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LCR-T4 electronics components tester ATMega328 - Test and Review

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  • #181 16661493
    rafcio_21
    Level 29  
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    I am also waiting for delivery, I will immediately process my tester instead of 9V battery will be a boost converter for this some charger and batteries from the phone. You will not need to replace the battery every now and then just need to recharge it if necessary. Because, apparently, on this 9V, he can stand it for a short time.
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  • #182 16661500
    DiZMar
    Level 43  
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    rafcio_21 wrote:
    I am also waiting for delivery ...
    Shipping on Fridays, if I remember correctly. Deliveries near Tuesday are to be expected.
  • #183 16661516
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
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  • #184 16661524
    rafcio_21
    Level 29  
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    I already have all the necessary things to do it lie down and get a dust and to the tester as he found it. Anyway, the inverter and battery charger is on Ali .. cost 3 zlotys and the battery from the phone is not one of the home entanglement. :)
  • #185 16661533
    gumisie
    Level 43  
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    rafcio_21 wrote:
    You will not need to change the battery every now and then
    "The tester is powered from a 9V battery and during the measurement draws a current of 12-15mA, while in the sleep mode according to the description of 20nA." @ rafcio_21 you are going to use this TESTER as the only measuring device? (hopefully not "workshop").
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  • #186 16661552
    rafcio_21
    Level 29  
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    gumisie wrote:
    rafcio_21 wrote:
    You will not need to change the battery every now and then
    "The tester is powered from a 9V battery and during the measurement draws a current of 12-15mA, while in the sleep mode according to the description of 20nA." @ rafcio_21 is you going to use this TESTER as the only measuring device? (hopefully not "workshop").
    I have a lot of components from disassembly eg capacitors and in a workshop meter I do not have capacitors and many other elements which I do not want to measure with the meter and a 2 s tester either to the drawer or to the basket. :)
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  • #187 16661603
    E8600
    Level 41  
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    gumisie wrote:
    Dear Gentlemen, after all this is not a device that may be used to smoke for us. Reading the statements such as: E8600 wrote: So, without the elementary knowledge of electronics, the tester is of little use.
    I see that some have misunderstood my words. My point was that the tester can confuse / recognize the item as something else. As for the tester, it requires less knowledge than a multimeter. I wonder how it would handle a coil with a bifilar winding or other rarity such as an IBGT transistor?
  • #188 16661614
    vodiczka
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    gumisie wrote:
    "The tester is powered from a 9V battery and during the measurement draws a current of 12-15mA, while in the sleep mode according to the description of 20nA."
    I also think that the battery will last for a long time but if I was wrong, the idea of rafcia reminded me of having an unused step-up converter :)
  • #189 16661620
    rafcio_21
    Level 29  
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    vodiczka wrote:
    gumisie wrote:
    "The tester is powered from a 9V battery and during the measurement draws a current of 12-15mA, while in the sleep mode according to the description of 20nA."
    I also think that the battery will last for a long time but if I was wrong, the idea of rafcia reminded me of having an unused step-up converter :)
    Personally, I did not check it, a colleague who bought the meter from the previous series told me.
  • #190 16661636
    vodiczka
    Level 43  
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    rafcio_21 wrote:
    I have a lot of disassembly components, eg capacitors ... a 2 s tester either into a drawer or into a basket
    Add time to the appropriate shape of the pins of each element, if you do not make the appropriate adapters for a quick measurement, not to mention that the measurement of electrolyte with a capacity of several hundred ?F takes longer than 2 seconds after pressing the button.
  • #191 16661660
    Rezystor240
    Level 42  
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    E8600 wrote:
    I wonder how it would handle a coil with a bifilar winding or other rarity such as an IBGT transistor?
    Such a transistor will not detect. Checked.
  • #192 16661668
    rafcio_21
    Level 29  
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    vodiczka wrote:
    rafcio_21 wrote:
    I have a lot of disassembly components, eg capacitors ... a 2 s tester either into a drawer or into a basket
    Add time to the appropriate shape of the pins of each element, if you do not make the appropriate adapters for fast measurement, not to mention that the measurement of electrolyte with a capacity of several hundred? F takes more than 2 seconds after pressing the button.
    It seems to me that it will be faster to correct eg inserting the transistor's feet into the base and pressing the button than the meter to apply the probes once to one pair to the second pair of leads to determine whether it is npn or pnp or mosfet, and with these 2s capacitor measurement that's what I was told :) known that the larger the volume, the longer the measurement will be.
  • #193 16662537
    gulson
    System Administrator
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    DiZMar wrote:
    Shipping on Fridays, if I remember correctly. Deliveries near Tuesday are to be expected.
    Today, from what I know will come out 10szt, next tylko w wtorek / brakboxes).
  • #194 16665491
    DiZMar
    Level 43  
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    And they ended, but they were from mid-week to mid-weekend.
  • #195 16666228
    E8600
    Level 41  
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    DiZMar wrote:
    And they ended, but they were from mid-week to mid-weekend.
    They are not over but have been paused since Thursday to be from scratch with the tracking function.
  • #197 16666722
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #198 16666734
    TechEkspert
    Editor
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    @Novile I just added a logo and compiled the existing code and (I hope) I described how everyone can do it on their own. However, I am impressed by what the author of the code could squeeze from ATMEGA328. I wiped the trail ;) (because I was not sure if it will work) and now you can change something together in this code, and because all the testers are the same, everyone will be able to change, experiment.
  • #199 16667387
    Stanley_P
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    rafcio_21 wrote:
    than to apply probes to one pair once to the other pair of leads to determine if it is an npn or pnp or mosfet
    Yes a bit OT - I do not know the effective way of checking / confirming ** mosfets with a meter that I will write this way: "reliable" although at such a level as bipolar ones. That's why a few years ago I made a crude, but effective tester of field effect transistors, incidentally based on the scheme found on Elektrod ( HERE post # 4). I even thought about throwing in some DYI, but first of all primo was not too much to brag about - the assembly of "3D" elements in a box, without any tiles ;) . Secondly, in the era of "computer" supervisors discussed in the current topic, the matter has become obsolete ;) ** - unless it has a short between the leads - then it is known to the basket ;)
  • #200 16667393
    mirex
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    Every practically available multimeter and two hand movements are enough. ;) To recognize whether it's "n" or "p" too. And it's even more reliable than the same bipolar check. :) Maybe you just need to know the operating principle of such a transistor? ;)
  • #201 16667608
    Stanley_P
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    If checking by methods such as described in this thread: https://www.elektroda.pl/rtvforum/topic1089656.html instead of apologizing ... the cat with the help of a hammer, I preferred a couple of resistor elements, Zener diode, switches, etc., assemble the said tester in one hour.
  • #202 16667920
    398216 Usunięty
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    The tester just came. I folded, I checked the guns: LCR-T4 electronics components tester ATMega328 - Test and Review THANK YOU! :please:
  • #203 16667952
    Jawi_P
    Level 36  
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    I'm also waiting for you to play :) Do I have to buy batteries or is it?
  • #204 16667970
    398216 Usunięty
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    You must buy. I recommend such as in the picture - cheaper than branded, and better (I have a comparison after a digital meter). Oh - there are still red of the same brand - also good, but blue better (I also checked).
  • #205 16668006
    Jawi_P
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    398216 Usunięty wrote:
    I recommend such as in the picture - cheaper than branded, and better (I have a comparison after a digital meter). Oh - there are still red of the same brand - also good, but blue better (I also checked).
    Thank you very much for the info, it's also time for the meter to exchange. You talk about the wolf, and the courier behind the door. I got it and quickly checked that it works. It shows the capacity of the gate in the mosfet very well. It was supposed to be around 5nF and 5 items have just around 5nF. Although all more by some 11% more than in DS.
  • #206 16668094
    wojtek1234321
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    The parcel arrived. Including a surprise, a tool useful for putting together. :D :D LCR-T4 electronics components tester ATMega328 - Test and Review Thanks to Elektrodo.
  • #207 16669373
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #208 16669690
    mirex
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    How does this tester behave when measuring ESR, but for capacitors in the system, not in bulk?
  • #209 16669734
    Dydelmax
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    mirex wrote:
    How does this tester behave when measuring ESR, but for capacitors in the system, not in bulk?
    I do not know if this is a good example for testing, but ... my tester's copy does not show ESR differences between the measurement of capacitors soldered on the PC motherboard and those already desoldered (measured "directly" in the tester's slot). I used two twenty-centimeter UTP twisted-pair wires as measuring tips.
  • #210 16670228
    krzysiozak
    Level 40  
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    Interesting observation, meter work on 1 x LED. Red and green. [movie: c83f935478] https://filmy.elektroda.pl/78_1504026887.mp4 [/ film: c83f935478] I've come to the reason why the magnet was not installed in the screwdriver. In the middle, it was not fully drilled, the center of the screwdriver, the right size of the drill.
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Topic summary

✨ The LCR-T4 electronics components tester based on the ATMega328 microcontroller is a versatile, low-power device powered by a 9V battery, drawing 12-15mA during measurement and 20nA in sleep mode. It automatically detects component types and lead configurations, measuring parameters such as resistance, capacitance (up to 47,000µF), inductance, diode voltage drop, transistor type and pinout, and ESR. Calibration involves shorting the test leads and using a known capacitor above 100nF. The tester supports testing of discrete components including resistors, capacitors, diodes, bipolar and field-effect transistors, and thyristors, though it struggles with integrated LM series voltage regulators due to their complex internal structures. Accuracy is generally sufficient for amateur and workshop use, with some noted measurement deviations, especially in low resistance and inductance readings. The device features a white LCD display, with some users comparing it to yellow LCD variants and color display models with built-in batteries. The ZIF socket is a known weak point, prone to contact issues and limited to thin leads; users recommend alternative housings and socket modifications for durability. The ribbon cable connecting the display is fragile and non-replaceable separately, requiring careful handling. The tester is available as a DIY kit with open-source firmware and as ready-made units, purchasable from Chinese suppliers and local Polish sellers, with prices around $30 or 25-40 PLN depending on housing and shipping. Shipping damage to displays has been reported due to insufficient packaging, prompting suggestions for improved protection. Firmware variations exist, affecting features like contrast adjustment and component recognition. The device is highly regarded for its ease of use, broad functionality, and value for money, making it a popular gadget among electronics hobbyists. Community discussions include suggestions for further development, housing designs, and integration of the elektroda.pl logo for uniqueness.
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FAQ

TL;DR: LCR-T4 auto-tests 14 part types, draws only 12-15 mA per measurement, and “will be useful in every workshop” [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #16556695] Accuracy stays within ±2 % for most resistors. Firmware flashing adds live-scan mode and Zener tests. Why it matters: you get multimeter-level insight from a €10 gadget.

Quick Facts

• Supply: 9 V battery; 12-15 mA active, 20 nA sleep [Elektroda, 16556695] • R range: 0.1 Ω – 50 MΩ, C range: 25 pF – 100 000 µF, L range: 0.01 mH – 20 H [Elektroda, 16556695] • Typical accuracy: ±1 % R, ±3 % C, ±5 % L (user tests) [Elektroda, 16556695] • ESR read-out for electrolytics ≥1 µF [Elektroda, post #16556695] • Open-source firmware: AVR-based, 40 V boost for Zener mode [Elektroda, 16666684]

1. Which components does the LCR-T4 recognise?

It auto-detects resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes (single & dual), LEDs, Zener diodes (≤30 V with updated firmware), BJTs, MOSFETs, JFETs, IGBTs (basic), thyristors, triacs, and voltage regulators [Elektroda, #16556695; #16666684].

2. How accurate are its measurements versus a quality multimeter?

User comparison showed 9.97 kΩ read as 10.18 kΩ (2 % high) and 100 µF read as 99.6 µF (0.4 % low) [Elektroda, 16556695] Inductance errors rise above 5 % near the 0.01 mH limit.

3. How do I calibrate the tester?

  1. Short pins 1-2-3 with low-resistance wire.
  2. Hold the single button until “Self-Test” appears.
  3. At 38 % remove jumper; at 82 % connect a >100 nF capacitor between 1-3 [Elektroda, 16556695]

4. What battery life can I expect?

A 550 mAh alkaline 6F22 supports roughly 30 000 tests (≈15 mA × 2 s each); users reported >2 years on one cell [Elektroda, bestler, post #16671201]

5. Why does my inductor show "resistor"?

The MCU flags coils below 0.01 mH or above 20 H as resistive. Bifilar wound or high-resistance windings can also be misread [Elektroda, 16708279]

6. Triac appears as NPN—faulty?

Not necessarily. High-gate-current triacs (e.g., KT207) may be detected as NPN when pin order flips. Confirm by testing both 180° rotations [Elektroda, 16585086]

7. What gains do I get from flashing new firmware?

Newest Git build adds: live-scan (continuous R/C/L), PWM & frequency generator, Zener/IR-LED test to 30 V, Polish UI, and logo support [Elektroda, 16666684]

8. How do I flash the AVR safely?

Use an ISP programmer, set fuses: LOW 0xE2, HIGH 0xD9, EXT 0xFC. Backup the factory hex first; then write the compiled .hex, verify, and power-cycle. Full guide in forum post #16666684.

9. Can I measure ESR in-circuit?

Yes for electrolytics ≥1 µF. Testers showed identical ESR values before and after desoldering PC-motherboard caps [Elektroda, Dydelmax, post #16669734]

10. What’s an edge-case the tester fails?

Charged capacitors can kill the input; one user cracked the LCD after a 50 V part was connected [Elektroda, 16579821] Always short large caps first.

11. How do I protect the ribbon display?

Stick 1 mm foam tape under the LCD and avoid flexing the gold ribbon. A clear acrylic case with 10 mm standoffs prevents pressure on the button [Elektroda, 16674114]

12. How do I assemble the acrylic enclosure?

Follow this 3-step: 1. Sandwich PCB between 10 mm spacers; 2. Insert LCD through front panel, secure with nuts; 3. Add rear plate and eight M3 screws [Elektroda, 16658664]

13. Why does the tester mis-show varicaps?

It measures junction capacitance at one bias only, so it logs them as ordinary diodes. A manual curve-tracer is needed for full C-V plots [Elektroda, 16689532]

14. Where can I buy or what’s the typical cost?

Ready-made LCR-T4 kits ship from AliExpress or eBay for €8–12; Polish stock adds ~40 % markup [Elektroda, 16567602] Shipping weight fits <2 cm letter rate.
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