DIY M12864 Graphics Version Transistor Tester Kit LCR ESR PWM

[Radio Tech]

In this video I take a look at one of the latest component testers from Banggood.com.
This tester comes in kit form and is a pleasure to put together.
Kit cost around $20.00 US dollars and for a few more bucks you can order a case with it.







Banggood.com
http://www.banggood.com/DIY-M12864-Graphics-Version-Transistor-Tester-Kit-LCR-ESR-PWM-p-986954.html

VoltLog


To learn more about these type of testers check out this thread:
EEVblog
$20 LCR ESR Transistor checker project
http://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/$20-lcr-esr-transistor-checker-project/

 

[Robb]

Having an ESR tester in this device makes it worth it all by itsef - IMO.
Cool!

 

[Radio Tech]

Having an ESR tester in this device makes it worth it all by itsef - IMO.
Cool!

You are correct. no tech bench should be without a ESR tester. I see folks all the time test caps with a DMM for shorts or test wit ha cap meter to see if in tolerance. But we know that equivalent series resistance is a very important factor when it comes to capacitors. You can say it is the health of a cap.

 

[Klondike Mike]

I like. I think I'll order one + case today! I have the Atlas Transistor checker that I paid around $80. They also have an ESR tester that will cost me around $180(CAN) that I have been pondering awhile but not at that price. Banggood it is!

 

[Radio Tech]

Let us know how you like it.

 

[Klondike Mike]

Let us know how you like it.

I ordered the combo package (kit + case) for $32(CAN) $24(US). Thanks for the heads-up!
http://www.banggood.com/DIY-M12864-...ester-Kit-LCR-ESR-PWM-With-Case-p-997023.html
http://www.banggood.com/DIY-M12864-...ester-Kit-LCR-ESR-PWM-With-Case-p-997023.html

 

[Radio Tech]

I ordered the combo package (kit + case) for $32(CAN) $24(US). Thanks for the heads-up!
http://www.banggood.com/DIY-M12864-...ester-Kit-LCR-ESR-PWM-With-Case-p-997023.html

You will like the case. I decided not to get one. May end up making my own custom case. Unit is a breeze to assemble. Just watch those resistors. Colors are a little funny and have 5 bands on them.

 

[Klondike Mike]

You will like the case. I decided not to get one. May end up making my own custom case.

You may have made the right choice. Upon further inspection of what I just bought, I noticed the SMD testing pads on the bottom right of the board. When you use the case you lose access to those pads.

 

[Tallman]

I bought this one. It allows me to buy transistors in bulk and beta/gain match them myself. Saves me some money and I know they are matched. I bought some mini clips and soldered them into place instead of the green socket. Easier for me to handle and the leads are color coded and makes device lead easier to note. I also have the alligator clips too,
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5336136228&icep_item=221921873284

 

[Radio Tech]

You may have made the right choice. Upon further inspection of what I just bought, I noticed the SMD testing pads on the bottom right of the board. When you use the case you lose access to those pads.

View attachment 16848

I seldom use those pads. They do work nice. But you can over come that very easy once the case in installed. Etch a small board in the shape of the smd pads. Drill some small holes and install pins so you drop the board into the zif socket and lock it down.

I did this but installed 3 color coded leads with clips. So when I need to test something that does not fit into the socket or something that is in circuit I just plug my little board into it and there ya go.



Tallman,
That works pretty good for quick test. I agree.

 

[Klondike Mike]

I seldom use those pads. They do work nice. But you can over come that very easy once the case in installed. Etch a small board in the shape of the smd pads.

Good idea. You are ahead of me on this. Since I am just a hobbyist at this, I will probably be using it even less. No etching equipment here, would be a nice to have when needed though.

 

[Radio Tech]

Good idea. You are ahead of me on this. Since I am just a hobbyist at this, I will probably be using it even less. No etching equipment here, would be a nice to have when needed though.

Naw you are up there too bro. I seen your videos

Always nice to have etchant on hand, or a good bread board to test circuits with.

Don't know why but I never got an alert that someone posted in this thread.

 

[Klondike Mike]

Let us know how you like it.

Received and constructed. Overall, a good package. Not without any issues though, documentation that you have to search for and poor once you find it. I had to re-solder 3 transistors below the display because they were sitting too high for the display board, I thought I killed it but they took the extra heat. Whew! I only used the bottom half of the case because I didn't want to lose the features that would be covered by the top half of the case. I re-purposed a couple of stand-offs to support the lower half of the board. I already have the Atlas transistor tester so my main intention was to have a capacitor ESR tester for $30, mission accomplished.

 

[Robb]

Can you use these tester (shown above) to test caps still on the board?

 

[Klondike Mike]

Can you use these tester (shown above) to test caps still on the board?

I'll hook up some leads and give it a go ...