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

thingiverse

A user-friendly stand and encasement for popular GM328A component testers is available to print. There are two versions, one smaller version holding just the tester, paired with two narrow parts trays, while the larger version includes a battery compartment under the board and 1cm wider trays. The 'floor' of the lower tray sits at PCB height, making it easy to slide components into place, with good access to the bail arm on the DIP socket provided by the same cutout. Clearance is also available for all other connectors. Screw holes are present, along with a small out-dent on the right-hand case wall to grip the board when operating the bail arm without needing the screws. Scadfiles have been uploaded, which are fully parameterised and moderately well commented, allowing for customisation of the design for other boards if desired. Adding small feet to the base finishes off this stand nicely. If the knob is difficult to fit, try heating it with an airgun or hot water to soften it. Special bonus points are awarded if fingers are avoided while doing so. ###Note for hackers A full height access slot at the top centre caters to a ISP (In System Programmer) connector. One tester has been adapted this way to allow reprogramming and experimentation with customised code. The usefulness of this feature is uncertain, but it may be worth exploring further. 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 that the chip is 'reversed' when looking from underneath. A dedicated USB-ASP in-system programmer is now used for programming purposes (a great tool available on aliexpress for 3 euros, saving a lot of time). Previously, an 'Arduino as ISP' sketch and wiring with an Uno board were employed as the programmer.