Zener Diode Tester - Part 1. The build.

Published at : 23 Dec 2025

Zener Diode Tester - Part 1. The build.

Testing zener diodes can be a pain, so I decided to design and build this tester. I wanted it to be battery operated, chargeable, portable and simple. I think the result meets these criteria quite well.

I divided the video into two parts, with the part 1 being the build process, and part 2 covering the circuit development and design. If you don't want to waste time on design considerations, you can just follow the part 1 video. Part 2 is here:
https://youtu.be/Wzr7VUXc5Vw

I decided to use simple modules that are cheap and easily available for some functions. These are often cheaper than some single components needed, so their use is actually a good idea and simplifies matters. The modules I used here are:

https://www.banggood.com/18650-Battery-Charging-Holder-Charging-Board-TP4056-0_3A-0_5A-0_8A-p-1074012.html?rmmds=myorder&cur_warehouse=CN

https://www.banggood.com/3Pcs-4A-XL6009E1-Adjustable-DC-DC-Step-Up-Boost-Converter-Power-Supply-Module-p-1178473.html?rmmds=myorder&cur_warehouse=CN

https://www.banggood.com/0_28-Inch-Mini-Digital-Voltage-Checker-DC-0-100V-3-Cables-with-Protection-p-1268222.html?rmmds=myorder&cur_warehouse=CN

Have fun!

See a series of 'Restoration Building Blocks' videos on detailed steps in the restoration process:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xvTGd4ysRE&list=PLy5M_tA9ux7JSYx8z2mw303vx287LHpzf


See also playlists on some other completed restoration projects.

PHILIPS BX750A:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8U9Lteja5o&list=PLy5M_tA9ux7IG6XgctidGO0u0DeT3_CxF

TELEFUNKEN OPUS 2114:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HO2bjY5vuw&list=PLy5M_tA9ux7LhcZ9h9plfTFmjaM1mcifu

SABA UW-175-Z 3D:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cca4i60ZLw4&list=PLy5M_tA9ux7IWL18nsrSf4RnjsuPjHC-p

GRUNDIG 1070:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4J5l0fwhko&list=PLy5M_tA9ux7JgnyYPRWOK763aJ8bg3iCI

SCHAUB-LORENZ GOLDY 58 type 3020:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSbt7qVed78&list=PLy5M_tA9ux7IBse5G--Kl89SPS9sATXfZ

BUSH VHF64:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U--6JymkQ1M&list=PLy5M_tA9ux7KsvN5M48cX6cxN4jSz0s3X

GRUNDIG 3060A:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7x2sK2GSYeE&list=PLy5M_tA9ux7L8e9h8lrHGREPqcgWO-YQm

TELEFUNKEN OPERETTE 8:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IsACM0mPzs&list=PLy5M_tA9ux7K3SXDv8Hu4uAyl1O7NE5dc

GRAETZ SUPER 171W:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhG-CH0gqm4&list=PLy5M_tA9ux7IjUykGE8neJSI6GUxMl2YG

LOEWE-OPTA MAGNET 3737W:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSZBJ5sKQm8&list=PLy5M_tA9ux7J_hzDhnF8rs2c7wmgGfRlK

BRAUN ATELIER 3:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy5M_tA9ux7L3k5nPRvrk1aH764QRCTqE

LOEWE-OPTA TRUXA STEREO 4741W:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy5M_tA9ux7KhVk0KqPx0Wkh2KO_5f2fQ

GRAETZ COMEDIA 616:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwmW9k3TwNE&list=PLy5M_tA9ux7L5sAApLzV6xoYzmRNJpMW5

SABA FREIBURG W2:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy5M_tA9ux7IqvS-LshUGpE1D_WY6mrZe

GRAETZ MUSICA 4R417:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy5M_tA9ux7Ios98E59dWjwc2SRJyxwIn


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CAPACITOR LEAKAGE TESTER:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pySErvzUIY&list=PLy5M_tA9ux7KWexvEjLB0SANSxQXi0zTS