Logic Probe with Pulse

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Parts List:
R1 = 1K               C1,C2 = 0.01uF (10 nanoFarad)
R2 = 150 ohm             T1 = 2N2219(A), NTE123, or TUN
R3 = 150 ohm             D1 = 1N914
R4 = 3K3                IC1 = 7400, quad 2-input NAND gate
R5 = 20K                IC2 = 555, timer/oscillator
R6 = 390 ohm      Led 1,2,3 = Red,Green, Yellow. Ultra bright, 3mm
R7 = 150 ohm             S1 = Switch, on-off

Description:
      One of the most frustrating problems with experimenting is not be able to check the logic state of TTL or CMOS ic's without the use of a triggered oscilloscope. The schematic diagram above shows a simple and inexpensive way of building a 'Logic Probe' yourself. It will provide you with three visible indicators; "Logic 1" (+, red led), "Logic 0" (-, green led), and "Pulse" (yellow led).

      The yellow or 'pulse' led comes on for approximately 200 mSec to indicate a pulse without regards to its width. This feature enables one to observe a short-duration pulse that would otherwise not be seen on the logic 1 and 0 led's. A small switch (subminiature slide or momentary push) across the 20K resistor can be used to keep this "pulse" led on permanently after a pulse occurs.
In operation, for a logic 0 input signal, both the '0' led and the pulse led will come 'ON', but the 'pulse' led will go off after 200 mSec. The logic levels are detected via resistor R1 (1K), then amplified by T1 (NPN, Si-AF Preamplifier/Driver), and selected by the 7400 IC for what they are. Diode D1 is a small signal diode to protect the 7400 and the leds from excessive inverse voltages during capacitor discharge.

      For a logic '1' input, only the logic '1' led (red) will be 'ON'. With the switch closed, the circuit will indicate whether a negative-going or positive-going pulse has occurred. If the pulse is positive-going, both the '0' and 'pulse' led's will be on. If the pulse is negative-going, the '1' and 'pulse' led's will be on.

picture of finished probe

I have build mine into a short, but thick, magic-black marker. The probe-tip is made of a piece of piano wire. Have fun building it and make it part of your trouble-shooting equipment. Mine has been in operation since 1987!