Old way of doing continuity checks vs a breakout box

I used to spend like 20 minutes with a multimeter probing pins one by one on those 37-pin D-subs. Had to write down each reading on a scrap of paper. About 6 months ago I finally built a breakout box with LED indicators for around $60 in parts from Mouser. Now I can see a broken wire instantly when I plug it in, no probe needed. It cuts my troubleshooting time on old King radios down to maybe 5 minutes. Has anyone else made their own test jigs for bench work?

2 comments

2 Comments

claire9991mo ago

Changed my mind too - had the same revelation after building one.

uma_mitchell831mo ago

62 pins on mine, actually (a custom STC connector) and yeah @claire999 that LED trick saves so much headache. I taped a little diagram right on the box so I don't have to memorize the pinout anymore.