$20 LCR ESR Transistor checker project

[Aldo22]

I think the slightly more expensive here could be "genuine".
The version called "English Language" (DIP), not the "New English Version".
It's hard to tell with the versions with a case.

[LeWidget]

Thanks for the info . Q: what does DIP mean ?

[Aldo22]

Thanks for the info . Q: what does DIP mean ?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_in-line_package

[Messtechniker]

Your best bet is to look for an DIP ATmega or to build a tester yourself.

Prefably socketed in case you fry your chip with a charged capacitor.

[TA2AWX]

Now, this is an interesting video, I timestamped it to the point about counterfeits, but the whole thing is a good watch.

https://youtu.be/wjEI6d8MEJE?si=YFvrNjc8KSCe9m3H&t=546

[madires]

Interestingly, TheElectroBench said in his video that later versions of the LCR-TC2 support around 15 IR RC protocols. What a coincidence! It would be nice if the Chinese clone manufacturers would adhere to the m-firmware's open source license.

[morgan_flint]

I think the slightly more expensive here could be "genuine".
The version called "English Language" (DIP), not the "New English Version".
It's hard to tell with the versions with a case.

As I said here, I also bought one of these in the "New English Version" with the MCU in TQFP-32 package; I've checked the pinout according to madires' tips here and it seems to be a genuine Atmega. The ICSP pads also go to the correct pins according to ATmega328p's pinout.

Still haven't tried to read the FW, though.

[Ariamella]

Is there a version of this with an STM32 chip or something along those lines? STM32 MCUs are significantly cheaper nowadays...

[madires]

The Transistortester needs a 5V MCU to keep the circuit simple.

[Lazarus42]

Hey everyone, how's stuff?
Well, an LCR-T4 ESR has just arrived. After much trolling around I plumped for the  one in the photos.
As a bit of a noob I had no idea of the can of worms I was opening. This thread has been fascinating and a steep learning curve for me as I'm just starting out with electronics.
I'm also starting RC slope soaring, I bought the glider after I ended up on two prosthetic legs as incentive to get up & outside.
I thought that apart from being interested in both they seem to dovetail together.
So! how'd I do? Does anyone recognise the beasty that just arrived?
I haven't turned it on yet as my rechargeable 9V battery is not putting out 9V even at full charge, 8.2V isn't in spec and I've read in here that accuracy is sensitive to voltage.
Thanks for this thread, it's been interesting, funny and quite a bit of "Oh bu**er!
Keep safe all,
Lazarus 😎☮️
Edit: Aargh! Just realised, no crystal! ☹️

[madires]

Yep, fake 328. A genuine 32pin TQFP ATmega328 would have pin 21 (Gnd) connected to ground and pin 20 (AREF) to a 1nF cap. Don't worry too much about the battery's voltage as long as it's above 7V.

[Lazarus42]

Thank you! That's eased the pain a little 😃
I'm on the hunt for a manual at the mo and acrylic case on the way.
Onwards and upwards!

Laz😎

[morgan_flint]

Still haven't tried to read the FW, though.

I tried to read it today but was protected.... It comes with 1.12K

[snapper]

Prefably socketed in case you fry your chip with a charged capacitor.

The testers with DIP28 sockets can best be seen from the back of the board if shown by the seller.
and this version can also be easily converted to Mega644 using an adapter and upgrade to the latest firmware!

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/$20-lcr-esr-transistor-checker-project/msg4890983/#msg4890983

[Lazarus42]

Well, that's the end of that then! I sat down with the LCR-T4, a fresh 9V battery, three legs snipped off of a circuit under construction soldered together and a handful of components to calibrate it and see what it can do.
I peeled off the masking tape they ship it with only to find the Etch-a-Sketch Screen Blight you see below! It's a new one on me. Have you seen a mark like this before? It looks almost 3D, it has depth to it as you change your viewing angle.
Anyway, I attached the battery, shorted it out with the three legs and... Nothing! Removed the short, nothing again. Checked the battery, battery's good.
What a let down!
The supplier has refunded me so I suppose I'm a battery clip and a zif socket up. I'll check what I can with a multimeter, you never know.
Back to reading the thread & searching for obscure, backwater suppliers with new old stock I suppose 🤔
Thanks for the help, I'll pop back up if I find a proper looking unit. 🤞😎☮️

[snapper]

Definitely the new variant of the C..... Virus, I would quickly package it well and send it to the hazardous waste 

[Lazarus42]

Definitely the new variant of the C..... Virus, I would quickly package it well and send it to the hazardous waste 

Strange, everything's been fine up to n... Aaaaargh! 😱

[morgan_flint]

fpisi,try this firmware

Tested in my GM328A tester "Nev version" and it works OK, so genuine mega 328Pcconfirmed. It came with 1.12K protected, so I couldn't make a backup of the original FW. I think I remember the original FW had different options in the menu, but I'm not sure.

Now I'll try to upgrade it to 16 MHz, as I did with the rest of my units

[acerquax]

Hi threat,

I wrote my problems in the transistor-tester fix threat
the desire from indman is to swing over in this threat
so voila 

In some words,

blew up my T7 tester,
replaced the atmega32x to atmega644
built up your transistor replacement U4.

What happens
The tester starts with the introduction menue
<<<Component Tester>>>
<<<LCR-TC1 v1.43m>>>
then it is displayed for a short time
Testing....
Bat 3.9V      VCC 4.98V
then >>>switching off

When I push the button
enable goes high (Pin3) ;
PD1 (Pin7) goes low;
PD2(Pin8) always High
as long as I see the introduction menue

Thats it... 

I haven't manipulated the fuses until now.
Via microscope I could check the pinning of the 644, all good!

It seems to be having no powersupply for 644 via PD2 

[indman]

acerquax,I will repeat my question here, which you did not answer.
What programmer and software do you use to flash the ATMega644 firmware?

[Messtechniker]

I have used my old TL 866 CS MiniPRO now from XGecu and the software coming with it, to program an ATMEGA 644.
The successor to the TL 866 CS will probably also do. See compatibility list in each case.

[acerquax]

I checked it with several softwares

AVR Burn-o-mat
and
myAVR Prog tool

My programmer worked always perfect in different projects! (Arduino,esp32...)

[indman]

acerquax, It was not out of curiosity that I asked you a question about the programmer and the software that you use.
For the AVR Burn-o-mat shell, you need to set and program the fuses state exactly as I showed in the screenshots below. Only after you have done everything as I showed - program the fuses and verify and read them to make sure that they are installed correctly - can you move on.

P.S The sequence of screenshots that were attached to the message does not match, but I think you can figure out the settings without any problems. Start by setting the Expert mode.

[acerquax]

I am a bit further..
Flashed the fuses as suggested

Tester starts ok, but toggles between
Testing.....
Bat=3,98V     Vcc=4,98V
and
  Battery?
2 4593 mV

with some DUT

Testing.....
Bat=3,98V     Vcc=4,98V
and
 Battery?
1 3673 mV
   

[indman]

Remove diode assembly DZ2 temporarily and turn the tester on again.