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ArduTester V1.13 is a do-it-yourself component tester built around an Arduino Uno Rev3, a 16×2 LCD, a small set of resistors, and a pushbutton. Its published description says it can identify examples such as NPN and PNP transistors and MOSFETs, and measure resistors, capacitors, inductances, and diodes. It is a hobby project, not a calibrated or laboratory-grade instrument; the cited project descriptions provide no accuracy or measurement-range figures.
What is ArduTester V1.13?
ArduTester V1.13 is an Arduino Project Hub sketch adapted from Karl-Heinz Kübbeler’s TransistorTester work. It pairs an Uno-based circuit with a display so a component’s test result can be shown to the builder. Arduino Project Hub published the V1.13 project on November 21, 2018: Arduino Project Hub: ArduTester V1.13.
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FNIRSI LCR-P1 Transistor Tester, LCR Meter, Capacitor Tester, Auto Test | $31.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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ELEGOO UNO R3 Microcontroller Board ATmega328P+ATmega16U2 with USB Cable | $16.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Open Electronics describes the basic workflow as connecting a component, pressing TEST, and reading the LCD. That is the project’s described use, not an independent performance test: Open Electronics: ArduTester V1.13.
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What parts do I need for ArduTester V1.13?
The original project page lists these components for its build:
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- Transistor Capacitor Tester: FNIRSI LCR-P1 transistor tester can be used for the measurement and analysis of patch component, NPN, PNP, triode, MOS, field effect transistor (FET), diode, Zener diode, capacitor, resistor, inductor, battery, etc
- Friendly Design: The design of the replaceable patch seat enables measurement of both tiny precision components and high-power devices. 1.44 inch full-color screen, 300 mah battery, Type-c interface for charging and data transmission, firmware upgrade
- Anti-burn protection mechanism: The capacitance resistance esr tester automatically identifies undischarged capacitors and automatically discharges them at the moment of insertion and locking to prevent accidental damage
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- Intelligent automatic identification: Capacer tester intelligent automatic detection of component pins definition and parameters, and can quickly identify its models and specifications, thereby greatly improving the efficiency of work
- Arduino Uno Rev3
- Standard 16×2 LCD
- Three 470 kΩ resistors
- Three 680 Ω resistors
- One 1 kΩ resistor
- One 10 kΩ resistor
- Jumper wires
- Half-size protoboard
- 12 mm pushbutton switch
The project page also provides breadboard wiring and Fritzing schematic assets. Use those files for the exact connections and component placement; the parts inventory by itself is not a wiring diagram. Check the original V1.13 project page and its build assets before assembling the circuit.
How do I build the Arduino Uno transistor tester?
- Gather the V1.13 parts. Match the board, LCD, resistor values, switch, protoboard, and jumpers to the original project’s list.
- Follow the published wiring assets. Use the project’s breadboard layout or Fritzing schematic rather than inferring pin connections from the parts list.
- Load the appropriate sketch. Use the instructions and files associated with the V1.13 build. Do not assume a sketch or wiring from a later ArduTester configuration is interchangeable.
- Connect a component and press TEST. The described workflow displays the result on the LCD.
For Uno or Nano operation using the separate TransistorTester-source firmware, the repository says the bootloader must be able to transfer data to both flash and EEPROM. Check the documentation for the exact firmware variant and your board and bootloader before choosing that route: TransistorTester-source repository.
Can it test capacitors, diodes, and MOSFETs?
Yes, those are among the capabilities stated in the project descriptions. The listed examples include NPN and PNP bipolar transistors and MOSFETs; passive-component measurements include resistors, capacitors, inductances, and diodes. The descriptions do not establish support for every component variant, nor do they specify measurement ranges, accuracy, or repeatability. Treat the displayed values and identifications as results from a hobby tester, not as certified measurements.
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The original V1.13 parts list specifies a standard 16×2 LCD, using its original build’s wiring. A later, related project called ArduTester Millenium describes additional configurations, including an I²C 16×2 LCD and a 128×64 OLED. Those options are not proof that the displays can be substituted into V1.13: use the wiring and files for the specific configuration you choose.
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- START CODING WITH THE ELEGOO UNO R3: Connect the included USB cable, upload your first sketch, and build sensor, motor, display, and automation projects, making it a practical controller for maker desks, classrooms, coding clubs, and robotics labs
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- BOARD AND USB CABLE INCLUDED: Comes with 1 ELEGOO UNO R3 development board and 1 USB-A to USB-B data cable; breadboard, sensors, shields and power adapter are not included, and younger learners should work with an experienced adult
Will this work with an Arduino Uno?
The original V1.13 build is explicitly based on an Arduino Uno Rev3. The separate firmware repository adds a compatibility condition for Uno or Nano use: the bootloader needs to support data transfer to both flash and EEPROM. The exact setup therefore depends on whether you follow the Project Hub sketch or a firmware variant from the repository; consult that variant’s instructions instead of treating the projects as interchangeable.
How does V1.13 differ from ArduTester Millenium?
Millenium is a later related project, published on Arduino Project Hub on April 2, 2020. Its page describes distinct Uno and Mega2560 configurations, not a single universal parts substitution. The graphic-display version is associated with the Mega, and the page links frequency-counter capability to the Mega’s additional timers. The available project descriptions do not provide a controlled performance comparison.
| Configuration | Controller and display | Published feature notes | Build guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| ArduTester V1.13 | Arduino Uno Rev3 and standard 16×2 LCD | Describes identifying semiconductor examples and measuring passive components; no accuracy or range figures stated. | Use V1.13’s own breadboard and Fritzing assets. Source: Arduino Project Hub. |
| ArduTester Millenium Uno configuration | Uno; page describes a parallel 16×2 LCD and an I²C LCD option | Configuration-specific features; no controlled comparison with V1.13 stated. | Check Millenium’s own files before using its display choices. Source: Arduino Project Hub: ArduTester Millenium. |
| ArduTester Millenium Mega2560 configuration | Mega2560; page describes a 128×64 graphic OLED option | The page associates frequency-counter capability with the Mega’s additional timers; no accuracy benchmark stated. | Use the Mega configuration’s instructions and files. Source: Arduino Project Hub: ArduTester Millenium. |
Millenium’s page, dated April 2, 2020, also lists a breadboard, jumper wires, pushbutton kit, soldering iron, and PCB holder among its materials. Those are details of that related build, not additions to the original V1.13 parts list.
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