Capacitor Testing

[brichter]

Hello all board-level repair techs! 
Do you have an ESR meter? Even better, have you owned different ones? Then I''m looking for your response!

I'm looking to buy one and saw there's 3 that seem to be popular, the Parker BlueESR, the Sencore LC-101 Cap tester, and the EDS CapAnalyzer 88A. Any idea which one of these is the better unit and why?

This would be used for several applications (monitor testing, audio equipment testing, power supplies, etc.) so the ability to test a range of frequencies rather than a fixed frequency seems like it might be better for my application... but I'm a n00b at capacitor testing, so take that into consideration in your responses. The reason I need one of these is that some of the electrolytics I'm running across lately can run close to $50/each, so shotgunning is too expensive in most cases.

[brichter]

Anybody?

Anybody?

Bueller?

[AnotherTech]

We use the CapAnalyzer 88A.  It works well, discharges caps before testing, and is pretty easy to use.

I've used the Capacitor Wizard as well.  It works well, but you have to be careful not to test charged caps or it can be fried.  It is repairable, but inconvenient.

[Jim]

I use the EDC-88A,  works well for my applications      bought it on the recommendation of another monitor repair  person.

I  bought mine from MCM Electronics    211.00  total with shipping

Jim

[TZtech]

Hi

Have a look here for a comparison - http://www.anatekcorp.com/testequipment/esrcompar.htm

I have the Peak ESR 70. I love this companies test equipment for its compactness and ease of use. Also invest in the Semiconducter Anlayzer - http://www.peakelec.co.uk/acatalog/jz_instruments.html

The company in the first link is also the US distributer for Peak electronics.

Ian

[brichter]

So, at this point it seems to be between the ESR70 and the EDC 88a. I'm thinking of getting an LCR meter and Peak has one of those as well. Hmmm....

Thanks for the info so far, you guys have helped a lot. i won't pull the trigger for a few days so anyone else feel free to put in your $.02.

[TZtech]

Hi

If moneys not a problem go for the Sencore LC103 - Only $2500 at Happ

BTW there is some interesting stuff from Sencore related to the LC103 and how it goes about testing components on Randy Fromms FTP
http://slot-tech.com/interesting_stuff/sencore/LC103/

Ian

[brichter]

Hi

If moneys not a problem go for the Sencore LC103 - Only $2500 at Happ

BTW there is some interesting stuff from Sencore related to the LC103 and how it goes about testing components on Randy Fromms FTP
http://slot-tech.com/interesting_stuff/sencore/LC103/

Ian

 

If I was looking to buy that one, it would be used, maybe at one of those liquidation sales we have around here every now and then. Sure not going to spend that kind of coin on a new one...

Thanks for those links, I've now got reading material for the next couple of days.

[morning_glory21]

i found a thread on the slot tech forum about this topic from not too long ago.  good info over there from techs who use them daily!! 

don't know if i can post a link so lmk if it's ok and i will

[CaptainHappy]

 

[techjeff]

I use an EDC-88A at the casino. Works pretty good, but it gives some weird readings in-circuit sometimes.

[proten]

Here is a Sencore LC 102  on fleabay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sencore-LC-102-/220774360697?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item33672d6679

[brichter]

So, looking at "bang for the buck" and doing a little research on Ian's suggestion of the Peak ESR70, here's what I wound up with.  

Ian, the DCA55 is pretty cool, just connect the leads any old way and this thing tells you what semiiconductor you have! The LCR tester found a shorted inductor in the crossover of one of my new speakers, pretty much paid for itself with that one test.  

[stayouttadabunker]

Hey! Can I borrow that?  
Where'd ya get it from?
I'd think I'd have a blast with it...

[TZtech]

Nice Set - Did you get discount getting all three? I have not used mine in a while and was looking for it following this post but seems to be missing in action.

[CaptainHappy]

Nice Set - Did you get discount getting all three? I have not used mine in a while and was looking for it following this post but seems to be missing in action.

Hmmmm.... maybe we should check Bill's passport!

CH

P.S. Bill, those look pretty cool, and they have a cool case too!

[brichter]

Nice Set - Did you get discount getting all three? I have not used mine in a while and was looking for it following this post but seems to be missing in action.

Hmmmm.... maybe we should check Bill's passport!

CH

P.S. Bill, those look pretty cool, and they have a cool case too!

I called and they gave me 10% off, which they didn't have to do, but their case only holds 2.

The case in the picture came from MCM on sale for less than 10 bucks. It has the little foam columns in it, I just spent about 15 minutes pulling out some blocks the right size and shortening them by 3/4 of an inch, and it fits like a glove.

If you checked my passport, you'd see some pretty interesting stuff of late, and it's not over yet. These guys are killing me over the past couple of weeks. 

[Dave57]

im currently using the Cap Analyzer 88A-11 by Electronic Design Specialists, this checks both the ESR and DCR in circuit with out having to desolder, It has been working well for my needs.

[brichter]

So, I just got my MCM catalog in the mail today, and they have the Peake DCA55 (that TZTech recommended in post 4) for $89.99, that's a helluva deal!

I just checked online at MCM and the price is $130, so you the source code from the back cover to get the $40 off price. I also checked the mfgs website, $139. I already have one, so if you can get away with using my code, here it is:
B108AJ

Good luck, let me know if it works for anyone.