Home Sign Up!

Browse Community Submit

All Art Craft Food Games Green Home Kids Life Music Offbeat Outdoors Pets Photo Ride Science Tech

USB tester
by brunoip on June 15, 2010

Table of Contents

USB tester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Intro: USB tester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Step 1: The circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Step 2: The board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

File Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Step 3: The connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Step 4: Soldering components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

http://www.instructables.com/id/USB-tester/
 Author:brunoip Bruno Games
Robots and video games...

Intro: 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

http://www.instructables.com/id/USB-tester/
 Image Notes Image Notes
1. This USB port works fine. 1. This is the message of the operating system. Basically says it detected a device
connected but has not been recognized.

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/

http://www.instructables.com/id/USB-tester/
Step 2: The board
The PCB is very small and simple.
I made it using the method of ironing.
PDF file annexed contains the design ready for printing.

Image Notes Image Notes

1. Almost done 1. The toner needs to be removed

http://www.instructables.com/id/USB-tester/
 Image Notes
1. You just have to cut the excess

File Downloads

usb.pdf ((595x841) 14 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'usb.pdf']
Step 3: The connector
This project seeks to be economical so you're not going to buy a connector. We will recycle a cable that does not work.
First we remove the plastic guard with a knife.
Then remove the remains of cable and solder it new terminals.
Finally I soldered two terminals to the metallic body to keep it firmly attached to the PCB:

http://www.instructables.com/id/USB-tester/
Step 4: Soldering components
The components are easy to weld.
Try not to overheat the diodes and not allow shorts in the PCB.
Use the second image as an assembly guide.

http://www.instructables.com/id/USB-tester/
Related Instructables

LED Night Pen Hand crank USB how to make a Simple Simple Handheld LED
charger / LED very simple Computer Component and
by cambodiajack Tester by apo1l0
headlamp by NPN transistor Power Supply Continuity
Earthling! tester by Jimmy Tester by Tester by
Proton cwebsterlusk electronic-
components

Comments
50 comments Add Comment view all 69 comments

MoritzB says: Feb 12, 2011. 8:39 AM REPLY

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

dwyatt1045 says: Jan 26, 2011. 6:07 PM REPLY

I was wondering what the wattage is for the resistor

brunoip says: Jan 26, 2011. 7:09 PM REPLY

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 says: Dec 1, 2010. 10:15 AM REPLY

how much did this cost to build ?

brunoip says: Jan 26, 2011. 7:08 PM REPLY

I think it would be less than 2 dollars.

xtagz says: Aug 20, 2010. 9:52 AM REPLY

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 says: Nov 17, 2010. 3:18 PM REPLY

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

manish_1october says: Sep 29, 2010. 11:38 PM REPLY

[email protected]

i need a circuit diagram.

can u help me.....

bobbock says: Nov 1, 2010. 2:15 PM REPLY

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.

http://www.instructables.com/id/USB-tester/
 Taran606 says: Oct 27, 2010. 2:28 PM REPLY
i dont have any 3v3 zener diodes any other parts i can use

hiteshp says: Aug 19, 2010. 10:01 PM REPLY

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 says: Aug 19, 2010. 12:07 PM REPLY

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

brunoip says: Aug 19, 2010. 3:07 PM REPLY

no

Taran606 says: Aug 19, 2010. 9:32 PM REPLY

Why explain and can u make a smaller compact version plz

Taran606 says: Aug 19, 2010. 9:23 PM REPLY

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

Taran606 says: Aug 18, 2010. 10:42 PM REPLY

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

brunoip says: Aug 19, 2010. 10:11 AM REPLY

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

regards, Bruno

Taran606 says: Aug 19, 2010. 11:51 AM REPLY

Thanks

hiteshp says: Aug 19, 2010. 8:13 AM REPLY

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 says: Aug 19, 2010. 10:00 AM REPLY

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

Leuh4n says: Aug 16, 2010. 5:07 PM REPLY

Fa, que trabajo posta :O

vhhp says: Aug 10, 2010. 9:37 AM REPLY

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

MASKELF says: Jul 10, 2010. 1:24 PM REPLY

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

http://www.instructables.com/id/USB-tester/
 ozzymon says: Jul 7, 2010. 7:49 PM REPLY
buenisima la idea, increible tu ingenio!!! segui asi y ojala que tenfçgas suerte con tu usb tester!!

brunoip says: Jul 7, 2010. 12:11 PM REPLY

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

papajay_23 says: Jul 7, 2010. 9:24 AM REPLY

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

vyncynt says: Jul 6, 2010. 1:01 PM REPLY

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

fpm2000 says: Jul 2, 2010. 2:25 AM REPLY

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

TheGimpAddict says: Jun 26, 2010. 8:04 AM REPLY

Did you design the pcb by yourself?

brunoip says: Jun 26, 2010. 9:48 AM REPLY

Yes, I did.
Using PCB Wizard.

zilcho says: Jun 22, 2010. 9:55 PM REPLY

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 says: Jun 23, 2010. 7:48 AM REPLY

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

TSC says: Jun 22, 2010. 6:39 AM REPLY

Cool!!!!

http://www.instructables.com/id/USB-tester/
 The nerdling says: Jun 20, 2010. 7:48 PM REPLY
hello heres a tip: use a rule for your lines but s is syill good

brunoip says: Jun 21, 2010. 5:05 PM REPLY

I prefer it that way. Thanks [i]A la criolla[/i] Regards, Bruno

XOIIO says: Jun 16, 2010. 5:50 PM REPLY

I would just use a usb stick and rig an autorun file. Or just plug in a cruzer.

gzaloprgm says: Jun 17, 2010. 8:40 AM REPLY

What if the polarity is inverted? A lot of usb sticks break when that happens.

XOIIO says: Jun 17, 2010. 5:40 PM REPLY

Why would he need to replace a USB drive in the first place?

JollyDeer says: Jun 16, 2010. 5:16 PM REPLY

Instead of saying "weld" you can say "solder." But nice instructable!

thinkdunson says: Jun 17, 2010. 3:18 PM REPLY

especially since weld and solder have different meanings.

dylanwinn says: Jun 16, 2010. 8:58 PM REPLY

"any grammar mistake " -> "grammar mistake mistakes" "method of ironing" -> "ironing method" "PDF file annexed" -> "PDF file attached" I now know
how people feel when I (try to) speak Spanish.

dylanwinn says: Jun 16, 2010. 8:59 PM REPLY

That was a joke, by the way. My Spanish is terrible.

cgf_ar says: Jun 17, 2010. 2:43 PM REPLY

que bien un argentino!!! seguro estudias ingenieria electronica! los apuntes de derivadas jaja si habre renegado!!!

unreal_ed says: Jun 17, 2010. 2:19 PM REPLY

I'm going to be mean but... "Ps: I'm from Argentina, so let me know ABOUT any grammar mistakeS I MAKE"

1up says: Jun 17, 2010. 1:53 PM REPLY

Very nice. :)

didgitalpunk says: Jun 17, 2010. 1:44 PM REPLY

cool little thing dude ! keep on the good work!

SignalCorpsOperator says: Jun 17, 2010. 12:45 PM REPLY

Looks good ! Very cool little tester, thanks !!!

wolf555hound says: Jun 16, 2010. 2:19 AM REPLY

Very cool! I'll have to make one of these over the summer to play around with. As a side note, I only found 2 small grammar mistakes. "This simple device
allows you tu check" the tu should be "to" and... "If you normally work fixing computers is a must in your tool kit." There should be a this before is. Other then
that very well made!

http://www.instructables.com/id/USB-tester/
 Khord says: Jun 17, 2010. 9:17 AM REPLY
Also, I believe, "Ps: I'm from Argentina so let me know any grammar mistake" Should be: "Ps: I'm from Argentina so let me know of any grammar
mistakes" Great instructable, maybe I'll make one this summer.

Utok says: Jun 17, 2010. 8:54 AM REPLY

I taught English for three years, but I also speak two other languages. I tend to ignore grammar errors in cases like this where I can tell what is intended.
The person above makes a very good suggestion; however, if you are going to change the sentence as indicated above, add a comma after
"computers." It would correctly read: "If you normally work fixing computers, this is a must in your tool kit." That said, the grammar in this instructable is at
least as good as the average--better, really. Many times I read these and see people who are incapable of capitalizing. Though I don't know if I will have
a chance to make it, I like the concept of your instructable.

view all 69 comments

http://www.instructables.com/id/USB-tester/