DIY Audio Spectrum Analyzer - How to recognize Fake MSGEQ7 chips

The MSGEQ7 is a great chip for building an DIY audio spectrum analyzer. I bought a few MSGEQ7 chips from Sparkfun, from Aliexpress and also from Ebay (not shown in the video). The ones from Sparkfun are good, the ones from Ebay and Aliexpress are fake chips. In this video I show how I know this and how you can recognize fake chips - even before buying.

[@doublej723]

I bought it a long time ago and can't get a refund.
I had a hard time why it didn't work for a long time.
Thank you for making me give up for sure.
I learned that it was a fake chip after watching your video.
I'll have to buy genuine products other than simple chips from now on.
Thank you.

[@Ronayne015]

I bought 12 of these 1902 chips from eBay and have been driving myself mad trying to get them to work. All 12 being faulty seemed impossible so I've been quadruple checking all my wiring and code. Returning them to the seller now and STRONGLY encouraginging them to stop selling them. I'm sure they have driven many a hobbiest insane thinking they've wired them up incorrectly. Thank you for giving me my sanity back!! Now to buy some of the genuine articles.

[@babbadge]

I can't stand hobbyists and makers going mad. That's why I made the video!

[@magnamo1234]

Thanks for posting this video. I spent a good while trying to get these (2) chips that I ordered on Amazon to work. When I finally noticed that the input was loading the signal down substantially, I suspected they might either be damaged or counterfeit. The ones I bought were drawing 4 mA at 5 volts and the reference measured 4.1v. They visually look very similar to the (2) fake ones you displayed with the 1902 on them. I'm sending them back. Thanks again! If you're ever in Richmond, VA contact me and I'll buy you a pint or two.

[@KillzoneKid]

Thank you for this video, I now have definitive proof I was sold fake chips. I kinda knew this could be the case, so I knew the risks, funny though, the seller agreed to refund immediatly after I mentioned they were fake.

[@AzriRich88]

Wow. Thanks

[@superkidzach]

from the cover image I though it was Adam Savage lol

[@luisalonsobr]

Thank you so much!

[@mitchvaters1237]

Pin 6 is ground. Why would it have a ref voltage of 2.5 volts?

[@liquidsonly]

I was just bread boarding a batch of these to test. Same markings, same results, all fake.

[@babbadge]

At least try to get your money back! If not for yourself, then at least to annoy the seller as much as possible!

[@equalizergraphic7663]

1902 is fake chip.