Dear viewers, there is an additional video available for this tester that might answers some questions you might have after watching this one. The second video is located here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/kWiNw6-Qc9KYebQ.html Thank you all for watching and participating in the comment section! 😊

I have one of these devices and when I tested a known good cap the reading came pretty close to the reading on a Beckman Circuitmate tester. The TC1 has to be calibrated before use and that's one of the purposes for the clip leads. I mainly got this device to test ESR which my old Beckman doesn't do. For the price and capability it's well worth the price. The only thing that bugs me about it is the short timeout. I could open the unit up and move the jumper but I just decided to live with it. Imo, I wouldn't attempt to use it in circuit to test caps since in most circuits there's enough resistance on the board to throw off the reading. A common failure for a lot of flat panel monitors and TVs is related to the aging of the capacitors used in the switching power supply. I have had 2 LG monitors that failed the same way and I use the TC1 as part of a post mortem process to confirm the caps are defective. When I work on old monitors I have already decided to replace the caps so testing them out of circuit is just an extra step in the repair process that I like to perform. I also like to cannibalize parts from defective circuit boards and the TC1 comes in handy identifying unmarked components.

@Ano-Nymos

4 жыл бұрын

There are ESR meters that allow testing in the circuit. Can this device officially not perform this function?

@davidsaunders1125

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, I expect you calibrated it first, unlike this chap!

Great the review. Love the idea of stills at the end, beats a shaky hand any time.😀

That’s a great review I have one of the peak components analysers that works very well. But the colour graphical display looks really useful. Thanks for sharing. Regards Chris

@MrDubje

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the nice comment, Chris! It's a bit of an unnatural fast-paced video for me, but that's thanks to my editing, editing out all the "dead time". People seem to like this video though, as it's short and to the point, even despite me having forgot to test some more fun components.

@allthegearnoidea6752

6 жыл бұрын

MrDubje I think you had the pace about correct it was a good video. I have been trying to crop my own videos down tighter.

hello mr Dubje, can I use this device to check faulty capacitors on circuit without delsoldering them ? thanks !

just bought one , the battery is now about a quarter the size so they have the cost of manufacture trimmed

nice video, I just wondered from the start how your tester will react with inductors, and comparing it with the agilent. We can see some diferent result according if it's measured by one of the other. I am looking for a real unductor meter but the agilent is very expensive. I always don't know how much difference we can get if we use a high brand to measure, and cheap device from ebay. Thanks for this video.

@MrDubje

5 жыл бұрын

It measures inductors surprisingly fine, considering that those are easily mistaken for a resistor. Can't vouch for the accuracy of the measurement, though. And whatever you buy, don't buy the Agilent featured in this video. It's overpriced and the build-quality leaves something to be desired IMHO. Get a DER EE DE-5000 or something. Lot's of videos out there about this device. Check out Kevin Gittemeier's videos for example.

@AIexanderHartdegen

5 жыл бұрын

ok thanks.

Great vid.... Thanks for sharing!

@MrDubje

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and the nice words, it's one of my better videos, I normally don't make videos as fast-paced as this one. :)

probó con un tiristor o con un tricac ? Con esos componentes aparecen fallas en el probador

Have you tried long press (>0.5sec)? Unless the firmware was modified, www.mikrocontroller.net/articles/AVR_Transistortester suggests that there should be a separate menu and an option for in-circuit testing.

i'm thinking of getting the "GM328A componenten tester" for 20 euro tomorrow.. that one has a simple calibration function.

Very nice review, I enjoyed your presentation. Just a couple of questions, the item on the circuit board in red, is that some sort of transformer / coil, also I picked up one of these testers. It worked for about half an hour with no problems, and even though the battery is charged, and a LED will flicker when put in the test socket, the screen shows nothing. I'm thinking that the connections at the top of the board might need to be re soldered / touched up, which I can do. I just can't explain why the screen worked to begin with, then shortly after, won't light. Any tips would be much appreciated.

@MrDubje

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the kind comment!The red part is likely a small transformer to boost the internal voltage to 25V or thereabout, because of the need for a higher voltage for the zener diode test.Regarding the display issue you're experiencing, I'm not sure. You can try to re-touch the connections and give the pcb a good look. It can also be a rare case of a defective led in the backlight.Hopefully you're able to figure it out.

Hi, great review. Just one question, can this test caps in circuit ? Many thanks in advance .

@MrDubje

4 жыл бұрын

Haven't tested that. It might as well do so (but take erroneous readings in consideration) just be aware of the fact that the caps have to be discharged as charged caps will ruin this tester very quickly.

I jut got one of these and it doesn't work. The screen just shows white when I press the test button. It shuts off after 20secs so it seems to be working somewhat. Is there any way to reset?

@MrDubje

6 жыл бұрын

Not that I know about, but it sounds like the device is functional and the display is getting power. Did you check the solderjoints going to the display already? It might not get signal, but just power. That could explain a white lcd.

That;s rather nice.

Does it have some extra circuitry to test zener diodes up to 30v? I don't see that advertised much aside from TC1 and T7. I want the one with RPEWS dial, but I can't figure out whether it would detecting like 15V zener diode.

@MrDubje

5 жыл бұрын

I believe in its specification it is mentioned that it is able to detect zener diodes up to 30V, However, that doesn't seem acurate.

@MrDubje

5 жыл бұрын

See: 12:19. It's stated on page 13.

@sawadiy

5 жыл бұрын

@@MrDubje well, yeah, I understand this does measure those. I was wondering whether that applies to other transistor testers as well. Since you took this apart, is there some extra circuitry on this particular model that makes a difference? Or is it just not as heavily advertised for other models? IIRC back in the days these testers were testing only up to 5v zeners.

@MrDubje

5 жыл бұрын

@@sawadiy Oh, it seems that I've misinterpreted your question then. I honestly cannot really answer it though. This device seems to have a transformer-like component in it that indicates that there is some voltageboosting going on. The fact that there is an 7805 present means that the boosted voltage can be anywhere up to 35V. I cannot speak for other devices, I only have the TC1. If it isn't clearly stated, I would suspect it is unable to test zener diodes with more than 4 or 5 volt. However, as Atmel microcontrollers generally run on 5V, there has to be some form of boost circuit present if the device is powered by a li-ion or li-po battery, as those only provide 4,2V max. It wouldn't hurt to make it boost to a higher voltage for testing such components.

@MrDubje

5 жыл бұрын

@@sawadiy Can you try to provide a link to the item you've got your eyes on?

Can't you see that protective clear film at the screen of tester? why is that you didn't remove that parasite to have more clear view?

@MrDubje

5 жыл бұрын

I usually leave those on as long as possible, lol.

@ao2528

5 жыл бұрын

Why Dubje? enjoy clear view by removing and don't worry about scratched screen, that device is not an a really expensive unless you want to keep that for ever.

@MrDubje

5 жыл бұрын

@@ao2528 It's a habit. Most of my equipment has protective film on the glossy plastic displays. If it doesn't have it already applied from when I buy it, I apply it myself. This goes for expensive stuff, of course. Not things like this tester. When stuff has it applied from the factory however, I do tend to leave it on there, even with the cheap stuff. I do agree with you about it for this time though. Valid point. But as the screen and camera are not synced, both the brightness and clarity are a bit poor on video. That film wasn't really stopping anything. 😉 And to be frank, you're the only one commenting about it, at this moment. 😊

Mr dubje I put a triac in my tc1 machine and on the display it is showing up as resistor ? Is this right ,i cant see from what youve shown or in the manual where this should happen , Can you help please

@MrDubje

5 жыл бұрын

It should display thyristor or triac. I'm pretty sure it's in the manual. There are the possibilities that your triac is defective or doesn't have good contact with the tc1.

@spoonerlee2908

5 жыл бұрын

@@MrDubje Vu Bt a08 600c Mar 1005 When this is inserted it show resistor on the display ,tried plugging it in all ways. Also Mrc Bta12 600bw C7 43 This also shows up on display as resistor

@MrDubje

5 жыл бұрын

If the devices are known-good, I can only assume that you've a broken TC1. Have you tried recalibrating it? kzread.info/dash/bejne/kWiNw6-Qc9KYebQ.html

Hello, this machine can also test dip8 components like op amps?

@MrDubje

6 жыл бұрын

No, It can't test those. It only has 3 different electrical contacts that are duplicated in some different orders. It has no way to test op-amps or such. Thank you for watching, though! :)

@Allstarr0013

6 жыл бұрын

Ok, thanks

I had TC1 for several years, great little gadget. The other day it just refused to switch on. Battery is ok, it charges battery and stops charging when it's full. Button is ok. It just won't power up. Inspected the PCB visually, can't see anything suspicious. Any ideas what could be wrong? Ordered a new one but maybe this one can be saved.

@MrDubje

5 жыл бұрын

Mmhm... smells like planned obsolescence. If nothing weird happened to it, I'm somewhat inclined to say that it is possible, in theory at least, for the micro-controller to keep track of the amount of times that the device has been used. If X number is met, it doesn't start any-more. Simon Spiers here on YT had the same thing happening to him with a cheap Chinese tester. Out of the blue it quit working. It's the same for cheap battery-chargers and car radios bought at Lidl or Aldi. After x amounts of use, they just do not power up any-more even if everything inside is fine. What both have in common is that pesky micro-controller. I have a feeling that when stuff is cheap enough it is manufactured to be used just a couple of times. The fact that you bought a new TC1 already says that people are willing to spend money this way. Not saying that this is indeed what has happened in your case, but I can't see why a device like this fails out of the blue.

@discoHR

5 жыл бұрын

Yes, it was working fine and just a minute later won't turn on. The thought about planned obsolescence crossed my mind. It's possible.

@MrDubje

5 жыл бұрын

Perhaps you can find firmware for it on the EEVBlog forum and try reflashing it?

@discoHR

5 жыл бұрын

Could try that but they probably locked it so the firmware can't be updated. I could try swapping the MCUs and see if the old MCU doesn't work in the new TC1 and new MCU works in the old TC1.

@MrDubje

5 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a good plan to me! I subscribed just in case there will be a video about the result! :) Good luck!

Has anyone managed to change the auto power off time? I've tried grounding the 2 pads on the board but it makes no fkn difference.

@MrDubje

3 жыл бұрын

Please find the answer to this question in the comment section of the second video. If that doesn't work out for your unit, it might be faulty.

Is there of updating this unit software wise, or dosnt it ever need it?

@MrDubje

3 жыл бұрын

You don't need to but if you want to change it, I think it is possible. Check the EEVBlog forum for that.

@rectify2003

3 жыл бұрын

@@MrDubje Cool, thanks

Nice video!

@MrDubje

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I still forgot to include tests of inductors and dual red/green leds where you have to switch the polarity, but it tests those as you'd expect. inductors seem a bit hard to test sometimes, and dual leds show up as "2-Diodes". :)

@MrDubje

6 жыл бұрын

BTW, did you miss this video? kzread.info/dash/bejne/YpqotpaTgZDFdrQ.html I expected you of all people to comment on that one, lol. I couldn't find another ADC other than the one integrated into the microprocessor itself...

@javierpallalorden

6 жыл бұрын

I was impressed by the zener diode check, it is really nice that it can read up to 30V.

@MrDubje

6 жыл бұрын

That was something that amazed me as well, it must have quite the boost circuit in there!

Does it check IGBT?

@MrDubje

4 жыл бұрын

See 12:18 page 13. Yes.

Hi, nice video, I happened to have this tester got it second hand with no instructions, I hope you read my comment, I would be awfully pleased and happy if I could have a copy of the instruction book please, Thank you

@DoubleMonoLR

4 жыл бұрын

This looks to be the same: www.circuitspecialists.com/content/430516/csi-tc1.pdf

Smashing, that was a really well presented product :-D. Its a cute little sod, very nicely made :-D I did look at all the clones of the original designed by a german at Microcontroller.net, and the simple ones had much the same schematic, but different software. I purchased the basic T4 graphic version, and it does work but the socket is really crap. And the 6 resistors that were on the 3 inputs were 1% or worse, they were supposed to be 0.1% tolerance, the china seller cheaped out :-(. Im going to change them, 3 x 680R and 3 x 470k (0.1% tol). As the unit cant possibly measure with a 100khz sinewave, its never going to be as perfect as the industry standard. Yours did seem well off, perhaps that socket is to blame, or the resistors.

@MrDubje

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the elaborate comment! I''ve put this tester in my bag which I carry to work, for the quick tests of "warehouse clearance new old-stock items" , haha!

@zx8401ztv

6 жыл бұрын

Well i wanted to comment about your video and give my side of owning a tester variety :-D. If you were not into electronics i would not have said much. Imagine me not saying much...... LOL never :-D :-D

@MrDubje

6 жыл бұрын

Haha, Yeah, I'm going to use it for indication of components more than accurate measurements. So for me, it's good enough as it is. But still, thank you for informing me about the accuracy fail due to the cheap choice of resistors in these things.

Comparative testing for capacitance or inductance is meaningless unless at the same test frequency (loss tangent). Cranking the Keysight to 10khz doesn't offer any useful insight into the TC1's accuracy. Measure the TC1's test frequency first, then match it if you want a true comparison.

@MrDubje

5 жыл бұрын

Good comment. I don't think you really can measure the freq. of the TC1, as it just pulses a few times in different polarities. Have to try that some time. What is important to note is, that it is unrealistic that any capacitor has an ESR of 0 ohm. I think we can all agree on the fact that this gimmick is just for quick tests of opto-electronics, transistors and to give an indication of other parts. Accurate devices cost a little bit more. This is no substitute for a real meter of any kind. ;)

@AKAtheA

5 жыл бұрын

@@MrDubje "little bit more"? :P The Keysight LCR meter is well over 20x the price... Wouldn't call the chineese thing a meter, but more of a component identifier/tester ;-)

Симистор BT139 600E, TC-1 не может определить правильно выводы!!! Почему то именно этот симистор, с другими всё нормально.

@MrDubje

3 жыл бұрын

Interessting, thanks for sharing!

3,7 V 330 mAh LiPoly

@MrDubje

5 жыл бұрын

It looks like a higher capacity to me, but thanks for commenting.

@keenhauberk

5 жыл бұрын

@@MrDubje is 300 mAh not 330. I have one tester here. My akku is printed. There are the infos: CA213060 Pack, Lithium-Polymer Battery 3.7 V DC, 300 mAh 1.11 Wh, manufacturer is Zhu Hai Coslight Battery Co. Ltd

You did not calibrate the tester before use!

@MrDubje

3 жыл бұрын

Oh, I did. It wasn't shown in the video.