collect records that were either novelty or banned from radio play.

    • @GeorgeChristofi
      @GeorgeChristofi  6 років тому

      If you want something different, have a search for Judge Dread. He was a very large English guy who sang rude reggae songs.

    • @Rebel9668
      @Rebel9668 6 років тому +1

      David Allen Coe had a few of those banned ones as I recall, lol. Finger F******* Sally comes to mind off the top of my head. I'll check out that Dread. :)

    • @GeorgeChristofi
      @GeorgeChristofi  6 років тому +1

      Got some of his too. As well as Andrew Dice Clay. Judge Dread was doing the nursery rhymes in the 70's. I think every single one of his records was banned the minute they were released. There are so many over here because the BBC was run by prudes. I think my favourite is still Father Abraphart and the Smurps, 'Lick a Smurp for Xmas (all fall down)'. That was a response to the fact that the Smurfs originally given out by petrol stations were painted with lead based paint.

  • @ajw6715
    @ajw6715 3 роки тому +1

    The little speakers can be found in old laptops.

  • @harveysvintageaudio
    @harveysvintageaudio 2 роки тому

    Nice device, I need one.

  • @comment8767
    @comment8767 Рік тому +1

    I love these Canadian videos. 0:58 Check out the dual earrings!

    • @GeorgeChristofi
      @GeorgeChristofi  11 місяців тому

      Canadian? I'm from London! Triple earrings too!

  • @ferfromla
    @ferfromla 5 років тому +1

    Quick question. Would it be possible for the 386 board to be put into a box and have a lead come off the box with a probe? In other words could it be built so that the 386 doesn't have to be part of the probe apparatus? Keep it in a separate box and just branch a lead off with a probe put into an old pen so as to make it less cumbersome? From the probe to the input are there diodes, caps or resistors? Thanks.

    • @GeorgeChristofi
      @GeorgeChristofi  5 років тому

      That would be a perfectly feasible approach to tale. The only thing to do is to make sure you use shielded cable for the link to prevent the pickup of spurious signals.

  • @boyetmb4389
    @boyetmb4389 3 роки тому +1

    Your genus , i like that

  • @Pyridox
    @Pyridox 6 років тому +2

    Thanks for the idea. That little amplifier module is nice & compact. Where did you get those small micro speakers, on ebay?
    LOL Napoleon XIV''s classic song. I remember when that first came out on the radio here in the US in the late 60's it quickly got banned.

    • @GeorgeChristofi
      @GeorgeChristofi  6 років тому

      They came from AliExpress. About 2 pounds a pair I think.

  •  4 роки тому +1

    George, here's a question , and the answer might help a lot of us out. Is there a place where you can just email your bill of materials and pay for the components and it's a done deal? Today I exhausted myself trying to find old radio capacitors that could handle 650 Volts. Where can we buy stuff without getting robbed or sent counterfeit garbage?

    • @GeorgeChristofi
      @GeorgeChristofi  4 роки тому +1

      The problem is that the modules are chinese and can be had from a variety of places. Mine came via AliExpress but the seller has either stopped selling or has changed name. The other problem is where people are located in the world. I could link to ebay uk but the seller might not ship abroad, I could link straight to china but the price varies by country and from different sellers. and I don't have favourite sellers, I just shop by ratings and price.
      here is a search link for the module from Ali, you can choose any one that fits your needs and you will have Ali protection against fraud. If it doesn't arrive, you do get refunded but the shipping times are quoted in months, not days.
      www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&initiative_id=SB_20200927035331&SearchText=lm386+module

    • @GeorgeChristofi
      @GeorgeChristofi  4 роки тому +1

      @ I find it better to bulk buy parts. Valve radios can be particularly expensive but if you shop around spares can be had quite cheaply. I tend to buy high voltage caps in bulk direct from china and that is a big saving over the one off prices. Resistors again, larger quantities can save a lot but you only save if you are actually going to use the components otherwise its dead money. Modules and kits really are best from china direct...

    • @GeorgeChristofi
      @GeorgeChristofi  4 роки тому +1

      @ the poly caps are usually the 630v ones for 240v sets, the electrolytics are 450 or 500v ones. US sets have lower voltages but it doesn't hurt if you use higher voltage caps.

  • @babygaum9992
    @babygaum9992 10 місяців тому

    Can I know the price

  • @gilbus4989
    @gilbus4989 3 роки тому +1

    Song brings back memories-lol

  • @johnnytacokleinschmidt515
    @johnnytacokleinschmidt515 4 роки тому +1

    4:20 internal battery powered and it stays isolated.

  • @pedrojuan5550
    @pedrojuan5550 3 роки тому +1

    Do you still sale this product?

    • @GeorgeChristofi
      @GeorgeChristofi  3 роки тому

      I never sold this, it was a board purchased from AliExpress.

  • @dekil19
    @dekil19 4 роки тому +1

    cool to share schematic?
    thanks

    • @GeorgeChristofi
      @GeorgeChristofi  4 роки тому

      I haven't got the one for the module but I am guessing the default LM386 amplifier circuit is identical to it.

  • @Luke-12V
    @Luke-12V 2 роки тому

    Hello, buy ?

  • @williamrollinger3637
    @williamrollinger3637 6 років тому +1

    Greetings, George....Great video. I just had one question, Where did you get the tube? I think it is the perfect size...Compared to others I've seen.

    • @GeorgeChristofi
      @GeorgeChristofi  6 років тому +1

      The tube actually came with my post surgery medication! It originally held a syringe with a dose of blood thinners. Instead of just throwing them away, I did notice that they were 'pen size' and wondered what I could put in them. I hate wasting things that could be useful, much to the annoyance of my wife!

    • @williamrollinger3637
      @williamrollinger3637 6 років тому

      I know what you mean about the wife...same here. I know I won't be able to find the tube like that around here, so I guess I will keep looking. Thanks for the quick reply, keep up the good work!@@GeorgeChristofi

    • @overload3996
      @overload3996 4 роки тому +1

      @@GeorgeChristofi meet the wife half way, make her a vibrator .

    • @GeorgeChristofi
      @GeorgeChristofi  4 роки тому

      @@overload3996 I did... I converted a cheap poundland one into a USB powered pulse width modulation controlled monster... the video is on this channel!

    • @JerryEricsson
      @JerryEricsson 4 роки тому +1

      @@williamrollinger3637 I used to comment about the wife myself. Then, last month, after a 3 month battle with cancer, she passed away. Broke my heart, even now three weeks since her passing, I find myself turning to talk to her only to realize she isn't there, then the thought hits me that she can't come back and the tears once more flow. God how I miss her, we had our 51st anniversary 4 days before she passed away, she was still able to talk, and we reminisced for hours.

  • @mtvmousetelevision
    @mtvmousetelevision 3 роки тому +1

    Omg I finally got to my work station and misremembering this video, removed the green connector by force. Now I will have to drill holes in the board to connect the speaker, which probably won't work anyhow! Doh!

  • @andrewfish1117
    @andrewfish1117 4 роки тому +1

    good video I enjoy spoken commenty rather than crud music

    • @GeorgeChristofi
      @GeorgeChristofi  4 роки тому +1

      I use music sometimes for effect or to fill in obvious procedures but like you, not a fan of music in the background distracting me from the video.

  • @kennynvake4hve584
    @kennynvake4hve584 5 років тому +1

    You would make a very good radio voice...announcer

  • @pam8352
    @pam8352 4 роки тому

    can you produce a schematics because i am not native english speaking and it is difficult for me to understand the video?

  • @loverofthelostnarc
    @loverofthelostnarc 8 місяців тому +1

    There's no circuit diagram anywhere.

    • @GeorgeChristofi
      @GeorgeChristofi  7 місяців тому

      it is a ready built module from AliExpress

  • @VintageElectronicsGeek
    @VintageElectronicsGeek 6 років тому +1

    What, no hi-fi!?! I don't want it then! JK :) Works really good...now, its real world test time! ~Jack, VEG

    • @GeorgeChristofi
      @GeorgeChristofi  6 років тому

      It is good enough for signal tracing! The speakers look like they are laptop type parts.

  • @BovyPatrik
    @BovyPatrik 4 роки тому

    Ge moet die zijn tang is bekijken (vanaf 7'00") ;-) Afgezabberd tot en met.

  • @johntaylor3940
    @johntaylor3940 2 роки тому

    MAKE ME ONE PLEASE

  • @seeithappen1
    @seeithappen1 2 роки тому +1

    They are coming to take me away .... ha ha hi hi hoo hoo ... the men in the white coats ...

  • @vishva8kumara
    @vishva8kumara 4 місяці тому

    A pre-amp..