BSIDE ESR02 Pro tester, comparison of measurements with ESR70 and LCR-T4

p.kaczmarek2 5991 6

TL;DR

BSIDE ESR02 Pro component tester is compared against the LCR-T4, ESR70, and sometimes a Brymen BM857S multimeter.
Inside, it uses an Atmega328P, an AMS1117 3.3V LDO, and an LM393 comparator.
The tester costs less than PLN 100 and arrived without a battery, so calibration and a good supply cell were necessary.
In tests, ESR02 often failed on BD140, BC557, IRF510, 22uH and 220uH chokes, 0.22 ohm resistors, and IRFP460.
The conclusion is disappointing: it looks like a clone of the LCR-T4, but performs worse and may need a firmware change.

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Post #1
20892282 05 Jan 2024 10:25

I invite you to a short comparison (gallery) of the BSIDE ESR02 Pro component tester. I will compare its results here to the classical ones LCR-T4 , known from the elektroda shop, to the previously described ESR70 , and in some cases to the results shown by the Brymen BM857S multimeter.

Purchase BSIDE ESR02 Pro
The prices of this tester vary, in our country you can get it for less than PLN 100, but if you import it from China it may be cheaper. In this case, my friend bought the tester, he was convinced by the promising advertising of its capabilities, but what is it really like?
I took the tester with me because I had something to compare it with.
The tester comes in a box:

There is also an instruction manual with the procedure calibration : :

I don`t know why the tester arrived in such a condition:

The battery is not included, there is an ESR table on the back:

You need to give it a good battery, otherwise it may not turn on:

Fortunately, I have a stock of them:

I also performed calibration:

After calibration, we start testing:

Comparisons and tests
Now I`m comparing the results from BSIDE ESR02 Pro with other testers, depending on what I measure there will be other competitors, because e.g. ESR70 only measures ESR... let`s start with capacitors:

LCR-T4 seems to slightly overestimate ESR, or maybe the other two underestimate it?

Maybe now the BD140 transistor:

ESR02 gets into testing loops and produces no results.

1N5819 Schottky diodes:

Brymen shows slightly lower voltage.

BC557:

ESR02 failed again.

IRF510:

ESR02 failed again:

Measurement of the diode voltage drop - quite good, both testers give similar results, Brymen underestimates:

22uH choke:

ESR02 failed.

220uH choke:

ESR02 failed.

100nF capacitor:

ESR70 couldn`t handle it, but that`s not what it`s for.

0.22 ohm resistor:

Only the LCR-T4 showed reasonable results.

100pF capacitor:

Brymen lost a bit.

IRFP460:

ESR02 failed.

1M Resistor:

ESR02 failed...

Measurement time
ESR02 vs LCR-T4 vs ESR70:

Rather everything within expectations.

ESR02 interior
Unscrew the screws and look inside:

Yes, this is another Atmega-based tester, here on Atmega328P.

In addition, we have a 3.3V AMS1117 LDO and an LM393 compatator inside.

Summary
Initially, I thought that BSIDE ESR02 Pro would be an almost identical clone of the LCR-T4, but tests showed that it may be a clone, but it is worse. I don`t know, maybe I got a worse one, but even after repeating the calibration procedure, it didn`t want to measure some of the components. I`m starting to worry that I may need to change the firmware, but more about that another time. Anyway, I invite you to the discussion. I leave the specific analysis of the test results to you. Do you think ESR02 Pro makes sense? The case is nice.

PS: I see a mention of this tester here:
https://www.elektroda.pl/rtvforum/topic3402823-60.html#17297999
Apparently it is also known as DTU-1701

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p.kaczmarek2 p.kaczmarek2

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#2 20892458 05 Jan 2024 12:31

acctr acctr

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Post #2
20892458 05 Jan 2024 12:31

I think it would be useful to collect some current and voltage waveforms from the tested element to see what these testers actually do.
Without this, one can only guess blindly.

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#3 20892472 05 Jan 2024 12:39

szeryf3 szeryf3

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Post #3
20892472 05 Jan 2024 12:39

I have had the LCR-T4 for a long time and I am very pleased with it. It`s true that I`m slowly looking for something newer and it`s good that you posted this test because maybe I would buy something worse than what I have.
#4 20892556 05 Jan 2024 13:18

p.kaczmarek2 p.kaczmarek2

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Post #4
20892556 05 Jan 2024 13:18

Hmm, good idea with these waveforms, I basically already did this with the ESR70:
ESR70 capacitance/ESR meter - interior, test, principle of operation on an oscilloscope
so maybe it`s worth a try here too.

And my side conclusion from the topic is that the LCR-T4 in the context of testing capacitors for hobbyists works well and there is probably no need to buy the ESR70, although the ESR70 also offers automatic capacitor discharge, but is it worth paying so much for it? ?

I am creating multiplatform open source firmware (Tasmota replacement), right now supporting BK7231T, BK7231N, XR809, BL602, W800, W600, LN882H and soon supporting RTL and W701:
https://github.com/openshwprojects/OpenBK7231T
If you like my work, support me at: https://paypal.me/openshwprojects

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#5 20893734 06 Jan 2024 10:11

saly saly

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Post #5
20893734 06 Jan 2024 10:11

Nice test, it`s a pity you didn`t measure these capacitors on a Fluk, Sanwa or other, or on a professional RLC bridge.
For measurements, did you use new or exhausted capacitors?

I was most interested in the capacitance measurement part because I evaluate the rest of the elements, such as diodes, transistors and resistors, by measuring them using the diode or resistance test.

Capacitors are a nightmare, I often know that the electrolyte is damaged because after replacing the device comes to life and the meter shows that the capacity is correct.
In my private life I use the Kyoritsu KEW1012 meter, and at work I use the Fluke range of meters. As for Fluke, I have not been disappointed, and the capacitance measurement itself is quick, sometimes the measurement is correct, but the capacitor needs to be replaced.
Kyoritsu measures large capacities around 15s, you have to get used to it.

When I used to work in a service center, I used CHY meters, a CHY20 multimeter, a CHY15 capacitor and a CHY24 RLC bridge. I was pleased with them.

I think that the capacitance measurement itself is not reliable, due to the fact that it is performed at lower test voltages than the voltage during capacitor operation, and in addition there is increased temperature, leakage and ESR.
Sometimes, if there are several capacitors with the same capacity in the device, I charge them with the rated voltage and check their voltage after 5 minutes whether it is still rated and whether they all hold the same voltage, this is more reliable for me.
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#6 20895049 06 Jan 2024 21:16

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Post #6
20895049 06 Jan 2024 21:16

The discrepancies may also be due to the fact that the capacitor was previously measured with a different meter/tester. Sometimes even the same capacitor measured twice within a minute can show different parameters. (Electrolytes, especially foil ones, are more stable in this respect).
You would have to try several measurements of the same capacitor and then repeat them, e.g. the next day.
And so with each meter...
More seriously: This is still a tester. It is supposed to separate the "wheat from the chaff", i.e. catch the capacitors that are CLEARLY damaged; other measurements should be treated as indicative. Only clear deviations from the norm can be assessed as credible - qualifying the capacitor to the trash.
#7 20896749 07 Jan 2024 19:10

marweg1967 marweg1967

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Post #7
20896749 07 Jan 2024 19:10

szeryf3 wrote:
It`s true that I`m slowly looking for something newer and it`s good that you posted this test because maybe I would buy something worse than what I have.

Well, I warn you against buying FNIRSI DSO-TC3. I won`t say it - it looks nice, it is powered by a battery, it has the functionality of a generator and an "oscilloscope", but it can crash, for example, when testing semiconductors and not recognize the J-Fet. The saying that "if something is for everything, it is for nothing" perfectly fits this system. Maybe the manufacturer will improve something with a newer firmware, but there is none for now.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion centers around a comparison of the BSIDE ESR02 Pro component tester with the LCR-T4 and ESR70 testers, as well as the Brymen BM857S multimeter. Users express interest in the measurement accuracy of these devices, particularly in testing capacitors. Suggestions include collecting current and voltage waveforms for better analysis. The LCR-T4 is noted for its reliability, while the ESR70 offers features like automatic capacitor discharge, raising questions about its value compared to the LCR-T4. Concerns about measurement discrepancies due to varying conditions and the nature of electrolytic capacitors are also highlighted. Additionally, a warning is issued against the FNIRSI DSO-TC3 for its unreliable performance in semiconductor testing.
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FAQ

TL;DR: For under PLN 100, the clearest takeaway is "the LCR-T4 works well": this FAQ helps hobbyists choose between the BSIDE ESR02 Pro, LCR-T4, and ESR70 when capacitor and component tests disagree. In this thread, the ESR02 Pro measured some capacitors but repeatedly failed on several semiconductors, inductors, and even a 1MΩ resistor. [#20892556]

Why it matters: If you repair hobby electronics, the wrong tester can waste time by giving plausible capacitor numbers while failing on common parts.

Test area	BSIDE ESR02 Pro	LCR-T4	ESR70
Capacitor checks	Worked on several samples; results compared closely enough for basic use	Strong baseline in the thread	ESR-focused only
BD140, BC557, IRF510, IRFP460	Repeated failures or loops	Produced results in the comparison	Not used for these parts
22uH / 220uH inductors	Failed	Produced results	Not intended
0.22Ω resistor	No useful result reported	Only tester with a reasonable result	Not intended
Hobby value	Nice case, low price, uneven reliability	Best value according to the thread	Extra feature: automatic capacitor discharge

Key insight: The thread’s main conclusion is simple: the BSIDE ESR02 Pro looks like an LCR-T4-style clone, but this sample behaved worse even after calibration. For hobby capacitor work, keeping an LCR-T4 made more sense than buying the ESR02 Pro or paying much more for an ESR70.

Quick Facts

The BSIDE ESR02 Pro was available for under PLN 100 in Poland, and imported units from China could be cheaper; the battery was not included. [#20892282]
Startup depended on battery quality: the tester needed a good battery or it might not power on at all. [#20892282]
Inside the ESR02 Pro were an Atmega328P, an AMS1117 3.3V LDO, and an LM393 comparator, confirming another Atmega-based tester design. [#20892282]
The comparison explicitly included a 22uH choke, 220uH choke, 100nF capacitor, 100pF capacitor, 0.22Ω resistor, and 1MΩ resistor; the ESR02 Pro failed on several of them. [#20892282]
One commenter reported that a Kyoritsu meter took around 15s on large capacitance, and another practical hold test checked charged capacitors after 5 minutes. [#20893734]

How do you calibrate the BSIDE ESR02 Pro properly, and what steps matter most before comparing its readings with an LCR-T4 or ESR70?

Calibrate it before any comparison, and start with a strong battery. 1. Install a good battery, because the tester may not even start on a weak one. 2. Run the built-in calibration procedure from the included manual. 3. Only then compare its readings against the LCR-T4 or ESR70 on the same parts. The author explicitly calibrated the ESR02 Pro and then began testing, so battery condition and fresh calibration were the two critical setup steps. [#20892282]

Why does the BSIDE ESR02 Pro sometimes get stuck in a measurement loop or fail to identify parts like BD140, BC557, IRF510, IRFP460, chokes, or a 1M resistor?

The thread points to a weak implementation, clone quality issue, or firmware problem rather than user error. Even after repeating calibration, this ESR02 Pro sample still looped or failed on BD140, BC557, IRF510, IRFP460, a 22uH choke, a 220uH choke, and a 1MΩ resistor. The author’s conclusion was blunt: it may be an LCR-T4 clone, but it behaved worse, and firmware replacement was already being considered. [#20892282]

BSIDE ESR02 Pro vs LCR-T4 vs ESR70: which tester is more reliable for capacitor ESR and capacitance checks in hobby electronics?

The LCR-T4 came out as the most reliable hobby choice in this thread. The author’s side conclusion was that the LCR-T4 works well for capacitor testing, while the ESR70 mainly adds automatic capacitor discharge and the ESR02 Pro showed too many failures outside basic capacitor checks. If your goal is hobby ESR and capacitance work, the thread did not justify replacing an LCR-T4 with an ESR02 Pro. [#20892556]

What is ESR in a capacitor, and how should ESR readings from testers like the ESR02 Pro, ESR70, and LCR-T4 be interpreted?

ESR should be treated as a practical fault-screening reading, not absolute proof that a capacitor is healthy. "ESR is a diagnostic parameter that testers compare alongside capacitance, helping users catch clearly damaged capacitors, but small differences between meters remain only indicative." In the thread, the LCR-T4 seemed to read ESR slightly higher than the ESR02 Pro and ESR70, yet one commenter stressed that testers mainly separate clearly bad capacitors from the rest. [#20895049]

What is an RLC bridge, and how is it different from simple component testers such as the LCR-T4 or BSIDE ESR02 Pro?

An RLC bridge is a more professional measurement instrument than a simple hobby tester. "An RLC bridge is a bench-style meter that measures passive components more credibly than simple testers, and users reach for it when they want better reference data for capacitance and related checks." In the thread, one commenter specifically wished the capacitors had also been checked on a Fluke, Sanwa, or a professional RLC bridge to strengthen the comparison. [#20893734]

What condition were the capacitors in during the comparison tests—new, aged, or worn out—and how much can that change the measured capacitance and ESR?

The thread never states whether the tested capacitors were new or worn. That matters because one commenter noted that the same capacitor can show different parameters when measured twice, and another said a capacitor may show correct capacitance yet still be bad enough that replacing it revives the device. In practice, the thread supports only this safe conclusion: capacitor condition can change both capacitance and ESR enough to affect judgment. [#20893734]

How useful would current and voltage waveform capture be for understanding what the BSIDE ESR02 Pro is actually doing during a measurement?

It would be very useful, because otherwise you are largely guessing. One commenter said that collecting current and voltage waveforms from the tested part would show what these testers actually do, and without that data, you can only guess blindly. For troubleshooting loops, odd ESR readings, or wrong part identification, waveform capture would be the clearest next step. [#20892458]

Why can the same electrolytic capacitor show different results when measured twice or with different meters and testers?

Because electrolytics are not perfectly stable, and prior measurements can affect what you see next. One commenter wrote that even the same capacitor measured twice within a minute can show different parameters, and that discrepancies may also come from a previous check with another tester. The same post adds that electrolytics are less stable in this respect than foil capacitors, so repeatability is limited. [#20895049]

When should capacitor test results from hobby testers be treated as only indicative rather than proof that a capacitor is good?

Treat them as indicative whenever the readings look normal but the real device still behaves like it has a bad capacitor. One commenter gave exactly that case: the meter showed correct capacity, yet replacing the electrolyte made the device come back to life. Another commenter summarized the rule well: a tester should separate the “wheat from the chaff,” so only clear deviations strongly justify discarding a capacitor. [#20895049]

Which is the better value for hobby capacitor testing: keeping an LCR-T4, buying an ESR70, or trying a BSIDE ESR02 Pro?

Keeping the LCR-T4 was the best value in this discussion. The author’s own side conclusion was that the LCR-T4 works well for hobby capacitor testing and that there is probably no need to buy the ESR70, even though the ESR70 adds automatic capacitor discharge. Against that baseline, the ESR02 Pro did not justify itself because it still failed on multiple parts after calibration. [#20892556]

How much does battery quality affect the BSIDE ESR02 Pro startup and measurement stability, and what kind of battery works best?

Battery quality affects startup immediately, and a weak battery can stop the tester from turning on. The author showed that the ESR02 Pro needed a “good battery,” otherwise it might not power up at all, then used a better one before calibration and testing. The thread does not name a battery chemistry or brand, so the safest recommendation here is simple: use a fresh, strong battery, not an exhausted one. [#20892282]

What hardware is inside the BSIDE ESR02 Pro, and how do the Atmega328P, AMS1117 3.3V LDO, and LM393 comparator relate to its operation?

Inside, it is another Atmega-based tester built around an Atmega328P. The teardown showed three named parts: the Atmega328P controller, an AMS1117 3.3V LDO, and an LM393 comparator. That combination tells you the ESR02 Pro follows the familiar small-tester architecture: a microcontroller-driven measurement board with a regulated low-voltage rail and a comparator stage on the same PCB. [#20892282]

In what situations does the BSIDE ESR02 Pro still make sense to buy despite the reported failures, and where does it fall short compared with the LCR-T4?

It still makes sense only if low price and the enclosure matter more than consistent results. The tester cost under PLN 100, and the author even said, “The case is nice,” but the same post recorded failures on semiconductors, inductors, and a 1MΩ resistor. Compared with the LCR-T4, it fell short wherever broad part identification and repeatable general-purpose testing mattered most. [#20892282]

What are the limitations of measuring capacitor health only by capacitance, and what extra checks like ESR, leakage, or rated-voltage hold tests give a clearer picture?

Capacitance alone is not enough, because a capacitor can read correctly and still fail in service. One commenter explained why: capacitance tests use lower test voltages than real operation and miss effects tied to temperature, leakage, and ESR. A practical extra check from the same thread is to charge same-value capacitors to rated voltage and compare whether they still hold similar voltage after 5 minutes. [#20893734]

How does the FNIRSI DSO-TC3 compare with older testers like the LCR-T4 and BSIDE ESR02 Pro for semiconductors, and what reliability problems have users reported?

In this thread, the FNIRSI DSO-TC3 was described as feature-rich but unreliable on semiconductor work. One user warned against buying it, despite its nice look, battery power, generator function, and “oscilloscope,” because it can crash during semiconductor tests and may fail to recognize a J-FET. The same comment added that no firmware fix was available at the time, which makes it a risky replacement for simpler testers. [#20896749]