I searched online for a suitable device to buy, and this one seemed like the best option:
eBay item: 221952423890 seller: kiss_buyer cost: 15.97 USD
Pros:- socketed ATMega328
- 128x64 backlit graphical display with support standoffs
- Rotary encoder
- Square wave gen, PWM, frequency counter
- 8Mhz external crystal oscillator
- Very reasonable price
- Top-rated eBay seller
Cons:- assembly required
- I don't see pads for programming the MCU in-place, which means I would need a socketed programmer like this one, right?
Did anybody else find any similar gems?
A number of us have built that one recently and been quite happy with it.
The main complaint has been that the optional case doesn't accommodate the ZIF socket provided with the PCB kit, and the socket provided with the case is sub par. I think the simplest solution I've seen posted is to stack one or two IC sockets to elevate the ZIF socket and then cut the case to accommodate it. I fitted the case with three 2mm banana sockets that I could use with test leads, or with a ZIF socket mounted on protoboard with banana plugs sticking out the bottom.
Also, some, including me, have seen corrupted characters, which is solved by flashing new firmware.
I think the lack of programming pins/pads is a bigger annoyance than it is with some of the other testers with a socketed MCU since the display is screwed down over it. I plan to bodge on some programming leads and expose a connection through the battery compartment so I can reprogram mine without having to disassemble the case and display