DIY Ultimate Pocket Gadget

In this project, I’ll show you how to make a Portable 2-in-1 Electronic Component Tester and Mobile Charger using simple and low-cost modules!

It combines two powerful functions in one compact device:

🔋 Charge your mobile, earbuds, or any USB device

🔍 Test electronic components like resistors, capacitors, transistors, and more using an LCR meter

This is a great tool for electronics hobbyists, students, and repair work.

I used a 3D printed case, clear acrylic top, and recovered 18650 batteries from an old laptop to keep it budget-friendly and portable.

Let’s build it step by step!

1. Acrylic sheet – 3 mm thick, 14 × 9 cm
2. LCR meter – Buy link: https://amzn.to/3SNPs86
3. Battery holder – 2-cell (for 18650 batteries)
4. Powerbank module
5. Boost converter module – XL1308 or SX1308 (DC-DC step-up)

1. Used white acrylic sheet (3 mm thick, 14 × 9 cm)
2. Drilled 4 holes to match LCR meter mounting holes
3. Inserted plastic/metal spacers in holes
4. Glued spacers firmly to the acrylic sheet for mounting support

1. Placed LCR meter on spacers
2. Tightened 4 screws to fix LCR meter on acrylic
3. Took 18650 battery holder (2P)
4. Positioned it below LCR meter on acrylic (centered)
5. Glued battery holder firmly to acrylic for strong hold

1. Took Powerbank module
2. Positioned with USB port facing outward (side)
3. Glued Powerbank module on bottom-right side of acrylic
4. Took Boost converter module (XL1308/SX1308)
5. Fixed it on bottom-left side of acrylic
6. Used glue to secure both modules in place

1. Used medium-thick copper wire, bent to required shape and length
2. Connected negative (-) of powerbank module to negative (-) input of boost module, soldered firmly
3. Used another copper wire to connect positive (+) of powerbank module to positive (+) of battery holder, soldered in place

1. Connected output negative (-) of boost module to:
2. Negative (-) of battery holder
3. Negative (-) of LCR meter
4. Soldered all joints firmly
5. 
   
6. Connected output positive (+) of boost module directly to positive (+) of LCR meter, and soldered

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1. Soldered one copper wire from powerbank module +ve (or +ve of battery holder) – free end left
2. Soldered another copper wire from +ve input of boost module – free end left
3. Took 2-pin ON/OFF switch
4. Soldered both free wire ends to the 2 legs of the switch (one wire per leg), as shown in the image
5. This allows switching power to the boost module

1. Inserted 2× 18650 batteries (recovered from old laptop battery pack – good quality cells)
2. ⚠️ Check battery voltage and condition before use for safety
3. Placed batteries into the 2-cell holder
4. After inserting, Switch ON and used a screwdriver to adjust the boost module preset
5. Set output voltage to 9V using a multimeter

1. 3D printed an outer case for side protection
2. Installed case on acrylic sheet using FlexKwik gum (strong adhesive)
3. For the top cover, used a clear acrylic sheet for better component view
4. Laser-cut holes for:
5. 
   
6. Power switch
7. LCR test button
8. Component testing area

1. This device supports battery charging and mobile power output
2. To charge the internal 18650 batteries, plug a USB cable into the powerbank module input
3. A red LED blinks during charging
4. To charge a mobile device, connect it to the USB output port

1. You can also power or charge small USB gadgets like:
2. Mobile phones
3. Earbuds/EarPods
4. Smartwatches
5. USB lamps or fans

1. First, switch ON the power using the ON/OFF switch
2. Insert the component legs into the LCR meter’s ZIF socket
3. Lock the socket by pressing down the lever
4. Press the test button on the LCR meter
5. Wait a few seconds — the component type and full details (value, pinout, etc.) will appear on the display

1. Your 2-in-1 Portable Component Tester & Mobile Charger is now ready!
2. Enjoy testing components and charging devices anytime, anywhere
3. ✅ Reliable, compact, and DIY-friendly
4. Watch the full build video for reference and live demo
5. Thank you for reading! 🙏