As 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 really includes only the main PCBs. No parts, nada.
There are many components needed to construct a complete probe and amplifier.
Use the parts list and schematics along with the instructions to source your own components.
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:
When you have your parts, follow these instructions. 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)
