Best LCR meter sub $100, mid range, or any price? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Elasia
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2018, 11:14:42 pm
content: Much like the sister dmm tread, thought it would be interesting to see what LCR meters people like, cost wise - a cheapie sub 100, mid range, or go nuts-the sky's the limit - and why

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 12, 2018, 01:54:02 am
content: I have a DER EE DE 5000. I believe I paid $120 USD with all the attachments. I modified the short alligator clips to longer Kelvin style clips from evilBay that work fine. It is a good value for the money and is very helpful when I need it.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2018, 01:57:59 am
content: Quote from: Elasia on April 11, 2018, 11:14:42 pmThis ->65120B Series Impedance AnalyzerFeatures :Precise high frequency impedance measurementsCharacterize components from 20 Hz to 120 MHz0.05% basic measurement accuracy0 to +40V DC bias voltage and 0 to 100mA DC bias Current (Option)±40V DC bias voltage (Option)Comprehensive measurement functionsEasy to use with large TFT touch screenClear graphic displays aids measurementsTraditional LCR Meter mode for single and repetitive measurementsResonance SearchEquivalanct Circuit Analysis (Option)Intuitive user interfaceFully programmable over GPIB and LANPolar and Complex Plots available (option)Multi Measurement Mode available (option)Keyboard and mouse optional controlCompetitively pricedAs for why ... well, just say I will be trembling for days or even weeks, if I have one of this at my bench table, enough said.

author: nidlaX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2018, 02:23:25 am
content: Quote from: BravoV on April 12, 2018, 01:57:59 amNice looking instrument. The previous generation versions can be had for fairly low prices on eBay.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2018, 03:18:07 am
content: Quote from: nidlaX on April 12, 2018, 02:23:25 amDefine what is called low prices, its relative I guess.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2018, 03:41:35 am
content: Quote from: GreyWoolfe on April 12, 2018, 01:54:02 amAll the attachments? The ones with the USB dongle are always ridiculously expensive for some reason.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2018, 03:56:31 am
content: I've had a BK for many years and have been happy with it. I doubt mine are still produced but looks like someone has one for sale:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/fs-eu-bk-precision-886-lcresr-meter/msg1436877/#msg1436877You could have a look at their current products.http://www.bkprecision.com/products/component-testers/879B-40000-count-dual-display-handheld-lcr-meter-with-esr.htmlBack in the 90s I was using an HP 4194 impedance analyzer that was really nice. For my own hobby use if I need higher frequencies, I still use my HP8754A.I bought a TPI 194 II handheld meter that had capacitance and inductance. I would never recommend this.

author: nidlaX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2018, 03:56:53 am
content: Quote from: BravoV on April 12, 2018, 03:18:07 amLess than $300?

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2018, 04:10:31 am
content: Quote from: nidlaX on April 12, 2018, 03:56:53 amWhere ? That can be "easily" sourced at that price range, we're talking about bench top grade impedance analyzer right ?

author: WhichEnt2
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2018, 08:13:59 am
content: Don't forget about the XJW01 for sub $100 rangehttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/xjw01-auto-lcr-meter-review-($120-bench-top-lcr-meter)/

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2018, 09:09:06 am
content: Quote from: GreyWoolfe on April 12, 2018, 01:54:02 am+1 as currently DE 5000 is best choice when it comes to measuring capacitor, inductor and also resistor, especially for hobbyist level if want to have detail measurement results.For beginners that are not aware, when using a LCR meter like DE-5000 that has 4 wires measurement (beware, some crappy LCR meters don't have it), the ordinary handheld DMMs that have only 2 wires for measurement, simply can not do low ohm measurement accurately and reliably like this.

author: wn1fju
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2018, 12:38:51 pm
content: I'll nominate the (inexpensive) Peak Electronics LCR45. May not be the most accurate money can buy, but it sure is convenient if you have limitedbench space!While you are perusing Peak's webpage, take a look at some of their other stuff like the ESR tester or component analyzer. I have those and they arevery nice.(I have no connection whatsoever to their company)

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2018, 01:53:04 pm
content: Quote from: WhichEnt2 on April 12, 2018, 08:13:59 amAgreed. I still have it. If you want to spend more then it is worth looking for a network analyser in the several Hz to several MHz range. An LCR meter is a rather limited device.

author: Elasia
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2018, 06:56:39 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on April 12, 2018, 01:53:04 pmLooks like they upgraded it.. i picked one up for the hell of it since its so cheaphttps://www.ebay.com/itm/Auto-LCR-Digital-Electric-Bridge-Resistance-Capacitance-Inductance-ESR-Meter-US/282599271769?epid=759946803&hash=item41cc3aad59:g:544AAOSwxDNZhXnA

author: WhichEnt2
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2018, 07:05:12 pm
content: They upgraded it just for more easy production, most of schematic except psu is the same, firmware should be the same too: 2012 ver. 5.5.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 12, 2018, 07:57:44 pm
content: Quote from: Mr. Scram on April 12, 2018, 03:41:35 amOops, my bad. Not the USB dongle. The TL-21, 22 and 23. When I bought mine, you could get it without these for less money. I don't have the dongle.

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2018, 08:05:39 pm
content: I bought the DER EE 5000 a couple days ago. Just waiting on it arriving in the UK from Japan. I am still very new to electronics so looking forward to learning how to drive it and what all the info it provides means.No doubt i'll be asking lots if silly questions soon

author: DIPLover
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2018, 08:24:29 pm
content: Have had the DER EE 5000 for a couple years now. Would certainly recommend it for the price. Nice little meter.

author: cvanc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2018, 09:35:08 pm
content: Quote from: DIPLover on April 12, 2018, 08:24:29 pmAgreed. I've had an EE 5000 for a bit more than a year and it's a great tool.