$20 LCR ESR Transistor checker project

[roli_bark]

It should be fairly simple to add color coding for the probe/pin numbers. Any more votes for that neat idea?

Nice idea.
But a more important question is whether there exists a 'config.h' (or other way to config a repository version) for the AY-AT and/or Fish full color kit ?

[madires]

I've started a text file with descriptions for the various clones:

Code: [Select]

DIY Kit "AY-AT"
- with ST7735 color LCD module
- provided by flywheelz@EEVBlog


LCD module:

#define LCD_ST7735_SPI
#define LCD_COLOR                       /* color graphic display */
#define LCD_PORT         PORTD          /* port data register */
#define LCD_DDR          DDRD           /* port data direction register */
#define LCD_RES          PD4            /* port pin used for /RESX */
#define LCD_CS           PD5            /* port pin used for /CSX (optional) */
#define LCD_DC           PD1            /* port pin used for D/CX */
#define LCD_SCL          PD2            /* port pin used for SCL */
#define LCD_SDA          PD3            /* port pin used for SDA */
#define LCD_DOTS_X       128            /* number of horizontal dots */
#define LCD_DOTS_Y       160            /* number of vertical dots */
#define LCD_FLIP_X                      /* enable horizontal flip */
//#define LCD_FLIP_Y                      /* enable vertical flip */
#define LCD_ROTATE                      /* switch X and Y (rotate by 90°) */
#define FONT_10X16_H                    /* 10x16 font, horizontally aligned */
#define SYMBOLS_24X24_H                 /* 24x24 symbols, horizontally aligned */


Rotary Encoder:

#define ENCODER_A        PD1       /* rotary encoder A signal */
#define ENCODER_B        PD3       /* rotary encoder B signal */

It already lists:
- DIY Kit "AY-AT"
- M12864 DIY Transistor Tester
- Chinese clone T3/T4

If you got any other clone, please send me your settings for the m-firmware.

[roli_bark]

I don't understand:
Is this text file in a preliminary stage of gathering info of various clone out there,
or already part of some config parameters section that exists somewhere in the repository ?
If so, where ?

[madires]

It's the first, just a list of required settings for some clones. It will be included in the next release.

[roli_bark]

Nice, great effort !

[hapless]

Color display does not bring any added value!

They do add some value if you are using color wires that clip to your device-under-test.  You get to know which pin is what easily.

It should be fairly simple to add color coding for the probe/pin numbers. Any more votes for that neat idea?

I don't see why not. It would be a plus to balance out the slow refresh. BTW, almost by accident found a video showing the difference between HW SPI and bitbanging just to show that the screen itself is not really as slow as it seems to be:

I've started a text file with descriptions for the various clones:

LOL, there goes my idea of a database. But something like this is long overdue, so I'm glad to see it anyway.

[roli_bark]

I see that the Chinese AY-AT kit provides additional functions besides its being an LCR meter:
For example measure Temp (with the DS18B20 sensor), IR Decoding, and may be more.

Are these implemented in the repository ?

[roli_bark]

It's the first, just a list of required settings for some clones. It will be included in the next release.

A wild wishful thinking: Any thoughts about a TFT 3.2" 240*320 Touch display option?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-2-inch-TFT-LCD-Display-Module-Touch-Panel-SD-Card-Cage-for-Arduino/171988190464?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131003132420%26meid%3D763d8e3cb52e42cb8ab583bb834faf22%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D271201097446

http://www.uctronics.com/download/lcd/3.2tft-(ssd1289).zip

[madires]

It should be fairly simple to add color coding for the probe/pin numbers. Any more votes for that neat idea?

I don't see why not. It would be a plus to balance out the slow refresh. BTW, almost by accident found a video showing the difference between HW SPI and bitbanging just to show that the screen itself is not really as slow as it seems to be:

Yep, that's one reason why the ATmega644/1284 circuit has the hardware SPI reserved for the display and additional SPI based options. A lot of thought went into a port pin plan supporting several variations, options and future extensions. One USART and the I2C (TWI) are also reserved.

[madires]

I see that the Chinese AY-AT kit provides additional functions besides its being an LCR meter:
For example measure Temp (with the DS18B20 sensor), IR Decoding, and may be more.

Are these implemented in the repository ?

The m-firmware has an IR decoder (requires a TSOP or similar IR receiver module) and supports following protocols:
  - JVC
  - Kaseikyo (aka Japanese Code, 48 bit)
  - Matsushita/Emerson
  - Motorola
  - NEC (standard & extended)
  - RC-5 (standard)
  - RC-6 (standard)
  - Samsung (32 bit Toshiba)
  - Sharp
  - Sony SIRC (12, 15 & 20 bit)

[madires]

A wild wishful thinking: Any thoughts about a TFT 3.2" 240*320 Touch display option?

The m-firmware already supports the ILI9341/9342, and the touch screen (ADS7843) is on the to-do list, but has to wait until I've finished my 644/1284 dev board, because we need some extra I/O pins.

[vinceroger]

Guys at the moment in using stj v2 firmware on my tester which is working fine and im gratefull for his time getting my tester and others working ,but as i have two of these testers is there anyone else who has made firmware for these that i can try this is the tester i have its 16 mhz.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2016-EZM328-GM328R-transistor-tester-ESR-frequency-meter-square-wave-genera-/331873741389?hash=item4d45376a4d:g:rrsAAOSwtJZXU~VA

[pepe10000]

Hi.

I have a LCR-T4 like this:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/$20-lcr-esr-transistor-checker-project/msg659867/#msg659867

I have compiled the latest version of the software (mega328_T3_T4_st7565 R690) using the "Programmers Notepad [WinAVR]" and the option #CFLAGS + = -DPULLUP_DISABLE and works really well.

I read that in this variant Chinese can not use the frequency meter incompatibility with the screen.

¿ How I can compile the firmware without the option "Frequency meter" in the menú ?.

Thanks and regards.

[roli_bark]

The m-firmware has an IR decoder (requires a TSOP or similar IR receiver module) and supports following

Thanks for IR update.
- Is there a config parameter that enables/disables the IR decoder functionality ?
- Also, is there any readme file that describes the various variants in the k-firmware dir ("trunk") - e.g.:
arduino_m2560
arduino_uno
default
dep
ILI9163
mega168_1.9V
mega168_3.3V
mega168_strip_grid
mega328
mega328_1.9V
mega328_2X16_menu
mega328_3.3V
mega328_color_kit
mega328_dogm
mega328_fish8840
mega328_fish8840_OC
mega328_GM328
mega328_PCF8812
mega328_PCF8814
mega328_ssd1306I2C
mega328_ssd1306SPI
mega328_st7108
mega328_st7565
mega328_st7565_kit
mega328_st7920
mega328_strip_grid
mega328_strip_grid_dogm
mega328_T3_T4_st7565
mega328_T5_st7565
mega328_wei_st7565
mega644_LCD2004
mega644_ssd1306I2C
mega8
ST7735

[madires]

AFAIK, you can't disable the frequency counter in the k-firmware when you've enabled the menu. The only way would be to change function_menu.c.

[madires]

Thanks for IR update.
- Is there a config parameter that enables/disables the IR decoder functionality ?
- Also, is there any readme file that describes the various variants in the m-firmware dir ("trunk") - e.g.:

To enable the IR decoder in the m-firmware edit config.h (uncomment "#define SW_IR_RECEIVER"). A few posts ago I've mentioned, that the next release wil include a text file with a list of settings for different clones. At the moment it includes only three clones. Since I don't buy every new clone, I'll need your help to add other clones too. If someone got a clone and is running the m-firmware, please send me your settings.

[pepe10000]

AFAIK, you can't disable the frequency counter in the k-firmware when you've enabled the menu. The only way would be to change function_menu.c.

This is beyond my limited knowledge.

Better leave it alone and just do not use that function.

Thank you very much and greetings.

[roli_bark]

...A few posts ago I've mentioned, that the next release wil include a text file with a list of settings for different clones. At the moment it includes only three clones. Since I don't buy every new clone, I'll need your help to add other clones too. If someone got a clone and is running the m-firmware, please send me your settings.

Thanks for the heads up.
My question was more on a need for a readme file for the variants in the k-firmware dir ("trunk").

[TheBay]

MK-328 Has just arrived with me from China,

Really impressed with this so far, identified a load of ancient transistors and such. I ordered it with the additional PCB with ZIF socket, best of both worlds with leads and a socket.

Firmware states 1.12k but doesn't give actual version, have ordered a 16MHz crystal to fit to it, might fit a rotary encoder but not sure yet.

Just wondering what the correct latest firmware for this model is and whether it's worth fitting the 16MHz crystal.

[stj]

anybody with an AY-AT kit, may be interested in what i just found.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182242949338

 

[madires]

MK-328 Has just arrived with me from China,

Really impressed with this so far, identified a load of ancient transistors and such. I ordered it with the additional PCB with ZIF socket, best of both worlds with leads and a socket.

Firmware states 1.12k but doesn't give actual version, have ordered a 16MHz crystal to fit to it, might fit a rotary encoder but not sure yet.

Just wondering what the correct latest firmware for this model is and whether it's worth fitting the 16MHz crystal.

1.12k is the latest version, but I assume you mean the revision You can find the latest revision at https://github.com/svn2github/transistortester/tree/master/Software/trunk . The 16MHz crystal helps with the capacitance and inductance measurements, any frequency stuff and color displays. And if like to try a 20MHz crystal, there's the m-firmware.

[TheBay]

MK-328 Has just arrived with me from China,

Really impressed with this so far, identified a load of ancient transistors and such. I ordered it with the additional PCB with ZIF socket, best of both worlds with leads and a socket.

Firmware states 1.12k but doesn't give actual version, have ordered a 16MHz crystal to fit to it, might fit a rotary encoder but not sure yet.

Just wondering what the correct latest firmware for this model is and whether it's worth fitting the 16MHz crystal.

1.12k is the latest version, but I assume you mean the revision You can find the latest revision at https://github.com/svn2github/transistortester/tree/master/Software/trunk . The 16MHz crystal helps with the capacitance and inductance measurements, any frequency stuff and color displays. And if like to try a 20MHz crystal, there's the m-firmware.

Thanks for the reply

Yeah it doesn't state the revision, ah 20MHz sounds interesting will have a look for one and also the M-Firmware, I only have 25MHz crystals here at the moment so ordered a 16MHz, will get a 20MHz in too.
With the calibration, does it have to be 100nf or anything above? just looking for a cap here with 5-10% tolerance.

[roli_bark]

anybody with an AY-AT kit, may be interested in what i just found.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182242949338

 

Nice. But the 9v battery looks like it's lying loose beneath...

[Pukker]

anybody with an AY-AT kit, may be interested in what i just found.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182242949338

 

Yes, ordered that one and it looks nice.
one problem the handle of the zif-socket isn't accessible when it is closed,
also you can't use the SMD pads.
So I made an cut out in the case at the top where the SMD pad is and
also in het richt panel. Than it is OK.
BTW perfect fitting of het parts and looks nice.
I use an AC adapter, so the battery is no problem for me.
Connector for AC adapter fits perfect.

[flywheelz]

anybody with an AY-AT kit, may be interested in what i just found.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182242949338

 

Yes, ordered that one and it looks nice.
one problem the handle of the zif-socket isn't accessible when it is closed,
also you can't use the SMD pads.
So I made an cut out in the case at the top where the SMD pad is and
also in het richt panel. Than it is OK.
BTW perfect fitting of het parts and looks nice.
I use an AC adapter, so the battery is no problem for me.
Connector for AC adapter fits perfect.

Nicely done!

What did you use to get a nice cut?