Review for LCR-T4 ESR Meter Transistor Tester Diode Triode Capacitance SCR Inductance
You can get a digital tester that can identify, check and analyse MOSFETs, bipolar transistors, inductors, LEDs, thyristors, JETs, resistors, diodes, and capacitors
LCR-T4 does all the above for a reasonable price.
It is built on single PCB board measuring roughly 74 x 60 mm.
On the front are 128×64-pixel LCD panel with green LED backlighting, a 14-pin ZIF socket, and a button to start testing.
On the back is ATmega328 MCU, an 8MHz crystal, a 78L05 regulator, a TL431AN, two 1N4148 diodes, and some passive components.
The versatility of the 14-pin ZIF socket makes it an ideal component for testing different configurations and spacing of electronic components.
Despite only three labeled inputs (1, 2, and 3), the two rows of seven pin positions on the ZIF socket are connected -1-2-3-1-1-1-1.
In addition to the ZIF socket, is copper plated pads are provided for testing SMD (surface mount device) components. To ensure proper contact during testing, the SMD device must be firmly pressed against the copper pads.
To power, the item standard 9V battery is needed.
When connected to a battery, device is in sleeping mode and consumes little as 20nA. To turn it on press the pushbutton.
When the pushbutton next to the display is pressed the LCD backlight turns on, Message appears as “Testing” also indicating of battery voltage.
LCR-T4 starts checking if anything is connected to the inputs, if doesn’t find anything on the display “?” appears with the message”No unknown or damaged part”.
The device automatically detects any components connected to its inputs and generates a configuration report that includes basic measurement data.
The results are displayed on the device’s screen for a set duration of 10-30 seconds, after which the tester powers off to conserve battery life.
The current drain during testing is about 25mA.
LCR-T4 can test:
1. Capacitors
Measures and displays the capacitance. The rated measurement range is from 25pF to 100,000mF.
For high value capacitors, it can take more than a minute.
1mF and above, the tester also displays the capacitor’s ESR.
2. Resistors
It measures resistance from 0.1Ω to 50MΩ
Readings values between 50Ω and 2MΩ is better than ±2%
3. Inductors
It measures and displays both the inductance and resistance.
The measurement range is from 0.01mH (10µH) to 20H.
The range is within ±6% for values of 1mH and above, but rises to ±30% for lower values.
4. SCRs and Triacs
It just recognizes them and shows pin connections.
5. NPN and PNP bipolar transistors
This diagram displays the pin connections for the base, emitter, and collector (referred to as B, E, and C),
as well as important metrics for transistor performance: the current gain, or hFE, and a voltage reading labeled ‘Uf’, which indicates the base-emitter voltage during low-current conduction.
6.JFETs and depletion mode MOSFETs
It displays the pin connections for the gate, source and
drain, and the orientation of a protective diode.
If it is present. It also shows the gate-source threshold voltage
(usually written Vgs, but labelled ‘Vt’ here) and the gatesource capacitance, Cgs.
7. Enhancement-mode MOSFETs
For these far more common, MOSFETs
shows G-D-S pin connections plus the orientation of a protective diode if it finds one.
It also indicates the gate-source threshold voltage (‘Vt’) and the gate-source capacitance, Cgs.
The tester’s compact size and user-friendly interface make it a valuable tool in any electronic enthusiast’s arsenal.
Despite the limitations, this low-cost tester can be recommended to both hobbyists and professionals.
Its reliable measurements and intuitive design give users confidence in their electronic projects,
making it a valuable investment for anyone who works with electronic components.