Supernatural EMF detector

[thatdecade]

My progress has stalled for now. Parts are laid out on my bench, design is near finished. All that is left is integrating all the pieces and building a prototype. Then I can start selling kits.

 

[fattyassid]

Hey guys! Is anyone still making any of these for people who want to buy one? Just thought i'd check coz it's a pretty old ongoing thread now!

I'm looking for one to buy as well.

 

[Shanks25]

I have to say I'd be interested too!

 

[scornell1]

I would buy one for sure.

 

[thatdecade]

Still working on a kit version of mine. I hope to post some updated progress after the new season starts.

 

[thatdecade]

Circuit boards are in. Everything fits good so far!

 

[thatdecade]

Lights and mode switch installed. Meter is tested and I'll have a video soon of it all working

 

[TOS]

That is so cool!

 

[thatdecade]

Here are the fasteners for the backplate.

• 3/16" Outer Diameter x 3/4" Length x #4-40 Thread Hex Aluminum Female / Female Standoff
• #4-40 x 3/8" Phillips Pan Head Zinc Plated Machine Screw
• #4 Zinc Finish SAE Flat Washer

Graphic is printed on sticker photo paper


IMG_20141020_080251348 by thatdecade, on Flickr

 

[thatdecade]

Crappy cell phone video, but demos the lights animations and meter calibration. Each meter is unique and requires tweaking initially to get it's response just right.

 

[AHSupernatural]

Your EMF detector is awesome!

 

[Dwight Schrute]

Hey thatdecade, I have decided to make my own and I have already ordered a few parts, I am in the process of buying the parts you have already listed. Can I ask, Is your Arduino board stuck onto the back of the Syntac/syntax board? I know this is a lot to ask but I know little about electronics anymore due to memory loss, Is there any chance I could get you to take pictures of all sides of the EMF you're making and maybe describe steps, I mean if I could see where the resistors and stuff goes on your board that would help me immensely to understand and make my own.

Also If I just see how yours is wired and where things go, would mine work as yours does if i just put things in the same place? Or would I need Arduino code and other things?

Thank you so much, you're a saint!

Best Regards,

Dwight

 

[thatdecade]

I actually designed a custom circuit board that is arduino compatible and in the style of the Syntax prototype board. However, the sizing is such that you can absolutely build yours with a real arduino behind the real Syntax board. Connect things as I diagrammed and load the code files I provided.

Here is a picture of the backside of my board during early assembly. Various switches and lights are broken out and circled. I ran an extra wire to get the mode select switch working.


IMG_2680.JPG by thatdecade, on Flickr

 

[Dwight Schrute]

I thought an arduino board would be instead of a Syntax PCB though, but then you listed both so I figured I'd need the Arduino board infront or behind the Syntax? I'm now currently thinking the ardunio board uses code to tell the components what to do and in what order? Lmao, I wish I had a clue what I was doing. But anyway, Can I cut a big hole in my standard syntax pcb, and wire it like you've wired yours exactly? Or would that not work because I made a gaping hole in it?

Thank you for the help!

You're a saint!

 

[thatdecade]

The syntax board is for the front. It is a prototype board. Has a bunch of little metal contacts and holes for you to place the circuit parts. Then on the backside of the prototype board, you run wires from the various circuit parts. In our case, you would run those wires to the arduino.

I will warn you that your EMF reader will be a bit bulky. Front syntax prototype board, sandwiching an arduino, then a battery pack in the rear.

 

[Dwight Schrute]

Okay, thank you, are you not putting your Arduino board on yours then?

 

[thatdecade]

I put a chip on my board so I don't need an arduino. If you have more arduino questions, I would be happy to answer by email. thatdecade@gmail.com

 

[thatdecade]

My first EMF reader is complete. Pictures and video below of it scanning.

Last item was the Magnet Wrapping Wire
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2036277

 

[thatdecade]

Final part list of parts for anyone that wants to follow in my footsteps.

GitHub - thatdecade/Supernatural_EMF_Reader: This is for a prop EMF reader in the style of the TV show, Supernatural.

This is for a prop EMF reader in the style of the TV show, Supernatural. - thatdecade/Supernatural_EMF_Reader

github.com

Arduino Source Code (as of 10/27/2014):
Arduino Cloud IDE - Codebender


��

Source	Category	Part Name	Part Number / Link	Qty		Description	Comments
DW	Core	Circuit Board	Contact: thatdecade@gmail.com - or - http://www.abra-electronics.com/products/Syntac-PC-Board%2d85mmx95mm.html	1		Syntax PCB
DW	Core	Graphic on sticker photo paper	https://flic.kr/p/jH3NhE	1		Meter Color Graphic
Misc	Core	P-Clip	http://www.fiberopticproducts.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=772	2		Antenna Clip
Misc	Core	Meter	http://www.menards.com/main/electri...eter-5-function-12-range/p-1460423-c-6452.htm	1		Meter parts	Dismantle for the analog meter needle mechanism
Fastenal	Core	Screw Posts	3/16" Outer Diameter x 5/8" Length x #4-40 Thread Hex Aluminum Female / Female Standoff | Fastenal	4		Hex Female / Female Standoff - 5/8" Length x #4-40
Fastenal	Core	Screws	#4-40 x 3/8" Phillips Drive Pan Head Zinc Finish Steel Machine Screw | Fastenal	10		Phillips Pan Head Machine Screw - #4-40 x 3/8"
Fastenal	Core	Washers	#4 x 0.312" OD Low Carbon Zinc Finish Steel SAE General Purpose Flat Washer | Fastenal	12		Flat Washer - #4
Fastenal	Core	Nuts	#4-40 Zinc Finish Low Carbon Steel Hex Machine Screw Nut | Fastenal	2		Screw Nut - #4-40
RadioShack	Core	Hookup Wire	RadioShack.com Official Site - America's Technology Store	N/A		Wire
RadioShack	Core	Antenna	http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062262	1		Antenna	If too long, cut shorter with bolt cutters.
RadioShack	Core	Magnet Wire	http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2036277	N/A		Multi-gauge Wrapping Wire	Use to create the two coils and wire clips
Digikey	Core	Ribbon Wire	MC09M-5-ND	N/A		Rainbow Ribbon	Split apart and route around board
Digikey	Core	Toggle Switch	CKN1047	1		Toggle Switch
Digikey	Core	Thumbwheel	3352T-103LF	1		Do Not Buy	Salvage from the analog meter
Digikey	Core	Trim Pot	3362U-103LF	2		Potentiometer
Digikey	Arduino	Battery Clip	SBH331AS	1		AAx3 Batter Clip with Switch
Digikey	Arduino	C5,C6	709-1172-1	2		Chip Capacitor	805 Version
Digikey	Arduino	Crystal	XC1776CT	1		Chip Crystal
Digikey	Arduino	Resistor	RPC0805JT10K0CT	1		Chip Resistor	805 Version
Digikey	Arduino	C10	1276-2890-1	1		Chip Capacitor	805 Version
Digikey	Arduino	Chip	ATMEGA328P-AU	1		Arduino Chip	P version
Digikey	Audio	Speaker	433-1104	1		Speaker
Ebay	Audio	Amp	PAM8403 Breakout	1		Amplifier Circuit	This is a generic small speaker amplifier that is common and cheap on ebay

 

[thatdecade]

Write up and build instructions are here
http://www.therpf.com/f9/completed-thatdecades-supernatural-emf-reader-227524/