ESR Meter Electrolytic Capacitor Kit with Arduino Uno + LED
Build Your Own ESR Meter: Arduino-Based Electrolytic Capacitor Tester Kit with OLED Display
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Revive aging gadgets by identifying failing electrolytic capacitors—the hidden culprit behind flickering screens, audio hum, and unexpected shutdowns. This kit transforms an Arduino Uno into a precise AC impedance bridge that directly measures equivalent series resistance (ESR), the telltale sign of a capacitor on its last legs.
What You'll Build
A handheld ESR meter that reads out capacitor health on a bright 0.96-inch OLED. You’ll construct a sinusoid signal generator, a high‑resolution analog‑to‑digital converter front‑end, and a calibration routine that together give you lab‑grade measurements from 0.01 Ω to 100 Ω—all on a breadboard, ready to test real components.
What You'll Learn
- Generate a clean 1 kHz sine wave with an AD9833 DDS module and understand AC signal fundamentals.
- Interface an ADS1115 16‑bit ADC with Arduino to capture tiny voltage drops across capacitors.
- Calculate ESR using four‑wire impedance measurement techniques.
- Interpret capacitor failure modes by comparing measured ESR with standard datasheet values.
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Uno R3 | 1 |
| AD9833 Signal Gen | 1 |
| ADS1115 ADC | 1 |
| 0.96in OLED | 1 |
| 4.7kΩ Resistors | 5 |
| 100nF Caps | 5 |
| Crocodile Clips | 4 |
| 400-pt Breadboard | 1 |
| M-M Wires | 20 |
| 9V Battery Snap | 1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
Perfect for CBSE Class 11‑12 physics students exploring AC bridges, B.Tech ECE/EEE undergraduates prototyping test gear, and young makers at ATL Tinkering Labs who want to revive old toys and gadgets. Even parent‑child teams will enjoy building a real instrument that teaches both electronics and diagnostic thinking.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project — accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Scan the QR code on the box to chat with your AI companion, trained on this exact circuit. If you need a human, we’re on WhatsApp within 2 hours.
Can I test capacitors while they’re still soldered to a circuit?
For accurate ESR reading, capacitors should be removed from the circuit. The kit’s crocodile clips make it easy to connect to loose caps. In‑circuit testing can give misleading results due to parallel components.
What type of capacitors can this meter evaluate?
It’s designed for aluminium electrolytic capacitors from 1 µF to 10 000 µF, which are most prone to ESR degradation. It won’t measure ceramic or film capacitors accurately because their ESR is extremely low.
Is it safe for young builders?
Absolutely. The circuit operates from a 9 V battery and uses low‑voltage signals. We recommend adult supervision for soldering‑free assembly and for understanding the measurement principle—but the build itself is completely smoke‑safe.
AC impedance bridge measures equivalent series resistance of electrolytic caps. Detects failing capacitors.
What's in this kit
Other projects you can build
Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items