Cheap capacitor tester spotted

[wxforecaster]

It's in Coral Springs, FL (about 15 minutes NW of Ft. Lauderdale).

 

[OU Flight]

Just ordered one. I guess I'll just wait for the smell to arrive.

 

[Wldfire]

Fantastic msg thread! Thanks everyone! I learned allot about what ones are out there and pricing and such.
I have contacted Mike in Russia and have spoken up for a Version 4.0 of his meter. He said he would contact me when ready. I cant wait.
I never knew a device like this was out there, but am very pleased now to know i dont have to unsolder every cap to test it now.
Will post my opinions of it when i get it.
Thank you!

 

[r3m]

So how did your 4.0 ESR meter work out for you??

Thanks

 

[Hewitson]

I've gotta say I've found this thread very amusing. A brand new plastic case couldn't smell that bad, I can't believe someone even said they almost vomited from it. LOL!

 

[Vectorman]

I've gotta say I've found this thread very amusing. A brand new plastic case couldn't smell that bad, I can't believe someone even said they almost vomited from it. LOL!

Oh yes it could. I've never smelled anything this strong and "chemically". I know people with very sensitive senses of smell - this would be like stepping on a landmine to them.

 

[YellowDog]

I've gotta say I've found this thread very amusing. A brand new plastic case couldn't smell that bad, I can't believe someone even said they almost vomited from it. LOL!

Most smells don't bother me, but when I could smell this one right through the sealed box, I knew I was in trouble. Fortunately, the smell disapated from teh meter in a day or so. The plastic box was dodorized in about 3 or 4 days outside, but I have yet to bring it in. It is still sitting out in the garage.

ken

BTW: The meter works great.

 

[Shavenyak]

This 4.0 version is still showing on the site as unavailable due to parts.

 

[Level42]

Send him an e-mail, he may have one or a couple ready...

 

[Broodwich]

great thread, only one of the links regarding the original meter still working all others were page not found

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NIPPON-AMERICA-MUL-3333-Capacitance-Meter-ESR-Tester-/190565691092

Seems the Russian one is build to order now as well because there's an issue with parts. I guess I snoozed too long

 

[hatrick]

It's available at Mat Electronics. http://www.matelectronics.com/in-circuit-capacitor-tester-mul-333/

 

[Tom Spargo]

There are a bunch of generic esr meters on ebay now that also test transistors, diodes, etc. Such as the one I have:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Transistor-...681?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2589c33149

I think it takes a short cut in measuring ESR because it doesn't match what I measure using a scope- it will always measure higher than the ESR really is. It is still useful for finding bad ones though. It can also find bad transistors, diodes, etc. Pretty clever.

 

[Level42]

Indeed nice testers but I wouldn't use them for ESR checking....

I got this one:

Nicer display and even shows the part as a picture.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Transis...687?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c3dd3cb9f

 

[SterlingRush]

Indeed nice testers but I wouldn't use them for ESR checking....

I got this one:

Nicer display and even shows the part as a picture.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Transis...687?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c3dd3cb9f

That looks nice, I might have to check into that one. What are the pros/cons you've found using this so far? Thanks for the head's up.