For diagnosing bad tree light strings.
I just bought a new fake prelit tree. Got home and set it up and one string of lights are out. Checked every stinkin’ bulb and changed the string’s fuses. Still out.
So’s I call the store and they send out their “Tree Specialist.” He comes out and tries that red plastic light string fixer, no luck.
Then he pulls out this Buzz Box. Only labeled, “Model SF102.” Hook’s up the string to it and he waves it around and grabs a bulb. A certain bulb. Takes it out and changes it. String works.
This Buzz Box supposedly makes a noise, or causes a noise to come from the bad light. He tells me it’s not UL rated and therefore, not availabe for market.
Anyone ever hear of this? I see some patent info on google about it. But no source.
Replies
I don't know anything about christmas lights or light testers but your post interested me so I did a search and was also unable to find the SF102 that you mentioned.
However I may have found some products that describe what it was.
While searching, I found what was called a "Short Finder" that is used to trace wires in automobiles and circuit boards, in fact one was listed as a model SF100. They seem to work as you describe: hook up the light string and follow the cord till it buzzes to find the short in the circuit.
What is the red plastic light string fixer?
http://www.lightkeeperpro.com/
MODEL SF102
Thank you for posting some info about this item, I've been trying to find out houw this thing works and from what i can see, all comonents in it are very simple to find. Trying to find out I can use some part to step down voltage from 220v P.I.D to 110v exhaust fan for a powder coating oven.
Do you have closer pictures? Not sure if that clear object is a relay or switch. Also do you know what the wand looks like? Thank you
Matt
I was wondering if you had closer pictures of the switch, or is that a relay at the bottom? Also what does the wand look like? I am interested in how well this product works before buying/ building this as I collect broken lights to fix.
Thank you
Matt