DIYfan: Simple LC meter

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Monday, June 18, 2012

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Simple LC meter
Here is another piece of laboratory equipment - LC meter. This type of meter, especially L meter is hard to find in cheap
commercial multimeters. Schematic of this one came from this web page:
https://sites.google.com/site/vk3bhr/home/index2-html. It uses PIC microcontroller 16F628A, and because I recently
acquired a PIC programmer, I decided to test it with this project.

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Following the above link you will find the original schematic, PCB, source and HEX files for programing the
microcontroller and detailed description.
Here is my adaptation of the schematic:

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Adjustable lab power supply

Adjustable Lab Power Supply take two :)

Simple LC meter

I removed the 7805 regulator, because I decided to use a 5V adapter from Sony mobile phone.
In the schematic, trimmer-potentiometer is 5k, but actually I put 10k, after consulting with the datasheet of the LCD
module I bought.
All three 10uF capacitors are tantalum and C7 - 100uF actually is 1000uF.
Two 1000pF capacitors are styroflex 1% and inductor is 82uH.

Advanced LC meter

Total consumption (with back light) of the device is 30mA.

R11 limits the back light current and must be calculated according to the actual LCD module used.
LED VU Meter with LM3916

I used the original PCB as a starting point and modified it to suit better to my components.
Here is the result:

Speaker protection with uPC1237

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The last two pictures shows LC meter in action. In the first of them, there is 1nF/1% capacitor and in the second 22uH/10% inductor. The device is very sensitive - when I put the test leads there is 3-5 pF reading on display, but it is
eliminated with the calibrating button.
If anyone want to try this project, here are the PDF files for downloading: LCmeter2.rar
Use them on your own responsibility.

Update: 24 June 2012

One of my colleagues in a Bulgarian audio forum ask me to build him a copy of the LC meter, but this time with 9V
battery power supply.
I made a new PCB with little rearrangement of the old one and adding a 78L05 voltage regulator. I also added an
automatic sleep mode, schematic of which I found here: http://www.marc.org.au/marc_proj_switch.html

The goal here was to make power consumption as low as possible. With increasing the value of R11 to 1.2kOhm which
control the back light current, total current of the device was decreased to 11-12mA. Without back light at all the power
consumption will be decreased even further, but the visibility suffers greatly.
After some tests, the value of the C10, which defines the ON time, was chosen to be 680nF. The ON time in this case is
10-11 min.
The MOSFET Q2 may be replaced with BS170, but bear in mind that the leads are in reverse order.
ON-OFF switch is momentary non lock type.

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As usual you may download the files for the project from here: LCmeter with PS.rar
Use them on your own responsibility.

Update: April 4, 2015

Recently I took apart this LC meter and as I saw how ugly was the PCB, I decided to make a new (I hope better) PCB for
this old project. The PCB is designed to be used with standard 80mm LCD 16x2 display with back light. The intensity of
the back light can be adjusted with changing the value of R11 in the schematic.
On the board there is two wirepads for connecting input terminals via wires, but you can also solder standard 8 pin
female header and use the module without enclosure.
I have not build the last version myself so there is possibility for mistakes - check it thoroughly.
Here you can download archive with new PCB: LC meter with PS
As many people had asked me for the HEX file, I included it in the archive.
+1 Recommend this on Google

01:02

: 16F628, DIY, LC meter, microcontroller, PCB, PIC, schematic

52 comments:
Lyuben July 15, 2012 at 2:56 PM
sleep . .
Reply
Replies

July 15, 2012 at 10:50 PM

- "Advanced LC meter" -
, . .
- .
Reply

adamebatman October 21, 2012 at 8:49 PM

do you know the method and the formula of pic comparator LC oscillator to replicate the program code but in c,?
thanks
Reply
Replies

October 30, 2012 at 4:53 PM

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No, I don't. I just followed schematic and used the code from the link above.
Reply

fallenzeraphine January 2, 2013 at 4:47 PM

Hello! Can you please provide the Code for to program the Microcontroller, or the HEX file
Reply
Replies

January 3, 2013 at 3:53 AM

I know that my English is not perfect, but if you read carefully the third sentence of this article maybe you
will find the answer of your question.
Reply

January 30, 2013 at 6:31 PM

. . (
). .
Reply
Replies

January 31, 2013 at 1:32 AM

: http://store.comet.bg/bg/Catalogue/Product/25714/
, , , .

Nguyen The Son September 17, 2014 at 7:04 PM

4 output switches are connected so you like?
Reply

Jan Rigler May 6, 2013 at 10:42 PM

what is value of resistor R11? And what mean that 33R* (this is written under R11)
thanks
Reply
Replies

May 7, 2013 at 3:28 AM

"R11 limits the back light current and must be calculated according to the actual LCD module used".
That's why it is marked with asterisk - different displays may have different current requirements and
hence R11 must be calculated for the particular model you chose.
For example in the second schematic R11 is 1.2k because I wanted to minimize current consumption of
the back light.
If the display you will use is without back light then R11 may be omitted entirely.
Reply

Zeljko Andrejevic May 24, 2013 at 5:34 PM

How do you open the hex-http://www.marc.org.au/marc_proj_switch.html and the left side find LC meter and there
is a hex and get it.
Reply
Replies

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May 24, 2013 at 10:34 PM

After downloading the hex file, you must put it in the PIC chip with PIC programer.
Reply

yehia ali November 10, 2013 at 6:52 PM

i tried this project but the lcd only write "orang" and some blocks i use cap 102 2kv and rf coil 82uH is this problem
from comparator connection or the program i only copy paste the hex code from the web to note file and formate it
as .hex if u can upload ur hex one ...thanxs very much
Reply
Replies

November 10, 2013 at 9:12 PM

Here: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/68795389/lc2_hex.rar

yehia ali November 10, 2013 at 10:52 PM

thanxs very much 4 quick respond and i found some faults on my circuit (i use 10uf electrolytic not
tantalum) if there is any other comments on the type of components plz tell me and thank u again keep
going :)
Reply

yehia ali November 11, 2013 at 6:37 PM

the lcd is showing variable num as "0.4" then "L= caliblty" and the second row is only blocks do u know what is the
problem?
Reply

November 11, 2013 at 7:28 PM

Check all components and all connections. When switching on the devise the switch L/C must be in position C.
Calibrating the meter when in position 'L' is done with the two terminals shorted with piece of wire.
The L/C meter uses only first row of the LCD, so ignore the second row. Maybe the LCD must be adjusted little
more with trimmer TR1 to hide the blocks.
Reply
Replies
yehia ali November 11, 2013 at 8:22 PM
here is an image of the lcd output smthing strange http://www.mediafire.com/?dl2anktx8dd5675
Reply

yehia ali November 11, 2013 at 9:54 PM

i found the problem it was in my programmer soft ware thanxs very much and it work's fine ..... it write out of range
when i use it as l meter then after i put the coil it gives a reading right ??
Reply
Replies

November 12, 2013 at 2:07 AM

Yes, it writes 'out of range' when there is nothing connected.

Reply

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Carlos Andrew February 18, 2014 at 6:00 PM

Very good , this is my version with more functions: http://electronicafb.blogspot.mx/2014/02/mega-herramientacon-pic18f2550-y-con.html
Reply

onlineincomestrategy July 8, 2014 at 8:16 PM

Hi. i am new in electronics. i want to build this. but i didnt find L1 (82uH) and i dond understand what is exactly
K1?
can you please help me explaining K1?
and can i use 100uH instead 82uH?
Thanks
Reply
Replies

July 9, 2014 at 12:39 AM

K1 is a reed relay. On the schematic "K1 REED" is the coil of the relay and "K1" is the contact of the
relay. There is used reed relay because the microcontroller cannot provide higher current for energizing
standard relay.
Yes, you can use 100uH instead of the 82uH without a problem.

onlineincomestrategy July 9, 2014 at 9:49 PM

Hi. thanks for the quick reply.
Do i need to change anything in the code as i am going to use 100uH inductor?
Also, can i have a bill of materiel please?
I googled reed relay and found various type. which one to use?
Thanks again. :)
Reply

robert August 15, 2014 at 3:55 AM

Can I use 1000pf Polypropylene Film Capacitor thank you
Reply
Replies

August 15, 2014 at 7:19 PM

Yes, styroflex is brand name of polypropylene, so it will work fine.

Reply

Roberto Tejada August 19, 2014 at 5:25 AM

C10 ON time 680nf can i put a 620nf or 800nf thank you
Reply
Replies

August 19, 2014 at 10:12 AM

Of course, it just will work a little shorter.

Reply

robert August 22, 2014 at 4:27 AM

Hi for C5 and C6 33pf is that a special value or can i use another value like 22pf or 18pf or 10pf 0r 12 pf sorry for
the question and thank you in advance and for all your help is very appreciated god bless you and your fam.

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Reply
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August 22, 2014 at 9:05 AM

I suppose you can. I have seen 20p or 22p used in other schematics with PIC16F628, so I think it will be
OK.
Reply

Roberto Tejada August 31, 2014 at 8:13 PM

HI can you tell me how to wire a SPDT instead of a dpdt switch sorry for the question is ok if u dont want to
answer I will understand because i know is kind of a dumb one but Im new at this and i really like your projects
tank you very much
Reply
Replies

August 31, 2014 at 11:13 PM

It obviously won't work with SPDT switch. Eventually you can replace DPDT switch with two SPDT
switches and turn them simultaneously but this will be not very convenient.
Reply

Roberto Tejada September 3, 2014 at 5:12 AM

I have a question I made 2 of this one is perfect but the other one only work on c capacitor but when y switch to L
it just say over range no matter what i do it just says that do u have any idea why is that i check all component and
re-solder everything but it keep doing the same thing
Reply
Replies

September 3, 2014 at 11:41 AM

It's normal If there is not connected any inductance at the input terminals. If the device displays this
message with inductance connected, then I guess the switch is to blame. Check with multimeter is there
conductance between input terminals and corresponding elements on the board. Check if the switch
itself is properly soldered.
Reply

Nguyen The Son September 17, 2014 at 7:05 PM

4 output switches are connected so you like?
Reply
Replies

September 18, 2014 at 12:38 PM

I don't understand question.

Reply

Anup Sarkar September 25, 2014 at 2:08 PM

sir, kindly tell me the function of the R6,R7,R8,R9.
Reply

Anup Sarkar September 25, 2014 at 2:36 PM

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sir i build your project. when i powered on the device on c mode it is showing a c value continuously varying with a
negative sign. and it is showing wrong C and L value. i connect c7=1000uf. and L1= 68uH. is it ok?
Reply

Anup Sarkar September 25, 2014 at 2:46 PM

i used 10uf electrolytic and 1000pf ceramic capacitor, will it work?
Reply

Anup Sarkar September 26, 2014 at 9:13 AM

sir i am using L1 is 68 uf. will it work?
Reply
Replies

September 26, 2014 at 1:13 PM

Hi, I will answer all your questions here.

1. SV1 is a 2x4 pinheads which can be used for calibrating the LC meter. How it work is explained here:
https://sites.google.com/site/vk3bhr/home/index2-html
The resistors R6-R9 are used to prevent direct shortening to the ground when calibrating the LC meter.
2. Try to reset the LC meter with the RESET button (in the schematic it is marked as "Calibrating
button").
Also, this LC meter cannot measure electrolytic capacitors - it's range is up to 700nF - 800nF.
3. It will work, but it will be far from accurate. Two 1000pF (1nF) capacitors must be of good quality and
low tolerance as the accuracy of the LC meter depend on them. The 10uF can be electrolytic but
"LowESR" type.
4. I don't know. In the original article it is mentioned that the 100uH can be replaced with 82uH to
increase resolution, but 68uH is too small.
Go and read the original article in the link above - there is a much more detailed explanation of the
schematic and the calibrating process.

Anup Sarkar November 18, 2014 at 7:33 AM

sir thank you for your answer, and help. Now I am building your advanced lcr meter.please tell me the
specification of relay and power switch.again thank you for your help.
Reply

Anup Sarkar November 18, 2014 at 11:41 AM

sir in your advanced lcr project what is the function of JP2 ICSP , and X1, X2. and how to use those,how to make
calibration of these meter. please help me.
Reply

Channa Dewapriya February 18, 2015 at 1:19 AM

Hi. i am new in electronics. i want to build this. but I build the source cord in MPLAB IDE software but its display
these error
Clean: Deleting intermediary and output files.
Clean: Done.
Executing:
"C:\Program
Files
(x86)\Microchip\MPASM
Suite\MPAsmWin.exe"
"b.asm" /l"b.lst" /e"b.err"
Message[301] I:\CHANNA\B.ASM 163 : MESSAGE: (Processor = 16F628)
Error[113] I:\CHANNA\B.ASM 1105 : Symbol not previously defined (FPS24)
Error[113] I:\CHANNA\B.ASM 1108 : Symbol not previously defined (FPD24)
Error[113] I:\CHANNA\B.ASM 1111 : Symbol not previously defined (FPM24)
Error[113] I:\CHANNA\B.ASM 1195 : Symbol not previously defined (INT2424)
Error[113] I:\CHANNA\B.ASM 1279 : Symbol not previously defined (FLO2424)

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Error[105] I:\CHANNA\B.ASM 1352 : Cannot open file (Include File "FP.TXT" not found)
Halting build on first failure as requested.
BUILD FAILED: Wed Feb 18 04:44:25 2015
Can you please help me sir
Reply

Andrej Jurkas March 27, 2015 at 12:27 AM

I have same problem as mr. Channa Dewapriya. Anyone found solution? thank you.
Reply
Replies

April 15, 2015 at 10:41 PM

Hi, I am not the author of the code, nor the schematic and I have no experience with Assembler
language, so I can not help you with this. In my project I used a ready HEX file.
My part is only the designing a new PCB, because I did not like the original PCB.
Reply

Swift May 24, 2015 at 1:44 PM

Hey,
I have an issue with the LC meter.
The device itself works and the Capacitance meter works perfectly, but when I try to measure the inductance of a
coil, I seem to be getting values multiplied by 100. The expected value of the coil is 4uH but the meter shows
400uH. Any idea how I could solve this problem?
Reply

rohin sharma August 23, 2015 at 3:45 PM

i made this with success.thanks.
Reply

Unknown May 15, 2016 at 4:46 PM

What pic programmer u are using?
I use jdm programmer not workkkk
Reply

Rika Rahmawati May 15, 2016 at 4:47 PM

What pic programmer u are using?
I use jdm programmer not workkkk
Reply
Replies

May 18, 2016 at 3:30 PM

Hi,
I
own
one
of
these
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?
_odkw=pic+programmer&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xpic+pr
ogrammer+k150.TRS0&_nkw=pic+programmer+k150&_sacat=0
It worked kinda OK, but lately I use my own programmer: http://diyfan.blogspot.bg/2013/06/originalpickit-2.html
And finally from a month I own also a PICkit 3 purchased from ebay.
Reply

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