LCR Test Frequency

ak_47_boy · 22nd April 2007, 02:36 AM

I am looking to buy a LCR meter. Should it have variable test frequency? I see very nice units but they are fixed at 1khz.

thanks

Conrad Hoffman · 22nd April 2007, 03:35 AM

A 1khz test will identify bad caps and let you match caps and inductors. It's definitely way more useful than not having any test capability. OTOH, if you want to find out a bit more about a component, you need a wider test range. You also need a good dissipation factor readout. I'd far rather have one of the old GR portable or bench bridges, than a modern handheld unit without frequency choice or DF readout. OTOH, the old bridges usually won't read high enough for really big electrolytics. If you really get into this, you'll find there's no such thing as a truly "universal" bridge

and the modern units are either limited or expensive. BTW, though I don't know the best software, your sound card and computer can be a very effective LCR meter, probably better than most LCR meters.

ak_47_boy · 23rd April 2007, 09:53 PM

Hi, i could not find any programs to measure Inductance for PC.
This meter looks good? 0.3% accuracy.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Precision-Digita...QQcmdZViewItem

thomas997 · 23rd April 2007, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ak_47_boy
Hi, i could not find any programs to measure Inductance for PC.
This meter looks good? 0.3% accuracy.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Precision-Digita...QQcmdZViewItem

0.3% for what, the whole range of measurements? Somehow I doubt that claim, but who knows.

If you can find a B&K 878/878A/879 they are a similar product, and should be much cheaper (they are also re-branded a lot).

The only thing is you wont get those fancy probes, and also the accuracy is less. 0.7% for most values, then up to 5% for the large uF range (10,000uF).

but it does look like a nice meter.

Conrad Hoffman · 24th April 2007, 12:41 AM

The meter looks ok, though I also doubt the .3% claim. For that price I'd be more apt to go pick up a used traditional bridge. For PC software, try http://www.audua.com/SW/Feature%20Summary.htm If you do a Google search including the term "reference resistor" "sound card" and maybe loudspeaker, you'll find lots of interesting stuff. There's a note from a guy using the above link software that shows how to build a nice little adapter box to make things easy. IMO, the somewhat expensive handheld tester offers easier bench troubleshooting, but that's about it. For general purpose measuring and matching, I'd rather have the wide frequency range available via the PC or a traditional bridge and signal generator- hey, you'll need one of those eventually anyway

22nd April 2007, 02:36 AM	#1
ak_47_boy diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2006	LCR Test Frequency I am looking to buy a LCR meter. Should it have variable test frequency? I see very nice units but they are fixed at 1khz. thanks

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

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Is there any test cd to test jitter using a scope ?	gaetan8888	Digital Source	4	10th August 2007 09:24 AM
Frequency CUT and a HOLE in frequency range...	-_nando-_	Everything Else	0	28th December 2005 08:17 PM
Test & demo CDs & DVDs / Frequency resp software	mark.carline	Multi-Way	2	25th May 2004 10:57 AM
low frequency L pad	brumil	Multi-Way	4	4th May 2004 04:19 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


	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

22nd April 2007, 03:35 AM	#2
Conrad Hoffman diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Canandaigua, NY USA	A 1khz test will identify bad caps and let you match caps and inductors. It's definitely way more useful than not having any test capability. OTOH, if you want to find out a bit more about a component, you need a wider test range. You also need a good dissipation factor readout. I'd far rather have one of the old GR portable or bench bridges, than a modern handheld unit without frequency choice or DF readout. OTOH, the old bridges usually won't read high enough for really big electrolytics. If you really get into this, you'll find there's no such thing as a truly "universal" bridge and the modern units are either limited or expensive. BTW, though I don't know the best software, your sound card and computer can be a very effective LCR meter, probably better than most LCR meters.

23rd April 2007, 09:53 PM	#3
ak_47_boy diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2006	Hi, i could not find any programs to measure Inductance for PC. This meter looks good? 0.3% accuracy. http://cgi.ebay.com/Precision-Digita...QQcmdZViewItem

24th April 2007, 12:41 AM	#5
Conrad Hoffman diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Canandaigua, NY USA	The meter looks ok, though I also doubt the .3% claim. For that price I'd be more apt to go pick up a used traditional bridge. For PC software, try http://www.audua.com/SW/Feature%20Summary.htm If you do a Google search including the term "reference resistor" "sound card" and maybe loudspeaker, you'll find lots of interesting stuff. There's a note from a guy using the above link software that shows how to build a nice little adapter box to make things easy. IMO, the somewhat expensive handheld tester offers easier bench troubleshooting, but that's about it. For general purpose measuring and matching, I'd rather have the wide frequency range available via the PC or a traditional bridge and signal generator- hey, you'll need one of those eventually anyway

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