PICKINI V4 - an easy to build, self adjusting PI detector

[reptooyep]

A good idea would be to fix the dc value with two resistors in the middle (2,5v) and add a second resistor bridge with a push button to increase the dc value (with lower values).
This way, you have a simple button to increase sensibility..
I'll do it on next board.

[popka-ru]

A good idea would be to fix the dc value with two resistors in the middle (2,5v) and add a second resistor bridge with a push button to increase the dc value (with lower values).
This way, you have a simple button to increase sensibility..
I'll do it on next board.

it would be nice!

[JdaleH]

Anyone have a recommendation for a board house to get the official Eagle file produced?

[F117]

Anyone have a recommendation for a board house to get the official Eagle file produced?

I don't.
I print out the b/w layout http://users.telenet.be/willaert/MD/...ckini4_PCB.pdf on a transparent sheet - as used in an overhead projector (old technology ).
I then have the boards made and drilled by my local electronics shop.
The main advantage of this original layout - produced from the Eagle file - is that it contains no errors.

Probably some other people on this thread - Arionas? - have better/more professional layouts/boards

- Bernard

[F117]

A good idea would be to fix the dc value with two resistors in the middle (2,5v) and add a second resistor bridge with a push button to increase the dc value (with lower values).
This way, you have a simple button to increase sensibility..

This is indeed a simple way to switch between 2 settings of sensitivity.

However, the potentiometer is there to adjust sensitivity to continuously changing conditions in the field:
- electric fences
- high voltage lines
- nearby wifi routers
- ...

All these noise sources may create chatter at the audio output. In which case you turn the sensitivity down.

My personal experience is that I crank up the sensitivity only on a low tide beach - to be compared with a desert.

[Tim]

Anyone have a recommendation for a board house to get the official Eagle file produced?

I have used ALLPCB.com in China. Hammerhead boards were $US25 for 10 plus $US25 DHL or $14 HKPost.
They were Gerber files. Quizz them if they can do Eagle (I know they can't do LAY). Otherwise you may be able to convert them or convince one of the wonderful people here to convert for you.

[6666]

There is a mob called https://www.pcbway.com/ they offer a good deal, but I have never used them.

[waltr]

There is a mob called https://www.pcbway.com/ they offer a good deal, but I have never used them.

just had PCBs made by pcbway. See my thread "my take on the HH2 in the HammerHead 2 forum for picture of board.
5 3.3 x 7.5 inch PCBs plus E-packet shipping for $49 USD.

[rodrigo_mattia]

Dear Bernard,
Happy New year!

Pickini V4 has two modes Static and dynamic mode. I realize that static mode maybe is less sensitivity than dynamic. When I try pinpoint some target that beeps in dynamic, sometimes is not beep in static mode. Why this happens? There is some adjust for this situation?

Regards,

Rodrigo

[F117]

Happy new year and happy hunting in 2018 !

The sensitivity in static mode is indeed a little less than in dynamic mode to more accurately pinpoint the target.
Make sure that you keep the coil well away from the target - preferably in the air - and then press the pinpoint button.
The detector will then take the last readings before pressing the button as reference and not update these readings anymore while in pinpoint mode.

Best regards,
- Bernard

[popka-ru]

I think that this option of the button regulator can be used instead of a potentiometer. without any unnecessary controllers and chips. although the controller would take up less space 10 times. you need to try everything.


or Digital potentiometer X9C103S or ds1669

[Goaty]

I have just got my Pickini up and running (bare bones only - no case yet) and would like to thank Bernard for the work he has done in designing a great little detector project.

In-air tests so far indicate that the depth is good and should be more than adequate for my intended use as a fully waterproof snorkelling detector - the case is a work in progress at the moment.

The PC board was homemade using uv dry transfer film and etched with ferric chloride. It turned out pretty well considering I guessed the exposure time using very diffused sunlight and a paper laser print sprayed with coconut oil to make it translucent. Drilling the holes was, as usual, a PITA!!

The board was populated with a mixture of second-hand capacitors and most of the other components from China which were nearly all checked with a component tester before use - I'm still waiting for the BS170 to come but ended up using a salvaged surface mount version (marked as 702) with 'spider legs' attached. It looks odd but seems to work OK! Also, I used a 2N2222 in place of the BC549

Programming the PIC was rather stressful as I had not used the Pickit3 very much, and not for some years, but thanks to all the info here on the forum it was successful first try!

The coil is made from enamelled copper wire (recovered from a microwave oven transformer) wound around a flower pot as the former then wrapped with nylon fishing line, paper masking tape, packaging foam strips, pvc electrical tape then copper foil tape as a shield.

When first tested the detection distance was woeful until I discovered I had used a 1k resistor instead of a 1m across the LM318 (DUUUH!)

Anyway, I am more than happy with the whole thing.
Thanks again Bernard!

[waltr]

Sounds great. Any pictures?
Like to see DIY with available materials.

[Goaty]

"Sounds great. Any pictures?"

[dbanner]

Is that a surface mount transistor I see? That's hilarious. Nice job!