During a routine search after a used LeakSeekers (which don't exist, everybody is keeping them!), I came across THIS PAGE.
I wrote a mail to Dave Miga of EDS, who designed this cool device, and after he had confirmed that shipping to Germany is possible, I ordered a board from the above source and a parts kit from Dave.
This wasn't exactly cheap, but this thing is so unique and useful that I just had to build it! I will enjoy it until the end of my days as I don't think that anybody will design something similar anytime soon.
And here it is, the assembled LeakSeeker on my bench in a prototype stage. I have yet to find a nice case for it. The original case has no space for 9V battery blocks. I like portable testing tools. The thingy draws less than 100mA when it is testing and 30mA idle.
It is not difficult to build, yet there are two things I (almost) messed up:
- Make sure that the resistors left to the gain switch are all the way in, otherwise, they might short with the metal case of the switch.
- Handle the 0.05 ohms wire carefully and don't bend its legs. The legs are welded to the wire and can break off.
During my first tests, I thought it didn't work because it can take quite a while until it moves from the green LEDs to the yellow and produces a deeper chirping sound.
Here I am playing around with a testboard that has a 10 Ohms resistor to simulate a defect component. The sensitivity of the LeakSeeker is astounding. I can hear the tonal difference of 1cm distance on a trace in the low gain setting.
Here I am playing around with a testboard that has a 10 Ohms resistor to simulate a defect component. The sensitivity of the LeakSeeker is astounding. I can hear the tonal difference of 1cm distance on a trace in the low gain setting.
Update 2024: Finally a Home for the LeakSeeker
After a whopping four years, I finally got around and built a case for the LeakSeeker. While browsing through my drawers I also found a long-forgotten 2x9V battery compartment, which fits perfectly.With a slide switch, I can choose the power source. Cool, now it's a no-fuss portable testing device.
This is the answer I got from Dave to my inquiry. I think he won't mind me showing it here.
The LeakSeeker and CapAnalyzer parts listed below are available.
Purchase includes all data required to build your own CapAnalyzer and LeakSeeker; the list is shown below.
LeakSeeker 89 is unique in the world and nothing can do what it does. Check out the eds-inc website for more info.
All prices in US Dollars:
EDS-89 or EDS-88A kit of all pcb parts (including programmed mcu) to mount to pcb (pcb not included) $89
Programmed MCUs ONLY: IC set for CapAnalyzer88A $25, mcu for LeakSeeker89 $18.
3-piece gold-plated test lead set for LeakSeeker $18
Special tweezer probe assy for CapAnalyzer $29.
No other parts in stock, however the sources below show where to buy or fabricate the pc board, overlays and cabinet.
FEDEX or DHL shipping to Germany 81371 $49.45
Payments are in US Dollars via Paypal to semianalyzer@gmail.com.
Or we can send you a pro-forma invoice that you can pay with a credit card or PayPal. Just email us with your list, your name, address, and phone number. FEDEX and DHL will not ship without a phone number.
This data list will be emailed to you with your purchase:
Eds88ar1 BOM Complete bill of materials for EDS-88A CapAnalyzer series II
Eds88ar1.zip PCB and Drill files for EDS-88A.
eds88As2fp.pdf Front panel for CapAnalyzer 88a series II
EDS-89 BOM bill of materials for EDS-89 Leakseeker
EDS-89 OVERLAYS.zip overlay graphics for Leakseeker, includes drill and mill dimensions for OKW case
EDS-89 pcb.pdf Parts layout for EDS-89. Don't really need it as pcb will have silkscreen anyway...
EDS-89 TOP LAYOUT.jpg Just another graphic of main panel in EDS-89
EDS-89.zip pcb gerber and drill files for EDS-89
All EDS products use pc boards fabricated by andy.yu@fastechcircuit.com
These pcb makers will have a small minimum of boards that must be made so there will be extras;
There are also many people selling these extra spare pc boards on eBay; do a Google search or see email list below.
Or anyone advertising in magazines like Elektor or Nuts and Volts. Or get spare boards from other kit builders. Try these, most have purchased parts kits and may have spares...
sales@tristatesound.com
ml19554@gmail.com
hugh@mercedelectronics.com
mpeter1604@gmail.com
billmcdonald80@gmail.com
aardvark301@gmail.com
andy.thompson@moviehouse.co.uk
jrobinson@aerotecusa.com
amtate@gmail.com
jason.panrucker@odysseygaming.
chrisiaforbes@hotmail.com
kenjensam@bellsouth.net
clint.thomas@att.net
kdchau71@gmail.com
amusementservice@bigpond.com.
munthernahleh@gmail.com
sajidmkhi@gmail.com
amtate@gmail.com
Cabinet for EDS-88A is the 36TDB from Simco https://www.simcobox.com/
Cabinet for EDS-89 is the OKW Teko TENCLOS PULPIT 590.9 order from martyr@okwusa.com or travisr@okwusa.com or rayt@okwusa.com
User manuals (and alignment instructions for EDS-88A) on the eds website http://eds-inc.com/index.html
