Applent AT8XX Series LCR Meter - 4 Wire Kelvin Clips  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: AJ3G
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2021, 06:39:20 pm
content: All:After looking at the Keysight, DER, and B&K LCR Meters; I have settled on a Applent AT826 LCR meter. I have seen some online reviews, which seem positive, but I am struck by the connectors of the Kelvin Clips which connect to the Meter itself.. It appears that at least as of a couple of years ago, they were nothing but gold plated PCB Material. Can anyone tell me how these have held up for them?I intend to use this bridge for some sorting of NPO Capacitors, and ESR Measurements for the purposes of troubleshooting. I also think it will be helpful in some of the inductor winding I do, but I have an instrument that works well for this. While my usage will not be industrial/production level of testing, it will be greater than the typical hobbyist. If there is a problem with the connectors I would rather address this now, and be done with it.If you have replaced the Kelvin Clips with an alternative, I would also like to hear what you used as an alternative.Thanks in Advance!Rich

author: bob91343
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2021, 08:24:04 pm
content: There are cheap Chinese Kelvin clips out there. I have some and while they seem okay, they don't grab the leads securely. I flowed some solder over the jaws and that helped. Since the kit included three clips, I use the third one as an SMD probe. Again, it keeps slipping off but I just hold it in place and let the bridge do the work.

author: AJ3G
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2021, 09:14:12 pm
content: From the online review I have seen the clips look decent, it’s the termination to the meter that has me concerned. Based on the description the termination which is plugged into the body of the meter is nothing more than FR4 or similar material, with gold plating on the contact areas. I worry repeated insertion, and removal will eventually destroy the PCB Material the gold plating is on.Rich

author: TurboTom
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2021, 09:56:51 pm
content: I've got the AT826 in use since almost exactly five years and despite my initial doubts due to the marginal soldering quality (of my specimen), it held out during the time no problem and still performs well, the probes included. Therre is some mild wear visible at the "plugs" but it doesn't affect accuracy at all. I'ld recommend this series of instruments.

author: AJ3G
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2021, 09:59:53 pm
content: Hi TurboTom:If its lasted five years, then I think its money well spent in my opinion. I am somewhat relieved to hear that your probes have lasted too. If they are ok, then maybe I can dispense with looking for alternate set of Kelvin Clips, or reworking the existing ones to be more robust.Rich

author: AJ3G
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2021, 12:25:35 am
content: All:I got the AT826 in today. The parts supplied with the LCR Meter are not bad at all. I opened the meter up, and I cannot find any issues with soldering either. I have been making some measurements with some L & C standards, and I find this LCR Meter to be excellent value for money. Of course, we shall see how long this things holds up for, but from what I am observing, I think it may be able to withstand a couple years of use/abuse without too much issue.Rich

author: TurboTom
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2021, 10:25:32 am
content: I completely agree. Seems like my specimen is the only one with the marginal soldering quality having surfaced over the past few years, I guess I just got "lucky". But despite of this, it's performing strong. Performance-wise, no problem whatsoever.You've got to get used to interpreting the results, using an RLC bridge is not like hooking up the multimeter in resistance mode. Especially at the range limits (very low inductances/capacitances), doing reproduceable and dependable measurements can be challenging. But using some tricks and reasoning, it's even possible to evaluate parasitic inductances of (power) semiconductors. Testing components within a circuit board to evaluate their condition is also possible but requires experience.My AT826 doesn't get used every day but at least once or twice a week. And when I need it, I don't want to miss it. It was definitely some of the better spent money!