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LCR-T4 electronics components tester ATMega328 - Test and Review

TechEkspert 219078 650
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Treść została przetłumaczona polish » english Zobacz oryginalną wersję tematu
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  • #271 16707672
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
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  • #272 16707734
    DiZMar
    Level 43  
    Adamcyn wrote:
    See here. Quite a good coil and no inductance?
    High resistance and considered it was just a resistor. The inductance usually has a low resistance, although not necessarily. This is the case with primary windings of low power network transformers. I noticed that too.
  • #273 16707742
    rafcio_21
    Level 29  
    I have the impression that on a modified coil drive it performs better and additionally more parameters are displayed.
  • #274 16707757
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #275 16708279
    vodiczka
    Level 43  
    Adamcyn wrote:
    Quite a good coil and no inductance?
    I also noticed that it does not recognize inductance in coreless coils.
    DiZMar wrote:
    High resistance and considered it was just a resistor.
    At low resistance too. In my opinion, the proportions of resistance and inductance decide.
  • #276 16708306
    E8600
    Level 41  
    So I have to understand the translation will not help if we do not drive the inductance the first time?
  • #277 16708335
    DiZMar
    Level 43  
    vodiczka wrote:
    ... I also noticed that it does not recognize inductance in coreless coils ...
    This is not the reason. For proof, the measurement of the coreless coil measurement: LCR-T4 electronics components tester ATMega328 - Test and Review
  • #278 16708345
    398216 Usunięty
    Level 43  
    Gentlemen ... Do not demand from cheap TESTER quality and accuracy of measurements such as in decent bridges or transistor meters. It's ONLY TESTER it is supposed to be sometimes confused by assumption ... ;)
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  • #279 16708347
    vodiczka
    Level 43  
    How not how. I did not add that she did not recognize small inductance. I wrapped the coils for several dozen turns and a resistance of 0.2-0.5?, the tester recognized the resistors.
  • #280 16708370
    DiZMar
    Level 43  
    vodiczka wrote:
    How not how. I did not add that she did not recognize small inductance. I wrapped the coils for several dozen turns and a resistance of 0.2-0.5?, the tester recognized the resistors.
    According to its (tester) technical data, it measures the inductance from 0.01mH. A few or even tens of coils without a core are probably less than 0.01mH. My coil with 0.01mH inductance (lower measurement limit) has been detected. If it was half as long as it had a coil it would probably be only a resistor of about 1?
  • #281 16708386
    vodiczka
    Level 43  
    398216 Usunięty wrote:
    Gentlemen ... Do not demand from the cheap TESTER the quality and accuracy of measurements such as in decent bridges or transistor meters. It's ONLY TESTER,
    It's just a gadget. We do not discuss accuracy, but rather that it distorts certain elements. A cheap tester has the right not to recognize many elements but it is not right from the capacitor to make a diode from a low-inductance coil, a resistor. With such errors, he ceases to be a tester and becomes a toy. A very nice toy. :)
  • #282 16708589
    brofran
    Level 41  
    vodiczka wrote:
    A cheap tester has the right not to recognize many items
    Consent, but if an element is not able to diagnose, it should display the appropriate inscription, eg: unknown .
  • #283 16708608
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #284 16708622
    sylweksylwina
    Moderator of Computers service
    brofran wrote:
    Consent, but if an element is not able to diagnose, it should display the appropriate inscription, eg: unknown .
    After all, the string is displayed ....
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  • #285 16708818
    vodiczka
    Level 43  
    brofran wrote:
    Consent, but if an element is not able to diagnose, it should display the appropriate string, e.g. unknown.
    But it displays the appropriate message when it is unable to diagnose the item. The problem is that some elements are unable to diagnose and others diagnose as "otherwise efficient" :)
  • #286 16708864
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #287 16708866
    vodiczka
    Level 43  
    DiZMar wrote:
    A few or even tens of coils without a core are probably less than 0.01mH. My coil with 0.01mH inductance (lower measurement limit) has been detected. If it was half as long as it had a coil it would probably be only a resistor of about 1?
    You probably are right, I will not check the inductance meter.
    Adamcyn wrote:
    Maybe we'll be back to measuring the different inductances? In the lower and upper range of this tester.
    Hm, I can wind coils about 0.01 mH based on the calculator below and give what the tester pointed out. http://ekalk.eu/l_pl.html
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  • #288 16708936
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #290 16709574
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #291 16709585
    DiZMar
    Level 43  
    Adamcyn wrote:
    vodiczka wrote:
    Hm, I can wind coils about 0.01 mH based on the calculator below and give what the tester pointed out. http://ekalk.eu/l.html
    I just read in the description that this calculator is not suitable: This calculator will help you calculate the air coil. The formula used in the calculations gives correct results for the inductance not exceeding several dozen microhenries. If you need a coil with a higher inductance, you should use other methods.
    0.01mH = 10?H. The coil can be wound using this inductance with the inductance ? 0.01mH (10?H), ie the one that the tester should detect as inductance and give the size.
  • #292 16709704
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #293 16709730
    vodiczka
    Level 43  
    Adamcyn wrote:
    I just read in the description that this calculator is not suitable:
    Why? I undertook to:
    vodiczka wrote:
    Hm, I can wind coils about 0.01 mH based on the calculator below
    Both 0.01mH and 0.05mH are in the range of several dozen microhrens.
    Adamcyn wrote:
    Below is another calculator and considerable discrepancy for 10 ?H.
    "Spore" is the percentage of the lower value?
  • #294 16709790
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #297 16712145
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #298 16712178
    Jawi_P
    Level 36  
    At hand, I have 68uH and 47uH inductors, the first shows 70uH and the other 40uH. Earlier, after receiving the tester, I also measured a bigger one but I do not know what a miracle it was, so I checked that it measures.
  • #299 16712879
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #300 16712906
    DiZMar
    Level 43  
    Adamcyn wrote:
    I have measured such a transformer: ... that is around 32 H. Check. The tester showed different values and had the right - 32 H is a value outside its range of 20 H. He defeated again. :D
    Well, he did not fully defend himself. If it is outside the range, it should "say" and do not indicate what "saliva into language will bring". And without the use of a metaphor, it should display a message that the result is out of range as normal meters or other "simple" devices measuring even weights. It should not be misleading.
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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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