ESR Meter usage to fix Motherboards

[Tesla]

Does anyone have any tips on using my ESR-Micro v4 ESR Meter?

In practice, it would be with in-circuit caps that physically look ok. If I have to take the time to pull them out to check them (yes, I know that is the only 100% reliable way), I think I would just replace them with a new one. Or, do people really do that ... remove, test, resolder ... or even rotate them down the line ... like repairing christmas tree lights?

Just wondering if you use one, and if so, how exactly?

[Longbow]

Re: ESR Meter usage to fix Motherboards

In practice, it would be with in-circuit caps that physically look ok.

That's what your ESR meter is made for!

If I have to take the time to pull them out to check them I think I would just replace them with a new one. Or, do people really do that ... remove, test, resolder ...

Some people really do it that way, but frankly you run the risk of damaging the pc board every time you remove/replace a part. Even if you are talented with r/r, the extra time required is absolutely not warranted unless you just want the practice.

(yes, I know that is the only 100% reliable way)

99% of the time, no..99.9% of the time using an ESR meter in-circuit is perfectly reliable. Exceptions should be obvious, such as 2 caps in parallel, or some obviously low resistance part accross the cap, etc.

Rotate them? No, I'd save that idea for Christmas lights.

[brethin]

Re: ESR Meter usage to fix Motherboards

I have never seen a motherboard that did not have caps in parallel. So yes on motherboards take them out (or just remove 1 leg) to test them with the ESR meter.