U1732B Handheld LCR Meters vs BK Precision 879

[safarir]

It is me or hp is trying to rob us:

http://www.home.agilent.com/agilent/product.jspx?cc=CA&lc=fre&nid=-34196.920240&pageMode=OV&NEWCCLC=USeng

http://www.bkprecision.com/products/model/879/deluxe-universal-lcr-meter.html

Look like they are exactly the same product, but one is 50$ more than the order one...

[saturation]

The BK 879 and 1731A look more the same product, spec and price range.  In the catalog, Agilent has their version cheaper.

http://www.home.agilent.com/agilent/product.jspx?cc=US&lc=eng&nid=-34196.881632&pageMode=OV

[DJPhil]

From the first link:

The U1732B is now available, with the same outstanding performance and reliability of the U1732A, but in bright orange casing. Designed to give maximum visibility, the vivid color underlines Agilent commitment to safety in each of its handhelds.

Nice save from the marketing department! 

[EEVblog]

The Agilent LCR meter is already on it's way for review.
Already have the Extech unit.

Dave.

[saturation]

This would be great to review, and if you could compare it to that tweezer variety too.
Given the tolerance of many off the shelf LCR but moreso the tempco and stability, I'm not sure if accuracy over 1% makes a big difference.

If you have any 'el cheapos' to compare it against, I'd love to see that.

The Agilent LCR meter is already on it's way for review.
Already have the Extech unit.

Dave.

[slburris]

Note that both the Agilent and BK meters can be ordered with a
tweezer accessory.

I'll be quite interested to see what Dave thinks of these meters
vs the Smart Tweezers, since that's the exact comparison I'm
currently struggling with.

Scott

[EEVblog]

Note that both the Agilent and BK meters can be ordered with a
tweezer accessory.

I'll be quite interested to see what Dave thinks of these meters
vs the Smart Tweezers, since that's the exact comparison I'm
currently struggling with.

I think I can tell you that now.
The Extech & Agilent/BK meters will shit all over the SmartTweezers in terms of performance, that much is certain. It's all a matter of form factor and which one you prefer, in that respect they are two entirely different beasts. If you want handheld convenience without the leads all over your work desk, go for the SmartTweezers.

Dave.

[EEVblog]

It turns out BK Precision have been watching...
They are sending me a new version of the 879 that will be released in a few weeks that is substantially improved over the Agilent model.
It's now a 3-way shootout.

Dave.

[saturation]

Great, this is gelling into a hot topic with real devices to play with.  Good for everyone!

It turns out BK Precision have been watching...
They are sending me a new version of the 879 that will be released in a few weeks that is substantially improved over the Agilent model.
It's now a 3-way shootout.

Dave.

[Vortexs]

Can't wait to see the review of gear. I have a GW-819 LCR benchtop on its way now. I'll have to give you guys a mini review after i get to play with it.

[EEVblog]

Update: The new BK Precision 879B is now on the truck.

Dave.

[ThunderSqueak]

awesome, I look forward to this review

[orbiter]

I think if you keep going Dave (which I'm sure you will,) you'll end up with such a massive ordience, manufacturers will be doing their absolute best to keep their equipment as top notch as possible (no little short cuts at all!!) As mentioned above... Manufacturers themselves are now keeping an eye on the blog. They'll have to because if they don't and duff gear gets through to the EEVblog, the product will go down like a sack of spuds, which is a great for the consumer as they'll hopefully get to know about it before they buy it.

I tell ya what.. Having a Dave Jones and the EEVblog onside must have manufacturers thinking more than twice about putting more people (and the right people) into R&D along with quality control, and hopfully cutting down on the already covered.. 'tight arse' optional extras.. e.g temp probes etc.

orb

[EEVblog]

I think if you keep going Dave (which I'm sure you will,) you'll end up with such a massive ordience, manufacturers will be doing their absolute best to keep their equipment as top notch as possible (no little short cuts at all!!) As mentioned above... Manufacturers themselves are now keeping an eye on the blog. They'll have to because if they don't and duff gear gets through to the EEVblog, the product will go down like a sack of spuds, which is a great for the consumer as they'll hopefully get to know about it before they buy it.

I tell ya what.. Having a Dave Jones and the EEVblog onside must have manufacturers thinking more than twice about putting more people (and the right people) into R&D along with quality control, and hopfully cutting down on the already covered.. 'tight arse' optional extras.. e.g temp probes etc.

I hope my comments do ultimately influence the manufactures so we get better products.
I know that already both Extech & BK Precision have confirmed they are refining their products now and in the future based on my feedback in the reviews, so thumbs up to them.

Dave.

[gib0r]

Dave,

I've recently found myself in the market for an LCR meter. When can we expect your review?

Sean

[EEVblog]

Sorry Sean, no idea, I work pretty much on whims!
I've got the 3 LCR meters, the Extech microscope, and the Fluke thermal imager on the to-do list.

They all seems like pretty good LCR meters.
The new model BK looks really great, but the Extech is cheaper. The don't think the Agilent will win any value-for-money awards compared to the other two.

Dave.

[zaoka]

Any idea when you will have time to do BK and Agilent meters?

I am about to order one of them.

Agilent comes with certificate of calibration, on the other side BK meter can measure ESR as well!
I would go with BK if I know that its accurate as Agilent one.

They both are probably made by www.tonghui.com.cn and this is what I dont like because I am just returning Tonghui TH2821B (older model) that I purchased over at eBay. Its not accurate at all, especially capacitance range, over 100uF.
I contaced company and they told me that all their meters are calibrated.. I hope BK and Agilent are calibrating their meters independently from Tonghui.

Tonghui meters cost:

• TH2822 is $175 (up to 1Khz)
  
• TH2822A is $210 (up to 10Khz)
  
  • TH2822C is $420 (up to 100Khz)
    
  
  
  THeir TH2822A is the same as BK and Agilent. THey are asking $90 to ship to Canada, its way to much...
  
  Dave please get some accurate components, especially capacitors,  and test how they are accurate..

[EEVblog]

Any idea when you will have time to do BK and Agilent meters?

They are next on the list. But then I have been saying that for some time.
I feel very slack I haven't done these, and plan to hopefully have them done before the new year.
I'm hoping to get a day spare to do them in one hit.

Agilent comes with certificate of calibration, on the other side BK meter can measure ESR as well!
I would go with BK if I know that its accurate as Agilent one.

They both are probably made by www.tonghui.com.cn and this is what I dont like because I am just returning Tonghui TH2821B (older model) that I purchased over at eBay. Its not accurate at all, especially capacitance range, over 100uF.
I contaced company and they told me that all their meters are calibrated.. I hope BK and Agilent are calibrating their meters independently from Tonghui.

Dave please get some accurate components, especially capacitors,  and test how they are accurate..

This design was originally by Escort, but Agilent bought them.
BK got the design rights as part of the sale but have since redesigned it completely. So although they look the same, the BK design is totally different from the Agilent.
Never heard of Tonghui. Presumably they got rights also just like BK did, as Ascort sold to many different people. I doubt the Malaysian branch of Agilent rebadge under the Tonghui brand.

I don't have any precision components, and can't hope to acquire them before the review.

Dave.

[Fraser]

I have two LCR meters that were both very similar in appearance to BK's previous model, the BK 890, and I must say the performance and accuracy of them both has been excellent to date. Neither meter is made by the brand shown on the front as is quite common these days. They are both well made and have that solid feel to their cases. The 'FUSE' indication on the AVO MEGGER was 'as purchased' on ebay... it had a blown protection fuse and was easily repaired.  Pictures below: The BK 890 is included for comparison and note that it is a capacitance meter only rather than LCR.

Update. Thanks to Dave's excellent comment on the history of the design, I have at last found the OEM. My two LCR meters appear to be the same as the Escort ELC-131D. Picture added and the block diagram is here :

http://www2.produktinfo.conrad.de/datenblaetter/100000-124999/101443-sp-01-en-ELC_131D_LCR_Handmessgeraet.pdf

Does anyone have a schematic diagram ?

[zaoka]

Dave can you, at least, compare reading of few component to the ones you get with Fluke and Gossen Metrawat meters. Grab 2-3 resistors and 4-5 capacitors, different cpacity, and see what each of these meters will measure. ))

I cant wait for review ))

[Fraser]

An area of high vulnerability in LCR meters is the destruction of the DUT front end circuits by the testing of a charged capacitor. Most LCR meters warn users to discharge all capacitors before testing but I have seen several LCR meters badly damaged by failure to comply with that guidance. DUT front end protection and it's ability to survive a voltage discharge event is, IMHO, a very important design feature, just as adequate protection on the inputs of a multimeter is important. One bad or forgetfull day with an inadequately protected LCR meter and you would probably be looking for a new one.... an expensive error to make !

The used AVO Megger B131 that I bought had suffered damage due to a capacitor discharge into it's DUT terminals. A fuse and two SMD protection transistors were destroyed but the rest of the circuitry survived. I would have preferred the failure to have been limited to just the fuse but there is a limit to what a manufacturer can do in terms of protection. I would be very interested to see what Agilent and BK have in terms of voltage overload protection on these new meters.

Interestingly, when I contacted AVO requesting a schematic or identity of the two destroyed SMD transistors, they tried to help but admitted that support for the B131 was limited to unit replacement as it was not manufactured by them and no schematic or spares were held. This is the down side of badge engineering. AVO is/was a very reputable company and they do try to be helpful, but when they start re-badging other companies kit, support becomes an issue and their help is limited to offering you information on a new unit to replace your broken one.

[domm123]

well... i have a Motech 4080 series lcr meter. 

http://www.motech-europe.com/html/mt4080.htm


and it looks exactly like the Bk Precision 88X series lcr meter..... 

http://bkprecision.com.br/products/model/885/synthesized-lcr-esr-meter-with-smd-probe.html

[zaoka]

Do you use it for in-circuit testing??

I like these except high price

[domm123]

Do you use it for in-circuit testing??

I like these except high price

I got mine from a local surplus shop for a about $300, looks new though.
My one come with the smd test lead, and the meter doesn't get fool by surrounding component, which is great for in-circuit testing and etc..
But it doesn't comes with those fancy function that in the 879, ex: min, max, average, setup/utility menu...
This series of lcr is also optically isolated(infrared), but the box doesn't come with the cable. 

Anyway, the BK 879 spects looks really good for it's price range.