Circuit Board Tester

Intro:
Indicates the basic integrity of a printed board;Self-powered - 3 to 30V range.

Circuit diagram:

Parts:

R1,R2--22K 1/4W Resistors

D1--LED (Any dimension and shape, preferably red)

D2--LED (Any dimension and shape, preferably green)

Q1--BF245 or 2N3819 General-purpose N-Channel FET

Q2--BC547 45V 100mA NPN Transistor

Q3--BC557 45V 100mA PNP Transistor

Probe--Metal Probe 3 to 5 cm. long
Two Miniature Crocodile Clips (Red and Black)

Comments:

This little circuit indicates the basic integrity of a printed board, detecting 0V, positive supply voltage from less than 3V to 30V and floating parts. If the probe is floating, as it would be in a broken track, then both LEDs barely light up, since there is no current to drive the transistors, but if the probe touches 0V or a positive voltage one or other lights. A digital signal should light them in proportion to the mark-space ratio whereas the output of a circuit oscillating at a frequency rate below about 20Hz will cause the LEDs to flicker alternatively. The LEDs will illuminate always at a constant intensity, no matter the voltage supply used, because they are fed by a very simple Fet constant-current generator (Q1).

Note:

The Black clip must be connected to the negative ground of the board under test.
The Red clip should be connected to a positive voltage source (not exceeding 30V) available on the same board.

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