Looking for a good and precise LCR meter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: eurofox
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 13, 2018, 08:50:22 am
content: I'm looking to buy a decent LCR meter without breaking the bank.I located this on on ebay and is available on Aliexpress as well:https://www.benl.ebay.be/itm/Digital-LCR-Meter-High-Precision-AT817D-LCR-L-C-R-Meter-50Hz-100K-Hz-10-Points/292211010941?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649Any experience with this instrument?Thanks in advance to share your experience.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2018, 10:25:21 am
content: For this kind of money you can score a used network analyser. There isn't much sense to measure capacitance and inductance accurately given the tolerances and physical limitations of real components and for resistors you can use a DMM.I'd go for the DER5000 or the (cheaper) XJW01 (https://www.benl.ebay.be/itm/XJW01-Auto-LCR-Digital-Bridge-ESR-Meter-Tester-0-3-w-SMD-DIP-Kelvin-Test-Clip/391793434683 )

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2018, 10:39:21 am
content: I looked in my crystal ball but I can't see your requirements from here.The DER5000 is an EEVBLOG favorite:https://www.google.com/search?q=eevblog+DER5000

author: eurofox
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 13, 2018, 10:45:40 am
content: Quote from: Fungus on May 13, 2018, 10:39:21 amMy basic requirement is desk type to be able to stack it because I have no place for all those separate meters, my lab is only a small corner and I like to have my instruments ready when I need them. I have a hand held type of LCR meter but I want something decent with Kelvin clips.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2018, 10:59:07 am
content: Look for a used Fluke / Philips PM6303A PM6304 or PM6306.They are almost unbreakable and used to be a standard in German cal labs.These days you can be lucky and get them really cheap.

author: eurofox
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 13, 2018, 02:19:58 pm
content: Quote from: HighVoltage on May 13, 2018, 10:59:07 amPM6303A : +/- 500$PM6304 : 1000$ +PM6306 : 2000$ +Since they are available in US and Asia, add high shipping cost and dutiesvery expensive for instruments that are more than 20 years

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2018, 02:43:03 pm
content: Get the DER5000 and do the kelvin clip upgrade. I did and it really is so easy to change out the clips. The guy on YouTube who does a video for it does it step by step for you to follow, you can't go wrong. If you really must stack it put it on the top of your already stack and you can sit a few more things beside it too so win win ? ? ? .Hope you get sorted however you go buddy.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2018, 02:58:55 pm
content: Quote from: eurofox on May 13, 2018, 02:19:58 pmIf you keep looking for a while, you can get really good bargains.The PM6306 was over Euro 10k just a few years ago, when it was still sold new.They are just rock solid.One of my two PM6306 has been calibrated (traceable) for 12 years and has been spot on every time, without adjustments.

author: eurofox
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 13, 2018, 04:30:02 pm
content: I just wonder what is the difference between the PM6303 from Fluke in the grey enclosure en the PM6303 in the typical Philips black enclose, they use the same number.

author: b_force
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2018, 04:31:26 pm
content: I don't exactly what kind of range you're looking for, but you can even use your PC with sound card as a pretty fine LCR meter.But it all depends what you're after exactly.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2018, 05:39:43 pm
content: Quote from: eurofox on May 13, 2018, 04:30:02 pmIt is pretty much the same schematics between the PM6303 and the PM6303A, that went to a more modern layout and new PCBHugoneus wanted to sell his after his repair video, may be he still has it for a good deal.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/for-sale-fluke-pm6303a-lcr-meter-fluke-pm6680b-frequency-counter/

author: markce
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2018, 09:47:48 pm
content: PM6303 and PM6303A is just a 1kHz 0.25% RCL meter. A bit limited compared to the DE5000.PM6304 and higher are better spec'd and frequency adjustable to 100KHz, but much more expensive.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2018, 10:01:41 pm
content: Quote from: eurofox on May 13, 2018, 10:45:40 amJust so you know, the DER5000 has Kelvin clips built into the tweezers.

author: bugi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 06:11:55 am
content: Quote from: Mr. Scram on May 13, 2018, 10:01:41 pmThe tweezers are sort of semi-kelvin; last few centimeters goes on a shared path. But I guess that will have an insignificant effect all things considered. And indeed, as mentioned, it is a trivial project to convert the alligator clip adapter box in to a full kelvin clip version.Still doesn't stack, though. Hmm.. wonder how much would a decent empty instrument box cost, to convert the DE-5000 into a big bench version ;P

author: eurofox
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 28, 2018, 08:55:19 am
content: Finally I follow your advice, I still have a small space where I can put a DER EE in vertical position on my shelf and add Kelvin clips myself.I order one on ebay Japan with options with free shipping for a very low price (87€) and arrive in just 2 weeks.I was very surprised that it pass customsI normally don't worry with customs clearance, I know someone who work there it is usually cleared in one dayIf I need to get better precision on resistors I still have my 7 1/2 and 8 1/2 meter.

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2018, 12:36:45 am
content: Congrats! I'm sure you'll be very happy with your purchase!