wayne
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Post by wayne on Oct 14, 2022 18:19:05 GMT 12
Hi all as a learner I want to learn about signal tracing as in following the signal from the aerial through the stages to the speaker. I've had success in getting radios going by replacing all the wax capacitors along with the electrolytic caps but not knowing what the problem was. I'm thinking I would learn a lot more if I was to trace the problem then fix it.
Is it worth getting a tracer of some sort or is there a better way?
Thoughts appreciated
Regards
Wayne
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Post by Radiotech on Oct 16, 2022 15:25:49 GMT 12
A signal tracer is a useful piece of kit, but it's not the only tool you need or will use while servicing and repairing and it's also not an absolute 'must-have'.
I know other techs who are skilled repairers who don't even have one.
I have several signal tracers including a lovely EICO 147A (fully restored) yet I rarely have need to power them up.
Most of the time I just need my multimeter to look at voltages - these will tell you a lot about circuit conditions and what's happening, and coupled with years of
experience it's enough to steer you to the problem.
On the other hand, there are times when it's useful to be able to listen to what's going on at a particular part of the circuit, so the ST comes into its own there.
My suggestion is if you can pick one up at a reasonable price then do so, you will use it.
If it's a solid state unit, check to see what kind of DC blocking there is on the input as these units don't like being connected to the HT you will find in tube radios and amps.
A tube signal tracer will likely have a high voltage capacitor already on the input, and they are much more forgiving if you happen to connect to several hundred volts.
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wayne
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Posts: 138
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Post by wayne on Oct 16, 2022 15:42:25 GMT 12
Many thanks for that, I think what I need to do is spend more time learning and understanding what happens at the various stages of the circuit and why they work or don't
Thanks
Wayne
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6A8G.
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Hard working kiwi soundmixer.
Posts: 69 
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Post by 6A8G. on Nov 3, 2022 6:43:50 GMT 12
I found this in R&H from 1947. Shouldn't be too hard to put together?
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wayne
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Posts: 138
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Post by wayne on Nov 3, 2022 12:06:21 GMT 12
Many thanks for that but were I am at the moment I can't even trace something on a schematic as in look at a resistor on a chassis and then try and find it on the schematic
Thanks
Wayne
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