How to Build a Dip Meter

Install the components onto the detector circuit board. Solder leads to the foil and cut off the excess lead lengths. The kit may recommend that the components be added to the board in a specific order. The transistor-location tab should be lined up with the location-tab outline on the board. The coating from the disc capacitors should be fully removed prior to installation. Install the components on the oscillator circuit board.

Assemble the chassis.

Cut the wires to the correct length and remove a quarter-inch of insulation from the end of each wire. Twist the bare ends to keep the strands together and add a bit of solder. Connect the wires to the appropriate lugs on the chassis. Mount the phone jack onto the chassis. Connect the opposite ends of the wires to the appropriate components, such as the battery connector and the dial knob.

Assemble the top panel. Place the top panel over the coil socket of the rear panel and ease the top and bottom panels together while being careful not to catch any wires in the seam. You may find the assembly to be a tight fit, but if you take it a step at a time, you can work the two panels together without damaging other components. Additional connections will need to be made as you slide the two panels together.

Test the dip meter before placing the oscillator circuit board into the chassis. Correct any problems. After the unit is working correctly, remove the coil and the battery. When you are confident that the dip meter is working properly, install the oscillator into the chassis.

Assemble the side panels; this includes installing the battery. Make your final adjustments, including the trimmer adjustment. Calibrate the dip meter with a known radio frequency. Finish the final assembly by securing the right and left panels onto the top and bottom panels.