LCR TC1 Multifunctional Tester for in circuit Testing

[apro]

Can I use a LCR TC1 Multifunctional tester, available on ebay https://www.ebay.de/itm/LCR-TC1-Transistor-Tester-TFT-Diode-Triode-Capacitance-Meter-ESR-NPN-PNP-MOSFET/264385851433?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131017132637%26meid%3D579f3b9fa5994be4b9af39f3797cabf7%26pid%3D100033%26rk%3D6%26rkt%3D8%26sd%3D232492635127%26itm%3D264385851433%26pg%3D2045573&_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042

for in-circuit ESR testing of a capacitor please?

[Zorc]

No you can't.
You should consider buying something else if you really need that, for example the Peak Atlas ESR70.
https://www.peakelec.co.uk/acatalog/esr70-capacitor-esr-meter.html

[Specmaster]

There is no tester that I'm aware of and I have searched for this and it is the holy grail for all EE's. There is always going to many other components connected to the capacitor under test in circuit that will skew all readings obtained, the only way to test them is to disconnect one end of the capacitor from the circuit before testing. That way the readings you obtain are only for the capacitor and therefore correct.

[madires]

Yep, the only reliable way to measure ESR is outside of the circuit. But in many cases it also works in-circuit when using a low test voltage. The firmware which comes with the TC1 doesn't provide a dedicated in-circuit mode for ESR measurement. So it isn't suitable anyway. The OSHW firmwares for the transistor tester offer an in-circuit mode, but the TC1 is designed to be incompatible with the original circuit and requires some modification (it's a poor design). There are also several ESR tester circuits with lower test voltages especially for in-circuit checks.

[Shock]

Just so there are no mistakes or mishaps "in circuit testing" is with the mains power sources removed and the circuit deenergized. But "live or energized in circuit testing" is a totally different approach and set of tools.

As mentioned above by Specmaster, in circuit testing is not going to work in ALL situations. But it works in MANY situations, once you have a suspect component it pays to also test it out of circuit as well, which is done by lifting a leg or completely removing it.

For in circuit testing you need a multimeter with diode, ohms and I suggest capacitance. An ESR meter for electrolytic capacitors is very useful, and almost essential as a repair tool. ESR is just an easy way to characterize aging/failing/defective electrolytic capacitors.

Instead of the Peak Atlas for ESR I recommend a Bob Parker inspired design. Main reasons being that it's repaired easily, schematics available, large display and input voltage protection (past 50V if the version purchased has diodes added).
 
The Peak Atlas only good for 50V input protection, it does have the extra discharging and capacitance measurement features however. Why is it still a bad choice? You should be discharging all capacitors manually yourself for in circuit testing out of habit. You will eventually forget or miss a cap and at that point you want as much input protection as possible to take the brunt of any damage.

Personally I would stick to capacitance on a multimeter there should be a lot more protection from mishaps and you can check voltages before taking a capacitance measurement. For out of circuit testing (as it has no input protection) the DER EE DE5000 is the handheld instrument of choice for inductors, resistors and capacitors. The tester you linked is still valuable as a cheap analyzer for semiconductors or as an interim step to getting a DE5000 (again no input protection).

Currently there are three manufacturers of the Bob Parker design.
- Evb who sells several different models so look for the model with protection diodes.
- Altronics k2574 which is only in kit form, you need to add the diodes yourself.
- Anatek Blue ESR Meter has a slim case so limited options for adding the diode protection internally. You can buy the kitset or the assembled version.

https://evbesrmeter.pt/
https://www.altronics.com.au/p/k2574-esr-meter-kit/

Bob Parkers website
http://bobparker.net.au/esr_meter/esrmeter.htm

If you make the Altronics kitset read this page for diode protection
http://bobparker.net.au/esr_meter/esrhints.htm

So in summary a good safe multimeter with capacitance (handy). Bob Parker designed ESR meter with diodes added, a cheap component tester and DE5000 will give you a complete enough set of tools to cover most in an out of circuit testing (without going too crazy).

[Shock]

Read my above post seriously, here is the ESR meter in action don't underestimate how invaluable this tool is.

[ledtester]

There are also several ESR tester circuits with lower test voltages especially for in-circuit checks.

One example:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/5-transistor-esr-meter-design/

[Perrin21]

I have a little LCR1 test meter, I tested it here https://youtu.be/38k2SA91bYM however its more for component identification off the board.   The MESR100 is a good value little ESR test meter for testing capacitors in circuit and its only around £40 (or equivalent). I'll be reviewing it properly soon but I've had it a while and it's good enough for most jobs .  There's always better as others will tell you but not for that money.  Remember to discharge those capacitors first or you could probably blow it off the table.

[Shock]

The MESR100 is a good value little ESR test meter for testing capacitors in circuit and its only around £40 (or equivalent). I'll be reviewing it properly soon but I've had it a while and it's good enough for most jobs .  There's always better as others will tell you but not for that money.

It's only slightly cheaper than the Bob Parker ones (shipping will be cheaper) but it depends where you want to send your money to, a Chinese reseller or a manufacturer.

OP, if you like the MESR100 get the V2 model or later it should have protection diodes, not sure what voltage rating they are. It's already been reviewed by Fraser in this thread here. Also take note it's been put together with the cheapest shit they could drum up on the day, the case gives off a cheap vibe and the leads are cheap. The OLED display makes it look fancy but you don't need an intelligent tester just one that produces stable reproducible results and has at least 10 milliohms resolution.

The V2 input protection can be seen to the left D1 (D2 obscured by bodged in cap) would be nice to know what part they are using, but again who knows if they even meet their rated value anyway.

[Shock]

Just watched a few videos of the MESR V2. The case, display and how the input is connected is a let down for me, but each to their own. The protection diodes are SS14 so that's at least 40 volts of input protection. How low it can accurately test small caps would also be handy to know. Perhaps it has more potential modded as a microohm meter.

[bluey]

People have used it for in circuit testing.
https://www.amazon.com/Aideepen-Mega328-LCR-T4-Transistor-Capacitance/dp/B01M0UXHYY?th=1

Looks like it will do most everything my Peak ESR DCA SCR LCR can do, for a fraction of the cost. For hobby repair work, i can’t see you could go wrong trying. As long as the circuit is unpowered and caps discharged.

Near every LCR/ESR meter requires the same precautions. A poster said pressing aluminium foil all over the board contacts works well fir deenergising.

Not sure if FNIRSI is the oem but they have lots of interesting things from an “official store”.
AU $22.71  16％ Off | LCR-TC1 1.8inch Colorful Display Multi-functional TFT Backlight Transistor Tester for Diode Triode Capacitor Resistor Transistor
https://a.aliexpress.com/_dW8diyp