Capacitance Meter

[Chris333]

What are you guys using for a capacitance meter? Is there something out there that's not too expensive and still measures into pf range?

thanks,
Chris

[M Fowler]

From AES http://www.tubesandmore.com/ $39

Or CE Distribution also $34.

Digital Capacitance Meter
Nine ranges give precision readings from 0.1 pF to 20,000 µF. Can be used to check virtually all capacitors for tolerance value, selecting matched sets, etc.
0.1 pf to 20,000 µF, 9 ranges
Over range indicator
0.5% basic accuracy>
Tilt stand
3-1/2 digit LCD, 1"H x 2-1/4" W
1.5" x 2.8" x 6"
Zero adjustment
1.1 lbs
Input protected
Low battery indicator
Includes case, leads, battery, spare fuse and instructions


RoHS Compliant

[ToneMerc]

I rarely use the one in my DMM, thus my go to cap meter is a BK Precision 810A.

TM

[butwhatif]

take your pick

http://electronics.mcmelectronics.com/? ... er&x=0&y=0

[selloutrr]

These are the three I use the most.

Sencore LC102
The sencore has been replaced by the LC103 so they are not huge money... but they still aren't cheap.

Fluke 867B
The most accurate built in capacitor tester - still nothing compared to the Sencore.

CAPWIZARD
Handy for good bad testing - in circuit

[David Root]

I use the cap position in my Fluke 187. Seems fairly accurate. For example, I just measured 900 pF on 30 ft of RG142 coax I just got from Apex Jr. I didn't measure the length, knowing Steve it was probably a little extra. Its basic error is 90 pF. I measured 990 pF.

So I got 30 pF/ft. Checking the Thermax website, RG142, I get 29.3 pF/ft.

[jelle]

Sencore LC53 or the 75 is nice if you want to test caps under voltages up to 400V, maybe higher, cannot remember right now. Measuses leakage too.

[Chris333]

The Sencore stuff is total overkill for me, but unnecessary test equipment can be kinda hard to resist! Thanks for the suggestions. The one at AES is probably the way to go since I need to order some caps from them anyway...

[Cliff Schecht]

Sencore LC53 or the 75 is nice if you want to test caps under voltages up to 400V, maybe higher, cannot remember right now. Measuses leakage too.

YES! I found one of these sitting unused in a lab I work in and asked to take it home for a bit. I tested all of my old can caps and Atoms, many 500V+ caps too (IIRC it went to 600V). The cap side tests for leakage, ESR and value. If I didn't know any better I'd say these actually provide enough current to reform caps, you can actually watch it happen as you hold down the leakage button. Not sure how true this is but I used some NOS orange 16uF 500V Atoms only after running them on the Sencore for a few minutes and the amp they went in (3 of them) worked on the first try. Actually being able to measure ESR is another big deal, this will tell you much quicker than measuring leakage whether a cap is good or bad.

[glasman]

Quadtech 1730T. Great LCR meter