Build guide

Two Transistor Logic Probe

12×20 @ 2.54mm pitch · 10 components · 6 wires

1. Prepare

Verify component pinouts against each manufacturer’s datasheet before wiring. Label cut wires with their wire numbers; the same numbers follow them through every stage. Wire colors are written out for black-and-white printing. Custom colors can be named in the wire library.

Progress is saved on this browser for this board revision. Changes to the board or measurements start a new checklist. Printed diagrams are references, not life-size templates.

6 wires to prepare; 195mm total wire, including end allowances.

Parts List

8 unique parts

Ref DesPartValueManufacturerPart NumberQtyLink
J1Power Input (2-pin)——1—
J2Screw Terminal 2P (5.08mm)——1—
LED1LEDred——1Amazon
LED2LEDgreen——1Amazon
Q1NPN Transistor (TO-92)2N3904——1Amazon
Q2PNP Transistor (TO-92)2N3906——1—
R1, R4Resistor (axial)220——2Amazon
R2, R3Resistor (axial)10k——2Amazon

Links may include affiliate referrals.

2. Cut wires

Cutting quantities by color and length

6 wires · +5mm per end for lead-through

Cut#NetColorRouteCut LengthBends
6GNDBlackB18 → D548mm38mm (90°)
5GNDBlueD18 → I1628mm18mm (90°)
4VCCGreenK7 → E1648mm28mm (90°)
1RED_ARedE12 → D1213mm—
3VCCWhiteI7 → C530mm20mm (90°)
2PROBEYellowF9 → H428mm10mm (90°)

Total wire: 195mm (7.7in)

3. Bend wires

Use the straight-line ruler to mark bend points on the wire before bending. Use the bent shape as a visual reference while bending.

Bend ruler and shape for wire 1
Cut 13mm.
Bend ruler and shape for wire 2
Cut 28mm. Bend 90° up at 10mm.
Bend ruler and shape for wire 3
Cut 30mm. Bend 90° up at 20mm.
Bend ruler and shape for wire 4
Cut 48mm. Bend 90° left at 28mm.
Bend ruler and shape for wire 5
Cut 28mm. Bend 90° up at 18mm.
Bend ruler and shape for wire 6
Cut 48mm. Bend 90° right at 38mm.

4. Place wires

Component side. Select a wire to emphasize its route in its own color and highlight its endpoints. Wires follow number order, matching the bend guide and solder checklist.

W1 · E12D12
W2 · F9H4
W3 · I7C5
W4 · K7E16
W5 · D18I16
W6 · B18D5
W1 · E12D12W2 · F9H4W3 · I7C5W4 · K7E16W5 · D18I16W6 · B18D5

5. Solder connections

Bottom view: horizontally mirrored. Coordinate names still identify the same physical holes. Highlights mark wire endpoints; wire routes belong on the component side. Check each connection and the listed solder bridges.

Board is horizontally mirrored. Column A is on the right.

W1 · E12D12
W2 · F9H4
W3 · I7C5
W4 · K7E16
W5 · D18I16
W6 · B18D5
W1 · E12D12W2 · F9H4W3 · I7C5W4 · K7E16W5 · D18I16W6 · B18D5