Author Topic: LCR Meter Recommendation  (Read 3946 times)

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Offline BillyOTopic starter

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LCR Meter Recommendation
« on: November 02, 2024, 02:29:02 pm »
I'm interested in getting a decent LCR meter.  My budget is $500 USD or less.

Some I have been looking at are:

DE-5000
CKT2830
ET4410
ET4510

Other suggestions welcome.

Specs for the CKT2830 below..

Thanks  :-+
« Last Edit: November 02, 2024, 04:27:59 pm by BillyO »
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Online Martin72

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Re: LCR Meter Recommendation
« Reply #1 on: November 02, 2024, 02:56:00 pm »
Hi,
CKT2830 looks like TH2830 - If you can get it for 500 or less, get it and forget the rest... ;)
 
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Offline BillyOTopic starter

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Re: LCR Meter Recommendation
« Reply #2 on: November 02, 2024, 04:17:52 pm »
CKT2830 looks like TH2830
I think the resemblance is only skin deep. :-DD
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Offline TimFox

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Re: LCR Meter Recommendation
« Reply #3 on: November 02, 2024, 04:25:53 pm »
I am quite happy with my DE5000 for its low price.
Do you need higher frequency than 100 kHz?
 
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Offline BillyOTopic starter

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Re: LCR Meter Recommendation
« Reply #4 on: November 02, 2024, 04:30:59 pm »
I am quite happy with my DE5000 for its low price.
Do you need higher frequency than 100 kHz?
Probably not.  What I have now (XJW01) only has 3 frequencies 100Hz, 1kHz and 7.8kHz.
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Online Martin72

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Re: LCR Meter Recommendation
« Reply #5 on: November 02, 2024, 04:42:07 pm »
I think the resemblance is only skin deep. :-DD

Puuh, indeed...
Then I would rather go for the ET4510, it has the same basic accuracy, but freely selectable frequencies and voltages, down to 2V.
I had owned DE5000, ET4410, ET4510, so I know them.
Another alternative would be the ST42 measuring tweezers.
The advantage is size, a very good display, very fast measurements with sufficient accuracy.
The disadvantage would be, due to the size, that you cannot measure components of any size (but this will be solved by the manufacturer in the future with an adapter, if I still remember correctly).
Also, the measuring voltage is not huge, the maximum measuring frequency is 10khz.
If you don't want to do more than just a quick component check, the ST42 would be very suitable, I also have one. ;)
For “more” tasks, then a device like the ET4510.
« Last Edit: November 02, 2024, 04:47:28 pm by Martin72 »
 
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Offline TimFox

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Re: LCR Meter Recommendation
« Reply #6 on: November 02, 2024, 04:43:28 pm »
I am quite happy with my DE5000 for its low price.
Do you need higher frequency than 100 kHz?
Probably not.  What I have now (XJW01) only has 3 frequencies 100Hz, 1kHz and 7.8kHz.
The DE5000 has discrete 100, 120, 1000, 10 k, and 100 kHz frequencies.
 
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Offline mawyatt

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Re: LCR Meter Recommendation
« Reply #7 on: November 02, 2024, 05:11:37 pm »
We have the DE5000 as well as Tonghui TH2830 and Hioki IM3536 Lab Bench Meters. For General Purpose use the the DE5000 has served our needs well.

For a broader component range, better accuracy and repeatability consider a Bench LCR meter. These provide a wider frequency range with higher stimulus voltage/current for the DUT but usually cost more. Higher DUT test currents are especially valuable in achieving repeatable DUT low Z results (with proper fixtures).

If accuracy and repeatability are important, consider a known quality brand with a history of good performance, maybe the used market.

Best
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Offline Kean

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Re: LCR Meter Recommendation
« Reply #8 on: November 02, 2024, 06:29:26 pm »
CKT2830 looks like TH2830
I think the resemblance is only skin deep. :-DD

Comparing photos I can see a few differences in button shape and placement between the TH2830 and CKT2830.

CKT are resellers of Tonghui (not sure if official or not) as you might spot on their website.  I recall looking up their addresses and they are both in Xinbei District, and just down the road from one another.  I suspect CKT was started by some ex-Tonghui staff... but that is just a suspicion..

Several years ago I was looking to buy a TH2827C via an AliExpress seller who turned out to be associated with CKT.  After some back and forth, she suggested the CKT5000 at a discounted price, and I bought that along with some Tonghui equipment (TH3331, TH6412, & TH26008A).  She was very happy to make that sale I think, but I did make her work hard for it.  I've been pretty happy with the gear, and had no real issues.  I don't have any LCR meter better than a TH2822 handheld unit and some Peak Atlas LCR devices to compare the CKT5000 against.
 
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Offline KungFuJosh

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Re: LCR Meter Recommendation
« Reply #9 on: November 02, 2024, 06:47:11 pm »
CKT2830 is not a TH2830. TH2830 general accuracy is 0.05%, and at quick glance, many other benefits. You can get a real TH2830 for $700 to $800.

For your budget (or at least close to it) I would look at trying to get a good deal on an ET3501 or a real TH2830. Martin seems to like that ET35 series. 😉

I have the DE5000, ST42, IM3570 and a few other generic toys (I used to also have the TH2830 upgraded to ST2832, and the 3532-50).

All of the meters I've had were good, but the ST42 gets the most use unless I need broader frequency range or higher voltages. The DE5000 doesn't see any use unless somebody asks a specific question about it that interests me. Then it goes back in the drawer.

I'd recommend looking at the ST42 tweezers and use that until you find a good deal on something that covers more frequencies/voltages when the need arises.

ETA: the fixtures that come with the TongHui bench LCR meters are something else you need to consider extending your budget for. The quality of the TH fixtures are really good, and they're not cheap on their own.
« Last Edit: November 02, 2024, 06:50:16 pm by KungFuJosh »
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Online Martin72

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Re: LCR Meter Recommendation
« Reply #10 on: November 02, 2024, 06:50:14 pm »
Quote
Comparing photos I can see a few differences in button shape and placement between the TH2830 and CKT2830.

In terms of data, it is more comparable to the TH2817 from Tonghui, which has a series with “only” 0.1% accuracy.
 
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Offline mawyatt

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Re: LCR Meter Recommendation
« Reply #11 on: November 02, 2024, 06:53:20 pm »
CKT2830 looks like TH2830
I think the resemblance is only skin deep. :-DD

Comparing photos I can see a few differences in button shape and placement between the TH2830 and CKT2830.

CKT are resellers of Tonghui (not sure if official or not) as you might spot on their website.  I recall looking up their addresses and they are both in Xinbei District, and just down the road from one another.  I suspect CKT was started by some ex-Tonghui staff... but that is just a suspicion..

Several years ago I was looking to buy a TH2827C via an AliExpress seller who turned out to be associated with CKT.  After some back and forth, she suggested the CKT5000 at a discounted price, and I bought that along with some Tonghui equipment (TH3331, TH6412, & TH26008A).  She was very happy to make that sale I think, but I did make her work hard for it.  I've been pretty happy with the gear, and had no real issues.  I don't have any LCR meter better than a TH2822 handheld unit and some Peak Atlas LCR devices to compare the CKT5000 against.

Yes, there are some differences compared with the TH2830. The front panel has some subtle differences as does the rear panel, the display is also different.

Not so sure this is a Tonghui Rebadge, but would be a great buy if so :-+

Best
« Last Edit: November 02, 2024, 06:55:37 pm by mawyatt »
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Offline KungFuJosh

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Re: LCR Meter Recommendation
« Reply #12 on: November 02, 2024, 06:59:14 pm »
Not so sure this is a Tonghui Rebadge, but would be a great buy if so :-+

It might be a fine meter, but it doesn't look like a rebadge of the TH2830. The firmware and specs are mostly different. It might be a lesser model made by TH rebadged, or it might magically be the same hardware with completely different firmware. If the latter is the case, then it would be a GREAT buy if we could get the ST firmware on it.
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Offline BillyOTopic starter

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Re: LCR Meter Recommendation
« Reply #13 on: November 02, 2024, 11:18:21 pm »
You can get a real TH2830 for $700 to $800.
Where?  It would be worth saving a bit more.
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Offline KungFuJosh

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Re: LCR Meter Recommendation
« Reply #14 on: November 03, 2024, 12:31:21 am »
You can get a real TH2830 for $700 to $800.
Where?  It would be worth saving a bit more.

I agree, especially with the option to improve it. 😉

You can find them on aliexpress in that price range, but as always, check the seller feedback rating and make sure they're not a new seller. Some sellers will occasionally give you an additional discount if you message them first.

I sold mine on eBay in September already upgraded to ST2832 for $800, and I would have much preferred to sell it through here, even at a lower price. I'm sure you can find a good deal, especially if you're not in a rush. I didn't see any ads on eBay right now that I'd trust.

There's also the Eucol U2832 that looks like it might be another rebrand of the TongHui (or maybe a knockoff, it's hard to tell without testing it). I've delt with this seller before, and the price is pretty tempting for a 200kHz LCR (click the U2832 for the actual price): https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832864172109.html

I don't know how that one is, but they do have the 90 day free returns if it sucks.

Another option is this ad: https://www.globalmediapro.com/dp/A2MLQ8/Tonghui-TH2830-Compact-LCR-Meter/ - but I have no idea if they're legit or not. Maybe somebody else here has dealt with them?

Thanks,
Josh
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Online Martin72

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Re: LCR Meter Recommendation
« Reply #15 on: November 03, 2024, 12:38:33 am »
In this context, we should not forget that Tonghui has discontinued the 28XX series.
Personally, I think this is a shame, because the TH2830 in particular is an ideal intermediate step between relatively inexpensive and still of professional quality.
 
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Offline KungFuJosh

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Re: LCR Meter Recommendation
« Reply #16 on: November 03, 2024, 12:59:29 am »
In this context, we should not forget that Tonghui has discontinued the 28XX series.
Personally, I think this is a shame, because the TH2830 in particular is an ideal intermediate step between relatively inexpensive and still of professional quality.

True, but thankfully, the ST firmware we have in the thread is nice and stable.

OTOH, anybody can save up $72,000 for their nicer meter. 😉
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Offline Kean

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Re: LCR Meter Recommendation
« Reply #17 on: November 03, 2024, 01:16:38 am »
Another option is this ad: https://www.globalmediapro.com/dp/A2MLQ8/Tonghui-TH2830-Compact-LCR-Meter/ - but I have no idea if they're legit or not. Maybe somebody else here has dealt with them?

I have bought a few items from GMP over the years, and they are legit.  I believe they are based in NZ, but I suspect they act as a broker (drop-shipping) for many items rather than having stock.
 
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Offline nctnico

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Re: LCR Meter Recommendation
« Reply #18 on: November 03, 2024, 01:23:00 am »
Another option is this ad: https://www.globalmediapro.com/dp/A2MLQ8/Tonghui-TH2830-Compact-LCR-Meter/ - but I have no idea if they're legit or not. Maybe somebody else here has dealt with them?

I have bought a few items from GMP over the years, and they are legit.  I believe they are based in NZ, but I suspect they act as a broker (drop-shipping) for many items rather than having stock.
Interesting. I looked at buying a Tonghui DC load and found GMP but their website doesn't give me a warm and fuzzy feeling (quite the opposite). How about support? And how about returns?
There are small lies, big lies and then there is what is on the screen of your oscilloscope.
 
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Offline Kean

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Re: LCR Meter Recommendation
« Reply #19 on: November 03, 2024, 02:01:05 am »
Interesting. I looked at buying a Tonghui DC load and found GMP but their website doesn't give me a warm and fuzzy feeling (quite the opposite). How about support? And how about returns?

Agreed, the site is a bit old fashioned and so are their business practices.  I bought some Pintek products from them, possibly something else.  I cannot comment on support or returns, as that wasn't required - but their help page doesn't mention returns and in relation to warranty (guarantee) it just talks about "manufacturer's authorized service center".  Their terms of trade page is useful to review for a little more detail.

At the time I bought the Pintek gear, GMP was one of the few places I could source them.  I recall other people here also mentioning buying items from them and having some similar doubts, but don't recall any posts in relation to problems.

If I was buying Tonghui, I probably wouldn't go to GMP as there are many other vendors even if not official resellers.  I would not expect a lot of support for Tonghui or most other Chinese manufacturers, but returns during warranty period with most long-time vendors should be OK.  The big issue is that international shipping costs can make them non-viable, and I've been mostly lucky not to need warranty assistance.
 

Offline nctnico

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Re: LCR Meter Recommendation
« Reply #20 on: November 03, 2024, 11:26:49 am »
In Europe, Batterfly sells Tonghui equipment. They quoted me a (reasonable) price but when I asked whether I could return the DC load in case it didn't perform, I got no answer. In my case it would be a B2B transaction so consumer law wouldn't apply. Bottom line: when I'm not sure about whether a piece of equipment works the way I expect it to work, I want to be sure I can return it.
There are small lies, big lies and then there is what is on the screen of your oscilloscope.
 

Offline BillyOTopic starter

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Re: LCR Meter Recommendation
« Reply #21 on: November 03, 2024, 02:58:57 pm »
There's also the Eucol U2832 that looks like it might be another rebrand of the TongHui (or maybe a knockoff, it's hard to tell without testing it). I've delt with this seller before, and the price is pretty tempting for a 200kHz LCR (click the U2832 for the actual price): https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832864172109.html
Very nice.

So is the U2831 - at a much nicer price and only giving up the extended frequency range to 200kHz.
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Offline BillyOTopic starter

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Re: LCR Meter Recommendation
« Reply #22 on: November 03, 2024, 03:36:43 pm »
Hi folk,

I just got a line on a Protek Z9218 used for about $350 USD.

It seems it has decent specs and is in very good condition.  Anybody heard of these?  They seemed to have sold for around $1,800 USD when new.



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Offline KungFuJosh

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Re: LCR Meter Recommendation
« Reply #23 on: November 03, 2024, 04:00:20 pm »
I just got a line on a Protek Z9218 used for about $350 USD.

That might be okay if it works and there's nothing wrong with it. Searching for user experience with it, I found somebody call it obsolete in 2012, and the business doesn't exist anymore.

If you want to buy it, see if a cal lab near you will calibrate or adjust it. Otherwise, it's a gamble...unless you're looking for a project. But even then, the only reference on this site to it is another user trying to get a user manual 11 years ago with no responses.

ETA: You should also check to see if the BNC ports are standard spacing so other fixtures will fit on it.
« Last Edit: November 03, 2024, 04:40:57 pm by KungFuJosh »
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Offline u666sa

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Re: LCR Meter Recommendation
« Reply #24 on: November 03, 2024, 08:57:53 pm »
Hantek 1833C for the win!

For really tiny capacitors and coils NanoVNA H4.  :popcorn:
 


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