Hi, all,
I just registered to ask about my problem with a Chinese clone of this meter. I bought
this one from ebay recently. I wanted to measure ESR of a cap and forgot it was still charged (25V) which ruined the meter, it would not even turn on. I replaced the 7805 and now the meter turns on but displays bogus data - with no component to test inserted, it shows "Testing..." and after a longer while it shows it detected "BJT-NPN" with beta 1.5M or so, which is like
and it is the same even if shorting pins 1-2-3.
I would like to fix the meter if possible. Does this look like the AVR is fried? I cannot replace it, it has 32 pins and is without a socket and in the smallest possible SMD package of course
I also knew that someday this happens that I forget to discharge capacitor before testing, but not that it will be anytime soon
Ok, so I thought, is there no possible protection from such mistake? If it is, why is it not part of the original circuit? Or is it optional and the Chinese do not include it to cut cost and increase sales? Well, they were successful because I liked the meter and still need an LCR-ESR meter so I ordered another one (thank god they are so cheap).
What are my options in fixing this meter, can anyone suggest, please?