Computer Hardware Help Article:

ESR Meter - The Capabilities To Check Beyond Electrolytic Capacitor

However it is limited to checking capacitor in the higher value only such as .1uf(104), .22uf(224), 1uf(105) and etc. Lower capacitance value don't get any reading from the esr meter due to it can only read until 99 ohms. Perhaps other esr meter such as the B & K esr meter have the range to check it.

You will even be surprised to see that the dick smith esr meter can check the non-polarity capacitor in-circuit (without removing the cap).

True case example-Monitor came in with display jumping horizontally. You can see a bunch of horizontal black lines across the top display (picture). From experienced it will tell you that vertical section have problem. I begin to troubleshoot the vertical section.Supply voltage checked ok, vertical driver and oscillator IC replaced, all components connected or nearby vertical driver and oscillator ic have been checked ok. By the way I used digital capacitance meter to check the non-polarity cap and esr meter to check the electrolytic cap. The problem is still there and can't be solve!

When i use Dick Smith ESR Meter to compare the esr value of a non-polarity capacitor located near the vertical driver ic, i noticed that there is a big different in the esr value. The good esr value for a .22uf non-polarity cap is between 6.5 to 7 ohm but the spoilt one have a value of 14 ohm! Almost double the value, that's why the display jump. The good thing is i discovered the culpritwhile the capacitor still in the circuit which mean this esr meter can check non-polarity cap in-circuit. However my recommendation for you is to solder out one leg and check unless you already have the experienced in checking components on board. Replacing the cap solved the display problem.

Conclusion-In order to accurately test a non-polarity capacitor, besides checking the capacitance value and using analog meter to check the charge and discharge to see if it has developany short circuit when under load, you are also required to check the esr value as well.

Jestine Yong is a electronic repairer and a writer. For more information about electronic repair please visit his website atwww.noahtec.com/electronic-repair-articles.htm

Difference Between 1st Generation iPod Touch and New 4th Generation iPod Nano

At first glance, it would appear the market is being saturated by a constant influx of new Apple generation products. The continuing legacy of the iPod and, more recently, the iPhone has seemingly contributed to - if not provoked - a society that is entirely dependant on its music. With the release of the original, 1st Generation iPod Touch, and its later partner, the 4th Generation iPod Nano, the world has witnessed a multitouch revolution.

Wireless Internet Cards For Laptops

Long before, laptops are big, bulky and heavy. As part of the modernization, people buy these computers to conveniently take their files and work everywhere they want to go. As time passed, these devices became more thin, light and contains more features resulting to more uses. Feel free to discover more about laptops.

Laptop Video Driver - Finding the Right One

How video hardware works on your laptop. A guide for the convenience and enjoyable usage of your laptop with the help of your hardware.

Eco-Friendly Printers

What are eco-friendly printers? What makes them different? Is there any downside to using them?

CD Printers - 5 Tips to Use When Buying a CD Printer - Part 1

There are many factors to consider when making a decision on which CD printer to purchase for your business. This article will touch on a few of the basics like choosing the right printer manufacturer, cost of the CD printer, inkjet or thermal, productivity, speed, and durability. The goal of this article is to give you a basis for making the best decision when purchasing a CD printer so you get it right the first time.