Recommendation on a decent LCR meter? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Fusion916
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2018, 11:56:00 pm
content: Would like to stay less than $200 and interested in pf to uf range for capacitors and nh to mh range for inductors. Don't need it to be ultra accurate or fast. ESR and Q measurements would be good too.Prefer benchtop but if that too expensive than a portable will do.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2018, 12:04:07 am
content: Do you do SMD too ?Strongly consider these:http://www.smarttweezers.com/st5s/Yeah I know, they're more than you want to spend but good tools cost don't they ?

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2018, 12:58:37 am
content: Have you looked at the DER EE DE-5000?Granted it's a portable unit, but covers what you've asked for and more (there's even a power adapter for it). There's plenty of information on it here in the forum, and even fully kitted out (test fixtures + wall power adapter + USB dongle & software), you'd come in under budget ($160 shipped,here).DER EE DE-5000 Manual(English, .pdf). Chapter 3 covers the specifications.

author: 1anX
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2018, 01:47:25 am
content: The DER EE DE-5000 is very good and reasonably priced!I made up a set of kelvin leads for it as the short crocodile leads that come with it are too short.

author: 1anX
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2018, 08:28:40 am
content: EEVBlog tear down of the DE-5000

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2018, 08:38:34 am
content: Look on Ebay for the XJW01. Not expensive but surprisingly accurate and versatile.

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2018, 10:26:23 am
content: I picked up an Agilent U1731B recently on eBay from n2cbu, none left right now but it'd be worth keeping an eye on their sales as it was an absolute bargain at about $50 plus shipping

author: TERRA Operative
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2018, 11:59:41 am
content: I just picked up a DER EE DE-5000 along with the tweezers, guard wire, power supply and two of the alligator clip modules (one I made into kelvin clips as above).All up it cost me about $100 off the shelf here in Akihabara.Seems like a good unit so far.Still gotta track down a hard case luke in Daves video.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2018, 08:53:29 pm
content: Quote from: CJay on July 18, 2018, 10:26:23 am$50 = You SUCK!The replacement, U1731C, goes for $330 (seems MSRP & street are the same in this case).Quote from: TERRA Operative on July 18, 2018, 11:59:41 amRegarding the case, it was only ever offered by IET (case P/N = DE-5000-CS). Unfortunately, they no longer rebadge the DE-5000 at all, nor are there any accessories available for it (I just checked).IET's gone back to benchtop LCR meters only.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 19, 2018, 01:27:00 am
content: Quote from: 1anX on July 18, 2018, 01:47:25 amI also did the same but had an issue with one of the clips. Open or closed, there was continuity. Quick and easy to fix, but something to check for.

author: 1anX
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2018, 07:17:55 am
content: Quote from: GreyWoolfe on July 19, 2018, 01:27:00 amYep, me too the leads are good, but the connection at one of the clips had the, guard/shield of the coax making contact with the jaw. Instead of being trimmed off cleanly at the insulation the foil and fine wire were left far too long. Easy fix but means you need to replace the heat shrink that you must cut off from the clip.I ended getting some high quality clips like these >https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2Pcs-Copper-Gwinstek-LCR-Kelvin-Test-Clip-Bridge-Test-Clip-Microresistivity-Clip/263631168351?hash=item3d61a4635f%3Ag%3AJMUAAOSwrsha3sjM&_nkw=kelvin+test+clip&rt=ncIf you look around you can find them cheaper than in the link above!

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2018, 07:39:10 am
content: Quote from: nanofrog on July 18, 2018, 08:53:29 pmIt was too good to miss, I've used it in anger precisely once but it's in almost factory condition, the only problem is that it's missing the tilt stand on the back and although Agilent sell them for a reasonable price they want a ridiculous amount of money to meet minimum order fees, shipping etc. so I am keeping an eye out for someone who can tag one onto a larger Agilent order.

author: LeonR
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2018, 12:30:38 pm
content: Sorry for jumping in, but can the 5000 measure in-circuit? Hkw dows it fare in comparison to the MESR-100? (I mean, am I getting more bang for my buck considering that I'm going to use it for checking lytics, polys and ceramic caps)?

author: elecman14
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 19, 2018, 01:22:48 pm
content: Quote from: CJay on July 19, 2018, 07:39:10 amLooks like more came into stock $59 USD this time.....https://www.ebay.com/itm/Agilent-U1731B-Handheld-LCR-Meter-Used-very-clean-tested-in-spec/142873856882?hash=item2143f20b72:g:srUAAOSwH3RbT-JU

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2018, 03:05:28 pm
content: Quote from: LeonR on July 19, 2018, 12:30:38 pmYes it can do measurements in-circuit.But you do need to be aware that the DE-5000 doesnotdischarge capacitors, so you'll have to do that manually prior to testing any capacitor (in-circuit or not). You'll blow the meter's IC if you don't (no protections, which allows for greater measurement accuracy).The DE-5000 can test a lot more parameters as the MESR100 is just an ESR meter. It comes down to what you're after.Quote from: elecman14 on July 19, 2018, 01:22:48 pmAnd they're selling fast.

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2018, 06:59:32 pm
content: Quote from: elecman14 on July 19, 2018, 01:22:48 pmWell I can vouch for the fact that mines is in almost factory new condition, I'm extremely happy with it and it made it across the Atlantic far faster than I expected.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2018, 07:19:32 pm
content: Quote from: CJay on July 19, 2018, 06:59:32 pmI don't like that the seller removes the serial numbers of the devices. That has led to unwelcome surprises, though it was adequately addressed by the seller. The communication was all you could wish for.I might order some stuff at Keysight soonish. I don't mind ordering a stand at cost plus shipping if I do.

author: LeonR
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2018, 08:11:43 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on July 19, 2018, 03:05:28 pmJust basic (?) cap testing on PC stuff: motherboards, GPUs, etc. I read somewhere that some caps are meant to be tested at different frequencies for correct reading, so I assumed I could get more readings from the 5000 since it isn't fixed like the MESR-100. Does it makes any sense or I can stick with the MESR? There's a 3x price difference between the two.As for the discharging I'm aware of it, but thanks for the reminder.

author: PedroDaGr8
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2018, 08:27:58 pm
content: Quote from: LeonR on July 19, 2018, 08:11:43 pmFYI, if parts are in parallel (such as a bank of filter capacitors on a motherboard). You CANNOT test them in-circuit at all, as the result you get will be the combination of all of the parts in parallel. For example, ESR would be like measuring parallel resistors.

author: bugi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2018, 10:00:01 pm
content: DE-5000's measurement voltage is (or can be, seems to depend a bit on the measurement/components) high enough to trip semiconductors, so, in-circuit measurement could be tricky that way, too.

author: youthsonic
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2018, 10:41:15 pm
content: Hey guys...So, you think this is a counterfeit? doesn't have the optical cable, but damn is it a good price...https://www.ebay.com/itm/DER-EE-DE-5000-High-Accuracy-Handheld-LCR-Meter-w-TL-21-TL-22-TL-23/123240626980?rt=nc&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D52935%26meid%3D46420ded040d4aedba68c294a4831566%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D6%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D161965781576%26itm%3D123240626980&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2018, 10:54:23 pm
content: Another +1 for the DEE-5000!I've had mine a few months now and for hobby stuff it's awesome!Sure if you have a £2000 LCR meter this 1 will be "crap" but for around the £100 mark you'll struggle to find a better all rounder. The fact a lot of the guys here recommend it says enough for me too. If it was junk it would have been found out long ago.I would recommend the DEE-5000 to any hobbyist.

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2018, 11:01:59 pm
content: Quote from: youthsonic on July 19, 2018, 10:41:15 pmThat seller looks kind of fake. They also listhttps://www.ebay.com/itm/Micsig-Oscilloscope-1300V100MHz-High-Voltage-Differential-Probe-Kit-High-Quality/123239228604?epid=2200074644&hash=item1cb1a164bc:g:a1cAAOSw8GtZXFAffor 50$.Another vote for the DE-5000

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2018, 11:19:49 pm
content: Quote from: Terry01 on July 19, 2018, 10:54:23 pmI think the DE-5000 compares quite well to a $500 Keysight meter. That's more than "good for hobbyists", that's a proper tool.

author: usagi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2018, 12:27:02 am
content: easiest choice ever.DE-5000https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B005EMT8PC/

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2018, 06:19:29 am
content: Quote from: LeonR on July 19, 2018, 08:11:43 pmThe DE-5000 is capable of multiple frequencies (100Hz, 120Hz, 1KHz, 10KHz, and 100KHz). As per what frequency you'd want to test at, that will depend on the circuit.For example, if you're doing a linear supply, you'd need to test at 2x the mains frequency (100Hz for those that live in 230V mains territory, while it'd be 120Hz here in the US/CAN). The closer you can get to the cap's operating frequency, the accuracy of your measured values increases.In terms of price, I'm only seeing 2x for the DER EE DE-5000 v. the MESR-100. Of course, my searches tend to present US locations & pricing, so YMMV depending on your location.FWIW, if you go into your user profile, you can set your country, which will then display your nation's flag beneath your userID. Makes it much easier for other members to post relative links for you in terms of pricing and availability.

author: bugi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2018, 06:21:38 am
content: Quote from: youthsonic on July 19, 2018, 10:41:15 pmRead carefully: "....TL-21 forDE-5000 ...."It is only the alligator clip adapter.Lazy seller though; most sellers tend to describe it better in the longer description, whereas this seller has only slapped a "one text fits all" blurb about shipping and payments.The same careful reading is needed to differentiate between all the tens of bundle variants (which particular adapters etc. come with the meter), often the difference is only with the number of TL-xx entries in the item title.(Also, pay attention to item location being claimed to be in japan, yet shipping from china/hong kong/taiwan. There are sellers that really do ship it from Japan, and comes in just few days after shipped.)

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2018, 12:17:53 pm
content: Yup I agree! Read the advert over and when you think you understand it 100%, read it again!Mine came from Japan and the seller's communication was great. I never had to ask once what was happening, he messaged me at every turn then passed on the shipping details and told me to let him know when I received the meter of if any problems occurred. The only thing that cropped up was a £25 I think it was customs charge! Weasels!Everything went 100% smooth!

author: youthsonic
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2018, 04:58:17 pm
content: eBay must have done something weird for you, because what you mentioned didn't match the auction that I posted.The auction states that it includes the following:DESCRIPTIONThis set includesDE-5000 itself×1TL-21 Alligator Test Lead Case×1TL-22 SMD tweezers×1TL-23And the title is: "DER EE DE-5000 High Accuracy Handheld LCR Meter w/ TL-21 TL-22 TL-23"Still, says seller is away, so I wouldn't grab it anyway. Plus I don't want to wait that long to get itQuote from: bugi on July 20, 2018, 06:21:38 am

author: bugi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2018, 06:35:26 pm
content: Quote from: youthsonic on July 20, 2018, 04:58:17 pmI guessIshould have read more carefully:"The listing you’re looking for is no longer available. Check out this similar item we found for you."That is, it was the stupid direct item auto-suggestion by ebayEbay should have just given an auto-search with multiple results; much more likely to give something that matches within one page.

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2018, 07:15:42 pm
content: Have you ordered 1 yet? If not I can give you the details of the guy I got mine from and I can vouch he is 100% good.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 20, 2018, 07:24:15 pm
content: Quote from: 1anX on July 19, 2018, 07:17:55 amI got the same to make a set of kelvin clips for my GW-Instek 8251A. I have the silicone wire and used banana plugs from Frankie's website.

author: LeonR
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2018, 10:35:07 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on July 20, 2018, 06:19:29 amI thought I've already set that since it appears for me... Double-checked just in case and it is there.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2018, 12:39:19 am
content: FWIW, it ^ could still be useful for others.

author: youthsonic
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2018, 03:30:13 pm
content: So...Debating on picking up the DE-5000. A bit pricy for me, as I just repair stuff for fun, and very little profit.I currently own a few of the cheap transistor testers that do ESR - are these accurate enough for troubleshooting, or is it really worth the investment in a "real" ERS meter like the DE-5000?

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2018, 04:24:40 pm
content: Quote from: youthsonic on July 22, 2018, 03:30:13 pmIt's an LCR meter (inductance, capacitance, resistance tester). ESR is just one of the measurements it's capable of. So if you find yourself needing more than ESR, then you'd need to be looking at this or a similar instrument.If not, it would be a waste of funds you could put to other use elsewhere. Components for example (i.e. smoke 'em if ya got 'em).

author: youthsonic
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2018, 04:54:05 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on July 22, 2018, 04:24:40 pmSo, I also have an Fluke 87-V that does some of that...

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2018, 05:12:47 pm
content: Quote from: youthsonic on July 22, 2018, 04:54:05 pmSort of. The 87V can measure capacitance and resistance values (within it's specs), but that's it. An LCR meter has a wider range for such measurements.But it can do additional measurements such as Ls, Lp, Cs, Cp, Rs, Rp, and DCR with D, Q, Theta, and ESR measurement (s = series, p = parallel). Traditional DMM's can't do this. It's like a hammer vs. a screwdriver; just totally different tools.

author: kerrsmith
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2018, 05:54:54 pm
content: Just for the interest of people who want a really cheap LC meter I have the following one which you buy as a kit from Banggood:DIY-M8-LC-Digital-Inductance-Capacitance-Meter-KitI have found this to be really useful - I make lots of radio circuits and wind lots of my own coils on ferrite cores so I wanted something to test them on so I know I have them roughly right. This version has a range of 0.1μH - 2H, 1pF - 2.5μF and 0.1μF - 30000μF (in three ranges), I obviously have no way to accurately test the meter (or I would not need it) but from winding many toroids I have found it always shows a very close match to the inductance I am aiming for when putting a certain number of turns on a certain core.I have tested it with a range of purchased inductors and capacitors and it always returns about the correct value given the tolerance of the part, so for me this is perfect. Once you have the values roughly right you are in a good position to start tweaking them to get the circuit working really well.Just thought I would post this option up in case anyone else wants a reasonably accurate LC meter at a really low price - you do have to solder it yourself but this kind of adds to the enjoyment of using it.

author: mark03
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2018, 09:26:26 pm
content: Quote from: Terry01 on July 20, 2018, 07:15:42 pmI'd be interested. I already placed an order on the listing mentioned above, but at $46 (and some other telltale signs), the odds are good that it's a scam.

author: youthsonic
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2018, 11:18:23 pm
content: Quote from: mark03 on July 22, 2018, 09:26:26 pmI would be, too. Thanks!

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2018, 07:29:38 am
content: Hmmm, seems they guy I bought mine from has more or less shut his shop upHe had 1000's of items for sale when I bought my unit from him and now he only has 7 things for sale!Very strange indeed. I suppose you could message him, his English is good and like I said before he was spot on to deal with. I will message him for you to see if he is still able to supply the meters if you want? Or someone else may have a more recent recommendation to sharehttp://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/eina-japan?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2754is his link.

author: bugi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2018, 09:05:18 am
content: I also bought mine from that eina japan, but from the .com-side. Took the full 5 working days to send it, but after that came in just few days.Seems to be still available there (not many in stock, though):(Almost) full set:https://www.ebay.com/itm/282040803373Just the meter:https://www.ebay.com/itm/273168946807

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2018, 10:08:49 am
content: Quote from: bugi on July 23, 2018, 09:05:18 amAh, yes I see now. He doesn't ship to the UK no more.Must've been too much of a pain in the arse for him. It cost me another 20 sheets on top at the Post Office too for some customs con or whatever shite they vomit up that day and call it a new tax,,,, when the meter arrived in the UK.The UK gov rips the arse out of stinging you at every turn then hands out £20 mills here and another £10 bills there,,,, fuck it you have £40 as well you look skint,,,in fact you got a brother or any1 who's skint,,,or even a distant aunts half cousin will do.....Does my blinking head in so it does!!GGRRRR!!!

author: TERRA Operative
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 27, 2018, 04:54:36 am
content: Maybe someone who lives in Japan should organise a group buy..... hmmm.

author: TheNewLab
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 27, 2018, 06:45:25 am
content: All the above are good choices. The DER has a number of YTs on modifying the unit with better cables, plus several other features.I got the Uni-T LCR unit (red, it is my aesthetic OCD) works as well as the DER. IMHO $200 is more than enough for a good handheld.. a desktop may be more, but why? handheld listed above are already so accurate and feature laden.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 27, 2018, 09:10:30 am
content: Quote from: TheNewLab on July 27, 2018, 06:45:25 amNot an exhaustive list :- Upper limit at Farads (> 1.000.000 uF)- Frequency sweep- DC bias- etc