I will do that. One of the things that we changed this time is that
chart. The original Dick Smith unit had a chart of numbers that Bob
had found somewhere. That chart was a source of confusion for those
"less experienced" users.
This time I have made a graph with maximum good values for some
capacitance values over a wide voltage rating range. I eagerly look
forward to feedback as to whether this is better, worse or whatever.
I would be interested to see that. I have used a Bob Parker (Dick Smith)
since they were first available, and I have never had any trouble relating
the chart of 'typical' values to the reality of the actual measurements. I
personally feel that the chart is a simple and reliable way of showing what
to expect, and I also think that right on the front of the instrument, was
the right place for it.
I'm not sure that by changing the chart to a graph, you are not going to be
attacking the symptoms, rather than the cause of "less experienced users' "
confusion. The measurement of ESR is not a precise thing, like measuring
frequency or voltage or resistance or whatever. With the best will in the
world, capacitor 'goodness' evaluation by reference to a measured ESR value,
requires a degree of interpretation, and that is only possible with
experience, so "less experienced user" and capacitor evaluation by ESR
measurement, are to some extent mutually exclusive concepts.
I would actually question the need for a casual amateur to own an ESR meter,
and also their ability to develop the 'feel' that is necessary to make
sensible use of one, given that they are unlikely to be using it on a daily
basis for finding a lot of examples of bad caps. As a professional servicing
instrument, I would heartily recommend one to anybody, and the original Bob
Parker would be the one of choice for value for money, and lack of ambiguity
of the display. If the 'new' version is anything like its predecessor, then
I'm sure that it will be a fine instrument, but one for casual amateurs ?
I'm not too sure ... Perhaps a good write-up on interpreting the results
obtained, may have equal or greater value than redesigning the chart that
has served so well, in my opinion, to date ??
Arfa