ESR Meters (was Re: Smoke on the Horizon...)

YES. I own two. Replacement parts especially that microcontroller is available from few shops that sells these Bob Parker's ESR meters. Install the protector kit, again available. I blew that micro on an charged cap and so simply got two, one to replace, one as spare, Was very inexpensively. One at my work used daily (fixing TVs & projectors) and other one at home. Bought first one almost 5 years ago, second one last year. Worth it and I MEAN IT. Useful for low resistance measurements: 0.01 to 99 ohms & as well as ESR checks for electrolytics. Be noted that ESR chart is appoximate since it was taken from old datasheets years prior. Works very well in circuit, if not certain, unsolder one leg, test again. That's simple. Bob Parker also designed and several places sells kit or built form of an flyback transformer ringer test. Oh, ESR varies with temp too. That also explains why some customers said their stuff was acting up till it warmed up enough pointing to barely good caps warming up that brings down ESR enough to function. At worst case ESR or above that max = bad, below this or lowest ESR is GOOD. And not all caps are same, some are good at specific uses even they're all electrolyics. Cheers, Wizard