On Wed, Jan 17, 2018 at 3:48 PM, J68HZ <bill@...> wrote:
The trouble with all of these LCR meters is rarely do they test at frequencies where you will be using the parts.? The best solution ive found is to set up a test jig with my spectrum analyzer with a known capacitor or inductor in an LC circuit.? Then scan/ measure at the frequency of use.? Ive been a bit hard headed about trying to find the perfect LCR meter myself, but it doesn't exist.?
They exist. Well, not perfect, but quite good. They're called Vector Network Analyzers. They can give you very precise measurements of resistance, capacitance, and inductance over a wide range of frequencies, often from a 100 kHz to multiple GHz.? Typical professional VNAs sell for $9000 and up, e.g., Tektronix TTR503A for up to 3 GHz.? There are lower-spec lower-cost VNAs that are under $550, such as the miniVNA Pro which works up to 200 MHz. (I haven't actually used either product; I've used old Hewlett-Packard VNAs.)
$550 seems like a lot for an LCR meter, but it will outperform a $400 B&K LCR meter (though it won't be as easy to use), and it will also make a much better antenna analyzer than $400 dedicated antenna analyzer products.
