Chinese component testers.

[Boater Sam]

Split from this thread:-

http://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/s...d.php?t=141102

Oddly my cheap 'orrible Chinese Magic Box has no problems identifying any transistors, even ancient Pye, Fairchilds "red spots" etc.

[mhennessy]

Originally Posted by Boater Sam

Oddly my cheap 'orrible Chinese Magic Box has no problems identifying any transistors, even ancient Pye, Fairchilds "red spots" etc.

With the Af11x transistors that are identified as a "Three terminal bicolour LED" by the Peak Atlas, my Chinese tester identifies them as "Part unknown or damaged".

That said, I have had a few instances where the Chinese one identified a germanium transistor that the Peak Atlas didn't. But mine isn't running the latest firmware, and it is implied that an update would improve the Peak Atlas's behaviour with germanium devices. One day, I'll send it away for an update...

[nebogipfel]

As a beginner find my little Chinese tester very useful for a quick test of component values and unlike the experiences mentioned above has seemed pretty reliable.

There are quite a few variations on the theme and perhaps this is significant? The pcb on mine (orange) is marked V268

When testing transistors it gives you the gain of the device but more relevant to this thread clearly indicates the pinouts.

['LIVEWIRE?']

I have two of those Chinese Multitesters, one of which I have yet to build into a case. That one is made by 91make.taobao.com and is (date?)coded 20140314dw. I find them very useful for checking, not only transistors & diodes, but capacitors & resistors as well. How accurate they are when testing High voltage caps. I've no way of checking, but one thing I do know is that the ZIF sockets fitted to these aren't very good or practical long term, so the newer one will have 4mm or similar sockets attached. BTW I've just visited '91 Make's website, which shows that they produce a range of these instruments, some cased, plus other items. However the site is in Chinese, so I'm unable to understand/read the text.

[paulsherwin]

I also use one a lot and find it very useful. It does struggle with Ge devices but otherwise seems to test very well. The build quality is pretty awful but 'good enough'. I haven't bothered building an enclosure for it, and just store it in a small wooden box with its battery. While it's clearly not a professional test instrument it's perfectly OK for hobbyist use, and I always suggest to newbies that they buy one.

[nebogipfel]

Originally Posted by 'LIVEWIRE?'

but one thing I do know is that the ZIF sockets fitted to these aren't very good or practical long term, so the newer one will have 4mm or similar sockets attached

Yes I had planned to put clip test leads on mine which would also make it more versatile for testing devices in circuit, or more likely with one lead lifted.

I put mine in one of the neat little clear plexiglass enclosures which makes the whole thing more durable and business-like.

Amazing little devices for the money.