Recomendations for cheap component tester - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Wallace Gasiewicz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2021, 10:38:29 pm
content: My cheapo Chinese component tester bit the dust.Identifies transistors, FETs, does L and C and RI have fancier HP LCR and HP Volt Ohm meters and plenty of Multimeters, And Curve Tracer.....Just looking for a cheapo component testerWally

author: octillion
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2021, 10:56:00 pm
content: Not the cheapest, but I really like the Peak DCA75 (even does slow curve tracing if you connect to a computer, though your dedicated curve tracer may be better for that):https://www.peakelec.co.uk/acatalog/peak-test-instruments.html

author: bob91343
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2021, 12:38:46 am
content: Just buy another one. They are cheap and do a decent job.

author: ledtester
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2021, 01:35:48 am
content: Have a look at this comparison chart:https://github.com/madires/Transistortester-Warehouse/blob/master/Documentation/English/Clone-Comparison-Chart.pdfAlso, subscribe to the "$20 LCR ESR Transistor checker project" thread:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/%2420-lcr-esr-transistor-checker-project/so you can keep abreast of firmware updates. Ideally you want to choose a device that allows for easy firmware updates and can take advantage of the new features being implemented.

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2021, 01:36:27 am
content: Saw this kit the other day:http://electronics-diy.com/product_details.php?pid=651&name=ESR%20Meter%20/%20Transistor%20Tester%20/%20LC%20Meter%20Kit

author: bob91343
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2021, 02:05:23 am
content: The kit is okay but too expensive. At $40 one can buy an assembled unit with a warranty and have money left over.

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2021, 06:34:19 am
content: Quote from: bob91343 on November 18, 2021, 02:05:23 amLinks?

author: Grandchuck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2021, 12:20:15 pm
content: Wally,I have a BSIDE and it works fine. Do check the chart if you have not.https://github.com/madires/Transistortester-Warehouse/blob/master/Documentation/English/Clone-Comparison-Chart.pdf

author: Wallace Gasiewicz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2021, 02:36:09 pm
content: GrandchuckI kinda like that one too. Has a case and has the SMD padI like the english black oneWally

author: bob91343
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2021, 06:51:53 pm
content: https://www.ebay.com/itm/333544372188

author: Wallace Gasiewicz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2021, 10:07:03 pm
content: BobI think your choice is great except no pad for surface mount componentsI really like the color displayWally

author: bob91343
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2021, 12:30:21 am
content: It would seem to me that such a pad could be a DIY project.

author: Wallace Gasiewicz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2021, 09:19:57 pm
content: I bought the BSide and it seems to be just fine down to one ohm All other functions seem to work fine also, comparing readings to my HP 3456 and HP LCR meters. The component connectors on the front are a little tight though. Maybe they will loosen up a bit. I think it is a good value for the money.

author: Tekjive
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2022, 11:36:49 am
content: Does the Bside give RDS readings? I need an all-in-one that does, and I know these cheap o meters are just a general reading for some values, but mainly need it to test if components are bad and help me sort mosfets by RDS value ...all for a $20 bill ...lol