What is the easiest way to test a capacitor

[Monkeh]

As Bernard says, no single, cheap device can handle the full range of caps available. For smaller caps, most decent multimeters will have a capacitance test function, sometimes called LCR mode (inductance, capacitance, resistance). You should be able to pick up such an instrument for under £50.

That would be an LCR meter, not an LCR mode, and a worthwhile one costs a lot more. The capacitance function on the average multimeter is.. rather basic.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

ban-all-sheds why don't you make a constructive post "on topic" here (mainly the topic of capacitors and your advice on testing them) instead of analysing the "way" I have asked my question and we might get somewhere here.

And why don't you stop criticising people for answering the question you asked rather than the one you wanted answered, but for some reason didn't actually ask.

If your question is "I'm wanting to see if anyone on here has experience using certain testers, (and can) tell me their experience with them" then what's more likely to get you somewhere is to ask that, rather than "what is the easiest way to test a capacitor?" and "Are there any dedicated/specialised meters which can test capacitors on the market?"

this is an electronics forum

No it isn't.

and this question ... is "on topic"

No it isn't.

 

[radioredcat]

I have had the same problem with Plamsa PSU's loads of caps and i repaired a lcd set last week that took a few mins before it would switch on only 8 caps on the PSU and they looked ok so i just replaced the lot and that cured the problem.

This is a good site for info on capacitors and which ones are likely to go in equipment.

http://www.badcaps.net/forum/index.php

Andy

 

[zorgan]

Thanks for that great info Andy - I`ll look into the link!

ban-all-sheds just stop posting on my thread please, your really not helping yourself.

I did "start" to read your post but then realised your not posting anything useful.

yet again thanks to those helpful members who have discussed and understood the subject.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

ban-all-sheds just stop posting on my thread please, your really not helping yourself.

1) If you post here I can reply - that's how it works.

2) I'm trying to help you, because you really don't seem to grasp the idea of asking questions you want answered rather than asking ones you don't want answered and then getting antsy when those are the ones you get answered.

But I fear you have a major comprehension problem.

 

[zorgan]

1) yes I'm reading your posts and they are nothing to do with capacitors or testing them.

2) I'll gladly accept your help if you reply with something helpful regarding the subject like most people already have done so on this thread.

3) yet again I have questions on here

• 
  what is the easiest way to test a capacitor?
  
  are there any specialized or specific meters to test a capacitor?
  
  I would like to hear experiences of people who have tested capacitors and different methods they have used to do so.
  

comprehend Mr ban-all-sheds? do we have a clear level of communication now? everyone else on here seems to know what's going on apart from you by the looks of things.

So i'll ask you a direct question "what are your personal experiences with testing capacitors?" I think you will have no problems to comprehend the question. I keenly await your reply.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

1) yes I'm reading your posts and they are nothing to do with capacitors or testing them.

No, they aren't, and I never made out that they were.

They are about YOU saying "smart a**e " when someone answered the question YOU had asked: "Are there any dedicated/specialised meters which can test capacitors on the market?", when, it seems, YOU thought they should have realised that what you wanted answered was "I'm wanting to see if anyone on here has experience using certain testers, tell me their experience with them!!"

2) I'll gladly accept your help if you reply with something helpful regarding the subject like most people already have done so on this thread.

I doubt that, as you seem utterly incapable of understanding that if you want a question answered you have to ask it, not ask something else.

I know that you have subsequently asked it, but at the time you were sounding off at TTC YOU HAD NOT ASKED IT.

everyone else on here seems to know what's going on apart from you by the looks of things.

I know what's going on - you simply cannot understand that it was wrong of you to reply to TTC the way that you did because he hadn't answered a question you hadn't asked.

"what are your personal experiences with testing capacitors?"

What does that have to do with the way you reacted when you didn't get an answer to a question you hadn't asked?

 

[zorgan]

oh dear lol

oh deary deary me.......

keep on at it ban-all-sheds this is really very entertaining for everyone.

 

[ericmark]

Original question - As far as I am aware I need a 10 volt transformer to test capacitors with my AVO Mk8.

Although I am a licensed radio ham I have never got the 10 volt transformer required to test a capacitor. Maybe I should?

In the main I have found testing it is a capacitor and reading the printed info is enough.

I am sure I could work out a method to test with an oscilloscope but never found the need.

I can read (with glasses) what is written on the device.

 

[zorgan]

ahhh there you go again, could hardly hear you in that big hole of yours you've dug, I'd throw a rope down to rescue you but I'm far too thick "apparently" to think of such a thing.

oh by the way BAS if you hang around long enough you might be able to learn a thing or two about capacitors and stuff - if you ever decide to join in on the topic of course, you are more than welcome too !! (if you can shout loud enough)