$20 LCR ESR Transistor checker project

[Kenjutsu]

I bought the following tester from AliExpress: Mega328 M328 LCR-T4 ESR Meter LCR led Transistor Tester Diode Triode Capacitance MOS PNP/NPN

It looks like the same one Dave reviews in EEVblog #1020. My question is if it is worth it to flash the latest firmware, which I assume is in the mega328_MK-328 folder?

[madires]

T4 would be mega328_T3_T4_st7565 or mega328_T4_v2_st7565.

[Kenjutsu]

The listing says: LCR-T3 graphical multi-function tester LCD 12864 LCD display

but this instructable TransistorTester Firmware Flash With Arduino shows what looks to be the same as mine as a "mega328_GM328"

Is there a way to test which one I have, or should I just flash them until one works?  I will be using a USBAsp

[madires]

Madires I'd like to request including more than one Font and Symbol set or the ability to change the size, if its possible. With this feature a layout using big digits for Resistance, and Inductance along with small text for the other values like esr is possible

An additional font plus functions for displaying it and managing output would need several kB of flash memory. This would be feasible with an ATmega 644 or 1284. Modifying the current function for displaying characters to allow a double-sized output would increase the code slightly, but the large characters would look crude. And in cases of two resistors or diodes the width of the large font or double sized output could be too large to fit two values into one line. So we would need some control logic for this. I think I'd prefer the first solution (additional font). Is this feature something other users are interested in also?

[madires]

The listing says: LCR-T3 graphical multi-function tester LCD 12864 LCD display

but this instructable TransistorTester Firmware Flash With Arduino shows what looks to be the same as mine as a "mega328_GM328"

Is there a way to test which one I have, or should I just flash them until one works?  I will be using a USBAsp

That clone looks like a T4. As long as you don't screw up the fuse bits you can test all firmware images if you like.

[vivaT]

An additional font plus functions for displaying it and managing output would need several kB of flash memory. This would be feasible with an ATmega 644 or 1284.

I really hope other people will chime in on this topic
When the project is finalized it will go up on my github page as I'm sure others will find this a fun project to build.

It's using an ATMega644, building with extended IR protocol and enabled functions like PWM & frequency counter i get the following size result:

AVR Memory Usage
----------------
Device: atmega644

Program:   34152 bytes (52.1% Full)
(.text + .data + .bootloader)
Data:        246 bytes (6.0% Full)
(.data + .bss + .noinit)
EEPROM:      863 bytes (42.1% Full)
(.eeprom)

Is there enough overhead to use a second font?

[madires]

Yes, 30kB are more than sufficient.

[morgan_flint]

Hi, men!
I want to offer you the comparative table created by me on the most popular clones.
Look attentively whether I made a mistake or passed some moments?
Sorry, if my English translation is not absolutely good

Hello, indiman.

The comparative table is very interesting and helpful to choose among clones.

I'd suggest adding more info, as the characteristics of the "important" resistors, 2.5V reference and 5V regulator supplied with the kit.

For example, I have the following 3 clones (yes, I suffer from TEA ) and the characteristics are:

• M328Kit+TFT(AY-AT): resistors: 1% 2.5V; 5V regulator 7550A-1 (3%): ; 2.5V ref. TL431A (1%)
• M328Kit (I think this one is Hiland): resistors 0.1%; 5V regulator 7550-1 (8%): ; 2.5V ref. WS TL431AA (0.5%)
• Older Hiland M328 2*16 text display (not in your list): resistors 1%; 5V regulator 7550-H (2-3%): ; 2.5V ref. LM336 Z25 (1%)

The last one is this one. It also appears in the list in this post by 3roomlab who, apparently, also prepared a list some time ago.

After seeing your table, I've just ordered the Hiland M644 from Aliexpress (yes, my TEA is really bad!). I hope it's really a "hiland" (and not a clone of the clone) because, as you can see in the second one listed above, this manufacturer seems to use better components, and is one of the scarce chinese kit manufacturers that makes some kind of documentation for it's products (https://shop35395693.world.taobao.com/)

[indman]

Hi morgan_flint!
Thanks for a good review about my work.
Your notes really should be considered in more detail and some things can be added to the table.
But, if with a referensny source everything is rather clear, then on resistors and 5 volt regulator there are questions.
At different forums there were several messages that in the M328Kit set measuring resistors with the admission of 1% instead of 0.1% were enclosed.
Almost the same is observed with the regulator of 5 Volts. Chinese can use in set or ready goods anonymous chips or details with more poor quality. In that case it is possible to deceive future buyer with expectations?

[morgan_flint]

Of course, you're right, manufacturers can change the quality from one batch to another, so one kit might not be representative, but if some of us posting here can confirm a specific kit has good components, then it can be a clue.

As I said in my previous post, there are also cloners of cloners, which adds difficulty to the problem...

Anyway, it's interesting to know if the tolerances and precision are good because, as stated here in several posts, there are people willing to spend nearly as much as they spent in the kit to upgrade the resistors and regulator/references. Maybe it's better to spend $2-3 more in the kit rather than spending $10 afterward to improve these components

[chansw]

chansw,no, this photo will help you?

Hi indman, yes, that photo was very helpful, I was able to successfully upgrade the firmware to 1.13. As it turns out on my BSIDE ESR02 device, the header thru-holes were already present. They are V+, Gnd, Reset, SCLK, MISO, MOSI from top to bottom. In fact, I was able to program the unit without having to solder, I just inserted the header pins and applied moderate side-pressure using an elastic band to ensure a good connection, and wired up my USBASP device accordingly.

In my eagerness I neglected to backup the old 1.11 firmware, do you have a copy of the 1.11 hex and eep that you could send to me? I'd like to have it on-hand if I ever need to deal with a warranty issue.

Thank you, you have been super helpful!

[indman]

chansw , backup the old 1.11 firmware see https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/$20-lcr-esr-transistor-checker-project/msg1385661/#msg1385661 

The comparative table is very interesting and helpful to choose among clones.

I'd suggest adding more info, as the characteristics of the "important" resistors, 2.5V reference and 5V regulator supplied with the kit.

I updated the comparative table on clones and added information on 5V to the regulator and to referensny source 2.5V. I did not give exact marking of details as the Chinese vendors can use different marking and the name.

[chansw]

chansw , backup the old 1.11 firmware see https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/$20-lcr-esr-transistor-checker-project/msg1385661/#msg1385661 

Hi indman, I downloaded the firmware that you referenced, it doesn't seem to be the 1.11 that was shipped with the BSIDE ESR02. The original firmware had a startup screen showing the boot image version (1.11) at startup, this one doesn't. I wonder if this was custom or for another device?

If anyone has the BSIDE ESR02 1.11 firmware, could you please post? Thank you.

Jerry

[Andrey]

Greetings
Question on TС-1, on firmware 1.36m or 1.34m The generator does not work, there is no signal on Pin 2.
At 1.36m config_644.h - changed to PC2 -
/ *
* dedicated signal output via OC1B
* - don't change this!
* /
#define SIGNAL_PORT PORTC / * port data register * /
#define SIGNAL_DDR DDRC / * port data direction register * /
#define SIGNAL_OUT PC2 / * MCU's OC1B pin * /
No signal. What is wrong with the generator? Maybe somewhere that did not finish looking ...?
In TС-1 M644
I used buttons instead of an encoder on PD5, PD7
Which ports are better to connect additional buttons? How in Hiland M644 encoder on PB-5, PB7?
My files: config.h, config_644.h, Makefile...

[madires]

The TC-1 has a poor pin assignment but the ATmega324's PD4 (OC1B) is unused luckily. Changing the settings for the signal output doesn't work because the output is driven by an internal timer which has a fixed output pin (OC1B in this case). Add a resistor to PD4 to limit the current, change the signal port back to PD4, enable HW_FIXED_SIGNAL_OUTPUT in config.c and you'll have a signal output.

[Andrey]

Thanks for the quick response! Tell me please, dear madires what port for the frequency meter TC-1, PB0 ? Encoder can be connected to ports on PB-5, PB7?
Thanks.

[madires]

Yes, PB0 (T0) is the input for the frequency counter. The TC-1 doesn't drive the display's /CS, so PB7 (display's SCL) can be used just for the display. With a hardwired /CS anything on SCL will trigger the display to take in data, and a rotary encoder in parallel would screw up SCL. PB5 (display's D/C) and PB6 (display's SDA) could work.

[Andrey]

Thank!
Tester TC-1:
Generator output - PD-4 port
Frequency meter input - port PB-0
Encoder or buttons - ports PB-5 and PB-6
Checked, everything works. Firmware for TC-1, in Russian and English.
Sorry, the firmware is only for M644, in my TC-1 - M644 is installed. I turned on almost all features except the IR transmitter.

[Andbro]

Hi,

Where i can download the latest firmware in english for the TC1 ?

Thanks

[madires]

Do you mean the modified firmware which comes with the TC-1, the k-firmware or the m-firmware?

[Andbro]

Hello Madires,

My friend has burn is TC1 with a capacitor not discharged. The ATmega328p is dead. I'm looking for a firmware in replacement.
I have found a Markus 1.34 on Yadis. Does it is the lastest or newer is available with Makus or Karl Heinz?

Thanks Madires

Best regards

[Andrey]

The TС-1 tester has a M324 or M644 microcontroller, an M328 - I have not met. I made the firmware for M 324 without modifications for quartz 8 and 16 MHz, this is the first digit in the file name. You will need to flash U4, it is described in the subject earlier. I can not check the firmware because I do not have a microcontroller M324.
This is the latest version 1.36M

[Andbro]

Hi Andrey,

I don't know the TC1. It's possible to upgrade only the ATmega without to update the U4 ?

Thanks

[Andrey]

Can. But U4 will need to be replaced by the inclusion scheme from the respected madires - « Reply #4843 on: June 13, 2018, 06:14:52 am » https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/$20-lcr-esr-transistor-checker-project/msg1604254/#msg1604254   TC1-Mod.pdf

[madires]

Whoever manufactures the TC-1 has made some changes (control MCU U4) which are incompatible with k and m-firmware. For running one of the OSHW firmwares the changes need to be undone. One way is to reprogram U4 (https://github.com/atar-axis/tc1-u4), and the other way is to replace U4 by a small circuit (https://github.com/madires/Transistortester-Warehouse/blob/master/Hardware/TC1-Mod.kicad.tgz). The TC-1 also has a few issues with poorly chosen components, especially around the voltage booster for the Zener test. I'd recommend to replace MLCCs C11 and C1 with a 10 or 22µF low-ESR electrolytic rated for 100V.