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              ReadMe for the Component Tester's Options Adapter

         (c) 2014 by Markus Reschke (madires@theca-tabellaria.de)

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Last edit:  2014-08-11


* About

The Component Tester is based on the project of Markus Frejek [1&2] and the
successor project of Karl-Heinz Kbbeler [3&4]. The Options Adapter provides
a simple way to extend the basic tester with a rotary encoder for the user
interface and an input stage for the frequency counter function. Both
options are based on the circuits of Karl-Heinz Kbbeler.


* Safety Advice

The Options Adapter doesn't provide any input protection for the frequency
counter besides the AC coupling cap. Don't connect any signal sources with
voltages higher than 5V!


* What's in the box?

Following files are in the archive:
- this README
- schematics in PDF format
- schematics and PCB layout for Eagle 6.5.0 or later
- pictures of my Component Tester with the Options Adapter


* Layout

The layout is optimized for a benchtop-type box and home lab PCB production.
It allows you to mount the adapter perpendicular on the LCD module or in
piggy-back style. You just need to change the pinheaders accordingly.


* References

[1] AVR-Transistortester, Markus Frejek,
    Embedded Projects Journal, 2011-11

[2] http://www.mikrocontroller.net/topic/131804
    thread of Markus Frejek, Forum, 2009

[3] http://www.mikrocontroller.net/articles/AVR-Transistortester
    Online documentation of the Transistortester, Online Article, 2009-2011

[4] http://www.mikrocontroller.net/articles/AVR_Transistortester
    Short description of the TransistorTester, Karl-Heinz Kbbeler,
    Online Article, 2012

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