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The LM386 Audio signal tracer RF Probe Amplifier circuit diagram for maintaining preamplifier, power amplifiers and even RF devices. As a probe of audio signal and RF, can make maintenance of equipment such as amplifiers, preamplifier, radios, car audio, transmitters, recorders, televisions and more. The basic operation is to follow the audio signal to a point where it is not available or is undergoing any changes that should not occur.
About circuit audio signal and RF follower for bench maintenance
To learn how to use this tool, I suggest you download this PDF of the Newton C. Braga (Portuguese language) – Using test instruments measure.
The operation is simple, in two functions:
RF function: the signal will pass through D2, C4 and R1, which form an AM Demodulator circuit, to detect defects in Radio Frequency circuits, the audio will be demodulated and can be heard on the loudspeaker!
AF function: the signal will stop passing through the Germanium diode D2, so you can hear the audio signal amplifier on the loudspeaker! The capacitor C5 prevents any DC component from going to the device being tested. To control the volume, we use a potentiometer of 47K. The overall gain of the Lm386 is set to 200, if you wish you can add a potentiometer in parallel with C3 to gain control of the Lm386. The network formed by C7 / R2, guarantees stability to the Amplifier and avoids RF interference.
To power the circuit we use a 9 Volt battery, so it becomes portable, also a 9 Volt DC power supply can be used.
Circuit diagram of the audio and RF Signal investigator
Suggested printed circuit board for mounting of the circuit
BOM for assembling the Audio and RF Researcher with LM386
| Part | Value |
| Resistors 1/4 Watt 5% | |
| R1, R3 | 470K – Yellow, Violet, Yellow, Gold |
| R2 | 10 – Brown, Black, Black, Gold |
| Capacitors | |
| C1,C6 | 470µF/25V — Electrolytic Capacitor |
| C2 | 100nF — Ceramic Capacitor |
| C3, C5, C8 | 10µF / 25V — Electrolytic Capacitor |
| C4, C9 | 1nF — Ceramic Capacitor |
| C7 | 47nF — Polyester or Ceramic Capacitor |
| Semiconductors | |
| D1 | 1N4004 or equivalent – Silicon rectifier diode |
| D2 | 1n34 or equivalent – Germanium Diode |
| IC1 | LM386N – Audio amplifier integrated circuit |
| Connectors | |
| IN (CN1) | Terminal block 3 pin 5.08 mm – Probe connector for RF or Audio signal input. |
| OUT (CN2) | Terminal block 2 pin 5.08 mm — Connector for the speaker. |
| Miscellaneous | |
| J1 | Power jack, connect external power supply (optional). |
| P1 | 10K — Potentiometer |
| BAT | 9V — Connect 9-Volt Battery |
| Solder, Wire, PCB, Box, Probe, etc. | |
Download the files for assembling the Signal Tracer – PDF, printed circuit board, circuit schematic, component layout and silk screen, LM386 Datasheet.
Gerber Added
Download Datasheet PDF of IC Lm386N
Buy DIY kit LM386 amplifier in AliExpress
Can I buy this kit anywhere? I live in Finland. Esko.
Hello Esko
You can buy a kit with lm386 in Aliexpress and make the adjustment.
Where can one buy the pc boards or have them made I would like 20 pc boards.
thanks
Thank You Amigo..It Helps..from Philippines
ThankS!Super Post#!!!!
Nice Post !, Thankz !,