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    RF Probe For Signal Tracers

    Uploaded by

    Benjamin Dover
    The document describes how to build a simple RF demodulator probe for use with an AM radio signal tracer. It uses a Schottky diode and few other common components assembled on a small PCB. Construction details are provided along with layout diagrams and part lists to assemble the probe, which is terminated with a BNC connector for connecting to an oscilloscope or other test equipment.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    RF Probe For Signal Tracers

    Uploaded by

    Benjamin Dover
    766 views2 pages
    The document describes how to build a simple RF demodulator probe for use with an AM radio signal tracer. It uses a Schottky diode and few other common components assembled on a small PCB. Construction details are provided along with layout diagrams and part lists to assemble the probe, which is terminated with a BNC connector for connecting to an oscilloscope or other test equipment.

    Original Description:

    Build a Simple RF Probe for Signal Tracers

    Original Title

    RF Probe for Signal Tracers

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    © © All Rights Reserved

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    PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

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    The document describes how to build a simple RF demodulator probe for use with an AM radio signal tracer. It uses a Schottky diode and few other common components assembled on a small PCB. Construction details are provided along with layout diagrams and part lists to assemble the probe, which is terminated with a BNC connector for connecting to an oscilloscope or other test equipment.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    766 views2 pages

    RF Probe For Signal Tracers

    Uploaded by

    Benjamin Dover
    The document describes how to build a simple RF demodulator probe for use with an AM radio signal tracer. It uses a Schottky diode and few other common components assembled on a small PCB. Construction details are provided along with layout diagrams and part lists to assemble the probe, which is terminated with a BNC connector for connecting to an oscilloscope or other test equipment.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 2

    Constructional Project

    By JOHN CLARKE

    Simple unit uses just a


    handful of parts . . .

    AM RF Demodulator
    Probe for Signal Tracers
    If you want to troubleshoot an AM radio with the Signal Tracer/
    Injector described in this issue, you need a demodulator probe to
    detect the amplitude-modulated RF signals that should be present
    in the circuit being tested. This one is compact and easy to build.

    Fig.1 shows the circuit details of the Note that the probe is a passive de- this in place and then cut the outer
    RF Demodulator Probe. It uses a fast vice and requires no external power. two pins flush with the end of the
    BAT46 Schottky diode (D1) as the de- PCB, leaving just the centre pin.
    tector and its output is filtered with Construction PC stakes are used to terminate the
    a 1nF capacitor to remove the RF The RF Probe is built on a PCB, three external wiring connections.
    signal, leaving the audio modulation available from the EPE PCB Service, Fit these to the PCB, then attach the
    which can then be fed to the Tracer. coded 04106152 (45 11mm) see earth wire to the GND stake and the
    The audio frequency response of Fig.2. Install the two 100k resistors shielded cable to the SIG and GND
    the probe is about 3dB down at and the two capacitors first, followed terminals. The shielded wire and
    1.6kHz, as set by the 1nF capacitor by the diode. Check that the diode the earth wire are then secured to
    and associated 100k resistor. Since is correctly oriented (ie, banded end the PCB using two cable ties.
    the RF probe is intended for use in towards the right). Once all the parts are in place,
    valve AM radios, its 100pF capacitor The probe tip is made using a the assembly is covered in a 55mm
    is a 1kV-rated ceramic type. 3-way right-angle pin header. Solder length of 16mm-diameter heatshrink

    PROBE D1 BAT46 RF PROBE DETAILS


    TIP 100pF
    A K

    1kV

    100k 1nF 100k


    TO BNC
    SHIELDED CABLE PLUG
    EARTH
    CONNECTION

    RF SCDEMODULATOR PROBE
    BAT46

    RF DEMODULATOR
    20 1 5 Probe A K

    Fig.1: the circuit uses a BAT46 Schottky diode (D1) as the detector plus a 1nF capacitor to filter out the RF signal. The
    100pF 1kV input capacitor blocks DC signals, while the 100k resistor sets the frequency response to -3dB at 1.6kHz.
    Constructional Project

    PROBE CABLE TIES SHIELDED CABLE


    TIP 1kV BAT46
    D1 TO BNC PLUG
    SIG
    100pF 100k GND RF Probe
    100k
    25150140 1nF

    WIRE TO
    EARTH CLIP
    Fig.2:
    Fi 2: the parts layout on the small PCB. Make sure the 100pF capacitor
    is rated at 1kV and take care with the orientation of Schottky diode D1.
    The photo at right shows the completed PCB before the heatshink sleeve
    was fitted.

    THREADED FERRULE ROUND EDGES OF M4 HEX NUT BNC PLUG Fig.3: this diagram
    OF BNC PLUG WITH FILE, THEN SCREW NUT OVER SLEEVE
    BENT-BACK SHIELD BRAID & CABLE
    shows how the
    shielded audio
    RF Probe parts list
    cable is connected
    to the BNC plug 1 PCB, available from the
    (see text). EPE PCB Service, coded
    SHIELDED 04106152, 45 11mm
    CENTRE PIN
    CABLE WIRES OF SHIELD 1 BNC line plug
    BRAID BENT BACK COVER CENTRE CONDUCTOR WITH
    OVER CABLE SHEATH HEATSHRINK TUBING
    1 right-angle 3-way SIL header
    1 500mm-length of single-core
    shielded wire
    tubing thats shrunk down with a done, strip the outer insulation and 1 black alligator clip
    heat-gun. the centre wire insulation as shown 1 300mm-length of black hook-
    The far end of the earth lead can in Fig.3 and solder the centre wire to up wire
    be terminated in an alligator clip or the BNC sockets centre pin. 1 BAT46 Schottky diode (D1)
    a hook clip, while the shielded cable Next, bend the shield wires back 1 1nF MKT polyester or ceramic
    goes to the BNC plug. Note that this along the cable and twist the M4 nut capacitor
    type of plug is designed for use with on over these wires. A short length 1 100pF 1kV ceramic capacitor
    a larger-diameter shielded cable than of 2mm-diameter heatshrink tubing 2 100k 0.25W resistors
    the shielded audio cable used here. is then used to cover (and stiffen) the 2 100mm cable ties
    However, a satisfactory connection centre wire before it meets the centre 1 M4 metal nut
    can be made if an M4 metal nut is used pin, after which the plug sleeve can be 3 PC stakes
    as part of the assembly hardware. fitted and the threaded ferrule tight- 1 55mm-length of 15mm-
    Fig.3 shows the details. The first ened to secure the assembly. diameter heatshrink tubing
    step is to file the six corners off the Finally, the wire can be secured 1 5mm-length of 2mm-diameter
    M4 nut, so that it will fit into the inside the threaded ferrule using heatshrink tubing
    back of the BNC plug. Once thats neutral-cure silicone sealant.

    Fig.3: the yellow trace in this scope grab shows a 1MHz carrier Fig.4: the yellow trace in this scope grab shows a 1MHz
    from an old Leader signal generator, amplitude modulated with carrier from an old Marconi signal generator, amplitude
    a 400Hz audio signal. The modulation depth is about 30%. The modulated with a 400Hz audio signal. The modulation depth
    green trace shows the 400Hz (actually 392Hz) audio modulation is about 30%. The green trace shows the 400Hz (actually
    from the RF probe. Note that the recovered modulation is a 397Hz) sinewave audio modulation from the RF probe.
    somewhat distorted sinewave.

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