BEST Capacitor Checker

[TROG]

I'm looking at getting this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Anatek-Corporation...grid_i_1_1

are there better cap checkers for less?

[Glenn Roberts]

I have a fluke 83 (which is more than that), But I bought a Rigid digital for 49.95 ant Home Depot and it works as well, not as accurate but definitely accurate enough.

Glenn

[TA Forbes]

Ahhh, I don't think the checker you linked to is what you need for old radios. An older set that checks for value in mFds and checks for leakage is what you need. I have a Jackson 112 that serves that purpose very well...

[Eliot Ness]

+1 with what TA said. You want an older unit that will allow you to check leakage. I also use an older Jackson but there are others like Heathkit and Sprague.

The Blue ESR meter is best suited for more modern electronics. While I have built one of the Blue ESR kits it isn't something I'd use on a tube radio...... maybe on a vintage transistor set.

[Steve Davis]

When you are dealing with decades old radios, it's best to just replace the capacitors. I don't even own a capacitor tester.

Steve

[codefox1]

Best capacitor checker is garbage can. Arguments welcome.

[Glenn Roberts]

LOL there's not arguing with the truth.

[Eliot Ness]

Quote:Best capacitor checker is garbage can. Arguments welcome.

While I agree with the "garbage can" theory since I also replace all the caps, there are times when a tester comes in quite handy. Sometimes just to verify a certain value and (call me paranoid) but I don't trust the caps we're getting off shore these days and check them all for value and leakage before they get soldered in.

And just-in-case anyone is wondering, yes I have found a couple of those little yellow buggers with values off enough to have been marked incorrectly or faulty. Never had that problem with my old U.S.A. made Sprague Orange Drops, but I'm not sure those are even made in the U.S.A. anymore.

[codefox1]

Aye I check 'em on an ancient bridge and find errors more than at a comfortable level. What happened?

[TA Forbes]

You can also use a capacitor checker when determining the value(s) present in a variable (tuning) condenser that you intend to use with the loop antenna that you are building. This is critical information.

Also agree that it is wise to check components before installing them. I too have come across the yellow caps that were way off and in a couple of cases were open. Whenever I pull a tube from the stash I always check it before installing it.