Finally built the Bob Parker "Blue" ESR Meter

[redwire]

Re: Finally built the Bob Parker "Blue" ESR Meter

What ESR chart did you go with?

I've heard measuring battery ESR can also be done if you add a series DC blocking capacitor. Good for many testing different batteries, LiIon and car batteries with the Blue ESR meter.

[volkswagenvan]

Re: Finally built the Bob Parker "Blue" ESR Meter

I built the Bob Parker Blue ESR meter kit a few years back and i still love it today.
All except the graph on the face,... I had to make a chart to replace it with!

[megaraider]

Re: Finally built the Bob Parker "Blue" ESR Meter

Question if it's easier to replace the old DMMs' connectors, or is it time to get the probes circumcised...

Well the answer is quite obvious:

1. Once circumcised... you are stuck (in fact, not you but the probes... )
2. Change the sockets and you're free to swap probes (see @stj remark about clearance)
   Even free to attach alligator clips when handy

[stj]

Re: Finally built the Bob Parker "Blue" ESR Meter

that depends on the meter.
i have drilled out the molded crap on a couple and fitted ones with locking rings, but it depends on clearance.

[eccerr0r]

Re: Finally built the Bob Parker "Blue" ESR Meter

Question if it's easier to replace the old DMMs' connectors, or is it time to get the probes circumcised...

[stj]

Re: Finally built the Bob Parker "Blue" ESR Meter

they are everywhere - you need to look for "test connectors" or similar descriptions.
https://www.rapidonline.com/4mm-single-pole-connectors

[eccerr0r]

Re: Finally built the Bob Parker "Blue" ESR Meter

Incidentally, where does one get shrouded banana jacks?

--

Ah, looks like ponoma makes some and distributed by the usual newark, mouser, digikey, etc...

Sigh. Wonder if I should convert my old DMMs to shrouded type jacks so I can use my probes from dead DMMs...

[stj]

Re: Finally built the Bob Parker "Blue" ESR Meter

you would be better using the shielded type like on multimeters.
you can still use 4mm banana jacks, but you can also then use comercial probes and cables.

[jayjr1105]

Re: Finally built the Bob Parker "Blue" ESR Meter

I'm still tossing the idea around in my head to convert it to banana jacks like the MESR-100 meter. They give you an extra top plate, just need to find jacks like these somewhere.

[megaraider]

Re: Finally built the Bob Parker "Blue" ESR Meter

huge probes!
i have several of these - i get a pair for every meter!
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32848907433.html

Those look pretty neat especially for the price. Do you use this seller specifically?

Not a ton of options when you need modular ones that will accept 4mm banana plugs.

Agree with @stj.
Plus those banana plugs are completely useless. Cut the probe wires if needed, and replace.

[stj]

Re: Finally built the Bob Parker "Blue" ESR Meter

Those look pretty neat especially for the price. Do you use this seller specifically?

i do because they are consistant
they have silicone ones too.

[jayjr1105]

Re: Finally built the Bob Parker "Blue" ESR Meter

huge probes!
i have several of these - i get a pair for every meter!
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32848907433.html

Not a ton of options when you need modular ones that will accept 4mm banana plugs.

[jayjr1105]

Re: Finally built the Bob Parker "Blue" ESR Meter

Those look pretty neat especially for the price. Do you use this seller specifically?

Probemasters are some of the best probes you can buy and they are like $15 shipped. Highly recommend them.

[bcstedt]

Re: Finally built the Bob Parker "Blue" ESR Meter

Component locations for those playing along.

[bcstedt]

Re: Finally built the Bob Parker "Blue" ESR Meter

i have several of these - i get a pair for every meter!
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32848907433.html

Those look pretty neat especially for the price. Do you use this seller specifically?

[bcstedt]

Re: Finally built the Bob Parker "Blue" ESR Meter

Q6, D3 and D4 are not shorted and seem to test ok in circuit.
C6 measures 22uF in both directions, also in circuit.

Prefer not to remove components until I have a better idea what's going on. Maybe I'll see if I can contact Bob.

[stj]

Re: Finally built the Bob Parker "Blue" ESR Meter

huge probes!
i have several of these - i get a pair for every meter!
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32848907433.html

[jayjr1105]

Re: Finally built the Bob Parker "Blue" ESR Meter

Bought some cheap modular probes for mine. Thinking about soldering in some thicker/longer wires into it, the ones that came with this probe kit to be exact. Probably don't want them too long right?

[redwire]

Re: Finally built the Bob Parker "Blue" ESR Meter

The Blue ESR meter firmware does show fault codes for many problems:
F0- Q11 not discharging Q10.
F1- C10 charging too fast.
F2- C10 charging too slow or not at all.
F3- Pulse amplifier bias Q8-C <0.44V
F4- Pulse amplifier bias Q8-C >1V
F5- Test current source is always on.
F6- Pulse amplifier has no output.
F7- Q3 not sourcing current.
F8- Q4 not sourcing current.
F9- Q5 not sourcing current.
FA- Q6 not switching on.


FA might be the input protection diodes D3 or D4 shorted. Those fail if you connect the unit to a big charged cap. Less likely the 22uF BP cap C6 has gone open.

[bcstedt]

Re: Finally built the Bob Parker "Blue" ESR Meter

I've inspeced the board, checked the battery and voltage while running, reseated the Zilog (IC2) but no change. A damaged Q6 seems like a reasonable explanation I'm just surprised. :|