So I had - past tense - one of those cheap but incredibly useful and surprisingly capable MCU-based component testers. You know the ones - they cost about twenty bucks, can identify virtually any 2- or 3-terminal device you stick in their (usually ZIF) socket, as well as telling you things like which leads are gate/source/drain, base/collector/emitter, anode/cathode, or whatever else you might want to know about a lot of electronic components.

Absent-mindedly put an electrolytic capacitor into it tonight without discharging it. Had about 22 volts in it... hence, one ex-tester. I let the magic smoke out, without actually releasing any smoke or smell.

Oops.

#electronics #hobby #MagicSmoke #oops #ComponentTester #LCR #LCRMeter #component #transistor

I have just 3D printed and built the USB Communication Kit for the DerEE DE-5000 LCR meter. The interface works great!

#Electronics #LCRmeter #Capacitor #Inductor #DE5000 https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2551379

[28/06/2021]

DerEE DE-5000 USB Communication Kit by Siberuys

How to save $ 50 ? Very simple! To connect the LCR meter DE-5000 to a PC, you can buy a communication kit for $ 45-60, but I managed to establish a connection with a PC, with just one L-53P3C phototransistor and a USB-UART converter.

Thingiverse

Comparing my old home designed PIC LCR meter that has served me well for 20 years, with my new DE-5000 LCR meter. Both meters seem to be close enough when testing this 0.1”F capacitor – a good start!

#Electronics #LCRmeter #Capacitor #Inductor #DE5000
[17/06/2021]