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LCR-T4 electronics components tester ATMega328 - Test and Review

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  • #361 16733916
    E8600
    Level 41  
    Posts: 8990
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    CMS wrote:
    I do not want to paste anything.
    In that case, I suggest such a socket. LCR-T4 electronics components tester ATMega328 - Test and Review
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  • #362 16733963
    gumisie
    Level 43  
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    E8600 wrote:
    In that case, I suggest such a socket.
    Great, but there are two problems with this socket. 1. How to mount such a socket in a rectangular hole ?. 2. It does not meet the requirements of col. CMS . "connector for an external power supply, with the option of disconnecting battery power after connecting?". PS To avoid pasting, you can use the Col. Removed advice.
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  • #363 16733987
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #364 16734081
    gumisie
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17940
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    eurotips wrote:
    This hole is at the height of the LED backlight.
    And this part of the housing can not be rotated 180 degrees horizontally ?. :|
  • #365 16734468
    CMS
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl
    Posts: 8468
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    The backlight legs do not protrude beyond the outline of the PCB, at least for me.
    gumisie wrote:
    And this part of the housing can not be rotated 180 degrees horizontally ?. :|
    Can be.
  • #366 16737673
    lukashb
    Level 39  
    Posts: 5599
    Help: 416
    Rate: 417
    Hello, I also ordered this tester, I already have it. It seems to be all right, although what I care most about is detected as ... an ordinary resistor :( it's about inductance. No matter what type, whether axial chokes, or coils wound by me or a clutch, everything is as a resistor. Once it only detected as a coil. What is wrong?
  • #367 16737683
    E8600
    Level 41  
    Posts: 8990
    Help: 529
    Rate: 2521
    lukashb wrote:
    It seems to be all right, although what I care most about is detected as ... an ordinary resistor is about inductance
    Did you do the calibration?
  • #368 16737685
    viwaldi1
    Level 24  
    Posts: 579
    Help: 49
    Rate: 60
    I use T4 to measure inductance and smiglessly. Sometimes it sees transistors (npn / pnp) as 2 diodes but it's enough to change the system into other measuring holes and it's ok. Maybe try something like that.
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  • #369 16737687
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • Inductance out of range for LCR-T4 tester

    #370 16737741
    gumisie
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17940
    Help: 1667
    Rate: 2486
    lukashb wrote:
    No matter what type, whether axial chokes, or coils wound by me or a clutch, everything is as a resistor. Once it only detected as a coil. What is wrong?
    Surely the coil you want to measure has a different value, like:
    Adamcyn wrote:
    Probably out of range - inductance 0.01mH-20H.
    . 0.01mH = 10?H and the value lower than this will not be measured, this also applies to values higher than those that are provided for this tester. Greetings.
  • #371 16737814
    alien90fr
    Level 26  
    Posts: 816
    Help: 100
    Rate: 107
    Today I got a whole and healthy tester, I just need to buy a battery. It is a pity that the sticker was not because I would stick.
  • #372 16737822
    vodiczka
    Level 43  
    Posts: 30276
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    alien90fr wrote:
    Today I got a whole and healthy tester, I just need to buy a battery
    Where's planning, buddy? :) I bought it the next day after ordering, it lay and waited for its tester.
  • #373 16737925
    gumisie
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17940
    Help: 1667
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    vodiczka wrote:
    Where's planning, buddy? :) I bought it the next day after ordering, it lay and waited for its tester.
    Oh, there, probably a colleague did not expect such a quick delivery. I ordered (23.08) probably on Thursday and on Tuesday the package arrived. (in the meantime "wekend")
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  • Calibration did not fix inductance misreadings

    #374 16738234
    lukashb
    Level 39  
    Posts: 5599
    Help: 416
    Rate: 417
    E8600 wrote:
    lukashb wrote:
    It seems to be all right, although what I care most about is detected as ... an ordinary resistor is about inductance
    Did you do the calibration?
    That's how I made the calibration, and in total nothing has changed, and yes, I have switched to other openings. I will try other coils, although I am convinced that they should be measured because they were in the range. But I will see what and how. Of course, the battery is new.
  • #375 16738275
    rafcio_21
    Level 29  
    Posts: 1110
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    Measuring the relay coil and measuring the buzzer LCR-T4 electronics components tester ATMega328 - Test and Review LCR-T4 electronics components tester ATMega328 - Test and Review
  • Questioning whether modified firmware affects small inductance detection

    #376 16738333
    E8600
    Level 41  
    Posts: 8990
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    Rate: 2521
    rafcio_21 wrote:
    Measuring the relay coil and measuring the buzzer
    It is a pity that you do not have a second tester under the hand with the original soft for comparison. Because maybe soft is the culprit. It would be useful for such a test in this section. Did someone pull the original soft from the processor so that you could come back as if what? I have poor detection of small inductances. Tested a colleague how is it with elements from outside the declared ranges on this changed software?
  • #377 16738346
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #378 16738398
    gumisie
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17940
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    Adamcyn wrote:
    At last I understood what is moving the coil along the ferrite rod. :)
    Probably a change in the inductance value and the second result on resistance, or the wave resistance of this circuit.
  • Modified firmware improves LCR-T4 component detection

    #379 16738422
    rafcio_21
    Level 29  
    Posts: 1110
    Help: 137
    Rate: 299
    E8600 wrote:
    rafcio_21 wrote:
    Measuring the relay coil and measuring the buzzer
    It is a pity that you do not have a second tester under the hand with the original soft for comparison. Because maybe soft is the culprit. It would be useful for such a test in this section. Did someone pull the original soft from the processor so that you could come back as if what? I have poor detection of small inductances. Tested a colleague how is it with elements from outside the declared ranges on this changed software?
    In some time I will have a friend tester with original soft (in order to modify it), I can compare some results but I've already tested my before and after uploading and I would definitely not return to the original. Now the possibilities are much bigger, I am waiting for the inverters from China and I will still be able to measure zener diodes and LMxxx stabilizers.
  • Modified firmware adds zener and LMxxx measurements

    #380 16738446
    E8600
    Level 41  
    Posts: 8990
    Help: 529
    Rate: 2521
    rafcio_21 wrote:
    In some time I will have a friend tester with original soft (in order to modify it), I can compare some results but I've already tested my before and after uploading and I would definitely not return to the original. Now the possibilities are much bigger, I am waiting for the inverters from China and I will still be able to measure zener diodes and LMxxx stabilizers.
    How would you like me mainly for coils and transistors. Understand that this soft allows the measurement of stabilizers (would be useful)? I read that I was also tested by a soft colleague with 16 MHz quartz. Man hope that the final version of the software will come out with all language patches and, of course, the electrode logo. :)
  • #381 16738486
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #382 16738526
    vodiczka
    Level 43  
    Posts: 30276
    Help: 1185
    Rate: 4311
    Adamcyn wrote:
    It is a pity that Gulson did not send us these testers a bit earlier. For example, for the First Communion
    Indeed, a man with such a tester on the electronics exchange some 30-40 years ago would be Lord :)
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  • Scrap-built 90 µH coil and MOSFET test setup

    #383 16738543
    pawelr98
    Level 39  
    Posts: 6464
    Help: 413
    Rate: 1155
    The coil I made from what I pulled from scrap metal. Powder core with ATX power supply choke + transformer wire from UPS. 90?H and 0.2?. LCR-T4 electronics components tester ATMega328 - Test and Review As you can see the finger can replace the electrolytic capacitor. LCR-T4 electronics components tester ATMega328 - Test and Review Due to the very weak contact I had to measure SMD mosfets in this way. He could detect a mosfet with a depleted channel and even Jfet. LCR-T4 electronics components tester ATMega328 - Test and Review It detects correctly when correctly connected. LCR-T4 electronics components tester ATMega328 - Test and Review Recently I bought mosfet transistors with P channel which I will check too.
  • #384 16738585
    alien90fr
    Level 26  
    Posts: 816
    Help: 100
    Rate: 107
    vodiczka wrote:
    alien90fr wrote:
    Today I got a whole and healthy tester, I just need to buy a battery
    Where's planning, buddy? :) I bought it the next day after ordering, it lay and waited for its tester.
    Such a situation :D I'm going for the batteries tomorrow!
  • 8 MHz firmware enables zener and LMxxx testing

    #385 16738640
    rafcio_21
    Level 29  
    Posts: 1110
    Help: 137
    Rate: 299
    E8600 wrote:
    rafcio_21 wrote:
    In some time I will have a friend tester with original soft (in order to modify it), I can compare some results but I've already tested my before and after uploading and I would definitely not return to the original. Now the possibilities are much bigger, I am waiting for the inverters from China and I will still be able to measure zener diodes and LMxxx stabilizers.
    How would you like me mainly for coils and transistors. Understand that this soft allows the measurement of stabilizers (would be useful)? I read that I was also tested by a soft colleague with 16 MHz quartz. Man hope that the final version of the software will come out with all language patches and, of course, the electrode logo. :)
    Quartz 16MHZ is testing a colleague from work, the Polish language also has on my tester this soft would not work, I suspect that it was quartz wine 16 MHZ because I had to disassemble and I had no other change, and now I have English menu and quartz 8 MHZ, measurement of zests and LMxxxx is possible on this software, requires a 40V converter and some modifications. As for the final version, I use the knowledge of electrode colleagues who have much more knowledge from me :) .
  • #386 16739118
    walbe
    Level 19  
    Posts: 198
    Help: 28
    Rate: 44
    For me, such a thing appeared, the damaged capacitor comes from a defective, damaged Samsung monitor, and seen as a diode. Such a curiosity. LCR-T4 electronics components tester ATMega328 - Test and Review
  • #387 16739158
    lukashb
    Level 39  
    Posts: 5599
    Help: 416
    Rate: 417
    I will say yes, a generally good tester, but of course you know the good parts. I would honestly prefer 3 different meters, but one that will allow me to choose a choke for the radio construction, this tiny, axial, rather than have one meter that measures everything and nothing. Anyway, I'm satisfied with the measurement of the transistors, just the same resistors.
  • #388 16739222
    gumisie
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17940
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    Rate: 2486
    lukashb wrote:
    I will say yes, a generally good tester, but of course you know the good parts.
    I fully agree with this statement (functional). If it shows us some nonsense, we can still say that there is something wrong with this item being tested, it just is not working. Greetings. I recommend the topic: https://www.elektroda.pl/rtvforum/topic3382383.html#16732819
  • #389 16739275
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #390 16739307
    gumisie
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17940
    Help: 1667
    Rate: 2486
    Adamcyn wrote:
    If you mean the nH government, there is nothing at a reasonable price.
    You can do it on your own, the cost is the price: display + microprocessor, I made my own on PIC16F628 + 16x2 LCD. Greetings.
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Topic summary

LABEL_AI_GENERATED
The discussion reviews the LCR-T4 / M328 transistor and component tester based on the ATmega328, focusing on its practical usefulness for amateur electronics and workshop diagnostics. Users report that the tester automatically identifies discrete components and pinout, measures resistance, capacitance, inductance, diode forward voltage, transistor type and hFE, and can also test some thyristors and MOSFETs, though not always perfectly. The device is considered sufficiently accurate for hobby use, but several limitations are noted: poor inductance resolution, no reliable measurement below about 20 pF, sensitivity to battery voltage, occasional misidentification of semiconductors, and lack of protection against charged capacitors. Calibration by shorting all three test leads is emphasized, and some users install alternative firmware with more extensive calibration options. Mechanical issues dominate the review: the ZIF socket is fragile, the display ribbon and LCD can be damaged or pop out during shipping, and many recommend adding a protective enclosure or reinforcing the display. The thread also compares variants such as T4, T7, TC1, and color-display versions, and discusses availability, pricing, and sourcing from Elektroda shop, Allegro, eBay, AliExpress, and Banggood.
AI summary based on the discussion. May contain errors.

FAQ LABEL_AI_GENERATED

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.
AI summary based on the discussion. May contain errors.
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