$20 LCR ESR Transistor checker project

[hansibull]

Color? What?

Yep, color LCDs have been supported since software version 1.19! It looks like a really decent tester for ~43$.

Code: [Select]

v1.22m 2016-03
- Added opto coupler check with display of the LED's V_f, the CTR and t_on/
  t_off delays (BJT types). 

v1.21m 2016-01
- Licensed under the EUPL V.1.1
- Improved storage managment of adjustment values and added support for
  two adjustment profiles.
- Added detection and decoding of RC-6 to IR detector. Solved issue with
  test button when the IR receiver module is removed too early. Added
  configuration switch to disable current limiting resistor for Vs in case
  of a 5V only IR receiver module.

v1.20m 2015-12
- Added IR RC detector and decoder function (requires TSOP IR receiver
  module).
- Changed MainMenu() to reduce RAM usage.

v1.19m 2015-11
- Implemented a fancy pinout displaying symbols and probe numbers for 3 pin
  semiconductors.
- Added color support.
- Changed ShowDiode() to output the number of diodes directy (not via
  Show_Fail() anymore) when more than 3 diodes are found (hint by
  hapless@eevblog).
- Extended LCD_ClearLine() in all display drivers to clear the remaining
  space of the current line to speed up things, especially for graphic
  displays The idea is to display the text first and then to clear the
  remaining space, instead of clearing the complete line and then printing the
  text.
- Added display driver for ILI9341/ILI9342 based modules. Thanks to
  Overtuner @ EEVblog forum for providing two LCD modules.
- Fixed problem with µ/micro character in font files.
- Fixed character issue (when larger than 8x8) in LCD_Char() for ST7565R.
- Updated Czech texts, thanks to Kapa.
- Fixed a minor issue in MenuTool(), when rolling over from last to first
  item.

[timofonic]

Color? What?

Yep, color LCDs have been supported since software version 1.19! It looks like a really decent tester for ~43$.

Code: [Select]

v1.22m 2016-03
- Added opto coupler check with display of the LED's V_f, the CTR and t_on/
  t_off delays (BJT types). 

v1.21m 2016-01
- Licensed under the EUPL V.1.1
- Improved storage managment of adjustment values and added support for
  two adjustment profiles.
- Added detection and decoding of RC-6 to IR detector. Solved issue with
  test button when the IR receiver module is removed too early. Added
  configuration switch to disable current limiting resistor for Vs in case
  of a 5V only IR receiver module.

v1.20m 2015-12
- Added IR RC detector and decoder function (requires TSOP IR receiver
  module).
- Changed MainMenu() to reduce RAM usage.

v1.19m 2015-11
- Implemented a fancy pinout displaying symbols and probe numbers for 3 pin
  semiconductors.
- Added color support.
- Changed ShowDiode() to output the number of diodes directy (not via
  Show_Fail() anymore) when more than 3 diodes are found (hint by
  hapless@eevblog).
- Extended LCD_ClearLine() in all display drivers to clear the remaining
  space of the current line to speed up things, especially for graphic
  displays The idea is to display the text first and then to clear the
  remaining space, instead of clearing the complete line and then printing the
  text.
- Added display driver for ILI9341/ILI9342 based modules. Thanks to
  Overtuner @ EEVblog forum for providing two LCD modules.
- Fixed problem with µ/micro character in font files.
- Fixed character issue (when larger than 8x8) in LCD_Char() for ST7565R.
- Updated Czech texts, thanks to Kapa.
- Fixed a minor issue in MenuTool(), when rolling over from last to first
  item.

What color displays are supported at this moment?

[madires]

What color displays are supported at this moment?

The m-firmware supports ILI9341/ILI9342 color displays, and the source framework allows to add other displays easily.

BTW, the next release will have:
- user-defined data lines for HD44780
- user-defined resistor divider for battery voltage measurement
- output of If for opto couplers
- serveral changes to add support for ATmega664/1284

Currently I'm trying to cope with KiCad

[hansibull]

What color displays are supported at this moment?

The m-firmware supports ILI9341/ILI9342 color displays, and the source framework allows to add other displays easily.

BTW, the next release will have:
- user-defined data lines for HD44780
- user-defined resistor divider for battery voltage measurement
- output of If for opto couplers
- serveral changes to add support for ATmega664/1284

Currently I'm trying to cope with KiCad

While your at it, please add support for the ATmega32 and ATmega324 as well. The ATmega324 are almost identical to the ATmega328p, except more IOs. The ATmega32 (Dirt cheap at Ebay or Ali) is just an older model of the 324 with 4 instead of 6 PWM pins

[timofonic]

What color displays are supported at this moment?

The m-firmware supports ILI9341/ILI9342 color displays, and the source framework allows to add other displays easily.

BTW, the next release will have:
- user-defined data lines for HD44780
- user-defined resistor divider for battery voltage measurement
- output of If for opto couplers
- serveral changes to add support for ATmega664/1284

Currently I'm trying to cope with KiCad

Are u
You going to release the project files in kicad KiCad? You're my hero!

There's kicad-users mailing list. If you wish some features and/or want to discuss them and even submit patches, there's kicad-developers mailing list too. You can ask developers at #kicad at irc.freenode.net by using freenode webchat or any IRC client. There's http://kicad.info forums too.

I'm not sure if there's a German KiCad community z maybe there are some linked in kicad-pcb.org top. I'd you want to make one, I'm sure they'll assist you at that (I think there's German KiCad users and developers too).

KiCad needs more developers and is far from perfect, but it's an active project with a supportive community. And unlike other EDA tools, it's FOSS and actively developed too

[madires]

While your at it, please add support for the ATmega32 and ATmega324 as well. The ATmega324 are almost identical to the ATmega328p, except more IOs. The ATmega32 (Dirt cheap at Ebay or Ali) is just an older model of the 324 with 4 instead of 6 PWM pins

The ATmega324 shouldn't be any problem since it's part of the ATmega664/1284 line, just less flash/RAM/EEPROM. The ATmega32 is a little bit different, e.g. no 1.1V bandgap reference. I can't promise anything but I'll have a look into the ATmega32.

[madires]

Are you going to release the project files in KiCad?

Seems so The dev board for the ATmega644/1284 is a tad too large for Eagle Freeware and I'm quite hesitant to buy a Make Personal license. Eagle has screwed up the printing in Linux (enforcing cups) and wasn't interested in fixing it. It also lacks some features I would expect from a commercial tool. So I'm getting used to KiCad. The UI is inconsistent, the workflow could be more convenient, the lib handling (paths, which lib to use) is , the signal names for busses are very constrained, but it has some nice ideas and features.

[timofonic]

Are you going to release the project files in KiCad?

Seems so The dev board for the ATmega644/1284 is a tad too large for Eagle Freeware and I'm quite hesitant to buy a Make Personal license. Eagle has screwed up the printing in Linux (enforcing cups) and wasn't interested in fixing it. It also lacks some features I would expect from a commercial tool. So I'm getting used to KiCad. The UI is inconsistent, the workflow could be more convenient, the lib handling (paths, which lib to use) is , the signal names for busses are very constrained, but it has some nice ideas and features.

It would be amazing if you provide some kind of technical report/Review-review of KiCad based on your experience.

Chris Palvina is interested in UI(X) improvements and is doing some changes, for example.

[Willem52]

Has someone already tested (or seen) this Component Tester?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2016-DIY-Transistor-Tester-LCR-Capacitance-ESR-meter-Frequency-PWM-Generator-/191869802386
It is available as Kit or already assembled version.

[micro88]

The ebay page mentions

This item is DIY kits ,need solder it by yourself
The english manual ,pls contact us , send to your email , thanks

So looks like it is a kit to be assembled.

[bitseeker]

That looks pretty nice as far as having the various connectors, rotary encoder, and color display. Unfortunately, they don't provide a photo of the unassembled PCB to see what else it has. Good price too.

[bitseeker]

Note that if you don't want to put it together, the following seller appears to offer the option of a fully assembled unit. Just select it from the drop down list labeled "Model", above the Quantity field.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2016-TFT-GM328-Transistor-Tester-Diode-LCR-ESR-meter-PWM-Square-wave-Generator-/252405848389

[Willem52]

There are different sellers on Ebay and AliExpress who have DIY and / or assembled ones.

It has some protection components too (P6KE6V8A and SRV05-4), like my 2015 EZM tester also has).

A picture I found:

[bitseeker]

Thanks for finding that pic. That looks like a nice model to get. I already have an earlier version, but this is very tempting.

[Radio Tech]

I have one that is almost like that one.  It came from Banggood.com as a kit.

Here is a thread on my site about it.
http://gokarters.com/smf/index.php?topic=2494.0

This unit has always worked well until recently.  There is a strange character on the display. It shows up in random locations so don't think it is a display problem?
Not sure if it is software related or what could be causing it.  I am not comfortable trying to read the 328. I do have the hardware to do it.

[Willem52]

That banggood device does not have the protection components and
uses another LCD screen. The one I mentioned has a 160x128 pixel color display.

[mauroh]

To Radio Tech:

I have the same devise and had the same problem.
On my unit the Atmega328 was locked and I fix the issue reprogramming it with this specific firmware.

https://www.mikrocontroller.net/svnbrowser/transistortester/Software/trunk/mega328_st7565_kit/

Mauro

[Radio Tech]

To Radio Tech:

I have the same devise and had the same problem.
On my unit the Atmega328 was locked and I fix the issue reprogramming it with this specific firmware.

https://www.mikrocontroller.net/svnbrowser/transistortester/Software/trunk/mega328_st7565_kit/

Mauro

Thank you very much Mauro. 
As I was thinking the files were corrupt or something. I have never put the board in a case and may have set it on something.
Now I have to learn how to program it since you directed me to the files.  I have the hardware.

[mauroh]

You have several option and maybe you already have one of this on hand:
- Arduino as ICSP
- USBasp
- TL866 or some other stand-alone programmer
- BusPirate
.....

It should be nice to extend this list and to include the instruction on how to use each alternative

Mauro

[Radio Tech]

You have several option and maybe you already have one of this on hand:
- Arduino as ICSP
- USBasp
- TL866 or some other stand-alone programmer
- BusPirate
.....

It should be nice to extend this list and to include the instruction on how to use each alternative

Mauro

I have 2 of the - USBasp  devices. One is a plain-Jane model and the other has jumpers on it.
About as far as I ever got was to flash a LED on a bread board but even then was quite a while ago.  Really need to get up to date on this stuff.
Thanks again for the direction.

[mauroh]

If you search for Usbasp in this thread you will find several messages from tom666.
He wrote several times how to use the usbasp to update this Transistor Tester, with all links to the software and the exact command to use.

If you will search on my posts you will find some pictures on how to wireup the ICSP connector on your tester

Mauro

[Radio Tech]

Thank you. Will give them both a search.

[mauroh]

I found the posts:

tom666 USBasp
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/$20-lcr-esr-transistor-checker-project/msg810893/#msg810893


tom666 Arduino
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/lcr-t4-mtester-v2-07-lcr-meter-black-block-issue/msg879842/#msg879842

my message with the ICSP connector on the banggood tester
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/$20-lcr-esr-transistor-checker-project/msg854124/#msg854124

my tester in the case
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/$20-lcr-esr-transistor-checker-project/?action=dlattach;attach=202981

Mauro

[Radio Tech]

Links take me to sub forums and not the post.
I will search in thread later tonight after work " .


EDIT>>>>Found them

[mauroh]

Yes, unfortunately the char $ ends the link and you need to copy/paste the entire string to get the correct link

Mauro