Extech LCR200 data output(Jwith update) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Vredstein
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2012, 06:43:27 am
content: I got an Extech LCR200 meter last week. Kinda sad. No battery, no case, no tweezers, crap manual, no software, no AC adapter, just a meter and $2 pair of alligator clip leads. Manual says you can output data to a computer using the RS-232 port. From the pic, what kind of cable do I need to connect this to my computer?Update: I send an email to Extech tech support and got a very quick reply stating they have no cable, no software and "no solution for using it."No battery, no excessories, and false advertising. Three strikes for Extech on my very first purchase. Should have gone with the Mastech or ponied up the extra dough for the BK Precision. I purchased it from a reputable seller, sent an email explaining the problem, and told them I think the 15% restocking fee should be waved considering their own ad said it came with a battery and was RS-232 compatable. We'll see.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2012, 05:11:43 pm
content: What an appalling state of affairs !Such a situation would suggest that this is a badge engineered product that Extech neglected to purchase software rights toTotal and utter rubbish service, not deserving of your money. I hope you get your money back so that you can spend it with on a more deserving LCR meter like the Mastech or BK offerings that you mentioned.When I think of what came with my Mastech 5308..... batteries, tweezer probes, Kelvin clips, test slot, optical PC link cable, Software, PSU and a decent padded soft case..... now that's what I call a fully loaded LCR meter kitManual is still cr*p thoughAuroraUpdate...I just took a look here:http://www.testequity.com/products/4172/I can't believe the prices ! It appears everything that came as standard with my MS5308 is at additional cost on the Extech ! The unit spec appears to indicate that this is yet another 100kHz LCR meter that is built around the Cyrustek chipset. You could probably communicate with your LCR meter using the Mastech software as the chipset doesn't use OEM specific coms protocols. If you shine a torch into your LCR meters serial port you will see either contacts (3.5mm audio socket) or an IR LED. A simple cable can be built for the 3.5mm socket type connection, but the LED would need a simple IR receiver circuit and appropriate housing to mate with the meter. I would still get my money back and buy a more worthy brand that uses the same excellent Cyrustek LCR chipset

author: Vredstein
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2012, 06:36:24 pm
content: Quote from: Aurora on April 23, 2012, 05:11:43 pmI did quite a bit of research, including reading through your review and related posts. I chose this unit based on the fact I could get it from a reputable seller, it had 100 kHz test capability, and came from a well-established manufacturer.When I first got it I was encouraged by seeing all case screws used metal threaded inserts, but things went downhill from there. This unit shares the same problem with some other meters in that it doesn't have a simple relative function. It has open and short calibration modes. You start with an open calibration, press "CAL", it counts down while it does its thing, and displays either Pass or Fail. You then short the leads and repeat the process. The short calibration would pass with the supplied alligator clips, but would always fail when using a brand new, gold plated pair of Probe Master leads. There is a separate relative function, but byrelative, they mean relative to a reference component-resistor, cap, etc.Considering their ad stated it had an RS-232 interface and came with a battery, neither of which were the case, if I can get my money back without having to pay the 15% restocking fee from testequipmentdepot, I'll chalk it up as a valuable learning experience.I see the Mastech on sale on Ebay for $211 including all the accessories. Your review is encouraging and I can now appreciate that it comes with accessories.I've used the reviews and recommendations from this site to chose solid old HP power supplies, Hakko 888 soldering station, Tek 2235 scope, used Fluke 87 meter, UNIT UT61E meter and an Instek SFG-1003 generator. I'm at the bottom of the learning ladder, so it seems like I should continue to take advantage of the experience and recommendations of more experienced users.

author: Vredstein
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2012, 11:03:58 pm
content: The seller, TestEquipmentDepot (Fotronic) has resolved the issue and went a bit beyond. I called them up and let them know the situation. They offered a refund or a replacement for a reasonably comparable unit. I took a shot and suggested the BK Precision 879B despite it being $40-$50 more. They agreed.I made the wrong decision as far as the original unit choice, but I made the right decision as far as who I purchased it from. If I had bought the unit perhaps cheaper from an overseas source, it's likely I'd be stuck paying shipping charges overseas and waiting weeks for a refund, and very unlikely I'd be offered an upgrade.So a thumbs down for Extech and a big thumbs up for TestEquipmentDepot.

author: Wartex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2012, 11:33:03 pm
content: Just to let you all know, BK Precision is a knock-off of Tonghui which is the ODM. Tonghui can be had for a lot less than BK Precision.

author: Vredstein
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2012, 12:27:28 am
content: Quote from: Wartex on April 23, 2012, 11:33:03 pmI've heard that, but I'm getting the BK for $233 from TestEquipmentDepot who have earned my trust by going out of their way to make things right.

author: Vredstein
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2012, 07:47:44 am
content: Quote from: Vredstein on April 24, 2012, 12:27:28 am