Jump to content

Neat tester gadget


paulears

Recommended Posts

This ebay link made me think.

 

Really simple. Nothing new of course, but I didn't really didn't think of this particular use.

 

As the ebay data will vanish in a month or two, all it is is a cable tester, but it uses phantom power as the power source. There's a bi-colour LED, and a couple of resistors, that's it - in an XLR plug. If phantom is applied by pins 2 and 3 in the usual way, with the return on pin 1, then you get an amber indication. If either leg is missing, then it's red or green, and if power is missing or there's a screen fault, no light at all. So a nice little project and useful toolbox item.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Dont have enough problems with phantom power to justifye having one!

although its a simple gadget, some might use it,

problems are rare..

 

This ebay link made me think.

 

Really simple. Nothing new of course, but I didn't really didn't think of this particular use.

 

As the ebay data will vanish in a month or two, all it is is a cable tester, but it uses phantom power as the power source. There's a bi-colour LED, and a couple of resistors, that's it - in an XLR plug. If phantom is applied by pins 2 and 3 in the usual way, with the return on pin 1, then you get an amber indication. If either leg is missing, then it's red or green, and if power is missing or there's a screen fault, no light at all. So a nice little project and useful toolbox item.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Uh... it's not a tester for testing "problems with phantom".

 

It's a tester that USES the phantom power to indicate if there is a problem with the cable. Such as a cross between pins 2 and 3, or a missing/broken core.

 

Didn't you read Paul's post???

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I can definitely vouch for the Dave Rat tester. Its been dropped, bashed around and works every time. Its just a bit awkward to keep on your person and im yet to find a spare maglite holster to put it in.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's a tester that USES the phantom power to indicate if there is a problem with the cable. Such as a cross between pins 2 and 3, or a missing/broken core.

 

It can't show that though... can it? :blink:

 

I did have one of the Canford ones and found to useful, but as said - easy to lose :blink:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Polarity problems can cause problems here in Australia because of the two different standards of XLR connections,

The europeon standard and the american standard.

A trap for persons who are not aware of this problem.

Here in Australia there is a mixture of europeon and american equipment.

 

 

Uh... it's not a tester for testing "problems with phantom".

 

It's a tester that USES the phantom power to indicate if there is a problem with the cable. Such as a cross between pins 2 and 3, or a missing/broken core.

 

Didn't you read Paul's post???

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Polarity problems can cause problems here in Australia because of the two different standards of XLR connections,

The europeon standard and the american standard.

A trap for persons who are not aware of this problem.

Here in Australia there is a mixture of europeon and american equipment.

 

Are you referring to pin 2 vs pin 3 being hot on balanced XLR leads? As far as I'm aware, only 80's gear over here used pin 3 as hot. Most of it should be dead and at the tip by now.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No there is still a lot of 80s gear still around!

Especially the really big power amps, they were made real solid, and so they have lasted well,

And they seem to take the rigours of road travel well.

New amps might be technically better, but tend to be cheaply made, so dont last too long.

A lot of people still have old gear, because it still works.

The Yamaha PC2002 is a classic example. First made in 1976.

Still favoured by many.

http://ko.wikizic.org/1-026-026100-Yamaha-PC-2002M.jpg

If you want a look.

 

Are you referring to pin 2 vs pin 3 being hot on balanced XLR leads? As far as I'm aware, only 80's gear over here used pin 3 as hot. Most of it should be dead and at the tip by now.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's a tester that USES the phantom power to indicate if there is a problem with the cable. Such as a cross between pins 2 and 3, or a missing/broken core.

 

It can't show that though... can it? :unsure:

 

I did have one of the Canford ones and found to useful, but as said - easy to lose :rolleyes:

 

Would anyone like to post a wiring diagram?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

IME, the vast majority of audio equipment in use in Australia now is pin 2 hot.

 

 

In about 3 years here, I certainly haven't encountered any gear old enough to have the pin 3 hot problem. Heck, back in those days I still had my hair!

 

To be fair, the different standard was a problem pretty well everywhere back then--thank goodness for standardisation!

 

Bob

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.