Simple Fencing Circuit Tester

Parts List :

Parts can be purchased at any local electronics/hardware store, or online at Mouser, Jameco, or Futurlec

1 - 9Volt battery

1 - 9Volt battery leader

1 - red LED

1 - green LED

1 - 1KOhm (or greater) resistor

3 - 4mm banana socket binding posts

(Optional)

2 - LED mounts

1 - 9V battery mount

1 - project box to hold it all (unless you are building it into your toolbox)

 * - some wire (if you don't want to squish the LED's and jacks very close together)

Tools :

wire cutters / flush cutters

soldering iron & solder/flux

drill & small/med. bits

mm-scale ruler

Build Instructions :

Test layout before any construction begins, posts often require >15mm depth for mounting!

Use Caution when soldering connections together!!

Begin by measuring for the placement of the central banana jack.  This will be the "B" line on the 3-prong connector.

Once marked, measure 15 millimeters to one side (for the "A" line) and 20 mm to the other (for the "C" line).

Take care to measure center-to-center so that your body cord will fit (having it on-hand is a useful reference as well).

Drill holes into your mounting surface, and lock the banana posts into place.

FOIL :  Ordinarily has B-C lines closed when weapon and body cord connected.

If weapon is functional, RED light glows.  Depress tip (or use weight) and light goes out (spring should return test weight and light goes back on).

To test lame connector (A Line), clip crocodile to blade or bell guard; green light will glow.

With all connections made, wiggle ends of body cord (both ends) to check for breaks/shorts (eg: lights go out).

EPEE:  A-B lines are open when weapon and cord are connected.

Depress tip (with finger or weight) and GREEN light glows, release and light goes out (return of weight).

When testing travel, insert small shim and depress tip with finger, no light should glow.

If RED light glows, you have a cold short between B and C lines, and weapon or cord will not work.