B+K precision 881 User manual

Instruction Manual
Model 881
In-Circuit ESR & DCR Cap Tester
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SAFETY GUIDELINES
WARNING
An electrical current of over 10 milliamps passing through the heart will stop most human
hearts. Voltage of as low as 35Volts dc or ac rms should be considered hazardous since it can
produce lethal current under certain conditions. Be sure to observe the following safety
precautions:
1. There are no high voltages in the Cap Tester, but the equipment under test usually
contains hazardous high voltage. Always follow the safety recommendations of the
manufacturer of your equipment.
2. Some equipment may be wired as a “hot chassis” type; equipment using two-wire
power plugs are always suspected and it may even include those with polarized plugs. Never
touch chassis of “hot chassis” type equipment to avoid the possibility of a serious, possibly fatal
electrical shock.
3. Don’t expose yourself needlessly to high voltage; only remove
housings and covers when necessary.
4. Familiarize yourself with the equipment being tested and the location of its high voltage
points. However be aware that high voltage may appear at unexpected points in defective
equipment.
5. Never work alone. Someone should be nearby to render aid if needed. Training in
CPR(Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) is highly recommended.
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In-Circuit ESR & DCR Cap Tester
Introduction:
The In-circuit ESR & DCR capacitor tester is specially designed to measure ESR (equivalent Series
Resistance) on capacitors in the range of 0.47uf and up, in or out of circuit. The output test
frequency of the meter is a 100 KHz SINE WAVE. The output voltage is 15mV pp and will not
turn on any solid-state devices in the circuit under test.
It includes a one–handed tweezers test probe, microprocessor controlled, automatically
discharges the capacitors under test, checks for low DCR, checks and displays ESR on a 25
segment LED bar scale, and beeps from one to five beeps depending on the ESR reading of the
capacitor. It has a three-colored chart on the front panel that show typical ESR readings of
good, fair, and bad capacitors depending on their capacitance.
OPERATION:
1. Place the mode switch to the position for measurement.
2. Turn the unit on and wait; the unit will beep once when ready.
3. Hold the tweezer’s test probe cross the capacitor leads to measure ESR of the capacitor.
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Controls and Indicators
1. Power Switch –Power on or off
2. DCR Low Indicator –LED on when DCR low then 30 ohms
3. Mode switch –Selects test capacitor ESR or test capacitor DCR&ESR both.
4. ESR or DCR Indicator –Indicate the ESR or DCR
5. Colored chart –The three-colored chart that show typical ESR readings of good, fair, and bad
capacitors depending on their capacitance.
6. Square connector –Capacitance
7. Bat Low –Indicates battery condition.
8. AC Adapter Jack –9V DC, 100mA center pin + adapter input.
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APPLICATIONS
Using the tester to measure electrolytic capacitors in or out of circuit.
When the meter is turned on, it will automatically calibrate the internal circuit, and then it will
beep once to indicate it’s ready. (Note: Before the unit beeps to signal it is ready, don’t have
the tweezer’s test probes shorted together or connected to a capacitor, otherwise the meter
will continue to sound an alarm until the test probe is opened or the capacitor is removed.)
The meter has two modes for performing in-circuit ESR measurements (“DCR & ESR” mode and
“ESR” mode). Place the mode switch to the position for measurement.
To measure the ESR on a capacitor, hold the tweezer’s test probe cross the capacitor leads. The
meter’s probes are nonpolar.
On the “ESR” mode, the meter performs a set cycle of tests each time it is connected to a
capacitor. First it discharges the capacitor, then it measures the ESR and indicates the range of
the value with the 25 LED bar, and also sounds one or more times depending on the ESR of the
capacitor (see table 1). The three-color chart on the panel shows typical electrolytic capacitors
ESR readings. If the capacitor’s ESR range is in the green areas, it is good, and if the capacitor’s
ESR range is in the red areas, it must be replaced. If the capacitor’s ESR range is in the yellow
areas it’s questionable and is up to the technician to decide on whether to replace this
capacitor, or not. The capacitor with higher voltage ratings and used in circuits not requiring
particularly low ESR may still work adequately in the yellow area. However, the modern solid
circuits such as switch power supplies require low ESR capacitor. The ESR of a good capacitor
depends upon the type of material, value and voltage rating.
On the “ESR” mode, the meter will indicate that a shorted capacitor is good because the meter
does not perform the DCR measurement. Therefore, only in the “DCR & ESR mode” will the
meter detect shorted capacitor in its DCR cycle.
Table 1
Beeps from 1 to 5 beeps depending on ESR
ESR range ohms: 0 –0.5One sound
0.5 –1Two sounds
1 –3Three sounds
3 –8Four sounds
8 –30Five sounds
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On the “DCR & ESR” mode, first it discharges the capacitor, then it checks the DC resistance and
if the DC resistance is less than 30 ohm, it will stop on the DCR cycle, otherwise, it measures the
ESR and indicates the range of the value with the 25 LED bar. On this mode, the meter detects
shorted capacitor in its DCR cycle.
If the meter stops on the DCR cycle, it first sounds an alarm and turns on the DCR LOW led, then
indicates DC resistance by flashing the LED on the LED bar and also sounds one or more times
depending on the DC resistance (see table 2).
Table 2
Measures DCR by flashing the LED on the LED bar
DCR range ohms: 0 - 0.5flashing the 0.5LED
0.5 - 1.2flashing the 1.2LED
1.2 - 2.5flashing the 2.5LED
2.5 - 4.5flashing the 4.5LED
4.5 - 10flashing the 10LED
10 - 20flashing the 20LED
20 - 30flashing the 30LED
Beeps from 1 to 3 beeps depending on DCR
DCR range ohms: 0 –1.2One sound
1.2 –4.5Two sounds
4.5 –3 0Three sounds
The meter automatically discharges capacitors before testing. However, if capacitors are large
enough, and there is enough voltage stored, it may damage the test probe. We recommend
that for a large capacitor, you should discharge it before you test it.
You can use the “ESR” mode to test a capacitor with a parallel inductor if the inductor has a
large inductance at 100 kHz test frequency and have no effect on the ESR reading.
On the “ESR” mode, the meter is an AC ohm meter, it can be used to measure low value non-
inductive resistors. It also may be used to measure small inductors and compare meter reading
to the known good inductors.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Open circuit probe voltage 15mV pp
Output test frequency 100 KHz sine wave
Measures ESR
ESR range ohms 0.1 –30 (25 segment LED bar scale)
Beeps from 1 to 5 beeps depending on ESR of capacitor
Measures DCR
DCR range ohms 0.5 –30 flashing the LED
Power One 9V battery or an external
AC adapter (9V DC 100mA
5.5mm x 2.1mm center pin+)
Power drain 10mA typical
Dimensions 1.5” x 3.8” x 5.7”
Note: Specifications and information in this manual are subject to change without
notice. Please visit for the most current product information.
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Service Information
Warranty Service: Please go to the support and service section on our website to obtain a RMA
#. Return the product in the original packaging with proof of purchase to the address below.
Clearly state on the RMA the performance problem and return any leads, probes, connectors
and accessories that you are using with the device.
Non-Warranty Service: Please go to the support and service section on our website to obtain a
RMA #. Return the product in the original packaging to the address below. Clearly state on the
RMA the performance problem and return any leads, probes, connectors and accessories that
you are using with the device. Customers not on an open account must include payment in the
form of a money order or credit card. For the most current repair charges please refer to the
service and support section on our website.
Return all merchandise to B&K Precision Corp. with prepaid shipping. The flat-rate repair charge
for Non-Warranty Service does not include return shipping. Return shipping to locations in
North America is included for Warranty Service. For overnight shipments and non-North
American shipping fees please contact B&K Precision Corp.
Include with the returned instrument your complete return shipping address, contact name,
phone number and description of problem.
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Limited One-Year Warranty
B&K Precision Corp. warrants to the original purchaser that its products and the component
parts thereof, will be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of one year
from date of purchase.
B&K Precision Corp. will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option, defective product or
component parts. Returned product must be accompanied by proof of the purchase date in the
form of a sales receipt.
To help us better serve you, please complete the warranty registration for your new instrument
via our website bkprecision.com
Exclusions: This warranty does not apply in the event of misuse or abuse of the product or as a
result of unauthorized alterations or repairs. The warranty is void if the serial number is altered,
defaced or removed.
B&K Precision Corp. shall not be liable for any consequential damages, including without
limitation damages resulting from loss of use. Some states do not allow limitations of incidental
or consequential damages. So the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific rights and you may have other rights, which vary from state-to-
state.
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