COMPASS GOLD SCANNER / Scanner - ADD VCO AUDIO to GoldScanner Pro

[turtlebowl]

I've been going through old files, data and pictures of the Compass Scanner series this last few weeks. During the process I've come across a few things to share and an interesting idea .
One idea I had this last week may be of interest to others and someone may want to try this nice easy mod to the Compass Gold Scanner Pro. It involves using the un-populated section of the upper board to ADD a VCO as the primary Audio . The VCO circuit is copied directly from the Compass Scanner Model AU2000 which has a VCO and uses the same board . It should work perfectly? I am asking for feedback and someone to check my work If there is any interest in trying this out. This VCO circuit was designed by John Earle can be added to any John Earle Scanner model.

It is important to note that I have not actually built this mod as my GSP is kuput at the moment and so I couldn't test the idea anyway. Just an Idea someone may want to follow through on. But I am able to trace out the un-populated area of the Gold Scanner Pro upper PCB and there is no conflict in using these traces for this new function as best I can tell. (FYI, this un-populated area is used for the Notch on the XP450 model Scanner which also uses the same pcb).

It is a nice idea, adding the VCO to an already good performer, and an easy one. However, it will need to be verified by someone else. Please keep me informed if anyone tries this out. Drop me a PM if you have any questions or need more info or pictures.

There are more pictures and data on the Compass Scanner here as well:
http://www.geotech1.com/forums/showt...-board-series-

Check out the Master Scanner Schematic , Philip Milton REV#1-18-2018, posted here and elsewhere on the Geotech forum to see the circuit drawn out and to locate the trace that is cut on the Model AU2000 PCB. It will need to be cut on the GSP as well, (can be re-soldered to restore). Also don't forget to add/change/reroute the Capacitor # C at the Audio as shown on the Master Schematic for model AU2000.

Attachments: Compass Scanner Master Schematic, P. Milton REV# 1-18-2018
Gold Scanner Pro TDI PCB Picture with VCO components added
AU2000 upper PCB showing Component # and Value to go with schematic





Best regards, Phil

[Melbeta]

Phil
I am here, ready to learn. Right now I do not have a GSP, nor do I have a 450 model, but later on as I acquire the knowledge, I will look for one. You will find me very apt to learn. ...And there will be an apple on your desk each day as I come to school.
Melbeta

[turtlebowl]

Hi Melbeta,, I saw your question on this VCO Mod elsewhere on the forum and I hope I can give a clearer idea on what this modification to the Gold Scanner does.
The VCO is used here to drive the Audio Response. The stock Gold Scanner Pro came with a BEEP BEEP/ON/OFF audio response to targets. The VCO Audio Mod proposed here changes pitch as an indicator to a target. The human ear detects this change in pitch better on deep targets especially and makes pinpointing easier as well.
I think the idea and circuit for the Modification is solid because it was designed by John Earle for the Scanner circuit. Unless I am missing something. It was marketed on the AU2000 Model and simply transfered to this Model as a mod.
The only original idea I had was fitting the circuit into the vacated Notch Component locations on the Gold Scanner Pro circuit board. Since I do not have a working Gold Scanner anymore I was hoping someone would double check the work I did creating the LAY file for the mod and testing an actual build. Was just wanting to hear results if anyone try's it. I can think of two guys that will probably try it when they get a minute.
You will need to have a program to view LAY files to see the actual PHOTO of the Gold Scanner PCB I attached showing the Mod.
So,,, I ain't got much to teach friend. Just presenting an idea to try for fun.
Alternately, building a simple PCB for the 11 parts needed would allow this VCO to be added to any of the other Scanners or XP.
HH, Phil

[turtlebowl]

COMPASS AU2000 VCO COMPONENT LIST
This is a mod to add a VCO to the Compass Gold Scanner Pro.
All details Details at: http://www.geotech1.com/forums/showt...oldScanner-Pro
Please look for answers there first.
R2001- 330k
R2002- 390k
R2003- 270k
R2004- 270k
R2005- 680k
R2006- 10k
R2007- 68k
R2008- 100k
R2009- 33k

U2000- MC34182P low power dual Jfet OR TLC2262
Q2001- MPS404A

C2001- 47n

MOD Notes:
1. On the schematic you will see a switch used to choose the pitch range of the VCO and turn it on or off.
Here a guy can choose to customize and simplify the mod by eliminating the switch and choosing either R2003 or R2004 to populate the slot. OR Alternately use the two holes to attach the switch for selecting resistors and on off as the original design does.

2. Bend out pins 1,2,3 of U2000 so they do not contact pads 1,2,3 on the PCB. U2000 Pins 1,2,3 are not used and can be grounded. Letting these pins contact the pads may cause a conflict with Q2001? so just make it simple and disable them as they are not used.

3. Altho I have spent several hours checking this idea out and am confident it will work nicely please Remember this is untested so proceed accordingly.

4. If you have any more questions please ask as I have an interest in seeing this built and any bugs worked out.

Phil

[turtlebowl]

I need a favor from someone please. Can someone open up the LAY file I attached in Post #1 in Zip File Titled GSP-VCO? It was created in Sprint Layout 5.
The viewer should see an actual photo of the Gold Scanner PCB in the background with the LAY Pads and component symbols super-imposed over a nice GSP PCB photo. If not please let me know if no real photo background in Lay file so I can fix it.

Anyways just want to give a heads up cuz the Lay file makes no sense without the photo there. And need to know if it opens on a computer other than my own.
Phil

[kt315]

The viewer should see an actual photo of the Gold Scanner PCB in the background with the LAY

then you have to share up the LAY file and with BMP pic of the board, in the background.
LAY file is NOT contain a BMP inside. a LAY file is only a layout.

[dbanner]

Just upload the actual photo, it can then be loaded as scanned copy image into sprint backround. Sprint does not save the background image together with the layout as a single file.

[Melbeta]

Phil
I would but so far I have not been able to open it up. Have not installed that demo software yet. Not sure I will as I am trying to find software that will open it up without having to watch a demo. I am getting ready for my grand daughter's 2nd birthday party right now.

I do not know what KT315 said there, whether or not it has a lay file or a bmp background. Can you explain a bit further KT315?
Melbeta

[kt315]

Can you explain a bit further KT315?

as i can Melbeta. Sprint Layout is a soft that helps to pirate for pirates. it is a soft for BLIND COPING.
it is not advanced CAD, it is just for dummies who want to steal an another's layout.
you put the BMP file of a board (picture) as a layer and begin to draw like
as you draw in ordinary graphic program.

i get requests to give clear black and white pics of my layouts - i know those guys want to steal
my products that i spent years on them. vu ala - you can draw a layout for one day while where i spent months.

[kt315]

[turtlebowl]

HEy thanks everyone for the input. That is exactly what I suspected.... the Lay file would not contain the Bitmap background photo. That photo must be already on the computer to see it.I became suspicious because when I lost the photo from my desktop .......then the background was no longer viewable in my project file.
Thanks so much for responding. I like to learn. Even more when my suspicions are confirmed.

So here is the missing Bitmap attached.

So "MEL",,, guess you and I are are a couple old geezers a tid bit behind the times LOL. LOL. I had no idea this Software was designed for dastardly folk.
Someone gave this software to me many year ago and it is all I have. I never tried anything else because This One was so dang simple and suited me intellectually LOL.

So for you, when you get the program fired up, and others New to this Old program here is how you can make it work for you. I am sure there are better ways but this is the only way I know and works great for me.
1. Download a BITMAP to your desktop. Must be bitmap.
2. Open or start your project in Sprint layout.
3. In OPTIONS tab choose Scanned Copy
4. Click LOAD BITMAP and select bitmap image to upload from your desktop. Bitmap will automatically appear in you project window. Make sure you have chosen the correct side of the PCB... front or back. S1, S2
5. Select an image of a 8 pin DIP IC from the MACRO LIBRARY in the Sprint program and drag it to the project window.
6. Return to OPTIONS TAB and change resolution of the bitmap with the up/down arrows until the IC footprint matches the photo. Close option tab.
7. Double click on IC MACRO and the drag it to precicesly place it to match the background photo.

THANK YOU KT315 and bdanner for your taking the time to answer and learn me something. Sorry to hear of your problem with thiefs KT. I know how much work that stuff is....blood sweat and tears.
HH

[kt315]

an example for Melbeta.
this russian guy did steal my layout and wrote that this is Tesoro Royal Sabre.
link http://www.md4u.ru/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=8205&start=50

[Melbeta]

KT315
Yes, that is kind of what i figured. The DEMO was legal, but to use it with a CRACK, is not legal. At my age I do not need that problem. I am into knowledge, not getting into trouble. There is supposed to be some software on the internet that opens up Gerbers and is legal to use. Now I might do that later if I find it. But you see I can take a graphic and make my own PCB, and that is legal as I use it. Now if I get into trouble someday, it really will be by accident, not by intention. It will be by ignorance I can guarantee you, as I have no intention to steal anything.
Melbeta

[Melbeta]

KT315
I do not possess any legal software to look at any LAY file. so I cannot see what you are posting. I
have graphic software, where I can look at a BMP or JPG File, and that is all I look at today. With an image, I use PCB transparent transfers, rub them with a smooth tool, it transfers the image onto my paper, and that is legal to use. That is how I have always made my board images. Then I iron them on a clean PCB copper board, and immerse into the acid to complete the board. I do it the old way, sweating like hell! Piece by piece, do not use software to make my board images. I make them the old fashioned way. Then it is really my image! And I step on no toes!

When I draw the schematics, I either do it by hand on graph paper, or I use my Orcad schematic drawing software, that I bought from Orcad legally. And I have the receipt and original Orcad boxes to prove I bought it! I paid $3,500 for my Orcad software including the PLD386+ version 2.0 software. Old fashioned, but honest!

Anyone else pay that much for their schematic drawing software? Well, I did...

And in my large computer room, are two tall wooden bookcases, each filled with paper boxes, with software I bought, no cracked or hacked software in my computer room. Can I prove it? Well, here is a photo of one of the tall wooden bookcases, filled with original factory paper cartons, holding factory software, which I purchased legally. Do I sleep good? I sleep the sleep of an good man. Do I fear a raid by Microsoft or any FBI man. Nope!!!I
sweat not. I spent a lot of money, but those who know me personally, know me as an honest person they can trust. Melbeta
Here is my Orcad software...

[Melbeta]

KT315,
That image on the Sprint software, too much for my old eyes. I am old school. I take a scanned image, then I put my transfer images on top, rub them on. do the same thing with the traces too. Takes a while, but I have all the time in the world now I am retired. I make mine the old fashioned way. I plow my fields the old fashioned way. I harness my horse, and say "gid up". Well, not really, but I am old fashioned and old school. I have no smart phone. I possess nothing smarter them me. I am either smarter or I do not buy it.
Melbeta