I recently bought an LC100A LC meter from eBay, like the one shown below. If you search eBay, you’ll find them on sale anywhere from $20 to $40. Yesterday, I finally got around to playing with it a little.
To power the device, you need to supply +5V. It comes with a cable that has a USB connector on one side and a power connector on the other. Obviously, it’s meant to be powered by a USB port. I used a power adapter that I purchased to charge an iPod. It worked great.
As a quick test, I measured the capacitance of ten 0.33 uF caps that I purchased for a project. I first measured the capacitance with the LC100A and then with the fancy-schmancy Keithley 2110 that I purchased about a year ago. Below are the results:
LC100 | 2110 | |
1 | .35 | .339 |
2 | .33 | .326 |
3 | .33 | .318 |
4 | .33 | .322 |
5 | .33 | .324 |
6 | .34 | .328 |
7 | .34 | .330 |
8 | .34 | .329 |
9 | .34 | .330 |
10 | .33 | .316 |
Now, this wasn’t a very scientific test, but I am pleased with the results. I also measured the value of some 330 uH chokes that I had. They all measured between 315 and 320 uH.
So, all in all, I think this is a good deal for the money. I’m looking forward to using it on some of my projects. The next step is to find a box to put this in. I’m surprised that no one seems to have found one yet.
Bas PE4BAS says
You can find them “boxed” on ebay as well Dan. By the way if you ever get display problems you probabely need to read my blog:
http://pe4bas.blogspot.nl/2014/01/lc-meter-lc200a-display-repair.html
73, Bas
Dan KB6NU says
Thanks for the tip, Bas!
Sverre LA3ZA says
Hi Dan. I put mine in a clear top tin, just like the ones the Four State QRP group sold some time ago, see http://www.4sqrp.com/ClearTopTin.php They aren’t that difficult to find in the US, but harder elsewhere.
Sverre
LA3ZA
Dan KB6NU says
Thanks, Sverre! I should have thought of that. I even have a couple around somewhere, I think.
Harry Johnson says
Hi.
Got mine from a place called GearBest, and it may or may not be working. Plugged it into a USB port and it was hopeless. Plugged it into an adapter and I saw some action — actually got it to the Low C range. Will try later with actual parts connected.
Found a manual on the web, but it’s not very clear — ditto for a youtube vid. GearBest will take it back — but you pay return shipping !
Donald Jaster says
5/9/18.. mine came for china. appears to be mirror image. switches to the right, pick up leads t left. Also it doesn’t work. It always shows zero.. Test freq shows zero, so I suspect the oscillator doesn’t oscillate. Don K9YLI