Low cost RCL meter??? recommendations?

Zero Cool · 11th February 2012, 09:55 PM

Can anyone recommend a low cost but decent meter for measuring inductance? I have some crossover coils I need to measure and figure out what they are. or at least get close.

Zc

dchisholm · 12th February 2012, 02:02 AM

If I didn't expect to make a large number of measurements, I'd get a good quality (film) capacitor of decent precision (1% or 2%), then put it in series with the inductor and a resistor of any convenient value. Find the resonant frequency (use your 'scope in X-Y mode to tune for voltage and current in phase), then calculate the inductance.

Dale

col · 12th February 2012, 02:05 AM

I use my WT3. If your going to buy something might be worth getting one of them instead, that way you can test woofers as well.

col.

Frex · 12th February 2012, 06:12 AM

Hi Zero Cool,

I can recommend you this DIY design.

It is based on the design from Dr Le Hung , you can find all infos about
this design on his web page HERE.

It can measure Inductance, capacitance, frequency and the ESR of capacitors.
I bought him the full kit (all parts and PCB) for 50€.
It's a reasonable price, and it work very well.

Regards.

FRex

Zero Cool · 12th February 2012, 12:28 PM

Thanks everyone! I will look into all those options. I like the P-E WT3 idea, multiple uses and all!

I have a box of coils i need to measure. none are marked and all are different sizes. so i figured I would measure them and mark them and see if any would be useful.

Zero Cool · 12th February 2012, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dchisholm

If I didn't expect to make a large number of measurements, I'd get a good quality (film) capacitor of decent precision (1% or 2%), then put it in series with the inductor and a resistor of any convenient value. Find the resonant frequency (use your 'scope in X-Y mode to tune for voltage and current in phase), then calculate the inductance.

Dale

This sounds like a very low cost idea. but would require some education on how to do this! I have plenty of high quality film caps on hand. would need to see what the Tol% is but i know I have 1uf, 2uf 5uf etc etc on hand.

Care to educate us on how this is done??

Zc

cliffyk · 14th February 2012, 03:22 PM

I have both Peak Electronics' Atlas LCR40, and their ESR70.

An amazing and convenient to use pair of instruments, their DCA55 semiconductor tester is also a great tool...

dirkwright · 14th February 2012, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by col

I use my WT3. If your going to buy something might be worth getting one of them instead, that way you can test woofers as well.

col.

Oh hey, duh. I have WT2! It says sub 100pF measurements can be made if the device is calibrated for measuring capacitors. Thanks for the reminder! I can match components now.

dchisholm · 14th February 2012, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zero Cool

This sounds like a very low cost idea. but would require some education on how to do this! I have plenty of high quality film caps on hand. would need to see what the Tol% is but i know I have 1uf, 2uf 5uf etc etc on hand.

Care to educate us on how this is done??

I haven't forgotton - I'll work on writing it up this week.

Dale

sasha70 · 14th February 2012, 09:34 PM

Hi, what about this instrument:
eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace
Any body used this one?
Regards.

11th February 2012, 09:55 PM	#1
Zero Cool Audio Junkie diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: MN	Low cost RCL meter??? recommendations? Can anyone recommend a low cost but decent meter for measuring inductance? I have some crossover coils I need to measure and figure out what they are. or at least get close. Zc __________________ It's not about what you can BUY...It's about what you can BUILD!

12th February 2012, 02:05 AM	#3
col diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia	I use my WT3. If your going to buy something might be worth getting one of them instead, that way you can test woofers as well. col. __________________ http://www.minirig.org.au

12th February 2012, 06:12 AM	#4
Frex diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2009	Hi Zero Cool, I can recommend you this DIY design. It is based on the design from Dr Le Hung , you can find all infos about this design on his web page HERE. It can measure Inductance, capacitance, frequency and the ESR of capacitors. I bought him the full kit (all parts and PCB) for 50€. It's a reasonable price, and it work very well. Regards. FRex __________________ DIY CS5381 ADC / DIY 10kHz Super Oscillator / DIY DC-1MHz RMS-DC converter & 60dB LNA .

12th February 2012, 12:28 PM	#5
Zero Cool Audio Junkie diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: MN	Thanks everyone! I will look into all those options. I like the P-E WT3 idea, multiple uses and all! I have a box of coils i need to measure. none are marked and all are different sizes. so i figured I would measure them and mark them and see if any would be useful. __________________ It's not about what you can BUY...It's about what you can BUILD!

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

12th February 2012, 02:02 AM	#2
dchisholm diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: St Louis, Mo	If I didn't expect to make a large number of measurements, I'd get a good quality (film) capacitor of decent precision (1% or 2%), then put it in series with the inductor and a resistor of any convenient value. Find the resonant frequency (use your 'scope in X-Y mode to tune for voltage and current in phase), then calculate the inductance. Dale

14th February 2012, 03:22 PM	#7
cliffyk diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2009	I have both Peak Electronics' Atlas LCR40, and their ESR70. An amazing and convenient to use pair of instruments, their DCA55 semiconductor tester is also a great tool...

14th February 2012, 09:34 PM	#10
sasha70 diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Newtownards	Hi, what about this instrument: eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace Any body used this one? Regards.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
New low cost project	Salamanteiga	Multi-Way	5	6th November 2011 12:05 AM
Best low cost BIB?	Rick J. B.	Full Range	32	1st October 2011 07:21 PM
preamp supply LOW power LOW noise LOW cost	drdagor	Power Supplies	1	13th September 2010 11:39 PM
Low space / Low cost B20	Trooper46	Full Range	5	13th September 2008 05:01 PM
low cost dac	jaudio	Digital Source	2	29th September 2005 02:55 PM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read