What EICO capacitor tester really test?

[001]

Hi

I google for manual and it says what this tester is simple bridge https://www.radiomuseum.org/dsp_multipage_pdf.cfm?pdf=eico_950.pdf

Why it is "tester"? 
Any advantages vs modern multimeters? (1990-200 I mean)

[jsantoro]

It can test leakage at operating voltages, up to 400v. It's especially useful for tube gear.

[Seekonk]

I used to sell rebuild kits for these and the Heathkit C3. Could never figure out why people held onto these.  The mod replaced the rectifier with solid state leaving a tube socket to install a simple triode amplifier.  A gain of three helped these out a lot. Any more made them hard to read. I used to keep one around just for the high voltage leakage test.  Now I have a Sencore for the high voltage test.  Not a great cap meter, but love the high voltage leakage test for caps and semiconductors.

[bob91343]

And I use the GR 1644 for leakage, the GR 1658 for LCR.

The EICO sits in the closet.  Maybe I'll take it to the next swap meet.

[001]

Do You use it as leackage tester only? Is it better test than megger?

[bob91343]

The leakage test is primarily for electrolytic capacitors, which often get leaky with age.

The capacitance measurement isn't very accurate but will find open capacitors (rare!) and allow one to identify those without markings.  The resistance scales are nearly useless.  The comparison function on the EICO and others is also not too useful due to insufficient resolution, although that depends on the application.

Cheap service type instruments are not generally good for much.  But their price indicates that.  Once you use first rate gear you won't want to turn back.  Having said that, there are places where they can serve useful functions but I believe it's out of proportion considering the extra fuss and bench space required.