Blue Ring Tester

[smartbomb2084]

I have seen this item around for a while now and I am wondering if anyone HERE (please don't tell me about other forum opinions) has had any experience with it.    http://www.mainelectronics.com/flybacktest.html

Does it really work to help diagnose a bad flyback?

Is it something worthwhile like the B+K Precision CapAnalyzer 88A?

[SirPeale]

I get a 404 on that link.

And Modesitt has a ring tester, not sure which one.  He's most active on KLOV Forums, though.  Oops!  Sorry!

[smartbomb2084]

Sorry I copied the link wrong. It is fixed now.

[qrz]

a high Q coil will "ring" when pinged with a single pulse.
a single shorted turn will GREATLY reduce the number of rings produced .
so, yes it is a way of checking coils . (usually NOT effective on vert yokes)

hey , they're nice enough to provide a schematic/parts list ... make ur own !
http://www.mainelectronics.com/pdf/BlueRingTester.pdf

[Ken Layton]

Updating this old thread with more links.

I have the Anatek Corp "Blue Ring Tester" and it works well in checking flybacks. It is sold as fully assembled or as a "build-it-yourself" kit with all the parts included (except for a 9 volt battery of course). I like this tester.

Manufacturer's website:

http://shop.anatekcorp.com/products/component-analyzers/blue-ring-tester-kit/

Current version of the fully assembled model User's Manual:

http://shop.anatekcorp.com/clientuploads/directory/products/Blue%20RT%20user%20manual_Oct%202014.pdf

Be advised if you have/encounter an early production model, there is a problem with the calibration/sensitivity showing most or all flybacks as being bad when in fact they are good. The problem was traced to an incorrect resistor installed on the board. Here is what Anatek says:

"NOTE: A late design change made resistor R7 510 ohms (green-brown-brown) instead of the 2.2 Kohms shown
on the pcb silkscreen. This change makes the tester more sensitive when used on low impedance
components such as SMPS transformers and deflection yoke horizontal coils and flybacks."

Mine was an early model and the resistor change fixed mine right up. It works correctly now.

Helpful videos: