testing circuits....

[jamiewoody]

i know this can be done with  a fluke multi-meter.

but, i heard about this device, it's basic shape was like a magic marker, so to speak.

it has a light on it. if you touch a dead component with it, it will light up (or not light up, cant remember which).

i hear that is the quickest way of troubleshooting.

any idea of this? what it is called? how much they cost?

[Gordonjcp]

Doesn't sound reasonable.  I think the thing you are thinking of is a circuit tester like a neon screwdriver, which will tell you if a mains circuit is live.

If you want to track down faulty components, you need to have the circuit diagram and a bit of an idea how the circuit is supposed to work.  If you can find it, try to track down a copy of "Are the Voltages Correct?", a reprint of a series of articles in Practical Wireless in the early 80s.

[phantompowers]

I think you may have seen it on Dr. Who.
The device you are looking for is called a 'Sonic Screwdriver'.

[jamiewoody]

i think i'll get an analog multimeter. that is what everybody keeps telling me to do, and what most people like to use. i may get one soon...they have them on sale at radio shack (who i usually avoid like the plague!) for around $16.

[Dylan]

I think you may have seen it on Dr. Who.
The device you are looking for is called a 'Sonic Screwdriver'.

If this was facebook, I'd like this post.

[Circuitbenders]

Get a cheap digital multimeter with a continuity tester. Theres some stuff you can't do on a digital meter that you can on an analogue but i doubt you'll come accross it and a digital meter is a lot easier.

[Matt the Modulator]

Pass me the hydro-spanners