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Here we go again... There is many articles on the topic, as well on this forum, however they are rater old and may exist something new, more convenience.
Since many electronic devices comes with very badly chosen electrolytic capacitors, expected life of device is just about warranty period, or even less. Most of the capacitors become bulgy or leaked, however often there is no visual sign of it, but they are still dry. And yes, it is quite difficult to desolder all and change it with proper low ESR replacements, especially if some of old are still perfectly fine...
In short, ESR meter become really necessary tool these days. Commercial ESR meters are not cheap at all, however DIY designed cost is really affordable. There is many DIY design around, simple and complex, with or without MCU, with or without in circuit feature...
Anyway, I searched years ago some easily made, with in circuit feature and MCU based, however, except Bob Parker's (based?) one I have found none. However, Bob's ESR meter use some unusual MCU, non commonly available and I was not quite interested to made changes on hardware and write firmware from ground.
The question is: is there some free DIY ESR meter schematic and firmware available, which use some commonly used MCU these days, have "in circuit" measuring feature, no need to be precise at all (good-questionable-faulty indicators are enough).
Just elementary requirements in order to avoid unnecessary desoldering sometimes more than 20 capacitors per device...
Thanks.
Since many electronic devices comes with very badly chosen electrolytic capacitors, expected life of device is just about warranty period, or even less. Most of the capacitors become bulgy or leaked, however often there is no visual sign of it, but they are still dry. And yes, it is quite difficult to desolder all and change it with proper low ESR replacements, especially if some of old are still perfectly fine...
In short, ESR meter become really necessary tool these days. Commercial ESR meters are not cheap at all, however DIY designed cost is really affordable. There is many DIY design around, simple and complex, with or without MCU, with or without in circuit feature...
Anyway, I searched years ago some easily made, with in circuit feature and MCU based, however, except Bob Parker's (based?) one I have found none. However, Bob's ESR meter use some unusual MCU, non commonly available and I was not quite interested to made changes on hardware and write firmware from ground.
The question is: is there some free DIY ESR meter schematic and firmware available, which use some commonly used MCU these days, have "in circuit" measuring feature, no need to be precise at all (good-questionable-faulty indicators are enough).
Just elementary requirements in order to avoid unnecessary desoldering sometimes more than 20 capacitors per device...
Thanks.
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