| Mr Carlson's Super Probe MK1 & MK2 Kits | ||
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MK1 Kit with 26 Unique PartsAs seen on YouTube and commented on many other sites, Paul Carlson designed a very useful non-contact very high gain electronic probe for investigating just about any kind of electrical signal from audio to RF. The design is well proven and open-sourced. There are also several open-source PCB designs for the probe and amplifier, but most of them are SMD designs. This is likely the primary barrier to building a one-off implementation of this design. To address this, we used an open-source version of the PCB design by Yannick99 at www.instructables.com. These 2 PCBs are well designed and reliable, and used in many DIY probes. New and improved probe PCB with mounting holes and better grounding pads. Anyone interested in building the probe should first review: Mr Carlson's YouTube video @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVkJqqZroN0 Yannick99 @ https://www.instructables.com/Carlsons-Super-Probe/ Web search for many other reviews and assembly hints. Here is a great UT video of Carlson using the SuperProbe to locate a noisy component inside a complex transceiver. He makes it seem so easy, and with the SuperProbe it is! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiK1BD7HILo The Kit:This kit includes only the main PCBs. There are many other components needed to construct a complete probe and amplifier. The kit includes all of the through-hole and SMD components to assemble the PCBs as well as the 2 pots and overload lamp used in the amplifier. It DOES NOT include cases, packaging, wire, screws, probe-tips, batteries, speaker, or anything else that might be needed to construct a complete SuperProbe. The black ABS case shown in the pictures is made by Hammond, part #1593LBK 3.6" x 2.6" x1.1". Nothing smaller is really suitable. The Assembly:While there are a few through-hole & panel mounted components, all of the remaining parts are 0805/1206 SMD parts. Soldering such components requires specific equipment, soldering tools, solder, tweezers, optics, skill and patience. Follow the included instructions in detail. Schematic details are included and are identical to the original design. Some of the listing photos show a particular implementation in a very compact package. Such compactness is not necessary, but demonstrates what can be achieved. I recommend cleaning flux after assembly. This is a very sensitive device and leakage is undesirable. If water soluble flux/water is used, be careful cleaning the switch & POT. The SuperAmp/Probe uses several polarized solid Tant capacitors (bag #2 22uF). Confirm polarity prior to soldering. (Band is POSITIVE end) |
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