Build a AF & RF Signal Tracer

Build a AF&RF SignalTracer. Always plug the radio/recordplayer/est. you are working on or testing into an isolation transformer. This is a safety practice that I observe without fail.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Build
• AF
• RF
• Signal
• Tracer
• trouble
• shooting
• radio
• repair

[TundraWalk3r]

Hi Rick,

Great video, very helpful. I really like that radio, too. Zenith is one of my favorites.

Matt

[AllAmericanFiveRadio]

@TundraWalk3r

Thanks Matt,

If I made this today I would not drill holes in the cabinet. I would put everything into another box. There are a lot of these still out there, but don't drill holes in it.

This is a very useful circuit and you can also detect FM signals.

Rick

[MickLBrad]

Hi Rick. Sounds like the Zenith is about due for a recap operation. You videos are a real bennifit to the younger folks (and some of us older folks too!) Back in the 60's I built a 3 transistor intercom and never used it much until I modified it for signal tracing. Worked great! Today, I have a couple of radios in the house and one in the car that have an auxiliary input for MP3 players and I think I'll go ahead and make a plug-in module for signal tracing. 73 de Mick - WB4LSS

[AllAmericanFiveRadio]

Thanks MickLBrad

Sound like it is going to be a useful Mod. I hope some of the younger folks are helped by the videos, and get interested in electronics.

[762girl]

WONDERFUL! Freaking brilliant. I love this stuff!

[AllAmericanFiveRadio]

Thanks 762girl

[oasfoose1]

Pink Floyd ;)

[AllAmericanFiveRadio]

@trh847

If I was going to build this today I would put all the wires in another box, rather than drill holes in the radio cabinet. I did a video on the transistor signal tracer and it has a diagram of this circuit. It is the same circuit. I'll send it to you YouTube email.

[trh847]

Hello Richard,

I did not get a clear understanding of the wiring changes you made in this mod. Could you expand the schematic to include the switch wiring and show where the red wire you attached to the green wire is attached in the circuit. I'd like to try this mod but I don't think I have enough information. Thanks!

[AllAmericanFiveRadio]

@dream501

It should work. If not Antique Electronic Supply has both diodes. And you do not have to drill holes in the cabinet, you put all that stuff in a small box and set it on top.