Recently, customers have reached out to us with questions about testing their FlexZappicator to make sure it’s working properly. Unfortunately, a YouTube video has been circulating that shows a misleading way to do this using a multimeter.
THE PROBLEM
The problem with this method is that it doesn’t actually measure the FlexZappicator’s output. Even if you unplug the FlexZappicator and take it out of the room, the multimeter will still show a frequency reading. What’s really happening is that the multimeter is picking up the Zapper’s own signal, which is bleeding onto the ground line due to the way the multimeter works, as well as the positive offset of the AutoZap 5’s waveform.
So, how can you really test your FlexZappicator and make sure the AutoZap 5’s signal is being transmitted correctly?
WHAT YOU NEED
You’ll need two things:
1. An AM antenna or a ferrite bar wrapped with wire
2. An oscilloscope (a device that measures electrical signals)
HERE’S WHAT TO DO
1. Connect the antenna coil to the oscilloscope probe.
2. Connect the FlexZappicator to the AutoZap 5.
3. Turn on the AutoZap 5 in either “green” or “flashing green” mode.
Now, hold the ferrite antenna near the FlexZappicator. The oscilloscope will show the waveform induced into the coil. If you move the antenna away from the FlexZappicator, the signal will get weaker. If you hold the antenna perpendicular to the magnetic field coming from the FlexZappicator, the signal will be stronger and clearer.
To confirm that the waveform on the oscilloscope matches the AutoZap 5’s output, compare it to the original signal on the oscilloscope. When you turn off the AutoZap 5, the signal will disappear, which is what we’d expect.
We hope this helps,
Best Zapper Support
