Hioki 3501 Capacitance HiTester

[zaoka]

Features :
Covers from 300 pF through 10,000 µF with 16 ranges
* One-touch key operation
* Different from conventional measurement techniques because it measures capacity with DC - to measure polar capacitors without bias
* Two types of connection jigs to handle all sizes of capacitors

Specifications :
Measurement items : Capacitance
Measurement ranges : 300 pF to 10,000 µF full scale
Measurement method : DC charge, applied voltage 4 V DC max.
Accuracy :
±2 % f.s. ±5 pF (300 pF, 1000 pF range)
±3 % f.s. (0.003 µF to 10,000 µF range)
Power supply : 6F22(006P), 2 pieces, or AC adapter (12 V, 300 mA)
Dimensions, mass : 185 mm(7.28 in)W × 80 mm(3.15 in)H × 130 mm(5.12 in)D, 680 g (21.2 oz)

Why would somebody use DC to test capacitors, is there any advantage?

I always wanted to have analog meter to test capacitors, since MetraMax 6 did not do the job maybve this one could...

[saturation]

Its simple to make; just use the RC time constant.  If you have a stable voltage and resistance, then the capacitance can be calculated as :

http://www.tpub.com/neets/book2/3d.htm