Portable Meter Performs In-Circuit Capacitor Tests

Powered by a 9V battery or an optional ac wall adapter, the Model 881 handheld tester can be used to measure the equivalent series resistance (ESR) of electrolytic capacitors in or out of circuit. The portable meter can also be used to make low-value, non-inductive resistor (DCR) measurements. The tester can detect a shorted capacitor in its DCR cycle and also determine its ESR value to indicate if the cap is good or bad. The meter has a measurement range of 0.1 hertz to 30 hertz for capacitors having values ranging fom 0.47 to 2,200 µF. The Model 881 will not turn-on any solid-state devices in the circuit under test, and it automatically calibrates its internal circuit. Price is $199. For more details, contact Greg Von Rehder at B&K PRECISION CORP., Yorba Linda, CA. (714) 921-9095.