From Leatherman multitools to oscilloscopes with built-in signal generators and protocol analyzers, there seems no end to tools with multiple personalities. Everybody loves multitaskers because they make it feel like you’re getting more bang for your buck, and in most cases that’s true. But a jack of all trades is seldom master of any, and there are times when even the humble multimeter isn’t the best tool for the job.
With that in mind, [sidsingh] has developed what we think is a very nice dedicated continuity tester. With a goal of using only parts on hand, he had to think small to fit everything into the case he had. So he started with a PIC10LF322 to support all the flavors of continuity testing he wanted to support. In addition to straight continuity, the tester can handle diode testing, detecting shorted or open diodes and even differentiating between regular and Schottky diodes. It also has an LED test mode and an interesting “discontinuity” testing mode — it only sounds its buzzer when continuity is broken. The video below shows that mode in action for finding intermittent cable faults, along with all the other modes.
For an ostensibly single-purpose tool, this tester still manages to pack a lot of tests into one very compact package. Simpler continuity testers are good, too — check out this cheap dollar store build, or this slightly more complicated unit based on an ATtiny85.
My multimeters continuity mode is so laggy! I’ve got a tube of atmega386s and a box of piezo speakers so I’m gonna whip up one of these tonight.
Is atmega386 an intel 386sx emulator in atmega? ;-)
Inspiration from above:> IBM PC compatible conference badge
Nicely done!
That case looks identical or very nearly identical to the power source for some EL wire I got last Halloween at a local store. It ran off 2 AA cells. I put a 3.3V regulator where the batteries went, with a 3D printed frame to hold the terminals in place. The add-in can be popped out and the two AA cells popped in if I want to run it on battery again. I then powered it with a 5V wall-wart and wrapped it around our Christmas tree.
The case is indeed from EL wire. I installed the EL wire in my car and powered the inverter circuit from a 3.3v regulator and got rid of push button and a small chip which make EL wire blink. I thought the case will come in handy for small battery powered projects.
I like it!
When I grab my VOM mostly I use it as a continuity tester which this is so much better. Congrats. Would make a great product.
Where can I purchase these from?
good, where can i buy this ?