USB tester

This simple device allows you to check the correct working of the USB ports of any computer, using a green led and message from your operative system.
It will allow you to test the proper assembly of any port without risking any expensive device.
If you normally work fixing computers this is a must in your tool kit.

Ps: I'm from Argentina so let me know any grammar mistake

Step 1 The circuit

The circuit is very simple using only some discrete components.
The operation is simple, you connect it to the USB port, if it's okay, the green LED is lit in all its intensity and you will have a message from your operative system telling you than a USB device has been detected. If the polarity is reversed the red LED is lit in all its intensity. Any other combination causes lit one of the two LED but very dim.

You will need:
The PCB (see step 2)
The USB connector (see step 3)
Two 22K resistors
One 1k resistor
One 100 ohm resistor
One 1.5 k resistor
One 3v3 zener diode
One 1N4148 diode
Two leds (green and red)

The diagram was extracted from this forum (in Spanish): http://www.ucontrol.com.ar/forosmf/proyectos-en-general/probador-usb/

Comments

[m1s73r]

When does the red LED light up?

[bobbock]

What wattage resistors are you using, or does it make a difference?

I'm new to building electronic devices, and thought this would be a good one to try. When I went to get the supplies from my local store the first question they asked was what wattage. I bought 1/4 watt ressistors assuming that the voltage of a usb port is around 3.3 volts.

Thank you for the project and any help you can give.

[ionic]

Bob
I believe they are 1/8W as they are the same size as a 1N4148 diode.

[Blip-Blip-Duino]

Wattage(sounds like cabbage, haha) doesn't really make a difference. In this case, seeing as you're using an USB port, with 1/8 you're more than fine. BTW USB uses 5 volts DC, usually @ 200-450 mAh.

[os_sanches]

kkkk, muito bom.

[jupiter2]

good job!

[beaver84]

cool! :D

[inhaos]

your schematic is cool
here is a perfect solution for you
http://www.inhaos.com/product_info.php?products_id=29

cheers!

[mased007]

Hello. How to ironing method do? please

[MoritzB]

Does it only check the voltage at the red and black connections, or does it also check the data lines?

[dwyatt1045]

I was wondering what the wattage is for the resistor

[brunoip]

The smallest you can get.
1/4 or 1/8 watts shloud be fine.
There is no problem if you want to use a big one.
Regards, Bruno.

[kenobr100]

how much did this cost to build ?

[brunoip]

I think it would be less than 2 dollars.

[xtagz]

Sir.. Can u send me some other links for the PCB design..?? i cant DL the pdf file because im not a pro members... thanks..

[Minifig666]

You don't have to be a pro to get that PDF, did you try clicking it?

[manish_1october]

[e-mail]


i need a circuit diagram.


can u help me.....

[Taran606]

i dont have any 3v3 zener diodes any other parts i can use

[hiteshp]

Taran A Small Bridge Pack can really do the Trick if the need is only checking the Polarities ... if you know proper functioning of Diodes..

[Taran606]

Insted of using 5 resistors can't u use one 100 ohm resistor and one 46.5k resistor

[brunoip]

no

[Taran606]

Why explain and can u make a smaller compact version plz

[Taran606]

Why explain abd can u make a smaller version that's more compact

[Taran606]

In the 5th pic or the last one what are the extra leeds on the side for and are they inportant

[brunoip]

Read the text:
"...to keep it firmly attached to the PCB"

regards, Bruno

[Taran606]

Thanks

[hiteshp]

Well You Could have Done it ... avoiding Most of Resitors using a Bridge Pack One Resister and Two LEDs... This is Nice though .. A Bridge would compact it further... :)

[Taran606]

Can I make a diagram because this one has to many resistors and I want to make it smaller

[Leuh4n]

Fa, que trabajo posta :O

[vhhp]

Brunoip, Good work. Liked your product and also your sensible replies. ..regards..

[MASKELF]

excellent creation Bruno after creating it worked perfectly and as expected, is a great tool because I lost a USB memory port through a poorly connected, thanks! add a photo of mine

[ozzymon]

buenisima la idea, increible tu ingenio!!! segui asi y ojala que tenfçgas suerte con tu usb tester!!

[brunoip]

An user sent me a photo of his prototype.
It worked perfectly.
Here it is:

[papajay_23]

what is the introduction of this usb tester??can i use thiis in thesis proposal?

[vyncynt]

I have been wanting to have one since I got my tech job. this is very neat, thanks brunoip.

[fpm2000]

Nice instructable! Since I don´t have the skills to build one, I purchased a similar device from www.USBcheck.net.

[TheGimpAddict]

Did you design the pcb by yourself?

[brunoip]

Yes, I did.
Using PCB Wizard.

[zilcho]

I'm a complete noob on electronic stuffs so could you tell me what kind of iron on thing you used to print the circuit board.

[brunoip]

You can use any type of iron.
Instructables has several posts explaining how to do it.
Regards, Bruno