My TOTeM project

[Goldmaxx]

The TX coil has 75 turns of 0.56mm enameled wire on an 80mm diameter former. The resonant frequency is not that critical as the TX is a forced oscillator running at around 65kHz.
The RX coil has 100 turns of 0.56mm enameled wire.

Without the coils connected, you can test the power supplies are correct, and that the TX oscillator is working. If you connect the RX coil, it will be possible to use the device in passive mode, as there is no need to balance the coils. Balancing will be required after you add the TX coil.

Hi Qiaozhi

Thanks for the quick reply.
I'll wrap the coils the day. I can test it with an LCR meter?
Sorry the question, but I'm not an electronics specialist.

I have just tested the electronics and it works very well.
The red LED going on and meter suggests out.
When I turn on the buzzer beeps, the device continuously.
Yes, that's is a great success.

I have made a little video from the test.

[nelson]

Hi Goldmaxx

Congratulations for your nice work on TOTem
I also will like to know if you have any buried target to test TOTem when it get ready for field test?

Good luck and keep working has good has you are done by now.

Regards

Nelson

Hi Qiaozhi

Thanks for the quick reply.
I'll wrap the coils the day. I can test it with an LCR meter?
Sorry the question, but I'm not an electronics specialist.

I have just tested the electronics and it works very well.
The red LED going on and meter suggests out.
When I turn on the buzzer beeps, the device continuously.
Yes, that's is a great success.

I have made a little video from the test.

[Qiaozhi]

Hi Qiaozhi

Thanks for the quick reply.
I'll wrap the coils the day. I can test it with an LCR meter?
Sorry the question, but I'm not an electronics specialist.

I have just tested the electronics and it works very well.
The red LED going on and meter suggests out.
When I turn on the buzzer beeps, the device continuously.
Yes, that's is a great success.

I have made a little video from the test.

I would suggest that you make the ferrite receiver coil first and test the device in passive mode. You should use an LCR meter to help you get the right inductance. The details are given in the TOTeM chapter, but results may vary depending on the ferrite rod used. As mentioned in the chapter, you can slide the coil along the rod to change the inductance.

[Goldmaxx]

Hi Goldmaxx

Congratulations for your nice work on TOTem
I also will like to know if you have any buried target to test TOTem when it get ready for field test?

Good luck and keep working has good has you are done by now.

Regards

Nelson

Hello Nelson
thank you very much, this is a very nice project and make a lot of fun to build it.

No, unfortunately I didn´t have a test field with buried targets for testing.
But we have some old places from the 16th century, a friend of mine has found a Gold Gulden from the period of this place.
I will test it on this area and whether it indicates what.
Of course, a test field would be better, but maybe I'll find something equal.
If I find something, I'll post it here

Regards
Goldmaxx

[Goldmaxx]

I would suggest that you make the ferrite receiver coil first and test the device in passive mode. You should use an LCR meter to help you get the right inductance. The details are given in the TOTeM chapter, but results may vary depending on the ferrite rod used. As mentioned in the chapter, you can slide the coil along the rod to change the inductance.

Hi Qiaozhi
that's a really good tip, thank you for that.
Just as I'll do it. In passive mode, I can take the test as you describe in the chapter and should react to the test.
I'll wrap this weekend the coil and maybe I can test the device in passive mode.

Best regards

[nelson]

Well, it just a matter of time to do experiments on the field. What is important, is to do lots of test in diferent places, weather conditions and of course to look on places that you know there could be some treasures.
I also have the book, so i will try to build ToTem too. By the way your eclosure design looks terrific, so congratulations for that.
I wich you luck and has all members i will be waiting for news.
Best regards

Nelson

Hello Nelson
thank you very much, this is a very nice project and make a lot of fun to build it.

No, unfortunately I didn´t have a test field with buried targets for testing.
But we have some old places from the 16th century, a friend of mine has found a Gold Gulden from the period of this place.
I will test it on this area and whether it indicates what.
Of course, a test field would be better, but maybe I'll find something equal.
If I find something, I'll post it here

Regards
Goldmaxx

[Goldmaxx]

Well, it just a matter of time to do experiments on the field. What is important, is to do lots of test in diferent places, weather conditions and of course to look on places that you know there could be some treasures.
I also have the book, so i will try to build ToTem too. By the way your eclosure design looks terrific, so congratulations for that.
I wich you luck and has all members i will be waiting for news.
Best regards

Nelson

Hi Nelson
Yes I also think that it is the right way, the TOTeM to test extensively to various locations.
In my area there are many places to which I will test the TOTeM.
Of course, even under different weather conditions.
I will post my experiences with the TOTeM here too, but first must function the device.
I'm really looking forward to the tests, no matter how they turn out.
You know, who wants to know whether something works or not, can experience it only by itself so what builds and makes himself a picture of it.
I believe any case that it works and I want to prove it myself.

Thanks for your wishes Nelson and am very pleased that you want to build a TOTeM too, so we can help each other.
I have a 3D PDF posted for download. You can download it and rebuild the casing if you want.

I wish you much luck, all the best and much success with the construction of your TOTeM.

Best regards

Goldmaxx

[humhum]

Buried

Hi Goldmaxx , Did you try your Totem PD with buried object , how is result and maximum from what meter found?

Regards.

[Goldmaxx]

Hi Goldmaxx , Did you try your Totem PD with buried object , how is result and maximum from what meter found?

Regards.

Hello humhum,

unfortunately I could not make any tests with the TOTeM because the coils are not ready yet.
I was not much at home that weekend and could not finish the coils.

But once I made the first test, I'll post it here.

Best regards
Goldmaxx

[humhum]

Hello humhum,

unfortunately I could not make any tests with the TOTeM because the coils are not ready yet.
I was not much at home that weekend and could not finish the coils.

But once I made the first test, I'll post it here.

Best regards
Goldmaxx

Ok, We will wait ..

[Goldmaxx]

Halo Friends
the day I had some time for continue to working on my TOTeM project and can already tell from the first small successes.

But first a question to Qiaozhi,
my electronics skills are not the best, but I am beginning to understand the functionality of these devices.
I have a couple of days thought that I had an error in the PCB and have tried everything possible to fix it, unfortunately without success.
Then I remembered some point a time that I've read in your book that one needs a battery holder with 8x AA alkaline battery.
The electronic system runs however with 9V. But 8x 1.5 V are 12V and therefore was not going the PCB.
I only had interference and false signals the buzzer constantly gave signals and you could not adjust it.
I then connected a 9V battery and lo and behold, the PD would run perfectly and quietly.
My question now would be to you, it may be that there is a provided with the 8xAA batteries, or the device is really operated with 12V battery?

My current status is:
I have wound the coil, the ferrite antenna is ready, positioned and connected.
So I was employed the day with only the passive mode.

The PD can be adjusted perfectly, unfortunately I could only test in my home, because we have very cold, wet and snow still lies.
In the house are many energy sources that are displayed from pd.
I am convinced that with the right attitude and without sources of interference the Pd has a higher scanning range.
To my surprise in the passive mode, it is very sensitive and shows me exactly the direction of the source.
I can at home with passive mode an energy saving lamp with a starter, at a distance of 2.5 - 3 meters sure locate.
But as I said, it's just in the house.
Until the weather is better, I'll have mounted the TX coil and will make my first test outdoors in terrain.
I'm very curious how the device reacts outdoor.

It is very exciting

As always, here are some actual pictures

[Goldmaxx]

In the next step I'm going to install the TX coil and calibration it.
Then my first PD would be finished already.

[Qiaozhi]

I then connected a 9V battery and lo and behold, the PD would run perfectly and quietly.
My question now would be to you, it may be that there is a provided with the 8xAA batteries, or the device is really operated with 12V battery?

You are indeed correct. The battery needs to be 9V (as shown in the schematics) and not 12V. The parts list specifies an 8x AA battery holder, but I've just checked the prototype, and it uses a 6-cell holder (i.e. 9V).

I will add this mistake to the errata list.

Again, well done on your excellent construction. It sounds like the unit is working exactly as designed.

One small point ... you appear to have glued the ferrite rod into position, but you will need to reposition this to balance the coils for active mode.

[Goldmaxx]

You are indeed correct. The battery needs to be 9V (as shown in the schematics) and not 12V. The parts list specifies an 8x AA battery holder, but I've just checked the prototype, and it uses a 6-cell holder (i.e. 9V).

I will add this mistake to the errata list.

Again, well done on your excellent construction. It sounds like the unit is working exactly as designed.

One small point ... you appear to have glued the ferrite rod into position, but you will need to reposition this to balance the coils for active mode.

Hi Qiaozhi

Thanks for the quick reply.
Okay, then I'll procure a 6 cell holder.

I was fascinated how well the device works in passive mode.
You and Carl have done a really good job with this project.
I can hardly wait until the weather is better, so I can test it outdoors.

Yes that's true, because I was a bit too hasty.
But it's just hot glue and can be removed quickly. I wanted the device necessarily test it.

[DrTech]

GoldMAxx

Analyzing the schematic and PCB are changed LED2 and D1.

PCB R19 TO LED2, SCHEME R19 TO D1.

PCB R25 TO D1, SCHEME R25 LED2.


What is the error in the PCB or Schematic totem