LFS - Anatek Bob Parker Blue ESR Meter Build/Calibration/Test

[@bbishoppcm]

Glad to see those meters are still being sold and built. I worked for John Bachman, the original creator of that kit, back between 2008 and 2013, prior to his untimely death. I worked for John as a side job building kits for resale and putting the actual kits together. John's wife sold the company to its current owners, and from the looks of it, they changed little. One thing they did change is we used to pack the resistors by value if I recall. Also, working through this video, I've noticed one other thing; the 7-segment display blocks were originally socketed, but the new owners started using rubber standoffs instead to likely save cost.

[@ZilogBob]

RIP John. I enjoyed collaborating with him and I was dismayed when he was taken from us, especially the way it happened.

[@ZilogBob]

I designed the Blue ESR meter (really). Thanks for doing the video. Just for your info, the main reason for eliminating the banana jacks was because the resistance between them and the plugs varies every time you move the leads, messing up the zero setting on low ESR readings. This was always a problem with the earlier Dick Smith version of the same meter. I didn't write the instructions and that graph on the label was someone else's idea too. I think the original chart of typical good capacitor ESR figures was much easier to use.

[@SDsailor7]

I am interested in this meter because it was recommended by EEVblog a youtuber here. But this one looks different than the one he shows in his videos, the one in his videos is dark gray and has the values as a chart not a graph like on this one and I am wondering if it be worth buying this one?

[@ZilogBob]

@@SDsailor7 Hi Rob. Dave is using one of the older Australian Dick Smith Electronics meters. Altronics in Australia makes an exact copy of it, at www.altronics.com.au/p/k2574-esr-meter-kit/ . The Blue ESR meter is the same design packaged into a different case and produced in the USA. They function exactly the same. Hope this helps.

[@noddyspuncture]

ZilogBob... is this ANATEK company the same as the one from Canada who made the pocket series MIDI devices in the 1990's...?

[@ZilogBob]

@@noddyspuncture Anatek was originally in New Hampshire. Sadly John Bachman who was running it was killed by a hit-run driver and the company got sold to Alltronics in California. I don't think they have ever had any Canadian or MIDI involvement.

[@noddyspuncture]

@@ZilogBob OK, many thanks for your reply. I guess it'll be a different company.

[@Munkfish-TV]

Great meters, I have one and works a real treat

[@ZilogBob]

Glad you like it. Believe it or not, I designed it.

[@ZilogBob]

@和諧 Alltronics in the USA are making the kits, and they are available direct from them or their distributors. Please go to the bottom of bobparker.net.au/esr_meter/esrmeter.htm and follow the links.