inexpensive LCR meters?

[skrivis]

I realize that an inexpensive LCR meter is of limited use, but I need a new multi-meter anyway, and I see several combo DMM-LCR meters for sale on Ebay for around US$50.

Has anyone had any experience with these cheapies?

Similarly, has anyone had experience with any of the inexpensive plain DMMs available on Ebay?


TIA!

 

[efzauner]

The first question is what do you plan on doing with it? For general purpose audio diy almost any low cost DMM will do the trick. The low cost ones that include LC capability will only do it at one frequency and are good to check values when you cannot read the component or if you are winding your own inductors. But they will not give you C or I vs frequency, wich is important for speaker crossover design.

So I would like to help you, but you must describe your need. BTW I work for Agilent Technologies (ex Hewlett Packard) in the test equipment group.

 

[alan monro]

like computers ,one selects a meter for a purpose . usually a cheapie is a good starting point . get one for $20 say radio shack etc it will do most things you want it to do with reasonable accuracy kind reguards alan

 

[skrivis]

The first question is what do you plan on doing with it? For general purpose audio diy almost any low cost DMM will do the trick. The low cost ones that include LC capability will only do it at one frequency and are good to check values when you cannot read the component or if you are winding your own inductors. But they will not give you C or I vs frequency, wich is important for speaker crossover design.

So I would like to help you, but you must describe your need. BTW I work for Agilent Technologies (ex Hewlett Packard) in the test equipment group.

General purpose audio diy is a good description.

I actually wound up buying a meter off of Ebay. It's this one: http://www.accucal-labs.com/equipment_desc.asp?item=466

I paid $50 including shipping.

The meter seems to work quite well. It came with everything needed and everything works. I even tried out the temp. probe and it works too.

The plastic case is kind of lousy quality in one area. They fasten the battery hatch with a couple of screws and didn't use threaded metal inserts, so I figure the screws will strip out soon. Those same screws also hold the bottom end of the case together, so it was just poor design. Luckily, the aqua-colored rubber-like surround will hold the meter together even without the screws.

 

[skrivis]

like computers ,one selects a meter for a purpose . usually a cheapie is a good starting point . get one for $20 say radio shack etc it will do most things you want it to do with reasonable accuracy kind reguards alan

Somehow I always wind up feeling I overpaid when I buy something from Radio Shack.

 

[atulbhagwat]

LCR Meter

You can check this advanced yet economical LCR METER at 250 USD at sites.google.com/site/knohowlcrmeter/

 

[just-some-guy]

what are these used for ?

 

[yettitheman]

I recommend Fluke meters. New ones are expensive, but even used ones (that are in good condition) should still last a long time.

They are incredibly durable. My dad has had 3 over a period of 14 years. Now, the AC/DC clamp on is brand new, and we don't really use that too often.

We also have 2 73III's. One is right at 14 years old; been dropped two stories on occasion, and recently forgotten and closed in the door of a vehicle, breaking some of the case. Stupid thing still runs. But, we have another 73III just in case it no longer works one day.

 

[Rickster71]

what are these used for ?

It's a meter used to measure, the impedance inductance, capacitance, resistance.
Not to be confused with a standard multi meter.

 

[highfigh]

I realize that an inexpensive LCR meter is of limited use, but I need a new multi-meter anyway, and I see several combo DMM-LCR meters for sale on Ebay for around US$50.

Has anyone had any experience with these cheapies?

Similarly, has anyone had experience with any of the inexpensive plain DMMs available on Ebay?TIA!

Look at the range for capacitance and inductance. Most "Swiss Army Meters" have little range for caps and coils. This one, available from Antique Electronic Supply, goes to 20,000uF, but it's only for measuring capacitance. since the link doesn't go to it directly, enter S-Z150 in the search box.
http://www.tubesandmore.com/

 

[10010011]

BTW I work for Agilent Technologies (ex Hewlett Packard) in the test equipment group.

I use Agilent 34970A DAQ/Switch units every single day in automated testing systems I design and program.

I don't want to pull this thread off topic, but could you answer a few questions some time?

And maybe pass on a few suggestions and complaints?

 

[emorphien]

old thread!

I got some DMM as a gift that measures all sorts of things (dB, light levels, humidity, etc) and it's not bad for basic DIY stuff.

I still lust after a good Fluke but that will have to wait for when I have more money and need it more.

 

[just-some-guy]

what # meter is the Fluke ?

 

[yettitheman]

what # meter is the Fluke ?

The AC/DC clamp on?

I don't have an LCR meter, but here is a few:
http://www.teknetelectronics.com/Search.asp?p_Var1=Fluke LCR / Impedance

They are quite expensive... be warned.