LCR Meter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: ds047
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 31, 2025, 08:37:23 pm
content: I'm looking to get an LCR meter, other posts recommend the DER EE DE-5000, but also saw some talk about Applent AT826 and UNI-T UT612. I also stumbled upon a Hantek 1833C. Any experience with them and recommended one among them?The most expensive amount them is the Applent at USD250, I'm open to other recommendations around or less than that.

author: caulktel
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2025, 08:42:44 pm
content: I have a couple of home built ones and the DER EE DE-5000, I like the DE-5000 the best, it is very accurate measuring inductors which is what I got it for.JoelN6ALT

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2025, 09:05:54 pm
content: I have been very happy with my DE-5000 for the money, but haven't tried the other similarly priced units.Before retirement, I used a good bench unit from QuadTech, which was far more expensive but more flexible (applied voltage level and frequency).For measuring components in the audio range (50 Hz to 100 kHz in discrete values), the unit works very well, so long as you are careful to do the "calibration" routine every time you turn on or switch connections.(That routine does not actually calibrate the unit, but compensates for the connections in the test cable.)

author: JohanH
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2025, 09:14:13 pm
content: Very happy with the ET4410 (East Tester, also Mustool branded).

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2025, 10:17:48 pm
content: I had tested myself with a number of inexpensive LCR meters.For the handheld LCRs, only two come into question:If the components are not too large, the ST-42 tweezers are a very good choice.It measures accurately and unbeatably fast.The classic DE5000 is also good.However, for a little more money, you can get a bench meter, the aforementioned ET4410 from various suppliers.It has significantly more features than the two handhelds, is quite accurate and allows a measuring voltage of up to 2V.In my opinion, it is the best choice in the class up to €300.For a little more than that, you can buy an ET4510, which allows you to select the measuring frequency in 1Hz steps, and the measuring voltage can also be changed in 1mV steps(instead of having a limited amount of steps in measure frequency and voltage).If you want something better than these two East Tester models, you'll have to spend a lot more money.Then there are models like the ET3500 from East Tester, or the “Champion” from TongHui, the TH2830.

author: Conrad Hoffman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2025, 11:17:48 pm
content: What do you want to do with it? Everybody seems to like the DE-5000, but that 4410 looks really appealing if you like a full featured bench instrument. Two things people have trouble with are small value caps where some meters simply don't go down that far, and large value caps that are out of range or require a 4-wire connection to get an accurate dissipation factor value. If you get a meter with 4 BNCs like the 4410, you should also get a component holder likehttps://www.sourcetronic.com/shop/en/lcr-adapter-st26047.htmlThat's just an example and there should be various inexpensive imports. You want one with clamps, not just spring pressure. They also have similar versions specifically for SMT parts.

author: ds047
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 02, 2025, 09:07:57 pm
content: The 4410 is very appealing. I don't know if I will need to test very small or large value caps outside the capability of the DE-5000 in the future, but I'd rather be able to do so than have to upgrade in the future. Handheld and bench makes no difference to me. Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2025, 09:11:41 pm
content: QuoteThen you can hardly go wrong with the ET4410.“Better” is only possible at three to four times the price, depending on the current price of an ET4410, which often varies.4410 for 221€No shipping costs to the Czech Republic, so delivery was very fast.

author: ds047
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 17, 2025, 04:01:22 pm
content: Quote from: Martin72 on February 02, 2025, 09:11:41 pmSorry missed your reply. Is the ET4510 worth getting or should I stick to the ET4410?

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2025, 04:41:22 pm
content: Only if you value a seamless frequency and voltage setting, otherwise they are completely identical in terms of hardware (mainboard).

author: tunk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2025, 04:42:54 pm
content: Tony Albus recently did a comparison of the DER EE DE5000, Hantek 1832C and EastTester ET432:https://youtu.be/watch?v=I1hFx4F2sC0

author: trackersoft
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2025, 09:16:42 pm
content: I have the Hantek 1833C and it seems to do a great job - very happy with it.

author: Solder_Junkie
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2025, 11:08:11 am
content: I have a Peak Instruments LCR45, not sure what the overseas cost is, but many of the larger distributors stock them.https://www.peakelec.co.uk/acatalog/lcr45-lcr-impedance-meter.htmlSJ

author: ds047
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 18, 2025, 05:52:15 pm
content: The ET4510 has better claimed specs than the handheld options, and I can't seem any mention that they don't meet their specs. I'm leaning towards that for the specs and overall features.

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2025, 06:16:12 pm
content: Quote from: ds047 on February 18, 2025, 05:52:15 pmMartin likes it, and I agree; in that price range, you won't likely find anything better. I've had a number of different LCR meters, and in that price range, the only thing I use is the Shannon ST42 tweezers. I wouldn't replace my bench LCR with the tweezers, but they go very well together.

author: the Chris
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2025, 07:30:55 pm
content: I have been using the Applet AT826 for a year know and it works flawless so far. Uppon arrival, I measured several capacitances at different frequencies on it and a calibrated E4980A we have at work. The AT826 was high by just 0.1%. I can recommend it, although I usually prefer tabletop devices.