Re: How to use an inductive probe?

["Bob La Londe" <usenet@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

"Chet" <mehta.chet@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1137088252.425465.315240@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Our door bell stopped working a few months back and I've been trying to
> figure out what might be wrong. The doorbell button has a built-in
> light which is off now. I replaced it with a new button and the new
> button doesn't light either. That led me to check the voltages at the
> doorbell unit and it has no power.
>
> I understand that doorbells run at a lower voltage which is achieved
> via a step-down transformer. My problem is that I can't seem to locate
> the transformer. I checked at the obvious places (near the furnace,
> near the fuse box, behind the doorbell chimes) but haven't found it
> yet. My next option is to trace the wires from the doorbell using an
> inductive probe.
>
> I obtained a Progressive Electronics Model 700C kit which include the
> 200EP Inductive Amplifier and Tracer 2 Model 77HP tone generator.
> Unfortunately I can't locate the instructions to use the unit. I see
> the Tracer 2 tone generator has two alligator clips (black & red). Do I
> just connect one (red?) of these to the wire that's supposed to come
> from the transformer to the door bell, set the switch to "Tone" and
> then use the inductive probe to follow the wire or do both wires need
> to be connected?
>
> Appreciate instructions or suggestions you might have. Thx!
>
> :Chet.

I tried once to located a transformer for a door bell with a toner and
probe, and then with a cable locator.  I never did find it.  One trick I
have learned since then is sometimes you can locate a wire of a pair easier
if you just connect one lead instead of both.  Not sure why, but it works
sometimes.


--
Bob La Londe
www.YumaBassMan.com