Smart Tweezers LCR-Reader Revision 2: Digital Multimeter LCR-Meter

I was recommended the Smart Tweezers line of LCR-meters from a colleague that suggested the devices for PCB repair. Though similar, Smart Tweezers and LCR-Reader were different enough that I decided to purchase both devices and decide which one better suited my needs. Here are my findings:Both devices look the same at first glance. They are both lightweight and compact with a bright display and gold-plated tweezers. The only real difference between the two was that Smart Tweezers has a taller button that navigates like a joystick, whereas LCR-Reader is a simple button. When the button on LCR-Reader is pushed, the device changes test modes from AM (Automatic), L, C, R, ESR; Smart Tweezers button moves directionally, push up for test frequency, down for diode testing, left and right change the test mode. Pushing directly down enters the menu where you can set more specific test parameters.Similarities:Both devices automatically determine the type of component and a test frequency most suited for that component. You can manually pick the test mode that you want to use; for Smart Tweezers, you can also set the test frequency and signal level. Both devices also offer secondary parameters, e.g. ESR. Smart Tweezers and LCR-Reader also both use a micro-USB connection to charge the battery. Both came with less than half a charge, and only took about 2 hours to fully charge from this state. Both devices have the same display that is bright and easy to read.I ran some simple tests for each device, testing different components that were loose and mounted, as well as trying some that were laying on my desk that I wasn’t quite sure what they were anymore. Both devices were quick to evaluate the components. I noticed that the Smart Tweezers device had a better accuracy (information provided said about 0.2% for typical components), while LCR-Reader is about 1%.The Smart Tweezers device also offers more features, it was able to detect and test diode polarity; it also does component sorting which was handy for those unidentifiable components I had laying around. Smart Tweezers was also able to test designated Rdc and electrolytic capacitor modes, and the quality and dissipation factors. One of the favourable features I found was the ability to change the test signal level between 1 and 0.5 Vrms; the high signal level made testing ceramic capacitors more accurate. I used this feature while testing components on a PCB; the lower signal level was a plus for on-board testing because it does not open p-n junctions.The LCR-Reader handled the tests fine, but lacked in features. The design is much simpler and performed well within its ranges. It tested with a 1% accuracy which was sufficient to do the job and was less complicated without the extensive menus. For resistance typical accuracy was better than 0.4%. The LCR-Reader did outperform the Smart Tweezers device when measuring electrolytic capacitors; it was able to measure up to 5mF in the automatic mode.Both devices worked well for the tasks I had them perform, so my choice came down to pricing. The LCR-Reader was around $180 which made it a great price for the tasks it could perform. Whereas the Smart Tweezers device was around $370; though quite a bit more expensive, it was easy to see why, the Smart Tweezers offered more features than the LCR-Reader and a higher accuracy, so the decision must be taken your needs, which one to buy.

Great for measuring surface mount components.

Beyond Cool, these tweezers are fantastic. These work as described, automatically shut of when left on the bench, and are accurate.Excellent value for the price. I got two and both were flawless.

Good value.

I am working every day on laptops and sometimes even smaller devices like Cell Phone repairs.This LCR Reader makes working on that devices with all this very small SMD components extemely easy and saves me a lot of time . Since having that LCR Reader i can repair this devices a lot faster and easier than using a regular multimeter. Especially that you need only one hand for measuring any conponent and having the other hand free for other work.I highly recommend this device for anybody who repairs very small components.I dont want to miss this device anymore as i use it every day and so it helps me to make every repair much more efficient.The money of this device i got a lot times back now with saving me a lot of time.Ramon SolanoIT TechnicianCompuCentro, SosuaDominican Republic

I got my LCR-Reader about a year ago. I use it in my computer and cell phone repair shop a few times a week. It is very helpful in finding faulty parts on the printed circuit board. It is especially handy when I need to repair a board with small components of 0201 size. It is easy to use and it provides highly accurate measurements.

It's a little pricey for what it does. The led display is very nice and it is built very well, however, It is not intuitive to use right away. Frankly, I ended up using my regular multimeter because I was pressed for time and used what I knew. If I had a "do over" I would have bought one of the similar units for $30~50. If the tweezer form factor showed to be an advantage, I would then enthusiastically upgrade to this one for its display and compact design.

I purchased this for rapidly reading the effective series resistance of electrolytic capacitors in aging electronic equipment. This allows me to repair and maintain test equipment that I've purchased on the used market. It does that.One glaring problem is that there is no way for left-handed people invert the display. The hardware is probably capable of this, but nobody thought to write it into the software. So, if I hold this in the way I naturally would, I have to read the display upside down. Or I can use it right-handed, but I would naturally be better at handling those microscopic surface-mount devices on the left. This is a pretty significant flaw in a device this expensive.Older folks with vision problems should purchase a regular-sized meter with tweezer probes. This will be too small for you to read, especially the secondary display.This device can not discharge capacitors on its own and is not rated to be protected from the application of external voltage at all. You can't just pull out a board and test something, you must discharge any circuit you test before applying this device, or let it stand long enough that it self-discharges. For some capacitors this could be a long time.No manual! This is the most expensive device I've purchased that comes with none. Com'on and get it written and up on your website, folks.No cables or charger, either. OK, it's a Micro USB charger, easy enough to find.Physically, this device is tiny! It is the size and shape of an electronic fever thermometer. It very easily fits a pocket and comes with a plastic sheath used to carry it. It is shipped in a box that's no more than 3/4 inch on a side. Don't leave it on your desk, it is sure to walk off.The device reads capacitance and ESR simultaneously. It could give a go/no-go indication for capacitors with ESR too high, it has all of the information necessary to do so. But nobody's programmed in that feature. You will have to have a table or memorize the limits for different ranges of capacitor.

A LCR meter is a must in every electronics lab! It comes with a NIST certificate and a pair of extra tips. Note that it uses extra sense leads, so its a 4 wire connection to the device under test. The one button operation is okay, a little finicky to find the right timing to hold the button down to go to the next menu item. If held too long its a different functionality (all auto mode). Otherwise a great help in the lab!

Great product, I really like it. I had some minor incident with it, just display connector was little bit loose, and I during the re-assembling procedure after I fixed it I damaged one plastic part. I contacted manufacturer and they send me free of charge that part, so I am very thankful for that. This little thing still works great since then.

Fürs arbeiten mit SMD-Teilen unheimlich praktisch, auch um schnell Teile, die auf den Tisch rumliegen, wieder im Wert zuzuordnen. Das ist gerade bei den immer unbeschrifteten SMD-Kondensatoren und Spulen sehr praktisch und erspart das Wegwerfen dieser Teile.