As you know there are a ton of component testers in the market. Which can be used to test and identify the components very easily. But there is an interesting new device from the maker named Chris, aka "DIY Guy Chris", called the “octopus”. The "octopus" is a VI curve tracer, which can be used with an oscilloscope to quickly test unidentified electronic components. This device, which is simple in design, requires only four main components and some connectors. It helps in recognizing components by the patterns displayed on an oscilloscope. He outlines the tool as a circuit tester that uses a Current vs Voltage curve tracing method, crucial for diagnosing electronic circuits. The device is centered around the Octopus VI curve tracer circuit, intended to enhance electronics testing efficiency.
The device simplifies the identification of components with an oscilloscope, producing an AC signal to plot voltage against current in real time, thus allowing detailed component analysis. The build is minimal, featuring a primary Myrra 44126 6V AC transformer and three resistors, alongside essential connectors for linking to the oscilloscope. Chris mentions that understanding the oscilloscope patterns is essential for using the device. Different components are represented by distinct shapes: resistors show as slanted lines, short circuits as vertical, open circuits as horizontal, and capacitors create circular patterns, with the size indicating capacitance.
Chris has provided a complete guide for constructing the device, including a circuit diagram and PCB on his project page.
