SZBJ 4070 CHEAP-O LCR METER Review & Teardown!

[@sibalogh]

I have just received my BM4070 years after somebody recommended it for its price. I'm glad you compared it against some more reputable brands and it appears to be an OK choice for a basic LCR meter. Further, you've saved me from opening it for curiosity, 2c what I got for £20.95 at Amazon.

[@HighlineGuitars]

I just bought one of these yesterday to test guitar pickups and I was a bit unsure. Your review makes me feel like I got an awesome deal. Thanks!!

[@KeepOnTesting]

It's a GREAT LCR TESTER at a terrific price 😀

[@pyromen321]

I picked one of these up about a year ago and have been very impressed. I didn’t expect much for the price, but was amazed at this thing’s bang:buck ratio. The only oddity I noticed was it’s diode check is way off after around about 500mV. The display will show like 1.3, but the actual voltage drop is around 1.85

[@KeepOnTesting]

Agreed..incredible value and accuracy in such a low cost lcr meter! I'll have to see if I have the same diode voltage drop..

[@pyromen321]

Darren Walker, judging by yours reading 1.3V while lighting a green LED, I’d bet it has the same issue. I’m wondering it has something with the input protection clamping somewhere, because the meter can survive discharging capacitors directly into its inputs with no issue whatsoever. By the way great video!

[@KeepOnTesting]

@@pyromen321 Thanks! Yes indeed, it does have the same snafu...interesting I didn't catch it earlier. Still, it's a nice piece of kit considering the cost. I still use it on a regular basis.😄👍💫💫💫

[@pyromen321]

Darren Walker, it’s ridiculously good for the price! Plus, the diode check is pretty accurate for typical diodes, so I don’t see it as a negative, more of a small caveat.

[@watchmakerful]

@@KeepOnTesting Check the current in the diode mode by connecting the test leads directly to a multimeter on the 2 mA range. Is it way higher than 1 mA?

[@IU3EVR]

you should compare the instruments at the same test frequency, with inductors ( 300 Hz or 1200 Hz in this case) The other two use 100 or 1000 or .. Otherwhise the measures are different specially for iron core inductors.For the capacitor, no problems.I agree this is great for the price

[@KeepOnTesting]

Noted..thx for the feedback.. Indeed its a great LCR TESTER for the money.

[@sibalogh]

Are you definite the others use different frequencies? Then they suppose to show different values.

[@bjmsamrlm]

11:37 suggests 1kHz, but according to a review of the Proster BM4070 on Amazon: I used an o/scope with the Proster tester on various components and got the following results; 10kohm resistor was being measured with 300mv DC across it. 10nF cap was being measured with a 300Hz triangular 200mV pk to pk voltage waveform. A 470uF inductor was being measured with 1.5us long voltage pulses having a repeation rate of 300 Hz and a magnitude of+- 200mV.

[@evandrocarvalho4692]

@@bjmsamrlm 470uF ? Iinductor or cap ?

[@bjmsamrlm]

@@evandrocarvalho4692 He previously listed values for a resistor and a capacitor so probably meant 470mH for the inductor. Searching the reviews for item B071WNNYQT with term "470uF" will reveal his original post, and with term "oscilloscope" will reveal a few more that might offer additional insight!

[@Pyridox]

Wow, looks like a really nice LCR meter. For the money, it did a pretty good job reading capacitance & inductance.

[@KeepOnTesting]

I was really surprised! For peanuts its actually a fairly stable and robust lcr meter..its very hard to fault. Biggest peeve would be the crocodile leads it ships with..just ho-hum. However, if you use the Terminal inputs you're fine.

[@csimet]

For a basic LCR meter that costs less than $100, it works fine and gets you in the ballpark for readings... all that I needed it for at ~$40 US (via Amazon, branded as a Proster meter). All in all, I'm happy with it. A few comments of my own... It is made decently... the main selector and zero adjust knobs have a nice feel, but the push buttons are a little cheap (plastic vs. rubber). I wish the red over-molding stuck up past the face of the meter to provide some protection and while the included case is okay, it lacks a pocket to keep the leads in and is a bit too tight a fit around the meter. It does have auto-power off, but the button surrounds should have raised edges to help keep them from accidental press while in the case. I like the large display, but it lacks the unit of measure or mode.

[@KeepOnTesting]

Great overall feedback 👍 It's alot of LCR meter for the very fair price. Indeed it's not perfect...but it does tend to do a fairly good job when it comes to measuring. I also wish we could change the frequency. Maybe a v2 is in the works to address some of these issues .

[@derektodd4126]

Yes, didn't think of that. I mean the dedicated input terminals. However for my job the high resistance is the deciding factor. The 601 has a zero adjust the 602 has not.

[@KeepOnTesting]

I'm going to have to start calling you SHERLOCK OHMS 🤣👍

[@lmachielse7077]

Hi Can you help me about the 200 uh scale together with the zero adj? It read no good the scale of the 200 uh, when i ll take a inductor from 58 uh it read 10 uh is it possible to get the zero adj with 200 uh? Is it possible to reset the bm4070? Best requards

[@californiakayaker]

I watched one vlogger showing that cheaper lcr meter for measuring various inductive properties of unknown toroids and I've asked that person what frequency the meter might be using for inductance measurements. At 11:38 you mention a frequency used, and that you can't change it with the 4070 . 1kc is very low and that will be an important factor, to be discussed. Will Be continued...

[@KeepOnTesting]

The 4070 is remarkably adept for a cheap lcr meter. It's true that you cannot change the test frequency that being said it's still a very functional instrument and well worth the price.

[@carnright]

Great review! I got one a few weeks ago and am very happy with it :-)

[@KeepOnTesting]

Roger that Michael! It's a great instrument all around. Happy New Year!

[@derektodd4126]

Good review Darren, not something I use alot but have the UT601 & UT602, from memory I think about £33-00 each. I know its abit of an overlap.

[@KeepOnTesting]

Cheers Derek, Those UNI-T LCR meters have a higher Resistance range but I prefer the Terminal inputs on the 4070...would be a good showdown though. I'm hoping to get

[@evandrocarvalho4692]

Parabéns. Gostei muito do vídeo. Pretendo comprar um deste.

[@edward_grabczewski]

Forgot to show how the Zero Adjust works

[@uncleruckus4060]

Thanks Darren I was looking to buy this

[@KeepOnTesting]

It's still a great LCR meter for the price.. 👍

[@uncleruckus4060]

@@KeepOnTesting thanks again I need a meter which measure Henry And saw it on ebay for 30 us And knew I'd fine a review on yt!

[@KeepOnTesting]

@@uncleruckus4060 Glad it helped...it's Lots of LCR for little money.. 👍 Keep On Testing

[@just_arandom_guy8209]

For its price looks very good! Nice review!

[@KeepOnTesting]

Its surprisingly good!..Cheers!

[@marciopimenta5296]

Hello Darren. First of all, congratulations on your reviews, I consider that they are really very helpful for someone who is looking for a meter. I bought this LCR meter. I had considered that its overall value, in terms of accuracy, specs, and price was quite good. And, definitely, the tear-down made by you helped me in deciding to buy. I already saw a lot of your reviews, in one of them you've used a kind of transparent grease to lubricate contacts of the rotary switch with the pcb. Can you tell us, please, which lubricant was that? Bye.

[@KeepOnTesting]

Hi Marcio...glad you're enjoying the channel👍 The Dielectric Grease I normally use is manufactured by Permatex 81150 , amzn.to/3qDH0LE

[@3rdpig]

Good review, thanks! Not sure I have a use for it at the moment, the capacitance ranges I need are handled by standard multi meters and I've yet to need to measure inductors. But if I do, I know which one to get. BTW, looks cold where you're at. It's 97 at the moment in Arizona where I'm at. If it drops another 10 degrees I'm going to have to get out the cold weather clothing! lol

[@KeepOnTesting]

Thx! Indeed, an excellent lcr meter that wont break the bank! So true...it is starting to cool down here..up here..hehe..past 2 mornings it was 32F/0C ...nice and crispy!! I was in Tampa Bay Fl a few years ago and we met this great couple from Clearwater Fl...he jokingly remarked " I never been North of South Carolina!!! " Hehehe...I was jealous..😀

[@watchmakerful]

1999 counts, double integration ADC... isn't it too familiar?

[@davebelville4976]

I have one of the exact same LCR meters and it is so inaccurate when measuring capacitance that it is useless. I tested it with ten different components and it was well over 20% off in every test. It is always way low. It measures the same using the short test leads and the socket. I have not bothered to test it with any other components. I give it one star and will probably scrap it.

[@KeepOnTesting]

Wow..sounds like you got a lemon, sorry to hear.. is it inaccurate on every range? Care to send it in for a dissecting.. I will ship a good unit in return..😀👍

[@davebelville4976]

@@KeepOnTesting Thank you for the offer Darren but I can buy something else for the cost of sending it back and forth. By the way, I forgot to tell you that you did a great review. Thanks again and keep up the good work.

[@KeepOnTesting]

@@davebelville4976 No problem..thanks 😊 Btw, I'll be doing a review very shortly on another CHEAP-O capacitance meter as well. Its not an LCR Meter though!

[@tolgadabbagh1877]

if it is always low all you have to do is to use those adjustment pots inside .

[@СергейСущук-х2я]

There are some questions for SZBJ VC6243A (Externally one in one SZBJ 4070). The resistance of the resistor shows very wrong. There is a resistor on 4 Ohm, SZBJ VC6243A shows 4,8 ohms. :(

[@lucasrocha4329]

Do you recommend SZBJ VC624EA ?

[@southernexposure123]

Thank you for the video. How important is it to have a frequency range when the use of xthe meter is to make LC matching networks for ham rafio antennas? I see that the frequency range of teh more expensive meters is in a much different range than for radio transmitter work. I'm just getting started at this so I appreciate your guidance.

[@KeepOnTesting]

Frequency range is always a good thing as some vendors have specific Hz requirements. Unfortunately,this is a basic lcr tester so only 1 range is included.

[@southernexposure123]

@@KeepOnTesting Thank you for the information. Maybe for my goals I'll need a more expensive meter. oh well.

[@KeepOnTesting]

@@southernexposure123 I just reviewed this unit..excellent performance and not uber expensive with a great display. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnbYmqiOmZp4qJY

[@parlenkow]

Good review my friend for the price is awesome. !!!

[@KeepOnTesting]

Thanks wladimir...I agree!

[@NNITRED]

No P/ESR? Something like the ESR02 Pro (or similar) seems to make sense especially since in-circuit the 4070 is mostly useless .

[@KeepOnTesting]

No ESR capabilities but remember this is a 15/20$ Meter... ESR02 costs 2x as much. Its still good value and worth the money. 😃

[@radius.indrawan]

can it measures small smd inductors (like 1-5 uH), Darren? i'm on the market on cheapo LCR meter but couldn't decide which one yet..

[@KeepOnTesting]

I haven't measured that low inductance but from what I've heard it's fairly accurate even at that range....👍

[@radius.indrawan]

@@KeepOnTesting i see.. i noticed most of the cheapo LCR meters have 2mH on the lowest range, and some owners said they can't measure below 10uH. While this 4070 has 200uH range, i wonder if it would read that low...

[@lucasrocha4329]

Daren, Do you recommend to buy one ? This could measure smd coil with accuracy ?

[@KeepOnTesting]

Hi Lucas, yes this is a very good tester. It should have no problem measuring those coils with accuracy. 👍

[@lucasrocha4329]

@@KeepOnTestingAre there differences between SZBJ and Proster ?

[@KeepOnTesting]

@@lucasrocha4329 I think they are identical 👍

[@lucasrocha4329]

@@KeepOnTesting I bought one because your video.

[@KeepOnTesting]

@@lucasrocha4329 EXCELLENT! It should be a great addition to your test gear ..let us know how it performs for you 😀 👍

[@CrisDFF30917]

The most complete review I have found, but just one inductor test? ... sad.

[@KeepOnTesting]

I might do a follow-up on this meter later in the year.Thx for watching!

[@radioamatorrus]

Hello, I bought this device, but it does not show correctly. I have other nominal resistors. please take a photo of the board, you can help me

[@KeepOnTesting]

Email me: [e-mail]

[@radioamatorrus]

@@KeepOnTesting Do you refuse to help me?

[@juniorlima1942]

Hi, could you test more coils and say what you think about accuracy?

[@KeepOnTesting]

I tested a few coils and it was almost spot on with the Extech. This cheap LCR meter continues to surprise me in a good way ! Keep On Testing !

[@norbertgattinger2950]

First time viewer 1) Awesome Review!!! Thank You 2) Is it possible to measure 12pf caps (aka crystal caps) 3) Are the calibration caps on the board glued to keep them from drifting via vibration 4) I am assuming this meter is the same as the Proster BM4070

[@KeepOnTesting]

1) You are very Welcome! 2) Yes..that shouldn't be a problem. 3)They are not glued down but honestly I don't see any issue as they are soldered on the pcb very well. 4) Yes..its the identical LCR meter.

[@norbertgattinger2950]

@@KeepOnTesting Thanks for the quick reply on item 3 sorry for not explaining myself clearly. I meant are the trim pot dials glued

[@clems6989]

I have this LCR meter on my bench. No Complaints for what it is...

[@geoffbarber2860]

I recently purchased the BM4070 to test Guitar pickups. have you tested inductors from say 1- 5 Henry's to check the accuracy ?

[@KeepOnTesting]

I have a 2.5H AF INDUCTOR FERRITE CORE enroute , should arrive in a few weeks. I will post my test results here.

[@bitodin]

How did you go using it with guitare pickups?

[@irishguy200007]

The brand is AKA?

[@KeepOnTesting]

This is labeled with many different names so as long as the test instrument is the same you should be fine.

[@kpcgkhn]

I wonder if it measures low inductances, such as 1uH?

[@KeepOnTesting]

Yes it does..its a great LCR tester

[@kpcgkhn]

@@KeepOnTesting my ut603 measures 10uH which i calculated 1.066uH

[@parlenkow]

I buy one of this !!!

[@KeepOnTesting]

Did you already buy Wlad? Or did you order.. It's a great unit. 👍 Lots of functionality and performance in a very cost effective package. The tiltable display is also a bonus ...I just wish it has a tilt stand!

[@parlenkow]

I order one at Amazon this morning

[@KeepOnTesting]

@@parlenkow Let us know how you like it !

[@KeBanger18]

Mines smoked when I tried to measure the capacitance of a home made capacitor

[@KeepOnTesting]

Yikes...did you discharge the cap first before measuring?

[@KeBanger18]

@@KeepOnTesting A big nope

[@KeepOnTesting]

@@KeBanger18 Ugh..that's probably what killed the lcr meter.