I'm pretty excited...

Handheld:
 

 
Should be here in a few days. :-)

Hi Jeff,
 Apparently there is a new generation of Integrated Circuit chip that has created the opportunity to make these sorts of measurements in a small hand held meter with more accuracy and ease than ever before.
 
 This unit is set up to use the 4 wire, Kelvin, measuring technique and so the meter can sense with great accuracy while the IC can make the most of all its horse power.
 
 People that have been using these meters a bit say that they are enjoying learning first hand how the various parameters of a capacitor effect their circuits. That was an experience that was formally limited to the relatively few people who had access to very expensive bench top or rack testing apparatus.
 
 Good times!

I think they came out about 3 years ago and it took a while for people to catch on. I was like most people in assuming that the more expensive units had to be better.
 
There was a wild wave of enthusiasm about 1-1/2 years ago when people learned they could buy the OEM version off ebay for less than 1/2 the price of the famous maker package that comes from the same factory and has the same model number and guts. It seems like a lot of people who own or have access to more expensive choices have confirmed that this unit is surprisingly accurate, fast, and proven to have repeatable results. The IC seems to have all the important functionality dialed in and that makes it incredibly cheap compared to older designs.
 
I'm late to the party, but last week I wanted to make a measurement that my Fluke 179 wasn't capable of doing so I finally had an excuse to place an order.

:-)

I got it on ebay from Japan with all the accessories for $185 shipped. If you get what seems to be the same exact thing from the USA company its base cost is #335 and about $425 with same accessory package. The USA company also offers certification services, if you need that sort of thing, while the off shore sources that sell on ebay aren't equipped to offer that sort of documentation.

The two leads seem essential. TL-21 alligator clips and TL-22 tweezers. Both are set up for the 4 wire measuring.
 
I wanted the infared to USB accessory to learn about the logging software for batch sorting. That's the most expensive accessory. I went ahead and got the power supply adapter too... it's $10.00 when you bundle it in. There is a shield wire that is bundled in also... you can make that your self anytime you think you need it.
 
If you want to learn details I suggest searching the http://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/ for threads about the DER DE-5000.
 
The USA package is the IET DE-5000.
 
I don't know how customs works for small purchases like this. I occasionally get small electronic parts direct from China and they just show up at the door. I got some direct from China microphone clips through Amazon just last week. I figure if this purchase warrants a customs fee I'll gladly pay it.

mike_mccue
Handheld:
 

 
Should be here in a few days. :-)

Cheap Date.
 
Just sayin'