Circuit Release! The Ultra Probe Demodulator - Amplifier With All Files Below. And Some Great News!
Added 2023-12-16 18:41:39 +0000 UTC"SCHEMATIC NOW ATTACHED BELOW." Today is packed with goodness! The Carlson Ultra Probe Demodulator-Amplifier PCB is done, and below this video is all the attachments! The all new "Mr Carlson's Lab Electronics Forum" is in the works, and it's almost ready to launch. Everyone here will be the first to know! Now you can share your projects in an organized place that's going to be an archive. More great stuff mentioned in the video, Enjoy!
If you are enjoying these videos and the shared circuits, you can let me know by tapping the heart symbol below.
Here is a link to the list of video's here on Patreon, NEW LIST of Videos: https://www.patreon.com/posts/8239565
This is video #182, include this when requesting attachments.
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Comments
Hi, I would like to build the superprobe video #182. Can you please provide me with the instructions etc? tl_beyer@yahoo.com USA.
Tom Beyer
2025-07-02 02:20:58 +0000 UTCLike to build the superprobe, Video #182 Please provide me with the build instructions v_pathma@yahoo.com USA
Pablo
2025-07-01 01:38:28 +0000 UTCLike to build the superprobe, Please provide me with the pcb martinvdw1942@gmail.com France Europe
Martin Van Der Walle
2025-04-25 11:46:46 +0000 UTCvideo #182, Can i get schematics please, tim.kosec@gmail.com
Reddiamond Games
2025-03-25 01:07:49 +0000 UTCPM Video #182, the schematics file, please, newfabboy@gmail.com
Fab Boy
2025-03-21 11:47:43 +0000 UTCVideo #182, i need the schematics file, deynet@gmail.com
Somnath Dey
2025-03-17 17:07:49 +0000 UTCI believe you can send your request through the private message feature on Patreon.
Tobias
2024-10-02 22:59:45 +0000 UTCHow do I email Mr. Carlson to get an attachment on video 182? jvinni@yahoo.com
j a y d e n gaming
2024-09-26 19:12:19 +0000 UTCPM derser@mail.bg video -182
Barosov
2024-05-19 18:19:48 +0000 UTCHow long will it then take to download the ultra probe files, 3-4 months?
Mats Karlsson
2024-05-02 18:29:51 +0000 UTCI have found some YouTube videos that show how to create a pcb via transfer method but it doesn’t use any heat source. It looks like you print the board ckt on magazine paper, place the pcb on the paper and use fingernail polish to soak the paper. Transfer completed. I have not personally tried this method but it seems to work well in the video.
John Parker
2024-04-26 20:12:53 +0000 UTCHow does one find out what Membership level is required to see the links for PCB and schematics? (Maybe I'm not high enough? ) Starting at about video #175, for the videos that state all the build files are attached, I only see a link for the "Attachments for Patrons.pdf". Am I missing something? Are we supposed to only use the email option described in that pdf? It doesn't say "Attachments are * ONLY * available via direct e-mail" Is that the protocol now?
Warren Merkel
2024-04-08 16:10:29 +0000 UTCWondering about those metal cased electrolytic capacitors. Are they necessary or can we use conventional electrolytics?
joram kalfa
2024-03-22 00:58:11 +0000 UTCNo microscope...waiting for the thru-hole version.
joram kalfa
2024-03-21 19:52:08 +0000 UTCLarry, use Through-Hole resistors leg cuttings
Aram Baloyan
2024-03-12 03:17:17 +0000 UTCI want to drill the VIA's but can not find the size in the video.
Larry { N7LUF }
2024-03-09 23:03:19 +0000 UTCREG1117 now scheduled for obsolescence. Order sooner rather than later.
Matt
2024-02-22 14:38:24 +0000 UTCOh, those prices are great. Thank you Larry
Ovi4
2024-02-21 21:29:31 +0000 UTCAlso Hammond 1550C for $8.80 each Hawk Electronics, Inc
Larry { N7LUF }
2024-02-21 21:26:56 +0000 UTCI believe I got a good price on the HAMMOND 1590D boxed from Hawk Electronics, Inc at $17.80
Larry { N7LUF }
2024-02-21 21:22:24 +0000 UTCAs always Mr Carlson does fabulous clever work and projects. He has a "through hole" version of the probe. It would be great to have a through version of the Ultra Probe Demodulator. If all you're interested in is the audio from the superb probe is it possible to just use a simple computer speaker with the amp already built in?
joram kalfa
2024-02-18 17:37:25 +0000 UTCHaving now successfully completed the Ultra capacitor tester (with the Zener variable voltage option) and just sourced the parts for the Ultra probe, detector and also the curve tracer in the UK, I thought it may help others over here sourcing the parts as the usual UK suspects of Rapid Online and RS are not of much use with many of the parts in these projects. I have found Mouser (they have worldwide local offices) and Farnell (UK based) have everything I need. The supply from Mouser to the UK is very straightforward as they use FEDEX and my parts usually arrive in 2-3 working days. Farnell is only a day quicker and both have free delivery over a very modest value order. For those in the UK building the probe, StewMac will also supply customers in the UK with the solder sucker. Mine will be with me in 3 working days by using express delivery. I've posted in the new paper video chat my solution to making the PCBs, as there is an equivalent paper available on Amazon UK.
Paul Nac (UK)
2024-02-18 11:25:06 +0000 UTCFor those of you who may have some trouble with adhering the laser printed layout to the circuit board because of insufficient heat from an iron or a non-modified laminator like I do, here's a possible solution. I put the laser layout on one side of the board and just a plain paper on the back side to help distribute the pressure. I clamp the board and papers between two 1/4 inch thick aluminum plates (mine were 3 inches wide and purchased on Amazon), then put the whole thing in the kitchen oven at 400 degrees F. That is the equal of the 200 degrees C that Paul uses with his hot rod laminator. I'm going to have to work out an exact amount of time in the oven and maybe experiment with clamping. The result for this board was just a small part of one trace missing. Every thing else was fine. That's a first for me with any of these projects.
Merritt Derr
2024-01-22 02:57:10 +0000 UTCAre you certain that you have the correct voltage regulator? LM1117 comes in several flavors... P/N "LM1117" is adjustable and what is needed here, but any LM1117-xx is a fixed regulator that will behave much differently
Matt
2024-01-20 00:08:14 +0000 UTCBUD Industries CU-476 enclosure (Amazon, US) works WITH board and enclosure modifications. I managed to fit all along with a small speaker and grill, but it is fairly tight. Too bad we can't share pics here.
Matt
2024-01-19 22:52:25 +0000 UTCJust ordered the compoments, now I need to learn how to do a PCB :D
Olivier Wagenheim
2024-01-14 05:18:04 +0000 UTCGreetings to Mr. Carlson and to the whole collective as well, today I finished populating my amp/demodulator board and also the probe and did the first test. The ultraprobe works at lowest probe sensitivity (and gain switch open all the time), but as soon as I increase the sensitivity (the probe voltage) the circuit breaks into oscillation. I tried looking at the different signals with an oscilloscope but I am not sure whether the oscillation comes from the probe or the demodulator. On the probe output it just looks as if the output signal was clipping when the circuit oscillates. I had the amp not shielded and the probe was inside a tube and the tip was shielded with metal box. The oscillation happend when powered with a power supply as well as with 9V battery. Do you have any ideas where my mistake might be, or is it just a problem of an insufficiantly shielded setup? I am already working on the case for the probe and amp, but I am trying to prepare for the worst. Thank you in advance, and also thank you Mr. Carlson for all the amazing work you do for us all.
Jan Mezuliánik
2024-01-13 20:58:20 +0000 UTCI extended those LED pads with wire to a regular hi brightness LED.
Bettina Neumeyer
2024-01-13 16:47:58 +0000 UTCHey Paul, are you planning on showing a completed project? I built the probe and it’s completed and for the demodulator I got the board etched and fully populated minus the potentiometers. I purchased the Hammond case you recommended, but was hoping to see yours to get an idea of layout and such and to see how you utilize the small sot23 red LEDs when they’re in the aluminum case. Thank you,
Daniel Horton
2024-01-09 11:15:08 +0000 UTCIn my opinion, your best bet is to rather use a pair of classic wired good old style headphones (or even a set of ear buds) simply because the Bluetooth module itself is a HF transmitter and it is very likely that will cause more interference (to such a sensitive device) than is worth. After all this is an EXTREMELY sensitive piece of equipment and I'm pretty sure it would pick up the digital noise that a Bluetooth transmitting module generates at multiple RF levels.
Ovi4
2024-01-09 01:19:12 +0000 UTCHi there Mr Carlson, Longish time member, first time request. Is it possible to install a Blue Tooth module to this project so I can use a wireless head set instead of a speaker please?
Kirk Barron
2024-01-06 08:39:28 +0000 UTCHappy New Year to everybody! I built the Ultraprobe and amplifier/demodulator. Everything works great! Thank you, Mr.Carlson! I just wait to mount all in the case. Btw, I used the laminator (modified version for the PCB) to transfer the printed graphics from a glossy paper print to polycarbonate. I think it can be used to print front plates for the devices. I think will work also for aluminium front plates. Cheers, Daniel!
Daniel Mihailescu
2024-01-05 18:37:34 +0000 UTCJust finished building this. A few hints from Mr C in the video and some tweaks to my board making technique resulted in a pristine build.
James George
2024-01-01 23:31:13 +0000 UTCnever built a pcb before
Dennis Boyd
2024-01-01 04:22:23 +0000 UTCwill try to build this soon
Dennis Boyd
2024-01-01 04:20:01 +0000 UTCMarry Christmas and Happy New Year wish you and all your family all the best in the world, thank you very much for all the nice projects great work thank you from he deep of my heart.. With my best regards, wish you a great years
LoSaYa
2023-12-31 20:11:55 +0000 UTCOMG ... I just finished the demodulator/amplifier and it is incredible! It works perfectly with the SMD Ultra Probe and is it very sensitive. I wired the probe gain switch in the probe and so much gain. I just need to label it. I used a Hammond 1590 case. I had room so I installed a small round speaker in the case to with an optional jack for an external speaker. Thanks Paul for all your hard work on this project.
Bettina Neumeyer
2023-12-31 17:29:08 +0000 UTCHello Paul, I just want to congratulate you, for your big efforts and perfection in everything you do, trying to explain things the best you can, I wish you a wonderful 2024 and God bless you!
Leonardo
2023-12-31 05:43:29 +0000 UTCMerry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You and Yours as well Tom.
Mr Carlson's Lab
2023-12-26 20:22:03 +0000 UTCI my opinion any electronic PSU that involves switching ( in your case the suggested boost converter) are usually noise generators at multiple levels (audio and RF spectrum) and would avoid using in such a sensitive piece of equipment. After all, the equipment itself is specifically made primarily for detecting ,,Noise,, and other signals right ? To me, using plain ,,old,, batteries are the best option. Alternatively, i would surely use 2 x 18650 Li-Ion batteries in series but without any boosting added to it. My 2 cent...
Ovi4
2023-12-26 18:24:31 +0000 UTCI wonder if you could just power this from a lithium battery with a little boost converter board and a little charge controller board then bring out a usb connector to recharge or run off of
Patrick Horgan
2023-12-26 15:42:05 +0000 UTCMerry Christmas and happy new year, from my family to you and yours.
Tom Hogan
2023-12-26 14:34:48 +0000 UTCMerry Christmas to great person.
R. Scott99
2023-12-25 04:33:22 +0000 UTCI made a boo-boo .. I etched the board and started to put components on it and noticed that I printed the PCB design as "fit to page". It should have been "actual size". Anyway, I will etch another board out. Keep that in mind when you print yours out.
Bettina Neumeyer
2023-12-22 01:17:13 +0000 UTCHi Matt, you cannot go wrong if you use only Legal Paper size ( as per MCL instructions, also written on the PDF itself) and adjust your printer for that kind of paper from settings. EDIT: it turns out I was actually wrong when MCL cleared the fog . (Further down). My bad.
Ovi4
2023-12-22 00:12:49 +0000 UTCHello Paul --- do you have measurements on the PCB layout so we know we're printing to the correct scale? Thanks!
Matt
2023-12-21 23:48:56 +0000 UTCHi Brent. The previous set of videos below this explains it's function. In short, it's the Hot Rod version of the Super Probe.
Mr Carlson's Lab
2023-12-21 12:50:32 +0000 UTCCool! What is it? What does it do? Merry Christmas.
Brent LeVasseur
2023-12-20 16:03:22 +0000 UTCMCL has mentioned in the video that the schematic will follow shortly (in the next few days). So, keep on checking here. However, to build the project you wouldn't need to wait for it since MCL also provided the PCB components layout Map (as PDF) and you can easily follow that until the schematic gets posted).
Ovi4
2023-12-20 09:03:56 +0000 UTCIs there an updated schematic for this PCB?
David Crumley
2023-12-19 23:39:37 +0000 UTCHello John ... Mr. Carlson is moving that stuff to a forum on a web page. I think it will be separate from Patreon. Hang in there till he gets it going. As for your dummy load, the resistance is close enough. Just make sure you are not using wire-wound resistors.
Bettina Neumeyer
2023-12-19 01:43:05 +0000 UTCWhat happened to the community section? I don't see it anymore. I wanted to ask a question about a dummy load I am building that switches between 4ohms or 8ohms. It is just about finished but while I am using 8ohm and 4ohm 100watt resistors the final reading I am getting when testing is 8.3 ohms and 4.3 ohms. Is this a problem and should I correct the resistance to be exactly 8 or 4 ohms?
John E Barron III
2023-12-18 23:47:43 +0000 UTCFlooding the board with flux and soldering SMD comments Louis Rossmann is the master. Look over some of his and others from this link https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=louis+rossmann+soldering+smd
William Miklavic
2023-12-18 22:36:19 +0000 UTCI thought the super probe was brilliant, but this just is next level. Paul, you are a true genius. There is just nothing like this available anywhere else.
Brendan White
2023-12-18 08:36:04 +0000 UTCThanks for being here Raymond! It's the fellas like you that keep me doing this.
Mr Carlson's Lab
2023-12-18 07:31:35 +0000 UTCThanks! It should be great, and and a perfect place to archive everybody's projects. Merry Christmas!
Mr Carlson's Lab
2023-12-18 07:30:23 +0000 UTCHere you go: https://www.digikey.ca/en/products/detail/texas-instruments/REG1117A-2K5/301485
Mr Carlson's Lab
2023-12-18 07:28:48 +0000 UTCThe forum sounds like a great idea.
Ken Fay
2023-12-18 02:03:01 +0000 UTCYou mean the one where all the self appointed experts tell you if you have to ask you shouldn't be here ?
Ken Fay
2023-12-18 02:01:13 +0000 UTChappy to see the release of the dect/amp . super happy to hear about the new MR C forum 2024 is going to be awesome ! merry xmas Paul and family
TWISTED1
2023-12-18 01:26:31 +0000 UTCAwesome, can't wait to build this. Also I can't wait for the website. Thank you for your generosity and sharing your knowledge with us. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Michael Miller
2023-12-17 22:55:55 +0000 UTCHi Paul .. thanks for another great design. I got the board etched today. Question .. the adjustable regulator. You have REG1117. When I search in Digi-Key, I find it but I have to order all 320 of them for lots of money. I searched and found LM1117IMPX-ADJNOPB. It seems to the one to use. Max output 15V and 800ma output. It's only 1$ I think this is good enough, right?
Bettina Neumeyer
2023-12-17 22:29:34 +0000 UTCOk great, I thought maybe you forgot because of lack of sleep. lol, Get some rest, and thank you for all that you do for us.
Raymond Halonen VA3ZCR
2023-12-17 17:33:56 +0000 UTCHope you have a good Christmas and a better new year, I have 10 great grandkids, so I’m going to be busy this year. thanks for all your hard work.
G R STILLWELL
2023-12-17 16:54:06 +0000 UTCI really enjoy watching all your videos. I’ve learned a great deal from them and have been working on restoring old radios.
G R STILLWELL
2023-12-17 16:51:14 +0000 UTCI’ve been a fan of yours for a long time. I enjoy watching your videos and have learned a good deal about restoring old, radios, etc.., keep all the videos coming can’t wait for the next one. I’ll be working on this board as soon as I can get it made..
G R STILLWELL
2023-12-17 16:49:37 +0000 UTCCould you PLEASE do a short video of how that process of flooding the board with flux, soldering SMD components and cleaning it in a bath so beginners like me can see what it is like to do that job professionally?
John E Barron III
2023-12-17 15:26:19 +0000 UTCLooks great Paul, it's up next on my high-priority build list after the holiday season is over. Looking forward to the MCL Forum as well as some of the regular commenters on these pages have been very helpful to me in the past. I could use their help again without having to bother you all the time. For example, I'm still working on raising the temp of my laminator to over 200deg C. It currently goes no higher than 170degC. Is that hot enough to stick the toner to the copper without voids? Maybe not a super-tight bond as you demonstrated in one of your last videos, but enough to make these boards? I use an HP M203 laser printer. Thanks!
kmpres
2023-12-17 12:53:30 +0000 UTCThanks, have a great Christmas and New Year
Chris Bennett
2023-12-17 07:30:03 +0000 UTC@ Aleksander: When designing a PCB there are strict rules that must be applied to each application to avoid unwanted ,,end results,, such as oscillations, noise, hum etc. In this case the circuitry stages deals with audio (Powe Amp), power supply regulator the RF detection/demodulation stage and it makes sense to design it this way to minimize trace length and width, the use of the so called ,,star positive point,, (the positive supply trace design) the use of the whole copper plane over the other side of the board to act as noise shielding (and not only). Individual component spacing and positioning is important as well to avoid unwanted coupling/feedback or RF leakage ( in RF areas ) Even doing all of the above sometimes it takes more than one design attempt to be able to mitigate all potential problems. Rules that apply when designing RF circuits cannot (usually) be applied to Audio circuits and the other way around. There is an entire science behind designing a PCB and unfortunately very few people understand the importance of it. I myself am still far away from properly grasping this concept but surely MCL will gradually teach us how to do it.
Ovi4
2023-12-17 07:07:00 +0000 UTCThis was the first prototype. Thats the only reason. Normally I would Tin it.
Mr Carlson's Lab
2023-12-17 04:53:44 +0000 UTCThanks Paul for all you have provided to all of the viewers! Merry Christmas to all!
Lawrence Marvin
2023-12-17 03:05:49 +0000 UTCIs there a reason for not tinning the board? Just wondering.
Raymond Halonen VA3ZCR
2023-12-17 02:46:01 +0000 UTCVery nice project Paul! Can't wait to build this!
Mitchell Smith
2023-12-17 02:14:14 +0000 UTCVery excited for the forum. I've tried other electronics forums that I won't name, but some people there are very...blunt. To put it nicely.
Brian Ortiz
2023-12-16 23:35:04 +0000 UTCLooks great. I think I'll take a whack at it. Thanks a bunch.
Leonard Peters
2023-12-16 23:25:34 +0000 UTCOne question bugs me. Is there any benefit of removing so much copper from the board, or it is just to make toner transfer much easier?
Aleksander
2023-12-16 23:23:07 +0000 UTCThe final PCB turned out flawless (as always). I'm surely going to build this. Thank you for the great effort. And, by the way a categorized forum idea would be more than welcome and I can't wait to see it. Have a great Christmas sir.
Ovi4
2023-12-16 22:43:49 +0000 UTC@ Matt: A 9V battery usually delivers very little current (typically 350-to- 500mA) with a high internal resistance as well and it would surely get depleted in no time at all. On the other hand with a set of AA's you can expect a life of a good few weeks perhaps more since a good quality/brand AA battery can deliver current measurable in a range of Amps (so quite a bit stronger than a tiny 9V battery). I hope it helps.
Ovi4
2023-12-16 22:27:19 +0000 UTCSounds great, Paul! Merry Christmas.
Robert Calk Jr.
2023-12-16 22:05:00 +0000 UTCThanks for the video update, Paul. The Forum sounds great. I would like to wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year. 🧑🎄🧑🎄❤️❤️
Brian Wood
2023-12-16 22:00:24 +0000 UTCHey Paul -- why the decision for 6AA vs a single 9v?
Matt
2023-12-16 21:48:16 +0000 UTCFantastic, just in time for Xmas! The channel that keeps on giving😊Thank you Mr C
John
2023-12-16 21:18:45 +0000 UTCNice!! As usual :)
Ragnar Elstad
2023-12-16 21:09:04 +0000 UTCMasterful! Please get some sleep and family time.
Tom Harris
2023-12-16 20:55:22 +0000 UTCNice one! Thanks for all your hard work.
Alan Wood
2023-12-16 20:44:52 +0000 UTCFantastic. I am eager to build this. Thank you for your dedication to producing such quality content. I always learn something new even when watching your videos multiple times. Have a great Holiday Season Paul!
Sheldon Butler
2023-12-16 20:36:49 +0000 UTCWhat happens to the superprobe? Will you sell it?
Thomas Eriksen
2023-12-16 19:52:44 +0000 UTCVery excited to build this! Intrigued by the application of extreme probe sensitivity and microphonics to detect bearing noise as one of my other hobbies is antique crawler tractors. Avoid brain fog and get some sleep , Paul - you’re a treasure.
John Moorhead
2023-12-16 19:35:15 +0000 UTCThank you, Paul. Amazing work! I am still in awe how your brain works :) Could you make available the pads layer for the solder mask, please? Thank you.
Rex Hamilton
2023-12-16 19:11:23 +0000 UTCPaul- I wish you could make the CB’s (from all your projects) available to those of us that consider making them out of our wheelhouse. I’m certain it would be a great revenue stream to support your programs.
wesley matthews
2023-12-16 18:56:49 +0000 UTCForum? I'm definitely staying tuned for that. I'll join up as soon as it gets out there :)
Keri Szafir
2023-12-16 18:48:25 +0000 UTC
