WTB: cheapy LCR meter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jimon
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2015, 10:26:25 am
content: I've figure out that I'm really bad at reading ceramic capacitor values, so I've would like to have a LCR meter for it.I don't really need too precise instrument (0.1-0.5 pF should be enough), and I don't want to spend too much money for it (I'm mostly do digital).So I'm looking for something <50$ shipped to Sweden.I've saw couple of DIY kits, can you recommend any ? Would prefer one with a box and battery.PS. Should I bother about ESR ?PS2. I have Keithley 2015, is there any sort of jig that can be used to convert capacitance\inductance to voltage or current ? I want to measure this tricky to read German caps.

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2015, 12:35:28 pm
content: If you have a function generator and an oscilloscope, there are a handful of methods to measure inductance and capacitance, but it's not that intuitive or quick. When you talk about precise, do you really mean asensitiveinstrument (one that can go down to 0.1pF) or accurate instrument (one that's only got an error of 0.1pF)? In any case, remember 0.1pF is VERY low, that's like, nothing. Even running the leads in parallel can easily create a capacitance larger than that. (even the instrument's PCB can get such capacitances).

author: all_repair
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2015, 12:49:21 pm
content: I got this as an expendable unit, quite good I must say. Sometime, in the rush of time, or being too engross in work, I forget to discharge the capacitor before putting in the LCR.http://m.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=lcr+200a&isNewKw=1&_sop=12&_pgn=1&epp=24&itemId=&fads=1&mfs=GOCLK&acimp=0&sqp=lcr+200a&trksid=p2053742.m2428.l1313.TR0.TRC0.Xlcr+200a

author: macboy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2015, 01:32:26 pm
content: You should look here:$20 LCR ESR Transistor checker projectThere are many examples of pre-built units on ebay and similar for $20 or less, shipped. Or you can build your own since it is open source S/W and H/W.And if you want something more serious, look at the DE-5000 by DER. You will spend a little more than $50 but it is a very good meter, much better than it has any right to be at its price point.DE-5000 vs DE-6000 LCR Showdown

author: jimon
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2015, 09:53:29 pm
content: Quote from: macboy on February 04, 2015, 01:32:26 pmI see DE-5000 are sold for 75$ shipped on ebay, is there anything behind them ? I saw some people's posts that they ordered DE-5000 and received something that they don't expected (dunno, maybe there are two models with same name ?)PS. for this price our local store sells uni-t 711 =)

author: PedroDaGr8
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2015, 10:49:11 pm
content: Quote from: jimon on February 04, 2015, 09:53:29 pmThe DE-5000 is a DAMN good meter, by far the biggest bang for the buck at this time. It's a TRUE LCR meter in that it calculates a variety of factors (such as theta, Q, ESR, D, etc.) and can do it at specific common frequencies (up to 100kHz).DE-5000 @ $75 has zero accessoriesThe higher priced ones have various combinations of the TL-21 (alligator clips), TL-22 (SMD tweezers), TL-23 (ground lead) test fixtures. Other options are the USB data cable and AC power adapter. TL-21 and TL-22 adapters are by far the most useful. The TL-23 is just a ground/shield lead and not worth paying for. In your case, the only other option that might be worth it is the AC adapter but its easy to find that somewhere else rather than pay the steep markup often charged.

author: macboy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2015, 11:17:05 pm
content: The photos in the thread I referenced above are of my DE-5000. It works very well and by all indications is electrically identical to the much more expensive DE-6000.