Are you being spied – A Simple Field Strength Indicator (field strength meter)

This project is a broadband field strength sensing probe that has a 15cm antenna. It is able to detect radio energy and read the output on a common multimeter millivolts scale. It can be used to test 4MHz, 35 MHz, 55 MHz, 100 MHz, 384 MHz, 900 MHz, cell phone, and microwave oven. The meter is powered from a single cell battery and the circuit draws 60uA of current.

RF Testing Spy
The hot melt glue that covers the circuit serves multiple purposes: It helps to keep
the temperature even among the three transistors (to minimize thermal drift), it protects
the components from physical damage, and it holds the battery holder on the board.

As I used this probe last nigh to determine if a 384 MHz oscillator was really working or not, I remembered email I received a while ago, asking how to make a field strength indicator without the microcontroller. Thus this page.  If you want the auto zero version, which is this circuit with an auto-zero integrated circuit, use the circuit shown on this page for details.
This broad band probe has a small antenna (about a 15 cm length of insulated wire). Radio Frequency energy coupled to the antenna is detected and made available to drive millivolt level signals to the input of a DVM (Digital Volt Meter). Its battery powered for convenience with very low current drain and automatic shutdown for long battery life.

rf detector schematic
You can use 2N2222’s for the transistors if you want.
The MPSH34 has two things going for it: low input
capacitance, and I have a lot of them on hand.

I’ve used the circuit shown below to check the output of transmitters at 4 MHz, 35 MHz, 55 MHz, 100 MHz, 384 MHz, 900 MHz, a cell phone, and a microwave oven. It really is broad band, and I am sure the response varies considerable with frequency. Since the collectors and emitters of the detector transistor are both at RF ground, choice of transistors isn’t all that critical.

A low base-collector capacitance will enhance the VHF and UHF sensitivity. All transistors should be of the same type and thermallly coupled to one-another to minimize thermal drift. The DC gain of the detector is about 25X (estimated by multiplying the voltage drop across the collector load by 38). Assembly is not critical and mine was built on punched fiberglass board without a ground plane. The 10k pot is a the offset adjustment. For more info please visit Are you being spied – A Simple Field Strength Indicator (field strength meter)


About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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