I'm running the MK-328 tester (atmega328p) and just upgraded to the 1.40m firmware. It seems to be working fine for most things, except it won't properly detect these TRIACS I have. They're model BTA16-800BW (datasheet), and it shows them as being a ~60ohm resistor between the Gate and M1 regardless of how the leads are connected.
What are important differences between MK-328 and LCR-TC1 testers?
They are similar price on ebay or Ali.
The problem I have with the cheap $20 checkers is REPEATABILITY and RELIABILITY of results.
For example, an electro cap may read a certain value (or esr) on first check .... remove it ... short it to discharge ... repeat the check ... and wham ... readings are anywhere from either slightly different to very different.
How do I "upgrade" the same $20 checker for better (more RELIABLE and REPEATABLE) performance?
The problem I have with the cheap $20 checkers is REPEATABILITY and RELIABILITY of results.
For example, an electro cap may read a certain value (or esr) on first check .... remove it ... short it to discharge ... repeat the check ... and wham ... readings are anywhere from either slightly different to very different.
It should be clear that the Transistortester isn't a precision instrument, but it can be quite accurate. Most problems are caused by a cheap power supply circuitry.
BTW, you don't need to remove the cap for discharging between probing cycles. Just keep it inserted. But make sure it's discharged before inserting.How do I "upgrade" the same $20 checker for better (more RELIABLE and REPEATABLE) performance?
MCP1702/MCP1703 and remove the TL431. Don't forget to run the self-adjustment.
You mean replace the TL431 with MCP1702/03?
About the PSU ... I assume 9v (which is the default for my tester, via the battery jack) is okay??? If not, please make specific suggestions. For example, a 9v ac/dc wall-wart adapter --- but with extra filtration and/or better regulation.
Let's say that our goal is create a $30 meter that can match, say, the BK 879B --- Is this possible?
I just checked what I have .... it's an "MTester" ...
Not really. It only mitigates the problem for caps up to about 2200µF.
No, the Transistortester isn't an LCR meter which typically uses an AC test signal. Completely different measurement method.
No, the Transistortester isn't an LCR meter which typically uses an AC test signal. Completely different measurement method.Are you sure?
I'm referring to tester shown in my photos (MTester). It can test L, C, R, ESR, as well as semiconductors (trans, diodes).
It does test using high-freq AC sweep.
That doesn't make it an LCR meter.
That doesn't make it an LCR meter.Your comments are CONFUSING .... to say the least!!
Please note the title of this thread. See the "LCR" ?
I would buy it if you said that the BK unit is a better, more reliable implementation of supporting metrology. But note the original goal of the $20 LCR ESR Transistor checker project was to bring formally expensive-to-do measurements (e.g. BK or Peak tools, and all their functionality ) down to a bare-bones price.
Your comments are CONFUSING .... to say the least!!
Your comments are CONFUSING .... to say the least!!This absolutely does not bother those people who constantly follow this topic and have carefully studied all the documentation, kindly and gratuitously provided by the authors of the project. Many thanks to them for this great work!
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First of all, this project is Transistor checker project ! LCR measurement is bonus functions that the authors were able to implement based on the capabilities and limitations of the simplified circuitry of this device. They do not claim metrological accuracy! You should always remember this and do not try to put specialized professional LCR meters and this project on the same scales.
We are now dancing around the definition of functionality. The $20 meter measures L, C and R so by some definition it is an LCR meter.
No, the Transistortester isn't an LCR meter which typically uses an AC test signal. Completely different measurement method.Are you sure? I'm referring to tester shown in my photos (MTester). It can test L, C, R, ESR, as well as semiconductors (trans, diodes).
But I am putting " this project on the same scales." And, thus, your reply is a complete FAIL!!!
Are you sure? I'm referring to tester shown in my photos (MTester). It can test L, C, R, ESR, as well as semiconductors (trans, diodes).
This manner of communication reminds me very much of one "gentleman" Stan21, doesn't it?
This manner of communication reminds me very much of one "gentleman" Stan21, doesn't it?Exactly what I was thinking. I marvel at how skilled some people are at making complete jack-asses of themselves. It requires a stupendous lack of self reflection.
This manner of communication reminds me very much of one "gentleman" Stan21, doesn't it?Exactly what I was thinking. I marvel at how skilled some people are at making complete jack-asses of themselves. It requires a stupendous lack of self reflection.The WHACKY responses to y'alls lazy AF replies are exactly what you DESERVE. I openly admitted I don't know exactly how the MTester works. And asked some legitimate questions....e.g., a brief overview of how the MTester works (compared to a formal LCR meter, like BK)
But what I got instead was the typical dismissals or smarty-pants lazy AF responses -- all typical of sciency forums.
KEEP IN MIND A COUPLE O' 'PORTANT FACTS-O-LIFE:
Y'all have spent over 260 pages on a friggin' $7 tester
Some of you claimed the MTester is NOT an LCR meter (despite the title of this thread, one of you actually said this )
So ... I'm still waiting for a few words -- or a hyperlink -- on how the "$20 LCR ESR Transistor checker" works. That's not that big of an ask, exp. given the size and messiness of this thread.
So ... I'm still waiting for a few words -- or a hyperlink -- on how the "$20 LCR ESR Transistor checker" works. That's not that big of an ask, exp. given the size and messiness of this thread.
... if you can read.