Cheap component tester Ebay UK Ideal for begginer?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 04, 2019, 01:36:27 pm
content: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AF-117-AF117-Transistor-TESTED-WORKING-Germanium-PNP/333176022934?hash=item4d92d6a796:g:tr8AAOSwAC1Z~0lBI was scanning Ebay and came across this wee gadget....I know they are just a cheap Chinese tester, but for a couple of quids must be worth a punt for a beginner ? ? ?

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 04, 2019, 01:49:19 pm
content: I think that's for the transistor, not the tester.

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 04, 2019, 01:52:09 pm
content: I think you might be right...DOH!!Time for a quick 40 winks I think! LOL

author: JamesAllen
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 04, 2019, 01:53:28 pm
content: If you search on eBay for Transistor Tester, there are literally hundreds on there that do a very similar thing.I have one of the those DIY Kits with a 16x2 LCD screen which I soldered myself.They are useful as a beginner but don't rely on values, they can be wildly out.ThanksJames

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 04, 2019, 01:56:44 pm
content: Quote from: Terry01 on July 04, 2019, 01:52:09 pm... If I'm honest I nearly bought one before I realised

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 04, 2019, 01:59:55 pm
content: That's well funny!

author: lordvader88
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 04, 2019, 07:34:13 pm
content: IDK about the 1 you're looking at, I don't see any spec's listed at all, or did I miss them ? At least buy 1 from someone that lists the chip, and what things it can test, like inductance or not.Mine was $5-15 years ago, uses some ATmel micro-processor, and does measure ESR and inductance, as well as identify all kinds of 3 terminal silicon devices. But it never included probes tho. ESR function lets u test caps and see how leaky they are.For a beginner they are great as a general purpose tester and ESR/LCR meter. And also still quite useful for testing transistors/diodes, especially un-readable ones.

author: richnormand
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 04, 2019, 09:06:46 pm
content: I have a Tektronix 576 curve tracer to really check transistors but I have two of these inexpensive gizmos on the bench.I end up using them more than the curve tracer or the ESR meter or the LCR meter.They are great for a quick check and identifying unknown components.They also make mistakes and if the measurement needs to done better that is when I go to the real proper instrument.I bought both without the case so I can solder surface mount devices on the board to test them (one has a few pads designed for that), also soldered miniclips (as shown in the ebay listing for your transistor) using a good length of wirewrap wire on the other. Very handy.They are cheap ($15-20) and do vary in capability and programming versions.So, yes, I would recommend one or two of these for someone starting up in the field.

author: Mr.B
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 04, 2019, 09:11:18 pm
content: These types of testers are widely discussed in this 230 page thread:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/$20-lcr-esr-transistor-checker-project/

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2019, 02:27:57 pm
content: I have a tester similar to that one shown on eBay. I think I paid about 20£ a few year ago.Haven't used for a while. Need to replace the battery.It works well.

author: Vtile
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2019, 08:58:44 pm
content: Quote from: Mr.B on July 04, 2019, 09:11:18 pmYep. There is also one of the project authors on that thread frequently discussing about the testers floating on the market.

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2019, 11:13:01 pm
content: I just took out mine from the drawer, and it is MK-328.I have had it for about 5-6 years, and still works great.