Budget level ESR meter for beginner ?

[Widget]

Hi guys,

Bought one of these DIY ESR testers some time ago.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Transist...JR7A:rk:7:pf:0

Didn't get around finishing it, ended up losing a couple of the parts (inc. the main MC); and rather than buying the replacement parts, figure it would better to just get another due to the price.
It's only a basic tester, but I did notice there were 2x kinds;

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Transist...JR7A:rk:7:pf:0

and

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DIY-SCR-...f06c:rk:1:pf:0

Similar in price, wondering if there were any differences that you guys know of?

Apart from that, is there a basic/budget alternative you would recommend ? Maybe one that can test parts in-circuit ?


Thanks

[dmill89]

Re: Budget level ESR meter for beginner ?

Hi guys,

Bought one of these DIY ESR testers some time ago.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Transist...JR7A:rk:7:pf:0

Didn't get around finishing it, ended up losing a couple of the parts (inc. the main MC); and rather than buying the replacement parts, figure it would better to just get another due to the price.
It's only a basic tester, but I did notice there were 2x kinds;

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Transist...JR7A:rk:7:pf:0

and

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DIY-SCR-...f06c:rk:1:pf:0

Similar in price, wondering if there were any differences that you guys know of?

Apart from that, is there a basic/budget alternative you would recommend ? Maybe one that can test parts in-circuit ?


Thanks

Functionality wise they are similar (at least the component testing part) and neither can test components in-circuit.


This one is a kit and uses "through-hole" components to allow easier assembly and also includes a basic square-wave generator: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Transist...JR7A:rk:7:pf:0


This one is pre-assembled and thus uses more compact surface-mount components, it also omits the square wave generator and is more-compact as a whole: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DIY-SCR-...f06c:rk:1:pf:0

[Beau28713]

Re: Budget level ESR meter for beginner ?

I use the Bob Parker design Anatek blue ESR meter. Cost about $80 but works well for me.

[sam_sam_sam]

Re: Budget level ESR meter for beginner ?

I second this I have one also and quite often It has help me repair a lot of things

[madan1]

Re: Budget level ESR meter for beginner ?

Functionality wise they are similar (at least the component testing part) and neither can test components in-circuit.

Well, I have the red one and it has a "capacitor measuring" mode accessible from the menu.

Here is an extract from the manual

"The additional function "C+ESR@TP1-3" selects a stand-alone
capacity measurement with ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance)
measurement at the test pins TP1 and TP3. Capacities from 2uF
up to 50mF can be measured. Because the measurement voltage
is only about 300mV , in most cases the capacitor can be
measured "in circuit" without previous disassembling."

[Thedoc298]

Re: Budget level ESR meter for beginner ?

I have a few in all price range, but this one does really well and has a case and lot's of hidden features.



https://www.ebay.com/itm/2018-MK-328...72.m2749.l2649