Capacitor Wizard

[VectorJunkie]

Anyone use the handheld B&K 881 (or GME 236) ESR meter? They seem to be similar and can be had a little cheaper... The GME version can be had for $180 at tequipment.net.

 

[KenLayton]

I've seen pictures of the GME unit before. It is very similar to the CapAnalyzer88a except the front panel scale is inverted. Looks like it should perform very well and it's alot cheaper than the CapAnalyzer88A.

GME's Monitor Pattern Generator works very well and stands up to the abuse. I use mine often. So in my opinion, I'd say the GME ESR Capacitor Meter is worth checking out.

GME 236 user manual:

http://www.tequipment.net/pdf/GMETechnology/236_UserManual_Rev1.2.pdf

 

[VectorJunkie]

I've seen pictures of the GME unit before. It is very similar to the CapAnalyzer88a except the front panel scale is inverted. Looks like it should perform very well and it's alot cheaper than the CapAnalyzer88A.

GME's Monitor Pattern Generator works very well and stands up to the abuse. I use mine often. So in my opinion, I'd say the GME ESR Capacitor Meter is worth checking out.

Thanks for the feedback Ken. I too like my GME pattern generator, so was thinking of giving this one a shot. Now to find the cheapest source.

 

[KenLayton]

The GME ESR meter can also run on an AC adapter in addition to batteries.

The only drawback with the CapAnalyzer88A is that it runs only on AAA batteries and the life is kinda short. The factory will modify it for an extra fee to have an AC adapter jack added at the time you order the unit. Several times I've been doing a big monitor repair job and I've had to go out and buy batteries for the CapAnalyzer88A.

 

[Riptor]

Ken, same problem I was having with the cap wizard. I was using rechargables but they would only last a few weeks. I just switched to alkalines to see how they are going to hold up.

 

[KenLayton]

The B&K model 881 (available from MCM Electronics as stock # 73-1000) sure looks exactly like the GME unit.

http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/B-K-PRECISION-881-/73-1000

Mouser Electronics sells it too:

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/BK-Precision/881/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMu2Wyq3DnRvIjRYBRKdKHsV

Operating manual:

http://www.tequipment.net/pdf/BK/881_manual.pdf

 

[VectorJunkie]

The B&K model 881 (available from MCM Electronics as stock # 73-1000) sure looks exactly like the GME unit.

Mouser Electronics sells it too:

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/BK-Precision/881/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMu2Wyq3DnRvIjRYBRKdKHsV

I posted that model above in reference to the GME. GME is probably the OEM proving the meter to B&K. The monitor testers we talked about earlier also appear in both brands.

 

[mclemore]

bought this:
http://www.anatekcorp.com/atlasesr70.htm

love it and has paid for itself many times over
my little purple wonderful

I bought an Atlas ESR 70 that arrived last week. I've already found it interesting, though it really hasn't saved me much trouble on anything yet as 2 bad caps I found where suspicious to begin with.

Earlier in this thread there is a link to an earlier thread that contained a post complaining about the bulkiness of the clips on the end of the ESR70. The clips are built to come off and there are some optional 2mm prods that slip on the end that work fine.

 

[Zork2]

Boooyaaaa
This little gem was on my doorstep when I got home from work!
I LOVE getting a new toy!

 

[KenLayton]

Boooyaaaa
This little gem was on my doorstep when I got home from work!
I LOVE getting a new toy!

I usually set mine at 50 on the slider control for most tests.

You are gonna love using your new toy! Test some brand new caps first to get an idea of how to use it and interpret the scale readings.

 

[Tighe]

I usually set mine at 50 on the slider control for most tests.

You are gonna love using your new toy! Test some brand new caps first to get an idea of how to use it and interpret the scale readings.

Thanks for the tips Professor Layton! You are a wealth of knowledge!