$200 ain't cheap! THIS is cheap, and it does inductance as well!
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lc100-A-...p.ds&msclkid=d3dbd53394c411c36243b09e192c96fa
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lc100-A-...p.ds&msclkid=d3dbd53394c411c36243b09e192c96fa
We had one like this at work. Very handy. Cheaper than Wilsons.
https://www.keysight.com/us/en/product/E4990A/impedance-analyzer-20-hz-10-20-30-50-120-mhz.html
https://www.keysight.com/us/en/product/E4990A/impedance-analyzer-20-hz-10-20-30-50-120-mhz.html
My Klein Tools MM720 Digital Multimeter will measure capacitance. I purchased my MM720 used on eBay for $85. If you can afford only one tool, this is it.
https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/...er-trms-auto-ranging-1000v-temp-low-impedance
I also own a DE-5000 LCR meter by IET Labs. It is a bit more expensive, but it will also measure Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) of the larger capacitors. I like this unit, and use it all the time.
https://ietlabs.com/pdf/Datasheets/DE_5000.pdf
For small value capacitors, I can recommend the LCR-T4, available on eBay for about $15. I own one and use it all the time. Here is an example
https://www.ebay.com/itm/382629120909
All of the above devices will measure capacitance, but neither device is a "tester" because they won't tell you if a capacitor is good or bad. To test a capacitor, you need to determine ESR and leakage, and see if the capacitor is within specs. With the above, you can rig a bench set up to determine ESR and leakage.
My friend has a Sencore AC Powerite Model PR57, which is a true tester which can also measure leakage. I would love to have one, but they are expensive. Even used on eBay these are still more than $400, and are often missing the test probes. See the attached photos below.
https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/...er-trms-auto-ranging-1000v-temp-low-impedance
I also own a DE-5000 LCR meter by IET Labs. It is a bit more expensive, but it will also measure Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) of the larger capacitors. I like this unit, and use it all the time.
https://ietlabs.com/pdf/Datasheets/DE_5000.pdf
For small value capacitors, I can recommend the LCR-T4, available on eBay for about $15. I own one and use it all the time. Here is an example
https://www.ebay.com/itm/382629120909
All of the above devices will measure capacitance, but neither device is a "tester" because they won't tell you if a capacitor is good or bad. To test a capacitor, you need to determine ESR and leakage, and see if the capacitor is within specs. With the above, you can rig a bench set up to determine ESR and leakage.
My friend has a Sencore AC Powerite Model PR57, which is a true tester which can also measure leakage. I would love to have one, but they are expensive. Even used on eBay these are still more than $400, and are often missing the test probes. See the attached photos below.
Attachments
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I bought THIS ONE. Didn't want the cheapest thing on the market and wanted something in a case.
Instruction Manual
Instruction Manual
I'm happy with the accuracy of mine, but only based on the fact that new capacitors test as they should, and ones that are shot are obvious.
I also have a DMM that measures capacitance and the two devices never disagree much, if at all.
The TC1 is super handy for all sorts of things. The transistor and inductor testing for example. Works well and seems to be accurate enough - again, based on testing known good parts vs. not.
This one will do. Thanks.
Edit: I just noticed this:
Capacitance: 25pF-100mF.
If this means 100uf, it's useless for testing big caps.
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