Multi component tester

[ardhuru]

Here's something I picked off ebay;

This guy can test most 2 / 3 lead components (transistors,triacs,thyristors,diodes, LEDs, resistors, caps...) AND identify their leads as well.



It helped me weed out all the bad mosfets I had in my junkbox, and identify the generic type of devices on which the markings had got erased.

Thought it would be useful to folks on the forum.

Regards,

Anand

[Demon]

Moved to FAQ and stickied cause this is a gem.

Robert

[ardhuru]

Thanks, Robert.

I was so impressed with this gadget I did some research, and found that this is based on an original design out in the public domain. The basic version has *very* simple hardware, Unfortunately, based on the *other* family of micros.

For anybody wanting to roll their own: http://translate.google.com/translat...Fpage_id%3D148

Regards,

Anand

[Archangel]

Hi Anand,
Well, you just sold one to me, I also just ordered an ESR tester a couple of days ago, had never really seen one before, seems it is for all practical purposes an A/C ohm meter, as it tests capacitors at 100kc. I will review it when the kit comes.
BTW, this tester you showed us is MUCH cheaper than the esr tester.

EDIT: 12/10/2014
This is the esr meter , I bought the kit:
http://www.mainelectronics.com/esrkit.htm

I assembled it last night . . . Works Great !

[ardhuru]

Glad!

Further probing reveals that the original design was by a guy called Marcus. Later, his design was improved upon by Karl, and he's keeping on adding features to it (including ESR, I think). The Chinese stuff on Ebay is pretty much based on that.

I put together a basic, minimalistic version of the original for a pal (minus the auto-switch off circuitry and the LCD, the data displayed on the LCD is also given out on the UART, can be monitored on the PC).

[Acetronics2]

got it ...

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Mega328-Trans...item27e2611688

Alain

[Archangel]

got it ...

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Mega328-Trans...item27e2611688

Alain

This seller is cheaper, no bidding: http://www.ebay.com/itm/271611840945...78.m2749.l2649

[Acetronics2]

Halas ...

Unfortunately, access to this particular item has been blocked due to legal restrictions in some countries

no joy ...

[ardhuru]

no joy ...

Not to worry. If you'd like to build one (a very basic version with text LCD), I can send you the firmware files. I programmed the ATMEGA8 using just a parallel cable and 4 resistors. In fact, you dont even need the LCD, you can connect it to a PC over a serial port.

Regards,

Anand

[Acetronics2]

Hi, Anand

Mine is on the way home ( from the link I gave ) ... but it ( no joy ) is not available for me from the Ebay page Archangel gave.

Alain