Useful cheap small tester...

[AlanBeckett]

I honestly don't know Nick. The layout looks considerably simpler than the 'Original' - see attached. The only other Reference-type Component, other than the 78L05, looks to be an LM431.

Anyway, I'm not thinking of using it for precision measurements, just a quick 'What is it really?'.

One word of caution if you get one: on mine the Display isn't attached to the Backlight, at least not as far as I can see, so it will dangle on the Ribbon Cable if it's mishandled.

Alan

   

[AlanBeckett]

I've removed the ZIF, tacked three wires on and tested it - it still works.
Actually the ZIF was pretty easy. The Holes are generous and the Pins are flat, so simple sucking did it.

Next a Box. I'm hoping to mount it so that the Display is behind a Hole and the Button pokes through.

Alan

   

[Mark Hennessy]

I must say that this looks like a lovely bit of kit, and somewhat more practical after that mod

I'm also impressed with the temporary display securing mechanism!

Somehow, I can't help thinking that it would look really nice in a transparent enclosure - perhaps one of these: http://www.hammondmfg.com/dwg2c.htm

(Though admittedly not quite as good as one of Yorkie's wonderful bespoke oak boxes!)

But I wouldn't mind betting that these Hammond boxes cost about as much as the whole thing did. Even though I'm familiar with the price of goods from China via eBay these days, I still can't get over the price of this one. Last time I bought just a ZIF socket, it ended up costing more than these things cost. Just astonishing...

Like Nick, I also have the Peak Atlas LCR tester, but am very tempted to order one of these just to see how it compares.

All the best,

Mark

[AlanBeckett]

There are 4 tiny Mouldings on the Backlight which aligns the Display. I fancy a few dabs of Silicone Sealer will fix it properly.

I have to say that I took a few deep breaths while taking the ZIF out, but as I said, it was quite straightforward.

I fear the Box is going to be black Plastic, mainly because I have one and I don't want to stop. They do look very swish though. I really must get my finger out come the better Weather and make one of David's Comb Joint Jigs.

Unfortunately the ZIF didn't survive the trip. I took the top off in the hope of being able to lift the Pins out and it all sprang to bits

The active area of the Display is 55mm x 30mm so I need to carefully cut a hole in my Box. Of course if it doesn't go well ......

Alan

[Mark Hennessy]

Display cut-outs are often tricky. One "rescue" trick that I've used in the past - if you have some overhead transparency sheet (and if you haven't I'd be delighted to send you some), you can accurately print the required opening on that, with a black border surrounding it - if that makes sense. Perhaps even with nice rounded corners... Then, providing the hole in the box looks neat, and is uniformly over-sized, then it looks like that was the plan all along. In fact, right now I'm looking at a Fluke 8050 multimeter that does exactly that.

It's just a thought - but I'm sure it'll work out OK without such measures

[jimmc101]

If you don't mind the original (2x16) display then this kit might be of interest...
http://www.banggood.com/86-Plastic-Shell...56240.html
(It appears from the comments that the case may need some work)

It uses all through-hole components, the processor ('328) is socketed, a TL431 is used as the reference and the regulator (7550) is low dropout. As far as I can tell the hardware is up to the latest standard.

I've flashed mine with the latest firmware (1.11k) which improves the recognition of germanium devices and has a couple of other functions added.

I bought mine before the case was available and used a diecast box as the housing.

In order to cater for a variety of components, I used terminals with a couple of adaptor boards for modern leaded and SMD devices.

Jim

[AlanBeckett]

I like those Adapters, very swish

Alan

[AlanBeckett]

A short delay while I bought some new Circular Saw blades for my Dremel. I wish I hadn't bothered because I then proceeded to make a complete pig's ear of the cut out. A bit of filing made it acceptable, just. I used a few dabs of Silicone Sealer to hold the Display to the Backlight, drilled a hole for the Switch and mounted the PCB on 4 M3 Screws with Nuts and Washers. Getting the Switch at the right depth leaves a gap between the Display and the Box. I mounted three Terminals slightly to the left to avoid having to reach over to the Switch, and wired up to the ZIF Pads with some stiff BTC. I then stuck the Battery into the bottom with a 'Sticky Pad'. And lo, it works fine.
I pondered on what to do about the 'gap' as I didn't want bits falling in when it was kicking about on the Bench. I considered a transparent 'Window' but in the end settled on a bead of Silicone Sealer. While smoothing it out in the approved manner with soapy water I managed to get a bit of damp between the Display and the Backlight. It still works OK but looks a bit unsightly. I'm hoping it will dry out.

So:-

If I did it again I'd make a decent job of the cutout
I'd also dump the Switch and mount the PCB so that the Display is close to the back of the Box lid.
It's not very accurate as far as I can tell, say 1%, but then that not what I wanted it for, more 'what's that Resistor/Capacitor? without reaching for the Magnifying Glass.
It's possible to fool it by connecting a couple of Components to the Terminals, but again that's not what I want it for.

Overall I think it's a splendid little gadget, and if I've managed to stuff it with my incompetence I'll get another one and make a better job of it.

Alan

       

[pwdrive]

Looks ok to me Alan, if it does what it says then all's well, which is more than can be said for the new dam for the pond intake down the woods, not been there for a few days, meanwhile disaster struck, will report on the down the woods thread.

Lawrence.

[AlanBeckett]

Good news all round. The Display dried out nicely and it all looks very swish now. I've also found my 'Old' one while looking for something entirely different. It's been lost for so long that the Battery was well down. Anyway, a new Battery got it going properly again.
So, I'll have to set to and finish this one.

Alan