FNIRSI LCR-ST1 LCR Tweezers Review - Compared with the Zotek ZT-MD1

[@MarcelHuguenin]

I bought the ZT-MD1 recently after your review. Had I seen this comparison I might have chosen the FNIRSI but I think both are fine. Thanks for the review.

[@guateque1718]

Why?, I struggle to decide. They seem to be strong in one thing and weak in another. I would probably get both.

[@mikejones-vd3fg]

Same here, i got it mainly for the better resistance resolution then my multimeter but unfortunately i found the measurement of a 10k pot in circuit (not live)to be inaccurate. it was like 500ohm from one end to to the other when it should have been 10k, only from one leg to middle pin was corret. My multimeter had no problem measuring the 9.8k. Not sure if this is a consequence of a tweezer meter. I was able reproduced this incorrect measurent on another module with a 10k pot. This time i thought I saw my multimeter read the same error for a split second then went on to measure the correct reading. Its a boost converter module, sx1308 i think. Anyway when i took the pot out it measuerd 9.8k correctly. Just not in circuit. Is this supposed to be like that? Pretty handy none the less, i would lke .001 resolution, im not concerned with voltage but that would be handy. I wished regular multimters had better resistance resolution. Being able to measure my inductors is nice.

[@MarcelHuguenin]

@@mikejones-vd3fg Don’t forget these devices are relatively cheap. I think their main application lies in doing quick measurements. If more accuracy is needed you should use your multimeter.

[@taki_maciek4799]

I have a ZOYI MD1. For ~20$ it is just an overkill. The diode test usually doesn't work due to the low amplitude of the voltage, but it is a negligible drawback. The L/C measurements are very consistent with my DIY LC meter (it bases on a measurement of a frequency of resonant circuit; although it is precise, the measurement frequency is different). My only doubts regard the measurements of ESR of capacitors and Q factor of inductors, because I do not have the capabilities to measure it. Good to see such measurements in your film. Best regards!

[@pault6533]

It would be interesting to hear what you think about the ergonomics of the different tips and how well the arms stay aligned when squeezed. The ZT-MD1 is smooth and the extra set they give you is straight like those installed on the unit. The LCR-ST1 gives you a curved and straight set, both serrated I believe. Does the serration help to prevent launched components? I think the data logging on the FNIRSI is better - they provide the series resistance in the data, while the ZOYI does not. Also, it appears that only the ZOYI allows user calibration.

[@KerryWongBlog]

"Also, it appears that only the ZOYI allows user calibration". I forgot to mention it, thanks for pointing it out. I have been using both for a while, they are more or less comparable. I don't have a preference on the tips. Neither prevents accidentally launching components as the tips have some play and can become misaligned. Some people might find the ZOYI tips a bit too stubby for smaller SMD components.

[@xilocex]

I went with the ZT-MD1 mainly because of the dial control on the top of the FNIRSI… not a fan of such controls being on a tool I use frequently where flux on my gloves might get into it. It would be nice if I could turn down the beep on the ZT-MD1 tweezers though. Great review by the way I for one appreciated it.👍

[@mendejakimoski6950]

Do You plan to review UT117C,and what is a good chart for alowed ESR at 1kHz ????

[@ThylUlenspiegel101]

Fnirsi has some advantages over Zotek but unfortunately it has a few major flaws. First, tips are hold in place by a single screw. Because of that the contact is not reliable - try shorten the legs and the reading will jump like crazy. It gets worse over time. Next, the control dial is PITA to use. ZT-MD1 has a much more convenient control buttons, especially if you work in gloves or have big hands. The last but not least, the tweezers arms can be easily misaligned when squeezed, launching the measured SMD component to the outer space. MD1 is also a bit more accurate in general.

[@gordonwedman3179]

I bought the FNIRSi out of curiosity as it was on sale. I have V1.5 software as well and do not have that zero set problem. Display will not stay at zero though. Bounces around up to 2 milliohms. Seems to be fairly accurate but I don't like the diode check which gives you the same voltage drop if you reverse the leads. You didn't demonstrate this. Apparently there is a newer software version that will give the expected OL when reverse biased. Is there a way to update the software? I do like the continuity check using diode mode as this can be used to easily check blade fuses in cars. Maybe I will keep it in the car garage instead of the electronics hobby shop.

[@KerryWongBlog]

The diode measurement mode actually tells you the polarity of the diode. It works the same way as the ZOYI.

[@zorrorides1]

As literally all mfgs publish cap ratings at 100~120 Hz when I compared these two tweezers in capacitance and ESR at 100Hz against highly accurate bench metering the Zertec was consistently more accurate than the Fnirsi. Fnirsi had a few other advantages over the Zoya but the ESR accuracy took president for me. I gave the Fnirsi away and am very happy with the Zertec. Thanks for the video though. Its great to hear other opinions. OH! I did update the firmware on the Zirtec first but none was available for the Fnirsi.

[@allinoneelectronic686]

How mach

[@steveradford5460]

You stated capacitance range to 22 milli Farad. It's a small 'm' so that means micro-Farad or 22 x 10-6. I wish it had a range of 22MF, i.e. 22,000mF !

[@dariuszgoebiowski9216]

Nope. Small m is mili big M is mega. u is micro

[@stevenwilliams6258]

Nice bug catch! Lack of testing and/or bean counters pushing release. Too bad.

[@RickDkkrd]

There's a well known rule of thumb - you see fnisri on the label, you throw it in the garbage. Literally 0 devices of their make stand to the declared specs.

[@lezbriddon]

wished they did not put magnets in tools they just pick up screws and washers, then you spend 15minutes trying to find them.... give us a magnet for the bench and a metal plate in the tool