Products > Test Equipment
Shannon ST42 LCR Tweezer Test and Comparison Thread
Martin72:
@Josh
I know both of them. ;)
And the software is sometimes crap for sure, but it's not the only thing that matters.
We can clarify more in the appropriate thread when I'm ready for a conclusion there (will take a while).
@Sparrow:
I had actually considered having the Fnirsi compete against the ST42, despite the clear deficits on paper (datasheet).
What I don't like about both is that they have a rechargeable battery and not an easily replaceable battery like the MS8911.
I will be offering my MS8911 soon, I will keep the ST42.
ebastler:
--- Quote from: Martin72 on August 06, 2024, 07:20:36 pm ---Of 10 resistors tested, the ST42 was able to measure 9 correctly, as was the Mastech.
Of 10 capacitors tested, the ST42 could only measure 2 correctly, the Mastech only one.
This is rather sobering when you consider that the measurement in circuits was emphasized as a point.
However, I personally did not expect anything else.
--- End quote ---
That's the main issue I have with any LCR tweezer: There are fundamental limitations to what it can measure in-circuit. So when you want to check a component in-circuit, you can never be sure (short of reverse-engineering the schematic in the relevant area) whether your results are valid or not.
I liked the form factor and the thought that had gone into the design of my ST42. Then it failed, while sitting in the drawer for a few months, and while Shannon was helpful with attempts at remote diagnosis, that went nowhere. I got frustrated and put it away (my decision, not Shannon's fault) -- and after another few months, I realise that I have not missed the ST42 much at all and have happily used my multimeters instead.
So for me, an LCR tweezer is clearly in the "nice to have" category, and I probably won't be getting another one soon. YMMV of course.
Martin72:
I made a measurement on a transformer earlier for another thread.
This is remarkably close if you set a "large" measuring bridge like the ET35 to the same values as the ST42.
However, it also showed why measuring tweezers are a supplement for me.
Somewhat interesting:
During the measurement, the ST42 had switched itself off with a battery low warning.
However, it immediately displayed 60% when charging and was "full" after just 10 minutes.
The capacity does not seem to be the largest, which is not surprising given the design factor.
ceut:
--- Quote from: Martin72 on August 09, 2024, 11:16:14 pm ---
O Battery operation: Unclear situation regarding the battery used, is it replaceable, is it a regular type available everywhere?
--- End quote ---
When I have fixed mine (changed the CH340E), I saw the battery.
As it was glued on the "wrong" side: so I have not seen what mAh and size/reference on it.
But we have a superb(and unique) support from @Shannon :-+ : I don't think this is a point to note ???
He gaves me some piece of the PCB drawing to help me to check voltages before finding the culprit ;)
Also, you have done great job with checking all the LCR Meter :-+
For me, the ST42 is number 1 8) : I don't have the money or the space to have bigger LCR meter :-\
Also, the tweezer format is really a great thing, only "problem" is as you say "Design-related mechanical restriction with regard to the components to be measured"
And for those who are interested in FNIRSI LCR-ST1: be aware of their not-finished product with firmware bugs (example DPOX180H) :-X
Martin72:
--- Quote --- I don't think this is a point to note
--- End quote ---
I think so.
The service life of a battery is foreseeable and then what?
What type is it, can you get it anywhere, can you replace it without problems...
Or will it say in 3 years sorry, this battery doesn't exist (anymore), be creative or buy something new.
I think the topic is definitely relevant.
When the button cell in my Mastech tweezers is empty, I buy a new one from the store around the corner and that's it.
It's a standard type that has been around for decades and will be around for decades.
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version