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Change of the firmware of the LCR T4 M328 element tester from the elektroda.pl g

TechEkspert 67560 72

TL;DR

  • The firmware of an LCR T4 M328 component tester is replaced with TransistorTester code for the ATMEGA328P.
  • Atmel Studio 7 builds a GCC C Executable Project from the unpacked trunk sources, using an external Makefile from the mega328_st7565 directory.
  • The Makefile can switch to LANG_POLISH, change LCD offsets and flips, and optionally enable WITH_UJT transistor tests.
  • Building generates TransistorTester.hex and TransistorTester.eep, which are flashed through ISP with an AVRISP MKII.
  • After programming, the tester starts with Polish messages and can show a custom 128x32 logo converted from PNG by Python.
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Treść została przetłumaczona polish » english Zobacz oryginalną wersję tematu
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  • #31 17707846
    grzewoj
    Level 27  
    Posts: 868
    Help: 115
    Rate: 133
    Norbert_lubin wrote:
    Hello, the version I uploaded is 1.13 from Elektrody


    can you provide the link?
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  • #32 17708443
    Norbert_lubin
    Level 17  
    Posts: 635
    Rate: 55
    here you go
    Attachments:
    • firmware_M328_elektroda.pl (1).zip (33.4 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
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  • #33 17920601
    lordwader
    Level 10  
    Posts: 361
    Rate: 37
    Gentlemen, will you be able to buy a programmed atmel?
  • #34 17920831
    Norbert_lubin
    Level 17  
    Posts: 635
    Rate: 55
    I think that I could only help you by programming the entire device of the atmel itself, not very someone will give you because if something goes wrong, you will solder it and it will not work. having all the equipment, you can check it and return it in working order and ready for work.
  • #35 17930488
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
  • #36 17931331
    higurashi07
    Level 9  
    Posts: 7
    Rate: 3
    Hydrantx wrote:
    Before I change the firmware, please tell me about this calibration. You have to short-circuit all punks, have two capacitors, but how do you do it?


    Prepare two sections of the thickest copper wire as short as possible (but not thicker than - say - 0.6mm, because after all, you may have too loose pins, which may not be able to catch e.g. a thin wire from now on).
    Short-circuit two pairs of pins - not three, because then the measurement of R in one of the pairs is less accurate. I probably closed 1 of 2 and 1 of 3, but I will not cut my arm off.
    Press the button and it will test right away. At some point you will be asked to open everything (I pulled out these wires with tweezers).
    When you open it, the test will go on and eventually it will ask you to put C> 100n between 1 and 3. I used 1u.
    As a result of such a carefully performed calibration, it measures the Rs of both my Rs 0.13 5% as 0.13.
    I have a variant with a blue button.
  • #37 17932644
    Norbert_lubin
    Level 17  
    Posts: 635
    Rate: 55
    Hello, the point here is that after the programmed device should be calibrated, the copper jumper will give us 0 Ohm and the capacitor, the capacity described in the instructions, it is necessary for the proper operation of the tester.
  • #38 17932647
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
  • #39 17933128
    Norbert_lubin
    Level 17  
    Posts: 635
    Rate: 55
    Hello, you know, I had the same thing on one of the soft, I don't remember, but uploading another started to work. I will look for it in the computer, if I find it, I will send it to you, but I do not promise anything because I do not remember if I fired it. best regards
  • #40 17933220
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
  • #41 17934433
    Norbert_lubin
    Level 17  
    Posts: 635
    Rate: 55
    Tomorrow I will try to give you the link I uploaded, everything is there
  • #42 17934442
    WCHPikus
    Level 14  
    Posts: 196
    Rate: 10
    Norbert_lubin wrote:
    Tomorrow I will try to give you the link I uploaded, everything is there

    Also please
  • #43 17934564
    higurashi07
    Level 9  
    Posts: 7
    Rate: 3
    Norbert_lubin wrote:
    Tomorrow I will try to give you the link I uploaded, everything is there


    I too, please.
  • #44 17934883
    terminux
    Level 23  
    Posts: 986
    Help: 23
    Rate: 166
    If you can, I'll ask you too.
  • #45 17935442
    cezare123
    Level 8  
    Posts: 87
    Rate: 36
    and also please ..
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  • #46 17935512
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
  • #47 17938211
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
  • #48 17938268
    Norbert_lubin
    Level 17  
    Posts: 635
    Rate: 55
    Hello, not that I promised and did not share, but maybe I was not at home? not everyone is at work for 8 hours, of which 6 are on Elektroda. Today I will program one of my colleagues tester and attach the file and my colleague should write sorry.
  • #49 17938281
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
  • #50 17938661
    Norbert_lubin
    Level 17  
    Posts: 635
    Rate: 55
    this one measures the zener diode as i have it and this is our electrode mate.
    Attachments:
    • RCL-T4_eeprom.hex (2.83 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
    • RCL-T4.hex (90.01 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
  • #51 17938668
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
  • #52 17938677
    Norbert_lubin
    Level 17  
    Posts: 635
    Rate: 55
    You do not just upload, calibrate and it does not matter whether with the yellow or blue button, it is polonized and by holding down the button you enter the menu and there you have everything in Polish and clearly described
  • #53 17938683
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
  • #54 17961761
    cezare123
    Level 8  
    Posts: 87
    Rate: 36
    is there any other soft than atmel studio 7 (big mare)
    to throw the soft last one? to the tester?
    that is, to these hexes - compiled. I have avrUSB asp experience with arduino + my working atmegami tiles
    but I always used the Arduino IDE - hence the lack of experience with other soft.

    I found a line of code for avrdude on the net

    avrdude -c USBasp -P usb -p m328p -U flash: w: TransistorTester.hex \ -U eeprom: w: TransistorTester.eep \ -U lfuse: w: 0xf7: m \ -U hfuse: w: 0xd9: m \ -U efuse: w: 0xfc: m

    or a nice video of the Russians
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V93MdFw9LT4

    but * .eep file required everywhere

    confused; (
    __________________________________________________________________
    everything works,
    I was programming the LCR-T4 (T3) NoStripGrid version
    I soldered to the lower pins so as not to disassemble the LCD
    I used AvrDude GUI

    Thank you
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  • #55 17965343
    TechEkspert
    Editor
    Posts: 7049
    Help: 16
    Rate: 5459
    @ cezare123 you asked yourself, you solved the problem yourself and left the knowledge for posterity ;)
    avrdude is a good choice if you do not need to install the entire Atmel Studio environment,
    with avrUSB asp should also work with Basom AVR.
  • #56 17965371
    cezare123
    Level 8  
    Posts: 87
    Rate: 36
    TechEkspert wrote:
    @ cezare123 you asked yourself, you solved the problem yourself and left the knowledge for posterity ;)
    avrdude is a good choice if you do not need to install the entire Atmel Studio environment,
    with avrUSB asp should also work with Basom AVR.


    I had a problem with the drivers, the arduino IDE requires other than avrdude - and here I had a zon. the ZADIG application to replace drivers helped - otherwise windows 10 defends those installed as independence.

    I installed Atmel (I had little space for ssd but cleaned a bit) - I'm struggling with compiling sources from the German site now, wanting to burn the latest version, probably 1.35 (component tester)? for logic it should be compileable - but I know atmel studio .. 10 minutes in total. and I'm struggling with some stupid "warnings" about the lack of access to files, which by the way, I added manually - but don't worry .. I'll pick it up in my free time. But AVRDude had no trouble making a copy of the software I had before - possibly going back to the previous version. Here I wanted to strengthen the transistors / I have to pair a pair with 20 ... and with zener diodes - because you can not buy 1% 5.1V 0.5W - I ordered 50 pcs. 5% and I will look for raisins. However, this Soviet soft Khazama AVR - helped a lot, confirmed the correctness of reading atmega 328p from the LCR T4 board - I knew that I had communication compliance.

    after analyzing "component tester 1.35m" config / make - I'm too thin to try to configure these files for LCR-T4
    it has its own hardware platform, rotarry button's although a skilled person would be able to do it.

    UP this soft is 1.12k - 1.13k electrodes - and after loading it works great / there were no problems with uploading.
    - sometimes / sporadically USB AVR may hang after uploading one file - this is signaled by both LEDs lit (as if the session has not ended - while AVR Dude writes that "done". Just turn it on and off, from the usb port and upload the second file.

    after the photos of my LCR-T4 below - I don't know if yours often "flies" to the floor.
    modifications :
    box - sits deep enough that the lever from closing the pins does not fall out.
    regulator 7809 in the box - gives a stable 9V from the power supply because it consumes the battery quite quickly
    3x 4mm banana pins on the front panel

    I'm just waiting for the hinges or considering closing with a neodymium magnet.

    Change of the firmware of the LCR T4 M328 element tester from the elektroda.pl g

    Change of the firmware of the LCR T4 M328 element tester from the elektroda.pl g
  • #57 18313648
    goro79
    Level 12  
    Posts: 20
    Rate: 2
    Hello . How to properly calibrate for the software from the first thread?
  • #58 18314021
    nici
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl
    Posts: 4961
    Help: 266
    Rate: 977
    goro79 wrote:
    Hello . How to properly calibrate for the software from the first thread?


    Connect pins 1-2-3 with jumpers.
  • #59 18314035
    goro79
    Level 12  
    Posts: 20
    Rate: 2
    nici wrote:
    Connect pins 1-2-3 with jumpers.


    This is what is known, but it is still not so easy.
  • #60 18558931
    czaczus22
    Level 12  
    Posts: 61
    Rate: 25
    Hi, you can send the batch to the LCR-T4 tester on the 16 × 2 display.

    Added after 2 [minutes]:

    You can send the batch with the 16x2 display, the original one is damaged.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around modifying the firmware of the LCR T4 M328 element tester, with users sharing experiences and technical insights on the process. Key points include the availability of source code for the tester, the necessity of calibration after firmware changes, and the challenges faced when attempting to back up original firmware. Users discuss various modifications, including housing changes, power supply adjustments, and display replacements. The conversation also touches on the compatibility of different microcontrollers, the importance of proper programming techniques, and the potential for improved measurement accuracy with updated firmware versions. Several users report successful firmware updates and calibration processes, while others seek assistance with issues related to programming and display functionality.
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FAQ

TL;DR: 100 % of T4 testers in one AliExpress listing ship with firmware “V2.68”, yet “compile it yourself and you can tweak 30+ options” [Elektroda, gulson, #16738873; TechEkspert, #16743775]. Why it matters: flashing custom code unlocks language, display and test-mode upgrades that the factory image hides.

Quick Facts

• MCU: ATmega328P, 32 kB flash + 1 kB EEPROM [Atmel Datasheet]. • Safe supply range: 6–12 V DC or 3.7 V Li-ion + step-up to 8 V [Elektroda, @GUTEK@, post #16667071] • Typical flash + EEPROM write time via USBasp: ≈25 s [avrdude log]. • Self-test needs 2 short jumpers + ≥100 nF capacitor [Elektroda, higurashi07, post #17931331] • Read-back protection: set on many, but not all units [Elektroda, Karaczan, post #16669307]

1. Can I back up the original firmware before flashing new code?

Only if the lock bits are clear. Many units have read-back protection, blocking any dump attempt [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #16669089] Some users reported unprotected chips, so test with avrdude; if the device ID returns “0x1E 0x95 0x0F” and memory reads without 0xFF only, you are lucky.

3. How do I compile the open-source firmware in Atmel Studio?

Follow this 3-step workflow:
  1. Create a new GCC project for ATmega328P.
  2. Copy Software/trunk/*, plus fonts and mega328_st7565, into the project folder and enable the external Makefile.
  3. Edit the Makefile flags, then press Build → Build Solution [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #16666668]

4. What Makefile flags fix an upside-down or mirrored display?

Set LCD_ST7565_V_FLIP = 0 to end vertical inversion and LCD_ST7565_H_FLIP = 0 to stop horizontal mirroring. If the image is shifted, adjust LCD_ST7565_H_OFFSET from 4 to 0 [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #16666668]

5. How do I calibrate the tester after flashing?

Short pins 1-2 and 1-3 with copper wire, start the device, wait for the prompt, then remove jumpers and place a ≥100 nF capacitor between pins 1-3. The routine stores offset and internal resistance values [Elektroda, higurashi07, post #17931331] Skipping this step can raise resistance readings by up to 5 %.

6. My screen shows random ASCII characters—what is wrong?

You loaded firmware for a different LCD controller. Use the mega328_wei_st7565 build for T4 with ST7565 glass [Elektroda, coolers, post #18937688] Alternately, enable the correct controller macro (LCD_ST7565 vs LCD_ST7920) and rebuild.

7. Does ATmega328PB work as a drop-in replacement?

No. The PB variant adds extra I/O and changes fuse defaults; several users report self-test hanging at 43 % with PB chips [Elektroda, wujt, post #18998142] Use the original ATmega328P or port the code and pin mapping.

8. What if flashing fails and the tester shows “No unknown or damaged part” forever?

The MCU may have corrupted fuses or flash. Check that CKSEL bits point to the 8 MHz crystal and that LOW FUSE = 0xF7, HIGH FUSE = 0xD9, EXT FUSE = 0xFC [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #17684045] Re-flash HEX and EEP, then recalibrate.

10. How can I add my own 128×32 logo?

Convert a monochrome PNG to a 512-byte C array. A Python script using PIL iterates every 8-pixel column and prints const unsigned char PROGMEM logo[]. Replace the logo array in menu.c, re-compile and flash [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #16666668]

11. Why doesn’t Zener diode mode work on my board?

The stock hardware lacks a ≥30 V boost converter needed for Zener tests. You must add a step-up (e.g., MT3608 set to 30 V) and enable WITH_VEXT in the Makefile [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17938211]

12. Can I power the T4 from a single 18650 cell?

Yes. Pair a TP4056 charger with an MT3608 boost set to 8 V and connect it before the 7805 regulator or remove the 7805 and feed 5 V directly [Elektroda, @GUTEK@, post #16667071] Low-voltage cutoff logic is not included, so add a 3.3 V protector to avoid deep-discharge.

13. What causes mirrored display despite correct flags?

Solder bridges or flux between LCD flex contacts can invert bits. Cleaning the board with IPA fixed random image flips for one user [Elektroda, dragolice16, post #19793707]

14. Is it worth chasing pre-compiled HEX files?

If sources are public, building locally lets you localise menus, enable UJT or ESR extras, and avoid malware. “It doesn’t make sense to hunt hexes” when SVN is open [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #16743775]

15. Edge case: what if the MCU ID reads 0x00 0x00 0x00?

Either wiring is wrong or fuse bits disabled SPI. Check the ISP header continuity, tie the On/Off button down for stable power, and confirm the reset line is low during programming [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #17684045]

16. Where is the current code repository?

The original SVN migrated to GitHub: github.com/Mikrocontroller-net/transistortester [Elektroda, pitek3010, post #19913420] Clone, select the proper mega328_st7565 subfolder, and compile.
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