$20 LCR ESR Transistor checker project

[madires]

Whether the LCD_OFFSET_X and LCD_START_Y commands work?

They aren't supported by the ST7735 driver.

[madires]

It is correct, but I have a task how to place the image without having spoiled appearance of a tester. It is possible to cut wider hole, never late to make it  It is possible to reduce resolution instead of 128x160 to make 124x156

Should be possible but you would have less characters per line and lines.

[madires]

I don't see the advantage of the ATmega644/1284 over the 2560.  If the ATmega2560 isn't enough, what processor would you suggest?

I was talking about the advantage over the 328  The ATmega2560 is a different beast. IIRC, the k-firmware supports it.

I couldn't get at the schematics for pighixxx's shield.  Was he using high voltage and hi res ADCs?  If not, I don't see the advantage.

No, it's compatible with the basic design.

The firmware changes for high voltage and external ADCs shouldn't be that hard, or porting it to an arduino sketch, I just don't have the temperament for SW.  I tend to smash keyboards and other offensive parts of the computer when I do.  If none of the software folks think the improvements are worthwhile, I probably won't bother building it.

The basic support of external ADCs and switching isn't the problem. Changing all measurements and checks to use the additional capabilities is the hard part.

If you really think it's a terrible idea that can't possibly be built for years to come, I'll delete my posts and go away....

It's not a bad idea. We simply don't have the resources to implement everything. So we focus on what can be achieved reasonably.

[oldswamm]

Sorry.  The hardware is quite easy.  I didn't realize using different voltages and resistor values, or increasing the resolution would require an unreasonable software upgrade.
I'm gone.

[rddube]

Well I have to admit that I really like the M version of the software. Madires, you have done an amazing job!! Thank you.

Do you want me to post the changes required for the tester in the photo so that if anyone else has the same model, they could compile the M version for it?

Many thanks again!

[madires]

You're welcome! And please post the changed settings. I'll add them to the Clones file.

[rddube]

Ok, if you own one of these testers, marked Electronics Studio on the back and would like to install the M firmware,  you have to make the following adjustments in the ST7565 section in the config_328.h file, copy attached:

/*
 *  ST7565R, SPI interface (bit-bang)
 *  - settings for Electronic Assembly EA DOGM/DOGL128-6
 *  - uses LCD_CS to support rotary encoder in parallel at PD2/3
 */


#define LCD_ST7565R
#define LCD_GRAPHIC                     /* monochrome graphic display */
#define LCD_SPI                         /* SPI interface */
#define LCD_PORT         PORTD          /* port data register */
#define LCD_DDR          DDRD           /* port data direction register */
#define LCD_RESET        PD0            /* port pin used for /RES (optional) */
#define LCD_A0           PD1            /* port pin used for A0 */
#define LCD_SCL          PD2            /* port pin used for SCL */
#define LCD_SI           PD3            /* port pin used for SI (LCD's data input) */
#define LCD_CS           PD5            /* port pin used for /CS1 (optional) */
#define LCD_DOTS_X       128            /* number of horizontal dots */
#define LCD_DOTS_Y       64             /* number of vertical dots */
#define LCD_START_Y      0              /* start line (0-63) */
#define LCD_CONTRAST     11             /* default contrast (0-63) */
#define FONT_8X8_VF                     /* 8x8 font, vertically aligned & flipped */
#define SYMBOLS_24X24_VFP               /* 24x24 symbols, vertically aligned & flipped */
#define SPI_BITBANG                     /* bit-bang SPI */
#define SPI_PORT         LCD_PORT       /* SPI port data register */
#define SPI_DDR          LCD_DDR        /* SPI port data direction register */
#define SPI_SCK          LCD_SCL        /* port pin used for SCK */
#define SPI_MOSI         LCD_SI         /* port pin used for MOSI */

I am also enclosing version 1.31M compiled versions of the .eep and .hex files in version1_31.zip file for your convenience.

[rddube]

Hello Madires,

This might sound like a dumb question, but how would I reverse the power on of the tester so that it starts in Hold mode, and if I press rapidly twice it would start in continuous probing mode?

EDIT: Oops, I think I found it. I just need to switch OP_AUTOHOLD with OP_CONTINOUS in main.c? Is that right?

[eemes]

This might sound like a dumb question, but how would I reverse the power on of the tester so that it starts in Hold mode, and if I press rapidly twice it would start in continuous probing mode?

I was also thinking the same, but it might be a reason to do it as it is done. I would opt for a compile-time option.

BTW: what do you find better in M-firmware compare to K-firmware?

[madires]

That's easy In main() in main.c there's a section 'operation mode selection'. Change the following lines:

Code: [Select]

  UI.OP_Mode = OP_CONTINOUS;            /* set default mode: continous */
...
  if (Test > 1) UI.OP_Mode = OP_AUTOHOLD;

to

Code: [Select]

  UI.OP_Mode = OP_AUTOHOLD;            /* set default mode: auto hold */
...
  if (Test > 1) UI.OP_Mode = OP_CONTINOUS;

BTW, a long key press (>300ms) activates the alternative mode.

[rddube]

This might sound like a dumb question, but how would I reverse the power on of the tester so that it starts in Hold mode, and if I press rapidly twice it would start in continuous probing mode?

I was also thinking the same, but it might be a reason to do it as it is done. I would opt for a compile-time option.

BTW: what do you find better in M-firmware compare to K-firmware?

For one thing, I was able to measure a 12pf capacitor with the M version, whereas the K version did not detect it. Also, I like the feel of the M version, it runs fast and smooth. I also like the K version, so I have 2 testers with one with M version and the other with K version. I find myself reaching out more on the M version when I need to use them.

[eemes]

Going for a walk before bed, I was thinking about the possibility to have both FW, and choose at start-up which to use.
The problem could be memory (probably not on 328), and name clashes ....
I have to think a bit more and maybe give a try when I'll find some time.

[rddube]

Hello Madires,

In ESR mode, is there any way I can set it to probe continuously instead of with a keypress?

Tks,

[dave356]

Someone (who is intimately familiar with all the units) needs to start a new thread with listings/links to which firmware goes with which units.

Show picture of which unit along with the firmware/revisions and a description of features in each firmware
and if any board/hardware upgrades are needed to run the specific firmware.  Updated as necessary with new releases.

Would make it easier than trying to read 180 pages to find descriptions and upgrades for the unit you have.

Maybe make it a "sticky" so as to have easy access to it.

Allow no discussions, only info for updates, so as to steer the discussion over to this thread.

Would make it soo much easier on us noobs.

Thoughts???

[timelessbeing]

There's no need to read 180 pages. Most of what a noob needs is in the repository (which has firmware for each model), and documentation. And I think that there is already enough information there to overwhelm.

I think what is more needed, is a FAQ or boiled down quick-start guide. There have already been posts made with a summary of the basics needed to get started. They just need to be "stickied".

[dave356]

That's a good example.

What and where is the REPOSITORY??

Most would not know what you are talking about unless they have read a good bit of the thread.

Then a lot would not know what to do with the info anyway.

[timelessbeing]

Most would not know what you are talking about unless they have read a good bit of the thread.

I know! The whole first five posts. 

[theleakydiode]

I personally think the information ITT is easier to read for layman's like me.

[madires]

In ESR mode, is there any way I can set it to probe continuously instead of with a keypress?

Maybe a timeout for TestKey() will to the trick. In extras.c in function ESR_Tool() there's

Code: [Select]

Test = TestKey(0, CURSOR_BLINK);    /* wait for user feedback */

The zero means 'no timeout', i.e. TestKey() waits until the user presses the test button. You could change the zero to 3000 (for 3000ms) for example. Be aware that you have to wait for the cursor to the exit the tool by two short key presses.

[madires]

Going for a walk before bed, I was thinking about the possibility to have both FW, and choose at start-up which to use.
The problem could be memory (probably not on 328), and name clashes ....
I have to think a bit more and maybe give a try when I'll find some time.

Should be feasible with an ATmega1284.

[madires]

Someone (who is intimately familiar with all the units) needs to start a new thread with listings/links to which firmware goes with which units.

Show picture of which unit along with the firmware/revisions and a description of features in each firmware
and if any board/hardware upgrades are needed to run the specific firmware.  Updated as necessary with new releases.

jakeisprobably is working on a FAQ/beginner's guide/overview thread, but I don't have any idea about the progress. Maybe he likes to chime in?

[Miwer]

Hi Guy's

I just purchased 2 of the AY-AT testers (1 kit, 1 assembled) and am going to install some better components.

  680ohm  0.1%
470kohm  0.1%
LM4040 2.5v ref
MCP1702 5v reg

Out of curiosity, where did you find the 680 Ohm and 470 Ohm 0.1% resistors? I can't find the exact values in 0.1% (digikey, mouser). 1% are easy to find in every value, but 0.1% are much harder

@robca - your profile doesn't state what part of the world you're from, but if anyone in Europe need these parts, they can all be purchased from reichelt.de in Germany:

Item + Item-no/link + price (at the time of writing):

680 ohm  0.1%   - MPR 680 - €0,31 (x3)
470 kohm  0.1% - MPR 470K - €0,37 (x3)
LM4040 2.5v ref - LM 4040 AIZ2,5 - €1,58
MCP1702 5v reg - MCP 1702-5002 - €0,65
16 MHz xtal        - 16,0000-HC49U-S - €0,23
Atmega 328P-PU - ATMEGA 328P-PU - €2,63

Total price: €7,13 (+ shipping)

Best regards,
Miwer

[fudmuffin]

(forum newbie alert  )

Hey all. I've recently built one of the M12864 DIY kits and I've run into a problem with flashing the latest firmware.

The firmware I have been trying is from https://www.mikrocontroller.net/svnbrowser/transistortester/Software/trunk/mega328_st7565_kit/ (which I believe is correct for the M12864 DIY kits)

When I turn the device on, I get nothing but seemingly random numbers scrolling quickly across the top of the screen, and the device is unresponsive. The display is very high-contrast but you should be able to make out the numbers in the attached pic to see what I'm talking about.

Has anyone seen these scrolling random numbers before? I figure if it is showing characters on the screen then it can't be too far off working.

The device worked with the firmware it came with (aliexpress), and also works with other older firmware that I have found e.g. from https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/$20-lcr-esr-transistor-checker-project/msg753902/#msg753902

The fuses I am setting are 0xf7 0xd9 0xfc, per guides in this thread. The programmer I have been using is MiniPro TL866A, and I've been using the pre-compiled firmware. I thought I should ask if anyone knows what the trouble is, before attempting next steps.

Thanks!

[timelessbeing]

When I turn the device on, I get nothing but seemingly random numbers scrolling quickly across the top of the screen, and the device is unresponsive.

That's new to me. Please post photos of your board without LCD.

M328 is inserted correctly?

Perhaps something to do with the rotary encoder. Try disconnecting it.

[mebel]

 I have managed to program the AY-AT clone for the first time with the k software and everything work fine.
I tried to program the m software too but there are some issues.
It doesnt want a capacitor to calibrate ony want to short probes.
The SELFTEST and ADJUSTMENT in the menu works the same - they run the calibration.
Capacitor measurement doesn,t work as it should, sometimes doesn,t detect, sometimes shows only capacitance and very rarely ESR.

I'm changing only those setting which are described in the "clones" file for the AY-AT.
What am I doing wrong?