GM328A simple desk stand with good access, 2 versions, with and without battery compartment

A easy to print stand and encasement for the popular GM328A component testers.

There are two versions, the smaller version just holds the tester, and has two narrow parts trays, the larger one has a battery compartment under the board and 1cm wider trays.

The 'floor' of the lower tray is at the PCB height making it a doddle to slide components into position, the same cutout gives good access to the bail arm on the DIP socket. There is good access, with clearance, to all the other connectors.

There are screw holes, but also a little out-dent on the right hand case wall to grip the board when operating the bail arm without needing the screws.

I have uploaded the scadfiles, they are fully parameterised and moderately well commented, just in case you wish to customise for other boards etc.

Sticking some small feet on the base finishes this off nicely, if the knob is hard to fit, try heating it with an airgun or some hot water to soften it. Special bonus points if you avoid burning your fingers doing that.

Note for hackers

There is a full height access slot at the top centre to cater for a ISP (In System Programmer) connector. I have adapted one of my two testers this way so that I can reprogram it and experiment and customise the tester code. I'm not sure it will be useful to others but if you want to play I suggest you look at the article here: https://dragaosemchama.com/en/2019/04/gm328a-reverse-engineering-new-firmware-and-tetris/ For wiring, simply look at how standard ISP connectors are connected to breadboarded 328P's, and wire the appropriate ISP pins to the +ve, gnd, MOSI, MISO and SCK pins on the underside of the board.Remember the chip is 'reversed' when looking from underneath.

I use a dedicated USB-ASP in-system programmer these days (great tool, 3 euros on aliexpress, lots of time saved..), before that I used the 'Arduino as ISP' sketch and wiring with my Uno board as the programmer.

Print Settings

Printer:

K280

Rafts:

**Supports:**

No

Resolution:

**Infill:**

8%

Notes:

Category: DIY