Metropoulos Forum

Would a Fluke 15B be a good one to start off?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/True-NEW-FLUKE- ... 4ab1580b60" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Yes. They make one that can measure capacitance which could come in handy but this is fine.

I thought this one could do that? it has the little capacitor symbol right? haha hmmm

I have a Fluke 115. For me the best compromise for features and value for money. I also have an AVO Mk VIII and an LCR meter and access to a Megger. I am short of a decent cap tester.

That one you see in the add is a bit basic, IMO

For professional use an 87v is the biz but v expensive.

good info! Maybe I should specify my price range. nothing more than $120 shipped.

What did you buy?

neikeel wrote:I am short of a decent cap tester.

The best thing you could do for the money is look for an old Sprague Tel-Ohmike model, but in the past couple of years they've really dried up in the UK. Stuff like my Sencore LC-101 is a little unnecessary. The most important thing to test for is insulation resistance, and note how quickly they charge up, which the old Sprague units are perfect for (and other vintage capacitor analyzers to be fair, but at least the Sprague gives you reasonable results on all other settings too)

Unless anybody has any capacitors of unknown value, being able to test for capacitance is of limited value. They're usually within capacitance spec. even when completely knackered.

demonufo wrote:

neikeel wrote:I am short of a decent cap tester.

The best thing you could do for the money is look for an old Sprague Tel-Ohmike model, but in the past couple of years they've really dried up in the UK. Stuff like my Sencore LC-101 is a little unnecessary. The most important thing to test for is insulation resistance, and note how quickly they charge up, which the old Sprague units are perfect for (and other vintage capacitor analyzers to be fair, but at least the Sprague gives you reasonable results on all other settings too)

That is useful - I will keep a look out.

demonufo wrote:Unless anybody has any capacitors of unknown value, being able to test for capacitance is of limited value. They're usually within capacitance spec. even when completely knackered.

Yes that is true, I do have an LCR and some facility on the Fluke but it is the leakage and ESR tests that I would like.

neikeel wrote: Yes that is true, I do have an LCR and some facility on the Fluke but it is the leakage and ESR tests that I would like.

ESR test is useful if you have nothing else, but if you can measure leakage current it is excess to requirements. ESR can still be relatively normal-ish on a cap displaying bad parameters elsewhere, but a cap showing excessive ESR will definitely show up on the leakage current scale/or display a sluggish charge rate (this is one where you have to chalk up a little experience with old test gear, so have new units to compare against .) Sprague units are too old for ESR, but the insulation breakdown test is a crucial one really. Especially on those vintage electrolytics that've just been reformed prior to powering up that amp.

ended up getting a cheap craftsman. It'll do for now...

You don't need to go mad on a multimeter, but a calibration certificate is nice for peace of mind.