Intermittent Problems In METROQ MTQ4070 LCR Meter Solved
This LCR meter was bought by me a few years back and seldom used. When I took it for use recently, it was working intermittently. The on/off switch was not making proper contact. Even when the display comes, some of the ranges were not working. Sometimes the probes showed open, when shorted in ohms range.
So, I had no other go except to open it and check what went wrong.
I started retouching a few dry solders.
That is when I noticed that the potentiometer lugs and probe sockets were not soldered on the PCB! Definitely omissions at the time of manufacture or poor designs.
I soldered these points and also retouched a few other points such as pots. Many of the through hole components were not properly soldered! Cleaned the boards as well as the contact tracks thoroughly and lubricated the contacts and connectors including the probe sockets.
Then when assembled the PCBs back and tried, the meter was working very well. I could take a sigh of relief as our tools are the first and foremost in the list and should be in perfect working condition. Anyhow, mission accomplished and satisfaction did not find any reason for not jumping into its collection bag!
This article was prepared for you by Parasuraman Subramanian from India. He is 72 years old and has more than 30 years’ experience in handling antique equipment like Valve Radio, Amps, Reel Tape Recorders and currently studying latest tech-classes conducted by Kerala State Electronics Technicians’ Association. He has done graduation in BBA degree, private diploma in Radio Engineering and retired as MD of a USA company. Presently working as Consultant to Hospital and other institutions.
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Albert van Bemmelen
August 27, 2021 at 1:42 pm
Glad that you were able to fix your valuable LCR meter! Recently I added another also valuable digital tester to my electronic tools. The Retro Chip Tester after buying boards and programmed and installed ATmega 2560 processor on it from: https://8bit-museum.de/sonstiges/hardware-projekte/hardware-projekte-chip-tester-firmware/ .
With this tester (all necessary parts still need to be bought from suppliers to build this great tester), and the free gerber files to add additional test tool boards to it, we can test components and memory modules that no other testers are able to test! Hence the name "Retro component tester". And designer Stephan is always improving and adding new devices and expansion tools to the already long list of devices and tools it supports.
Parasuraman S
August 27, 2021 at 10:23 pm
Great! That is news to me! Many thanks for sharing and introducing this new tool!
Yogesh Panchal
August 27, 2021 at 3:37 pm
Good Job! sir,
nice meter with big display.
Parasuraman S
August 27, 2021 at 10:24 pm
Many thanks for your comments, Yogesh!
Waleed Rishmawi
August 27, 2021 at 3:47 pm
I am glad it was an easy fix and LCR testers are valuable to have in any shop. thanks for sharing and have a blessed day
Parasuraman S
August 27, 2021 at 10:24 pm
Many thanks for your comments, dear friend!
Anwar Y Shiekh
August 27, 2021 at 9:32 pm
I find silcone oil is amazing on contacts; but to be avoided on high current switches that spark and this produces glass.
Parasuraman S
August 27, 2021 at 10:25 pm
Many thanks for your comments and tips!
Kris
August 29, 2021 at 8:58 am
Sir , would you reccomend this LCR Meter for testing capacitors of motors fridge fan etc , precision is not required but to know only if its a failing capacitor or not
from Kerala , India . found this article when searching for LCR Meter MTQ 4070
Parasuraman S
August 29, 2021 at 3:42 pm
Yes, it can be used to measure capacitance up to the range covered in it. But look for the latest in technology whenever you buy and never go for a brand or model bought a few years back. Because technology is advancing every day and when we invest on something long term, go for the latest! That's my humble advice!
jai
September 8, 2021 at 9:22 am
Nice job Parasuraman.
Parasuraman S
September 9, 2021 at 9:03 pm
Many thanks for your comments!