AMPROBE LCR55A Handheld Component Tester User Manual

: June 9, 2024
: AMPROBE

Table of Contents

AMPROBE LCR55A Handheld Component Tester
Inductance
Symbols
Warnings and Precautions
Overload Indication
Measuring Procedures
Specifications
Electrical Specifications
Troubleshooting/Maintenance
Battery/Fuse Replacement
Repair
References
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AMPROBE LCR55A Handheld Component Tester

Inductance

LCR55A

AMPROBE-LCR55A-Handheld-Component-FIG-1 Limited Warranty and Limitation of Liability

Your Amprobe product will be free from defects in material and workmanship for 1 year from the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover fuses, disposable batteries or damage from accident, neglect, misuse, alteration, contamination, or abnormal conditions of operation or handling. Resellers are not authorized to extend any other warranty on Amprobe’s behalf. To obtain service during the warranty period, return the product with proof of purchase to an authorized Amprobe Test Tools Service Center or to a Amprobe dealer or distributor. See Repair Section above for details. THIS WARRANTY IS YOUR ONLY REMEDY. ALL OTHER WARRANTIES – WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STAUTORY – INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY, ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED. MANUFACTURER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, ARISING FROM ANY CAUSE OR THEORY. Since some states or countries do not allow the exclusion or limitation of an implied warranty or of incidental or consequential damages, this limitation of liability may not apply to you.

Symbols

AMPROBE-LCR55A-Handheld-Component-FIG-2

Warnings and Precautions

Do not exceed the maximum overload limits per function (see specifications) nor the limits marked on the instrument itself.
Exercise extreme caution when: measuring voltage >20V .
Inspect DMM, test leads and accessories before every use. Do not use any damaged part.
Never ground yourself when taking measurements. Do not touch exposed circuit elements or probe tips.
Do not operate instrument in an explosive atmosphere.
Clean instrument with mild detergent only.

Overload Indication

Range overload is indicated by a “OL” in the display with all other digits blanked. Overload indication is normal in the OHMS range with open circuit or too high a resistance.

Preparation for Use – Unpacking

Your shipping carton should include the LCR55A, one test lead set (one black, one red), one pair of alligator clips, one 9V battery (installed), one spare
0.1A/250V fuse (inside the case), one holster, a warranty card and this manual. If any item is damaged or missing, return to the place of purchase for an exchange.

Measuring Procedures

General Procedures

When connecting or disconnecting test leads to/from a circuit, always ﬁrst turn off power to device or circuit being tested and discharge all capacitors.
If the magnitude of a signal to be measured is not known, set selector switch to highest range ﬁrst and reduce until satisfactory reading is obtained.
Strictly observe the max input limits.

Resistance Measurement (Fig. -1-)

Turn off power to the resistance to be measured and discharge any capacitors. Any voltage present during a resistance measurement will cause inaccurate readings.
Connect red test lead to +Rx Input and black test lead to -Rx Input.
Set Function/Range Switch to the desired Ω position.
Connect test leads to resistance or circuit to be measured.
Read resistance value on Digital Display. Open circuits will be displayed as an overload condition.

Note: On the 20Ω range, an adjustment potentiometer (ZERO ADJ.) allows you to zero out the test lead resistance. Short test leads and adjust the knob until the display reads zero.

Diode and Transister Test (Fig. -2-)

AMPROBE-LCR55A-Handheld-Component-FIG-6
The diode test measures the voltage drop across the diode junction.

Connect the red test lead to the +Rx Input and the black test lead to the –Rx Input.
Set the Function/range switch to or to M.W. position (to test diodes found in microwave ovens).
Apply probe tip of red lead to the anode and black lead to the cathode
of the diode. The meter’s display indicates the forward voltage drop (approximately 0.7V for silicon diode or 0.4V for germanium diode). Meter will display overload condition for an open diode.
Reverse test lead connections to the diode to perform a reverse bias test. Overload indicates a good diode.

Note: Overload condition for both reverse and forward bias tests indicate an open diode. A low voltage reading for both bias tests indicates a shorted diode. If the diode is shunted by a resistor of 1000 ohms or less, it must be removed from the circuit before taking the measurement. Bipolar transistor junctions may be tested in the same manner described above.

Note: The test procedure of microwave oven diodes is identical to regular diodes except forward voltage drop will be higher (3 or more volts) than standard silicon diodes. LEDs may also be tested with the LCR55A in the M.W. position.

Continuity Test
The Continuity test checks electrical continuity between two contact points.

Set the Function/Range switch to.
Plug the black test lead into the –Rx jack and connect the test lead tip to one of the contact points.
Plug the red test lead into the +Rx jack and connect its test lead point to the other contact point. (See Figure 1 for connections).
The internal beeper emits a tone when resistance is less than approx. 30Ω.

Capacitance Mesurements (Fig. -3-)

Discharge all voltage from the capacitor (via a 20kΩ resistor) before measuring its value.
Connect the red test lead to the HI(+) input and the black test lead to the Lo(–) input.
Set the function/range switch to the capacitance range that gives the best resolution.
Apply probe tips to the capacitor leads
Read the capacitance value on the display (you may have to wait a few seconds until the capacitor is fully charged). If “OL” appears in the highest range, the capacitor is too large to be measured.

Note: Small value capacitors can also be measured by inserting their leads directly into the Cx/Lx slots in the meter.

Note:The capacitance range is protected by a 0.1A/250V fast blow fuse. If fuse blows, replace with same (see Battery and Fuse Replacement).

Note: The LCR55A has a residual capacitance of approximately 6pF in the 200nF range. When using the 200nF range, note the residual capacitance and subtract this value from the measured value.

Inductance Measurement

Connect the red test lead to the HI(+) input and the black test lead to the Lo(–) input.
Set the function/range switch to the inductance range that gives the best resolution.
Apply probe tips to the inductor leads.
Read the inductance value on the display. If “OL” appears in the highest range, the inductor is too large to be measured.

Note: Small value inductors can also be measured by inserting their leads directly into the Cx/Lx slots in the meter.

Note: The inductance range is protected by a 0.1A/250V fast blow ceramic fuse. If fuse blows, replace with same (see Battery and Fuse Replacement).

Transistor Gain Measurement

The Transistor must be out of circuit.

Set the Function/Range switch to the PNP(hFE) or NPN(hFE) position, according to the type of transistor to be measured.
Plug the emitter, base and collector leads of the transistor into the correct holes of test socket.
Read the hFE beta, (DC current gain) in the display.

Note: To measure the collector-emitter current, set the function/range switch to the corresponding PNP(Icec μA) or NPN(Icec μA) position.

MAX Function
Push the MAX button to keep only the highest reading on the display. The display is updated each time a higher value is encountered. Push MAX again to release the display and to display current values.

Hold Function
Press the HOLD button to maintain a reading on the display. The reading is maintained even when the probe tips are removed from the meter. Pushing the HOLD button again releases the display.

Safety Test Leads
The test leads included with your meter have shrouded banana plugs to eliminate the possibility of shock if the plugs accidentally pull out of the meter while making a measurement. Always inspect the test leads for damage before making any measurements.

Specifications

General Specifications

Display: 3 1/2 digit LCD, 1999 counts, 0.7” (17.8mm) high numerals, unit annunciators and function symbols
Polarity Indication: Automatic, positive implied, negative indicated
Zero Adjustment: Automatic
Overrange Indication: “OL”
Low Battery Indication: is displayed when the battery voltage drops below accurate operating level. Change battery immediately.
Display Update Rate: 2.5 per second, nominal
Operating Temperature: 0°C to 50°C, 0 to 70% Relative Humidity
Storage Temperature: -20°C to 60°C, 0 to 80% RH with battery removed
Temperature coefficient: 0.1 x (spec. accur.) per °C (0-18°C, 28-50°C)
Power: Standard 9-volt transistor battery, NEDA 1604, JIS 006P, IEC 6F22
Auto Power Off: 60 minutes after no function or range change
Battery Life (Typical): 30 hours alkaline (changes with function and application)
Dimensions (H x W x D): 18.3 x 7.9 x 3.8 cm, (7.2 x 3.1 x 1.5 inches)
Weight (including battery): 311 grams (11 ounces)
Accessories: Test leads, 0.1A/250V spare fuse, battery, one pair of alligator clips and Operator’s Manual.

Agency Approvals: EMC
This product complies with requirements of the following European Community Directives: 89/336/EEC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) and 73/23/ EEC (Low Voltage) as amended by 93/68/EEC (CE Marking). However, electrical noise or intense electromagnetic fields in the vicinity of the equipment may disturb the measurement circuit. Measuring instruments will also respond to unwanted signals that may be present within the measurement circuit. Users should exercise care and take appropriate precautions to avoid misleading results when making measurements in the presence of electronic interference

Electrical Specifications

Accuracies at 23°C ± 5°C, <75% RH.

Resistance

Ranges: 20, 200Ω, 2, 20, 200kΩ, 2, 20MΩ
Resolution, 20Ω range: 10mΩ
Accuracy: 20Ω range: ±1.2% rdg (zero adjust)
200Ω range: ±0.5% rdg +3dgt 2k
to 2MΩ rgs: ±(0.5% rdg +1dgt)
20MΩ rg: ±(2.0% rdg +2dgt)
OL Protection, all ranges: 350VDC or AC RMS
Open Circuit Voltage; 20Ω range: 6.5VDC; 200Ω range: 3.0VDC;
other ranges: 1.2VDC

Continuity

Audible Indication, 2kΩ rg: at R ≤30Ω
Response time: 800ms approx
OL Protection: 350VDC or AC RMS

Diode Test

Test Current: 1mA (approx.)
Test Voltage: 3.0VDC typical
Accuracy: ±(1.5%rdg +1dgt)
Display: Forward Junction Voltage
OL Protection: 350VDC or AC RMS

Micro Wave Diode Test

Test Current: 1.3mA (approx.)
Test Voltage: 8.0VDC typical
Accuracy: ±(3.0%rdg +1dgt)
Display: Forward Junction Voltage
OL Protection: 350VDC or AC RMS

Capacitance

Ranges: 200pF, 2, 20, 200nF, 2, 20, 200, 2000μF
*Accuracy:200pF** to 200nF: ±(1.0% rdg +3dgt)
2μF to 200μF rgs: ±(2.0% rdg +3dgt)
2000μF range: ≤1000μF ±(3.0% rdg +3dgt) >1000μF ±(5.0% rdg +5dgt)

Note: Residual capacitance must be subtracted from the measurement to meet the defined specifications.

Test Frequency: 200p to 2μF: 1000Hz; 20, 200μF ranges: 100Hz;
2000μF range: 10Hz
Temperature Coefficient: ≤0.5μF: 0.1%/°C; >0.5μF: 0.2%/°C
OL Protection: 0.1A/250V fast blow fuse.

Inductance

Ranges: 200μH, 2, 20, 200mH, 2, 20, 200H
Accuracy: 200μH rg: ±(5.0%rdg +30dgt)*
2 to 200mH: ±(3.0% +20dgt)*
2 to 200H: ±(5.0% +20dgt)*
- For values of Q ≤7
Test Frequency: 200μH to 2H rgs: 1000Hz; 20 and 200H ranges: 100Hz cTemperature Coefficient, ≤0.5H: 0.2%/°C; >0.5H: 0.5%/°C
OL Protection: 0.1A/250V fast blow fuse

Transistor Test

hFE Range: 0-1000
hFE Base Current: 5μA approx.
have Voltage C-E: 3.0VDC approx.
Ice Range, Leakage Current: 10nA to 20μA

Optional Accessories

VC221B Vinyl Carrying Case (for meter and holster)
DL243D Standard Test Lead Set
DL248D Deluxe Test Lead Set
TL36A Replacement Test Leads with Alligator Clips

Troubleshooting/Maintenance

If there appears to be a malfunction during the operation of the meter, the following steps should be performed in order to isolate the cause of the problem: Check the battery. Review the operating instructions for possible mistakes in operating procedures. Inspect and test the Test Probes for a broken or intermittent connection. Inspect and test the fuse. See Fuse Replacement. Except for the replacement of the battery or fuse, repair of the multimeter should be performed only by a Factory Authorized Service Center or by other qualified instrument service personnel. The front panel and case can be cleaned with a mild solution of detergent and water. Apply sparingly with a soft cloth and allow to dry completely before using.

Battery/Fuse Replacement

Warning
To prevent electrical shock hazard, turn off the multimeter and any device or circuit under test and disconnect the test leads before removing the rear cover.

Remove the screws and lift off the rear case.
Fuse Replacement: Remove the blown fuse (5 x 20mm) from the fuse holder. Replace with a 0.1A/250V quick acting glass fuse (one spare fuse is located on the right side of the battery compartment). Amprobe replacement fuse part number is FP 125.
Battery replacement: Remove battery and replace with NEDA type 1604 or equivalent 9volt alkaline battery.
Reassemble the instrument.

Warning
Use of an incorrect fuse could result in serious injury or even death. Failure to turn off the multimeter before installing the battery could result in damage to instrument and battery.

Repair

All test tools returned for warranty or non-warranty repair or for calibration should be accompanied by the following: your name, company’s name, address, telephone number, and proof of purchase. Additionally, please include a brief description of the problem or the service requested and include the test leads with the meter. Non-warranty repair or replacement charges should be remitted in the form of a check, a money order, credit card with expiration date, or a purchase order made payable to Amprobe Test Tools.

In-Warranty Repairs and Replacement – All Countries
Please read the warranty statement and check your battery before requesting repair. During the warranty period any defective test tool can be returned to your Amprobe Test Tools distributor for an exchange for the same or like product. Please check the “Where to Buy” section on www.amprobe.com for a list of distributors near you. Additionally, in the United States and Canada In- Warranty repair and replacement units can also be sent to a Amprobe Test Tools Service Center (see below for address).

Non-Warranty Repairs and Replacement – US and Canada
Non-warranty repairs in the United States and Canada should be sent to a Amprobe Test Tools Service Center. Call Amprobe Test Tools or inquire at your point of purchase for current repair and replacement rates.

In USA In Canada
Amprobe Test Tools Amprobe Test Tools
1420 75th Street SW 400 Britannia Rd. E. Unit #1
Everett, WA 98203 Mississauga, ON L4Z 1X9
Tel: 888-993-5853 Tel: 905-890-7600

Fax: 425-446-6390 Fax: 905-890-6866

Non-Warranty Repairs and Replacement – Europe
European non-warranty units can be replaced by your Amprobe Test Tools distributor for a nominal charge. Please check the “Where to Buy” section on www.amprobe.com for a list of distributors near you.