Hello all,
I have a chance to bid on this signal tracer, starts at $10.00 and comes with the manual on ebay.
Have one day left to bid.
All comments welcome.
Mitch

I use mine a lot.....and have for the last 30 years. It's a steal at 10 bucks.
Make sure it works and comes with the appropriate probes also.

:I use mine a lot.....and have for the last 30 years. It's a steal at 10 bucks.
: Make sure it works and comes with the appropriate probes also.
:
If you get it I'm gonna be jealous.
Terry

::I use mine a lot.....and have for the last 30 years. It's a steal at 10 bucks.
:: Make sure it works and comes with the appropriate probes also.
::
:
:It looks like a pretty good deal. Too bad about the leads, but they're pretty easy to make, especially with the connector. I like the extras- like the output transformer hookup, etc.
:If you get it I'm gonna be jealous.
:Terry
:
All,
If i get it i will need your help on the probes, but i am new and need your advice in any rate. Did't know if this was a good deal or not, but i do know i need a signal tracer as you have said you use one alot. Appreciate every response that i get.

Just recapped a radio that i have several questions about the missing cap and R on the antenna, radio is working beautifuly. Just questions about missing cap and R on schematic and different antenna replaced?
Will post the thread on this.
Mitch

::I use mine a lot.....and have for the last 30 years. It's a steal at 10 bucks.
:: Make sure it works and comes with the appropriate probes also.
::
:
:It looks like a pretty good deal. Too bad about the leads, but they're pretty easy to make, especially with the connector. I like the extras- like the output transformer hookup, etc.
:If you get it I'm gonna be jealous.
:Terry
:
I literally couldn't live without it. I've replaced the battery leads, probes and output transistor. I also use the Heath tracer on the bench.

I currently use the Heath AG-8 audio generator, but soon I'm going to update to the IG-18.

And, yeah, I use them All the time, especially when I work on stereo receivers or guitar amps.
Terry

You will need 2 different probes to get full signal tracing ability out of the 147A.

As far as probes go:

The connector the seller pictures on his eBay post would be used to build an RF (Radio Freq.) probe. This is used for signal tracing prior to the audio section of a receiver. The schematic to build such a probe is very simple ( A diode and a resistor arrangement)and is detailed in the manual he mentions.

The other probe, used in the audio section of a receiver, is a simple direct probe and separate ground lead.....available even at Radio Shack. This probe connects to the 147A front panel via pin jacks.

:You will need 2 different probes to get full signal tracing ability out of the 147A.
:
:As far as probes go:
:
:The connector the seller pictures on his eBay post would be used to build an RF (Radio Freq.) probe. This is used for signal tracing prior to the audio section of a receiver. The schematic to build such a probe is very simple ( A diode and a resistor arrangement)and is detailed in the manual he mentions.
:
:The other probe, used in the audio section of a receiver, is a simple direct probe and separate ground lead.....available even at Radio Shack. This probe connects to the 147A front panel via pin jacks.
:
Of course i will beg upon you to help me with the probes and some operational results, how do you use this thing?
Mitch

First of all.....you mentioned that the users manual is included with the auction - that's good.

There is also an excellent tutorial right here on Nostalgia Air....with an interactive sample schematic to work with. Go To: "Principles of Signal Tracing" in the REFERENCES category.

Basically, (From Wikipedia) A signal tracer is a piece of electronic test equipment used to troubleshoot radio and other electronic circuitry.

Usually a very simple device, it normally provides an amplifier, and a loudspeaker, often battery-powered and packaged into a small, hand-held test probe. An optional diode detector is usually also provided, allowing the detection of amplitude-modulated signals.

The technician injects a test signal into the device under test. Then, by using the signal tracer, the tech can follow the signal through the various circuits of the radio receiver. So long as the signal can be heard, the circuitry up to that point is (at least minimally) functional. If the signal disappears, however, a fault can be assumed to be present in the stage of the circuit just passed.

The diode detector is only sensitive to amplitude modulation but even circuits that are normally used for other modulation schemes (such as FM radios) can be tested by using an AM test signal for testing the radio frequency circuits, then switching to an FM test signal (and switching out the diode detector) for testing the audio circuits of the radio.

Actually, you don't really need to "inject" a test signal to follow and trace. Simply touching the RF probe tip to the antenna coil will allow you to hear a multitude of stations coming in all at the same time. This sound can then be traced through the circuitry to try and discover where it disappears. Naturally, once you reach the tuner condenser you should only hear the station the radio is tuned to coming out of the tracer's built-in speaker.

If you are not familiar with signal tracing it is very important that you read the manual and search the web for more information on "Signal Tracing"

By the way, no need to wait to win the auction and take delivery of the Tracer....the Eico 147A user's manual is available on this site also....in the manual is available on this site also....in the ONLINE MANUALS section of the REFERENCES category.

:First of all.....you mentioned that the users manual is included with the auction - that's good.
:
:There is also an excellent tutorial right here on Nostalgia Air....with an interactive sample schematic to work with. Go To: "Principles of Signal Tracing" in the REFERENCES category.
:
:Basically, (From Wikipedia) A signal tracer is a piece of electronic test equipment used to troubleshoot radio and other electronic circuitry.
:
:Usually a very simple device, it normally provides an amplifier, and a loudspeaker, often battery-powered and packaged into a small, hand-held test probe. An optional diode detector is usually also provided, allowing the detection of amplitude-modulated signals.
:
:The technician injects a test signal into the device under test. Then, by using the signal tracer, the tech can follow the signal through the various circuits of the radio receiver. So long as the signal can be heard, the circuitry up to that point is (at least minimally) functional. If the signal disappears, however, a fault can be assumed to be present in the stage of the circuit just passed.
:
:The diode detector is only sensitive to amplitude modulation but even circuits that are normally used for other modulation schemes (such as FM radios) can be tested by using an AM test signal for testing the radio frequency circuits, then switching to an FM test signal (and switching out the diode detector) for testing the audio circuits of the radio.
:
:Actually, you don't really need to "inject" a test signal to follow and trace. Simply touching the RF probe tip to the antenna coil will allow you to hear a multitude of stations coming in all at the same time. This sound can then be traced through the circuitry to try and discover where it disappears. Naturally, once you reach the tuner condenser you should only hear the station the radio is tuned to coming out of the tracer's built-in speaker.
:
:If you are not familiar with signal tracing it is very important that you read the manual and search the web for more information on "Signal Tracing"
:
:By the way, no need to wait to win the auction and take delivery of the Tracer....the Eico 147A user's manual is available on this site also....in the manual is available on this site also....in the ONLINE MANUALS section of the REFERENCES category.
:
Thanks Dennis,
The signal tracer went up over $100.00 so i stopped bidding on it.
I will continue to search for one though.
Mitch