On Mon, 30 May 2011 10:05:12 +1000, Phil Allison wrote:

"Dave"

Now believe I already have an ESR meter, though I didn't realize that
was one of its functions. What I have is an Extech 380193 LCR meter,
which tells me that a fairly new but run of the mill 1uF electrolytic
cap out of my junkbox has 12.5 Ohms of resistance. If I were to try to
use this to measure the caps in-circuit, how should I proceed? I am
guessing that discharging the cap before touching my test leads to the
solder pads would give me a reading, but I really hesitate to do this
without some sort of suggestion that such is a safe proceedure for my
meter. Am guessing that readings in the single digits indicate a
defective device. Does this sound reasonable? No power to the circuit
under test, of course, and likely will push in the power button a few
minutes before beginning. Again, any advice is appreciated.

** Seen this ??

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEA5MfllPdg

All you need to do is compare the ESR reading of a known good electro of
about the same ratings and size with the one under test. If the one
under test has say 5 times more ESR - it is useless or about to fail.

Often, with worn out electros, the ESR may be over 100 ohms.


.... Phil

Not a bad little meter for the $$$$. Anyone who does work on consumer
electronics ought to have one or something similar. Removes a lot of
guess work.



--
Live Fast Die Young, Leave A Pretty Corpse