SDGEE #013 Peak Electronics DCA75 Pro Analyser Review and Teardown - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SteveyG
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 05, 2015, 12:07:55 am
content: I've just uploaded a new blog video of the DCA75 which some of you may find useful. It's potentially pricey compared to some of the analysers on eBay, but it's quite well made and they do release firmware and software updates reasonably regularly.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2015, 05:01:36 pm
content: SteveyG,Thanks for the videoAs you know I now have one of these little gems in my equipment inventory.For the general readership.......On another thread that discussed a fraudulent ebay sale involving the DCA75, there has been a decent discussion regarding the unit and even direct comment from PEAKTake a look here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/peak-dca75-for-$59-really/msg646847/#msg646847I also provided my first impressions today as my DCA75 arrived this morning. I will repeat them here for ease of reference:-----------------------------------------------------------Aurora said .......Well I have had a play with the DCA75.My opinion of it ? ........ very neatWhat I like:1. The units broad DUT testing and identification capability2. The amount of data provided by the tests3. The graphical representation of the DUT4. The software with its excellent graphical representation of the DUT and commentary.5. Portability6. Reasonable cost. Not to be understated here as this is a wholly UK designed and built unit.What I do not like so much:1. The case shape. Sorry but I have always disliked the cases used by PEAK. They may have been designed to look 'funky' but, to me, they look like typical Chinese cheap plastic cases. The shape offers me nothing in ergonomics and does not sit well on my lap or bench. Sorry but this is an ergonomics fail for me. I can understand why a cheaper type of case was used for the £40 units as margins are very low, but part of me wishes that the DCA75 was a new product in a new case format for 'professional' users. It is a leap forward in that it has PC connectivity, so why not a change of case to go with such advances ?2. No LCD backlight. Understandable to save battery power but backlight is expected these days for use in less than ideal lighting conditions and to aid legibility of the graphics. The option to have the backlight on should be a user choice.3. The need to open the case and expose the PCB in order to fit the battery. Sorry that is less than ideal and it should be a closed case operation. This flaw is dictated by the cheap case used.4. Fixed probe leads. I understand the intention to make the solution neat but sockets on the units case improves the useability as various test jigs for specialist DUT contacts may be connected. Not a biggy as the test clips can connect to jigs, but still less than optimum.5. Case size. As already stated, I dislike the cases used, but the size is also an issue for me. A larger, more conventional rectangular case design would offer the possibility of a larger battery (and so backlight capacity ), integrated DUT test socket(s), test lead sockets and a more 'industrial' appearance, often associated with fine engineering, rather than cheap Chinese wares. Such a case should be both hand portable yet bench mountable to meet the needs of a broad customer base.My comments on having used the unit:I grabbed my 'odds & sods' semiconductor storage box and started testing the components on the DCA75. I was very impressed with the capabilities of the unit and its graphical display. I missed a backlight though. The software connectivity was flawless and the software installation simple. For me, the PC connectivity makes this unit so much more than other competing semiconductor testers and analysers. The PC software can display large clear colour coded pinout diagrams and a small commentary to the side explaining what the component is. There is then the capability to plot the various I-V graphs for the DUT and even plot more than one DUT on each graph for comparison purposes. In short, I love the PC software and will likely use the DCA75 in PC connected mode most of the time in my lab. I will only use the small internal LCD when out mobile.IMHO this is a very capable and useful little component analyser that has been built to a price that is still affordable to the hobbyist. It is designed and built in the UK and that is quite a feat in itself when wishing to keep costs down. Some of the design aspects are not to my liking, such as the case, but that does not stop the unit being excellent in terms of its abilities and performance. It should also be noted that the additions that I would like to see, such as a better case, backlight and DUT test sockets would all add to the BoM cost and so may take the unit out of the hobbyists price range.For those who really cannot live with the case design, it would not be difficult to transplant the PCB into a posh instrument housing. The bad news is that such instrument cases can cost almost as much as the DCA75 !I would heartily recommend the DCA75 to anyone who regularly works down to component level in repair or reverse engineering.In spite of my less positive comments above I still wish to say "Thank you Peak for a great semiconductor analyser"---------------------------------------------I also ordered the Peak SOT-23 adapter to enable easy connection to these fiddly little fellows. Not cheap at £20, but the test clip adapter is an expensive part. As you will see in the other thread I have also purchased some SMT adapter boards with plated pads to enable either pressure or solder contact with other small SMT devices. They are good value at $5 from adafruit or £5 from a UK seller. The price is for a set of 13 small adapter PCB's.Finally I purchased some 18 pin ZIF sockets to enable fast insertion of through hole components. I intend to make up a small jig with the adapter PCB's and ZIF socket mounted on the top and all wired out to decent test pins for the test clips to attach to. With such a jig I can quickly connect any common devices to the DCA75 with no messing with test clips.AuroraPictures of SOT-23 adapter attached and taken from PEAK web site page:http://www.peakelec.co.uk/acatalog/pca23-sot23-test-adapter.html

author: SteveyG
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 09, 2015, 06:06:26 am
content: Thanks mojo-chan.Aurora, that SOT-23 adaptor looks great and actually reasonably priced. Along with that for the DCA75, the little tweezers and probes look like good accessories for my LCR40.

author: economist
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2015, 08:03:17 am
content: Quote from: SteveyG on April 05, 2015, 12:07:55 amVery nice review.

author: all_repair
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2015, 09:16:32 am
content: Please help to convince me to get a DCA75 Pro, I have 3 of the other transistor analyser. 1 by a defunt French maker, and 2 from the China $20 tester. My heart badly wants one, my head is telling me to wait for the next improved $20 tester.

author: SteveyG
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 09, 2015, 10:02:22 am
content: It's a difficult sell if you already have a transistor tester. However, the curve tracing features are potentially a differentiator here - if that's not important to you then really it comes down to the specs and the types of devices that are supported.

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2015, 10:18:16 am
content: Thanks for the video.The bad thing for me is that the EUR crashed against the GBP and for Peak that is also bad news for their sales to Europe.Lets wait awhile.

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2015, 11:18:20 am
content: Quote from: all_repair on April 09, 2015, 09:16:32 amWe're working on itSome features are still unique for this class of testers, like PWM generator, squarewave signal generator and frequency counter.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2015, 12:39:29 pm
content: @kjelt,Understood, but I remember when the 1 GBP was worth 1.6 Euros .....those were happy days for UK buyers from EuropeFor me, buying from Europe has been too expensive in recent years due to the strong Euro and I have been buying from the USA instead.AuroraUK

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2015, 01:05:13 pm
content: The Peak SOT-23 adapter has just arrived.First impressions..... its is very nicely designed and built. I suspect that the test socket is a significant part of the production cost. It is marked with a large 'Q' but I have not identified the supplier yet.It costs almost 20% of the DCA75 price and that was why I baulked at ordering it, but then I realised how useful it will be. It is very well made and should last a long time in my lab. It may also be used with my other test equipment when working with 3 pin SOT-23.UPDATE: Aliexpress is showing the test socket is available at $44 per pair ($22 each). The part number is 499-036-00. $22 is approx £14 so, as I suspected, the test socket dictates the price of the Peak adapter.Two:http://www.aliexpress.com/item/499-036-00-499-036-10-499-P36-00-For-SOT23-3-SOCKET-SOT23SOCKET-100-NEW/1671825480.htmlOne:http://www.aliexpress.com/item/499-036-00-499-P36-00-For-SOT23-3-SOCKET/1582940793.htmlVena are the supplier on Aliexpress and they have a web site with many different test sockets available.http://vena.en.seekic.com/product/connectors_interconnects/http://vena.en.seekic.com/product/connectors_interconnects/499_036_00_499_036_00_499_P36_00_For_SOT23_3_SOCKET.htmlManufacturer is shown as Wells-CTIAurora

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2015, 02:32:52 pm
content: Just found the 6 pin version of the Wells-CTI SOT-23 test socket on Farnell's web site......Yowser! its priced at £32+VAT (@20%)http://uk.farnell.com/wells-cti/499-p44-20/socket-6-lead-sot23/dp/1297055A data sheet is also offered.Aurora

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2015, 03:16:57 pm
content: I like Peak products a lot. I have an ESR meter and the original DCA from them. I've always found that the pricing is very reasonable, especially considering they are high quality instruments. Especially, unlike other manufacturers, they don't charge over the odds for some of their accessories.A little caution with the DCAxx is that it cannot test parts in circuit - I can understand it may be difficult to characterise the device, but it would be useful if it said "this looks a bit like a FET/BJT, and it seems to work" rather than just saying "Unknown component". I've also found that it can sometimes pick up power BJTs as dual diodes due to the very low gain.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2015, 11:04:48 am
content: For those unaware, there has been a conversation with Jez of Peak on another DCA75 related thread. Link:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/peak-dca75-for-$59-really/I and others provided Jez with some feedback on the DCA75 and this included ease of screen viewing when the unit is sat on a bench. Well the good news is that Jez has very kindly designed a bespoke bench stand for the Peak products that tilts the unit to a perfect LCD viewing angle. He has also generously supplied the 3D print file so that owners can have their own stands made. Peak are not selling the stand at this time as there would need to be a cost benefit analysis for such.Jez's post is to be found here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/peak-dca75-for-$59-really/msg652994/#msg652994My stand arrived today thanks to the kindness of a friend. Pictures attached. It comes in two pieces and is held together with four self tapping screws. Small rubber feet attached to the bottom plate stop the unit drifting around on the benchIMHO this stand is a very worthwhile addition to the Peak products especially when, like mine, they are used mainly on the bench.This is clear evidence that Peak do listen to feedback and do support the user base where possible. A very good British company to deal withMy sincere thanks to my friend (you know who you are !) on this forum who supplied the stand so quickly.Aurora

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 18, 2015, 12:57:16 pm
content: Thank you for the heads up Aurora.And tahnk you Jez for the STL files.Mi printer is working now...

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2015, 02:01:14 pm
content: Quote from: tom66 on April 09, 2015, 03:16:57 pmThe problem with in-circuit detection is that you have to work with 5V at least (sometimes even more would be nice) to be able to switch or trigger most semiconductors, especially FETs, SCRs and such stuff. And all the components attached to a transistor make this task much harder.Quote from: tom66 on April 09, 2015, 03:16:57 pmThe Transistor Tester detects BJTs with base-emitter resistor, freewheeling diode and freewheeling diode on the same substrate (quite special case).

author: PeakAtlas
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2015, 10:26:06 pm
content: Thank you SteveyG for posting your review of the DCA75. I'm delighted that you like the unit and I'm grateful for all your observations, comments and suggestions, you are very thorough too! I shall have to visit eevblog more often so I don't miss anything!All the best,Jez

author: PeakAtlas
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2015, 10:38:37 pm
content: Hi Aurora,Thanks for posting your photos, looks great. If you or anyone else have any tweaks to suggest for the stand then do let me know. I did consider some options for making it adjustable, a bit like old fashioned deck-chairs, but hinged parts are not always straightforward to design and print. So I kept it fairly simple to ease printing and assembly.By the way Edonork, if possible, please post pictures of your 3D print when it has finished, I'd love to see it.Cheers all,Jez

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2015, 11:20:33 pm
content: Any comparison to that Karl Heinz Kubbeler AVR tester?https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/$20-esr-lcr-transistor-npn-pnp-mosfet-meter/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/$20-lcr-esr-transistor-checker-project/Well, this DCA75 has some more sophisticated circuitry.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2015, 10:46:18 am
content: Whilst I like the DCA75 in its mobile format, I believe PEAK have massively enhanced it with the PC connectivity. Such connectivity has enabled them to use some pretty tidy looking software to not only present the data in a large format, but also provide the curve tracing display. IMHO any competing product would also need such a capability to be considered in the same league. There is only so much you can do with a small format LCD display.Aurora

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 19, 2015, 04:01:18 pm
content: Quote from: PeakAtlas onYesterdayat 22:38:37Here you have Jez:I will buy the needed screws tomorrow, but I have test the fit and it is perfect.Waiting for the Peak Atlas EevBlog discount for the ZEN.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2015, 04:31:19 pm
content: I was Sooooooo tempted to buy the ZEN today. I already have alternatives to Peaks other offerings but not the ZEN unit. Still very good value at £39 though. If there was a discount in the offing....every penny helps when you are retired like meAurora

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 19, 2015, 05:07:42 pm
content: I will bought it. Only waiting for Jez. Hobbyist here, every euro counts too with SWMBO.The stand is for the DCA75 Pro I already own.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2015, 05:19:02 pm
content: @Edonork,Your stand print looks very good. What printer did you use please ?Best WishesAurora

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 19, 2015, 08:29:49 pm
content: @Aurora,It's a Wanhao Duplicator 4X, a chinese copy of the Makerbot.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2015, 08:51:03 pm
content: Excellent, thanks. Looks a nice unitAurora

author: PeakAtlas
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2015, 07:40:14 am
content: @Edonork Nice pictures, you've done a nice print job.By the way, I've found that if you use a 2.5mm drill in the base holes then you can use standard M3 screws quite nicely.

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 20, 2015, 07:42:28 am
content: Will try, I have lots of M3 at hand.By the way, I have remove the unnecesary piece from your STL file before printing.

author: SteveyG
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 20, 2015, 09:22:51 am
content: Looks like I need to have a chat with the guys in the machine shop at work

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2015, 08:44:09 am
content: SteveyG,You are doing great reviews!Thank you.

author: SteveyG
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 12, 2015, 07:41:11 am
content: Quote from: HighVoltage on May 10, 2015, 08:44:09 amThanks for the support!

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2015, 08:39:55 am
content: Are you going to review the ZEN50 also?, your reviews are very good commercial for PeakAnd, I hope someone can put printed stands on sale somewhere...

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 13, 2015, 08:51:39 am
content: @nesslekkim: there are various online services for 3D printing.I could print one to you, but shipping breaks the deal.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2015, 08:26:27 am
content: I see that you have the ZEN50 on your bench, any review of that?, and are you happy with it?i see that they used normal crocs on that one, compared to the hooks on the DCA etc..For normal diodes/zeners I guess it's ok, but I want to use it for Leds, and think that crocs is not so nice if one want to test leds that are bonded to aluminium pcbs, as most of the cob based ones are.. without soldering wires..But maybe I'm wrong..

author: SteveyG
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 19, 2015, 07:40:55 am
content: I'll try to get a review up soon!

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2015, 08:55:21 am
content: Quote from: SteveyG on August 19, 2015, 07:40:55 amCool, can you do a little about leds, cob leds etc also?I guess I'm going to buy this soon anyway, but it would really be interesting to see how it can be at help there.

author: PeakAtlas
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2015, 11:35:32 am
content: EEVBlog Discount CodeHi All,Further to a few requests, on this thread and others, I've now issued a 10% discount code for EEVblog members.The discount code is:eevblog10-novemberThe code is valid for all of November 2015 and gives 10% discount on all product prices for orders that have at least 1 instrument in them. It can be entered during the checkout process in our web store:http://www.peakelec.co.ukDon't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.Cheers,JezQuote from: EdoNork on April 19, 2015, 04:01:18 pm

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2015, 08:07:09 pm
content: Thanks Jez,I just ordered an ESR70 from your web site. The 10% discount code worked fine.Best WishesFraser

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2015, 08:34:27 pm
content: Ordered a DCA75 with payment option PayPal. Please note that you have to fill in the code in the PayPal screen, just typing it on the basket screen is not enough (or doesn't do anything).

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2015, 10:24:30 pm
content: I entered the code in the basket checkout screen but you have to press the update basket button for the discount to be applied.Fraser

author: dadler
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 19, 2015, 05:30:54 am
content: Already have the DCA75 & ZEN. Due to the coupon code above, I am now considering the LCR45.I do already have a DER EE DE-5000, but I really like the form factor and interface of the Peak products.Anyone have both, and can offer insight on the merits of the LCR45 vs DE-5000?

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2015, 11:06:25 am
content: I just ordered the ZEN50,Thanks for the discount.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2015, 11:49:32 am
content: Quote from: dadler on November 19, 2015, 05:30:54 amSame here, I have the DER EE, wonder what the ESR and the LCR meters would give compared to the DE-5000..Have the DCA75 and ZEN and very happy with those

author: dadler
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 20, 2015, 05:29:19 pm
content: I think I have answered my own question, the specs on the DE-5000 are superior (by an order of magnitude or more) in almost every way vs the Peak LCR/ESR products. I'd expect the Peak devices to be much more usable from a human perspective, and feel less plasticky, though. But, after locating my DE-5000 spec sheet, there isn't much of a comparison.Edit: adding spec sheets:DE-5000:Peak LCR45:Peak ESR70+:

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2015, 09:53:42 pm
content: The Atlas ESR70 arrived today. Nice fast next day delivery.The unit is as expected, well constructed and it works very well. I can tell that it will be very quick to use and the presence of the automatic discharge protection is a very nice function. More LCR and ESR meters should include such. The ESR70 checks the voltage across the Capacitor before connecting the voltage sensitive parts of the unit to it. If excessive voltage is measured, a resistor is used to discharge the capacitor and the display shows the voltage level during the process. Nice.High levels of accuracy are not essential when measuring ESR as such a characteristic is anything but constant amongst different components. LCR is a different matter. Accuracy can be very important.I own the Mastech and De Ree LCR+ESR, units and the ESR70 is just a more convenient unit for quick checks. Once the ESR70 has discharged and measured the capacitor, a more accurate meter may be used if the situation warrants such. I have serious doubts that high levels of ESR accuracy will be an issue in most repairs that I undertake.This unit joins my excellent Atlas DCA75+ on my bench. Time to print another desk stand for it to sit on.Fraser

author: all_repair
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2015, 10:27:14 am
content: Hoping for another run of discount, some budget to clear this month

author: PTR_1275
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2016, 11:31:43 am
content: Sorry for bringing up an old thread, but I am looking to add a ZEN50 and SCR100 to my workbench. Jez, is there any chance of getting another discount code. The local distributor over here in Australia doesn't stock the either of the models I am needing.I do like the reviews of the other Peak gear that has been put up here too, it helped sway me into buying the DCA75 and I haven't looked back.

author: alin_im
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2017, 09:39:22 pm
content: can you please link the microcontroller inside the product please, I cannot find it anywhere

author: ThaZ
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 04, 2022, 10:14:31 pm
content: here you go:https://lygte-info.dk/pic/ComponentTesters/Peak%20DCA75/DSC_7204a.jpg

author: AwArD_RzD
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2022, 10:12:06 pm
content: I bought one this week from Digikey and i want to share that my unit feature a backlight display. I know they update the firmware but it's a great surprise.Date code 2204 seal date 18 JAN 2022.Since someone revived this 5 old thread i used this one, it's the first result on many search engine when you search a review for the DCA75 pro, it's a great review SteveyG thanks !

author: SteveyG
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 15, 2022, 10:25:38 am
content: Yes I recently had mine replaced by Peak because of the display issue. It looks like all of the models have been updated with custom LCDs with white backlight.I will be doing a short update on these units and the improvements in the next few weeks.

author: nanodocl
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2023, 10:55:22 am
content: Quote from: ElektroQuark on April 18, 2015, 12:57:16 pmHi,Can you upload the stl files or post a link where can anyone download them?

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 15, 2023, 05:16:59 pm
content: Quote from: nanodocl on September 15, 2023, 10:55:22 amThey are posted in the other thread. One posted by Jez (direct link below), and if you scroll down there is another version posted by me (but created by Jez).https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/peak-dca75-for-$59-really/msg652994/#msg652994

author: Finderbinder
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2025, 01:54:15 pm
content: Many years passed from DCA75 release. Are there any newer/better alternatives for such device? Maybe DCA75 successor is already planned to release?At least USB-C, rechargeable battery, higher test currents and voltages are highly welcome, I think.