Megger LCR131 User manual

M
LCR131
Dual display meter
User Manual

LCR131
Parameters Measured L/C/R/D/Q
Measuring Circuit Mode
Inductance (L)
–Defaults to series mode
Capacitance/ Resistance (C/R)
-Defaults to parallel mode
Displays L/C/R: Maximum display 19999
D/Q: Maximum display 999 (Auto Range).
Ranging Mode Auto & Manual
Measuring Terminals 3 terminals with sockets
Test Frequency
Accuracy:
±0.1 %
120Hz= 120 Hz
1KHz =1010 Hz
Backlit display Excluded
Tolerance mode 1%, 5%, 10%
Test Signal Level 0.6Vrms approx.
Measuring Rate 1 time/second, nominal
Response time
Approx. 1 second/ DUT (device under test)(@ manual range)
Auto Power-Off 5 minutes approx. without operation
Temperature Coefficient
0.15 x (Specified Accuracy) / (0-18 or
28-40 )
Operation Temperature
0to 40 ; 0-70% R.H.
Storage Temperature -20 to +50 ; 0-80% R.H.
Low Battery Indication
Approx. 6.8V
Protective Fuse 0.1A/250V Fuse (input protective)
Standard Accessories Test alligator clips (pair)
DC 9V Battery.
User manual
Optional Accessories Carrying case
RS232 package
SMD Tweezers
DC Adaptor (EA112: AC120V) / (EA55:
AC220V).
Dimensions (L/W/H) 184/ 87/ 41 mm
Weight 330 grams

i
LCR131 COMPONENT TESTER
USER MANUAL

ii
Table of Contents
PAGE
Safety 1
Introduction 3
Front Panel Illustration 4
LCD Display Illustration 5
How to Operate 7
Operating Instructions 11

Data Hold 11

Static Recording 11

Dissipation Factor / Quality Factor 11

Test Frequency 12

L/C/R function selector 12

Relative 12

Tolerance 12

Auto/manual ranging 13

Automatic Fuse Detection 13

Parallel / Series Mode 13

Calibration 14

Auto Power Off/ Disable Auto Power Off 15

Low Battery Indication 15

Communication 15
General Specification 17
Electrical Specification 18
Maintenance 21

1
Safety
Read "SAFETY INFORMATION" before using this meter.

NOTE
This meter is a hand-held, battery-operated instrument for
testing inductance, capacitance and resistance. If this device
is damaged or has any parts missing, contact the retailer
immediately.
This manual contains information and warnings which must
be followed to ensure safe operation as well as to ensure the
meter remains in a safe condition. Some common
international electrical symbols used in this manual are
shown in the table below:
DC - Direct Current
See Explanation In The
Manual
Table 1-1. International Electrical Symbols
Before using the meter, read the following safety information
carefully. In this manual, "WARNING", is reserved for
conditions and actions that pose hazard(s) to the user;
"CAUTION", is reserved for conditions and actions that may
damage your meter.

2

SAFETY INFORMATION
To ensure that you use this device safely, follow the
safety guidelines listed below:
This meter is for indoor use, altitude up to 2,000 m.
The warnings and precautions should be read and well
understood before the instrument is used.
Use this device only as specified in this manual; otherwise,
the protection provided by the meter may be impaired.
When measuring in-circuit components, first de-energize
the circuits before connecting to the test leads.
Discharge capacitors before testing.
The power for the meter is supplied with a single standard
9V battery. It is also possible to use external power using
a 12V DC adaptor conforming to IEC 60950.

3
Introduction
This 19,999-count L/C/R hand-held meter is a special
microprocessor-controlled meter for measuring functions of
inductance, capacitance and resistance. Extremely simple
to operate, the instrument not only takes absolute parallel
mode measurements, but is also capable of series mode
measurement. The meter provides direct and accurate
measurements of inductors, capacitors and resistors with
different testing frequencies. It is possible to select between
auto and manual ranging.
Front panel pushbuttons maximize the convenience of
function and feature selection such as data hold; maximum,
minimum and average record mode; relative mode; tolerance
sorting mode; frequency and L/C/R selection.
The test data can be transferred to PC through an optional full
isolated optical RS232C interface and CP-09 software.
A tilt stand provides position flexibility for viewing and
operating the meter. The rubber over-molded case both
protects the meter in harsh environments, and improves grip
in the hand. While single 9V battery operation is standard for
the meter, a standard DC 12V power adaptor can also be
used as an optional power input.

4
Front Panel Illustration
1. LCD display
2. PowerON/OFFbutton
3. RS232 selector
4. Dissipation factor and Quality factor selection button
5. Test frequency selection button
6. Inductance, Capacitance and Resistance function
selection button. Parallel and series mode selection
button
7. Tolerance mode selection button
8. Data hold, Maximum, Minimum and Average reading
selection button
9. Range selection button
10. Relative mode and Calibration selection button
11. DC 12V adaptor input
12. Input sockets and Terminals
Figure-1. Front panel for LCR131.

5
LCD Display Illustration
Figure 2. LCD Display.
1. AUTO: Auto-ranging indicator
2. LCR: L, C or R function indicator
3. MAX: Maximum reading indicator
4. AVG: Average reading indicator
5. REL: Relative mode indicator
6. MIN: Minimum reading indicator
7. DH: Data hold indicator
9. Q: Quality factor indicator
10. D: Dissipation factor indicator
11. : Secondary display
12. : Beeper tone indicator for tolerance mode
13. %: Tolerance (percentage) indicator
14. deg: Phase Angle degree indicator (Model-A only )
15. kHz: Frequency indicator
16. MAX AVG MIN: Recording mode indicators
17. TOL: Tolerance mode indicator
18. 1%5%10%: Tolerance sorting (percent) indicator
19. : Auto power- off indicator

6
20. : Low battery indicator
21. PAL: Parallel mode indicator
22. SER: Series mode indicator
23. Mk: Resistance (Ohm) indicator
24. : Inductance (Henry) indicator
25. : Capacitance (Farad) indicator
26. : RS232 indicator
Special Indication Characters
: Indicates short connectors
: Indicates open connectors
: Indicates calibration mode
: Indicates damaged or open fuse

7
How To Operate
Caution
When measuring within a circuit, the circuit must be
de-energized before connecting the test leads.
Instruments used in dusty or dirty environment should be
wiped and cleaned regularly.
Do not expose instrument to direct sunlight or other heat
sources for long periods.
Ensure the instrument is disconnected from any circuit and
powered "OFF" before removing battery cover.
Note:
For achieving optimum precision for all L, C and R
measurements throughout all ranges, the instrument
should be internally calibrated before each use.

8
Inductance Measurement
1. Press the "POWER" button to turn on the meter.
2. Press “L/C/R” button to select inductance measurement.
3. Insert an inductor into component receptacle socket or
connect the test clip to the component leads as required.
4. Press “FREQ” button to select testing frequency.
5. Press “D/Q” button to select Q factor for secondary
display.
6. Read the display readings for inductance value and quality
factor.
Figure-3. Inductance Measurement.

9
Capacitance Measurement
1. Press "POWER" button to turn on the meter.
2. Press “L/C/R” button to select capacitance measurement.
3. Insert a capacitor into the component receptacle socket or
connect the test clip to the component leads as required.
4. Press “FREQ” button to select testing frequency.
5. Press “D/Q” button to select D factor for secondary
display.
6. Read the display readings for capacitance value and
dissipation factor.
Warning
To avoid electrical hazards, discharge all capacitors before
measuring.
Figure-4. Capacitance Measurement.

10
Resistance Measurement
1. Press "POWER" button to turn on the meter.
2. Press “L/C/R” button to select Resistance measurement.
3. Insert a resistor into the component receptacle socket or
connect the test clip to the component leads as required.
4. Press “FREQ” button to select testing frequency.
5. Read the display readings for resistance value.
Figure-5. Resistance Measurement.

11
Operating Instructions

Data Hold
This data hold function allows the operator to freeze the
display. To enter this mode, press the "HOLD" pushbutton;
press again to release.

Static Recording

Press the "REC" pushbutton for more than one second to
enter the static recording mode. The maximum and
minimum readings are then stored in memory, while a
beeping tone is produced when a new tested value has been
recorded. Push the same button to cycle through the current
maximum, minimum and average readings.
The MAX, MIN or AVG indicators on LCD will turn on to
indicate which value is shown.
To exit this mode, press and hold the pushbutton for more
than one second.
Notes:
1. Static recording captures only stable values and updates
the memory; it will not record any "OL" (overload) value for
any of the L/C/R functions. In addition, the meter will not
record values below 50 counts in Capacitance
measurement.
2. Static recording is only available in manual ranging;
however, activation while in auto-ranging will automatically
set meter to manual ranging and cause calibration prompts
to be displayed in the relevant ranges.

Dissipation Factor / Quality Factor
The "D/Q" value can be displayed alternately by pressing the
"D/Q" button when the meter is set to Inductance or
Capacitance mode. It does not apply to resistance
measurement.

12

Test Frequency
Default testing frequency is 1KHz. Push "FREQ" key to select
the desired test frequency.

L/C/R Function Selector
Press "L/C/R" pushbutton to select the desired L, C or R
function.

Relative
Press the "REL" key to enter the relative mode and store the
display reading as a reference value. It will then display all
subsequent readings relative to the reference value. Press
"REL" button again to exit the relative mode.
Notes:
1. The relative mode can not be activated if the display value
is either "OL" or "0000".
2. Relative mode is only available in manual ranging;
however, activation while in auto-ranging will automatically
set the meter to manual ranging and cause calibration
prompts to be displayed in the relevant ranges.
3. The relative mode cannot be activated if the meter is set at
auto-ranging with data hold activated.

Tolerance
There are 1%, 5% and 10% tolerance range. To enter this
tolerance mode, insert the appropriate component as a
standard value into the socket or connect the component to
the test probes, then press the "TOL" pushbutton to set this
value, as the standard reference tolerance. Similarly, any
value which appears on the LCD display, such as DH or
MAX/MIN/AVG, can be used as a standard value to sort
components. Press this button again to cycle through 1%,
5% and 10% tolerance as required.
This function is designed for convenient component sorting.
An audible tone of “Be-Be-Be” will sound whenever the
component under test exceeds the setting tolerance.
Conversely, a single tone of “Be” indicates the component is
within the setting tolerance.

13
Notes:
1. The tolerance mode can not be activated if the display is
either "OL" or "0000"; nor can it be activated where
capacitance value is below 10 counts.
2. Tolerance mode is only available in manual ranging;
however, activation while in auto-ranging will automatically
set the meter to manual ranging and cause calibration
prompts to be displayed in the relevant ranges.
3. The tolerance mode can’t be activated if the meter is set at
auto-ranging with data hold mode activated.

Auto / Manual Range
The auto-ranging mode is default status when the meter is
powered on. For specific measurement applications, press
"AUTO" button to set manual ranging. To return to the
auto-ranging mode, press and hold the "AUTO" button for
more than one second.

Automatic Fuse Detection
When the meter detects that the protective fuse has ruptured,
the "FUSE" character will appear and an internal beep will
sound continuously. In this situation, none of the function
keys can be operated and all other meter functions will be
inhibited. Fuse replacement is required.
Figure-6. Fuse Detection

Parallel / Series Mode
The meter is capable of displaying Parallel and Series mode
data for all ranges. The parallel mode is default for
Capacitance and Resistance measurements, and the series
mode is default for Inductance measurement. Press "L/C/R"
button for more than 1 second to toggle "SER" and "PAL"
mode.

14

Calibration
Calibration is available to all ranges. Simply press and hold
"CAL" button for more than one second to enter the
calibration mode and calibration prompts will be displayed.
Follow the prompts for open connector ( ) or short
connector ( ) connection and press the "CAL" button.
After calibration is completed, the meter will be restored to
normal display and ready for normal usage.
Figure-7. Open/ Short Calibration
The function calibrates the meter’s internal parameters as
well as external connector influences for greater accuracy.
It is highly recommended to calibrate extremely high or low
ranges for L, C and R before making precision measurements.
Calibration prompts will be displayed automatically every time
those ranges are selected manually or by function (e.g. REL,
TOL, REC etc.), and calibration is recommended. Simply
follow the open connector ( ) or short connector ( )
instruction and then press the "CAL" button. You may skip
the calibration by pressing the "D/Q" button.
Notes:
1. Changing measurement frequencies is handled in the
same way as selecting a different hardware range, and so
automatic calibration prompts will be displayed in the
recommended ranges.
2. Be sure to use the same testing position after short
calibration.

15

Auto Power Off/ Disable Auto Power Off
When the meter has not been used for five minutes after the
last operation, a long "beep" tone will sound. The meter will
then automatically enter a "sleep" mode and there will be no
display on the LCD. To reactivate the meter, simply press any
pushbutton.
When the meter is to be used for long period, the auto
power-off can be disabled by pressing and holding "L/C/R"
button while turning meter ON. Release the button, then
press any button. The symbol will disappear to confirm
that the auto power off has been disabled.
When using a 12V DC alternate power source, auto power off
is disabled automatically.
Note: It is recommended that the meter should always be
switched off when not in use.

Low Battery Indication
When the " " symbol flashes on the display, the battery
voltage is below normal working voltage and is weakening.
Replace battery with a new one to maintain accuracy of the meter.

Communication
The meter is provided with communication capability by using
the optional CP-09 RS232 package, with full optical isolated
cable and software.
Refer to the following procedures to set up communication
between your meter and personal computer.
1. Fix one side of cable to the meter, with the text-side facing
up. Connect the 9-pin terminal of cable to RS232
communication port 1 or 2 of personal computer. See the
Figure-8.
2. Press "RS232" button to enable interface.
Symbol “ ” is enabled on the display.
3. Operate the software to record data for your application.
4. Ensure the side-catches on the cable connector are
disengaged prior to removing the cable.

16
Figure-8. Cable Connection Of Communication
Text side
facing up.