Zener Diode Tester - Part 1. The build.

Zener Diode Tester - Part 1. The build.

Testing zener diodes can be a pain, so I decided to design and build this tester. I wanted it to be battery operated, chargeable, portable and simple. I think the result meets these criteria quite well.

I divided the video into two parts, with the part 1 being the build process, and part 2 covering the circuit development and design. If you don't want to waste time on design considerations, you can just follow the part 1 video. Part 2 is here:

I decided to use simple modules that are cheap and easily available for some functions. These are often cheaper than some single components needed, so their use is actually a good idea and simplifies matters. The modules I used here are:

Have fun!

See a series of 'Restoration Building Blocks' videos on detailed steps in the restoration process:

See also playlists on some other completed restoration projects.

PHILIPS BX750A:

TELEFUNKEN OPUS 2114:

SABA UW-175-Z 3D:

GRUNDIG 1070:

SCHAUB-LORENZ GOLDY 58 type 3020:

BUSH VHF64:

GRUNDIG 3060A:

TELEFUNKEN OPERETTE 8:

GRAETZ SUPER 171W:

LOEWE-OPTA MAGNET 3737W:

BRAUN ATELIER 3:

LOEWE-OPTA TRUXA STEREO 4741W:

GRAETZ COMEDIA 616:

SABA FREIBURG W2:

GRAETZ MUSICA 4R417:

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CAPACITOR LEAKAGE TESTER:

[mickblackmore]

Thank you, I built this It works just fantastic.

[ljy]

Great stuff. Just the kinda stuff I like to watch!

The more component testers you build the better!!

[standishgeezer]

Love it! A simple but effective piece of test equipment that doesn't cost a fortune. to look at Part 2

[rickwise]

Excellent device, excellent video! It isn't clear in the schematic, but you mentioned in Part 2 that the input ground and output ground are the same in the booster module. If you got a module in which they were isolated, the meter wouldn't work.

[johnshidler]

Thank you very much for making this video, Your very thoughtful presentation was very  watchable for me (Perhaps, my wife would not like it) and understandable !!! I am going to watch all your videos and I hope to see a lot more. John, NS5Z

[mariusz]

Diody led też można testować. Można sprawdzić jakim napięciem zasilić taką diodę.
Test zener diode
Test led diode

[coltronex]

With a bit of modification perhaps silicon or Schottky diodes too, good project worth building IMHO, regards Colin.

[whoisntwhoisit]

Lol. Love how the warning is completely obfuscated at the end. Awesome video thanks you very much! Will definitely be making one!
Why bring the voltage down to 25v if its capable of more? Why not run it at max and be able to read a couple more values? I would think how quick and low current it is that should not hurt anything?
Also anyone know of a booster that does 3.7-4.2 to ~100v? I cant seem to find even 60v+ without going to 10v input.
Thanks!

[vernonbosshard]

Need to build one for a microwave oven HV diode, it has a 3 volt fwd drop.

[lelandclayton]

I am so building this for my bench. Much faster then trying to use a curve tracer / octopus on the scope.

[harryshector]

You might want to be a little cautious about the means of connection, if you increase the test voltage supply. 100 volts might tingle.

[alfredneumann]

Its interesting, what modules are available on the market. Awesome tester!

[BjornV]

Nice and handy tester.
Do you also have a video of the audio dummy load tester that you use for testing amplifiers ?
I have searched in your video's but can't find it.

[josfrankena]

Great project! Building one for myself. I made a much better schematic 😉 with real images of the used components. Want me to send it to you?

[jaytee]

sir may i know the name of the booster module of up to 80vdc/125vc. i cannot find this module.

[goyetobuena]

Can it be also used for LED strips for testing?

[MUHAMMADYAWARIFRAHEEM]

What ic use in voltmeter ?i want to build the voltmeter