LCR Meter ?

[paul_n_oneal]

I have an LCR meter I bought from MCM awhile back ago that use for measuring xover components. I think JohnK uses the same one. I seem to get erratic readings when measuring components. The leads are about 3 inches with alligator clips on the end. If I just clip the leads onto the component (say a resistor) the reading reads anywhere from 1.5 to 3 ohms high. If I then pull on the leads which applys pressure on the component lead the reading seems to stabilize and is pretty accurate. My question is, is this OK to do this? Are there better ways to go about this? Thanks, Paul.

[curt_c]

> I have an LCR meter I bought from MCM awhile
> back ago that use for measuring xover
> components. I think JohnK uses the same one.
> I seem to get erratic readings when
> measuring components. The leads are about 3
> inches with alligator clips on the end. If I
> just clip the leads onto the component (say
> a resistor) the reading reads anywhere from
> 1.5 to 3 ohms high. If I then pull on the
> leads which applys pressure on the component
> lead the reading seems to stabilize and is
> pretty accurate. My question is, is this OK
> to do this? Are there better ways to go
> about this? Thanks, Paul.

Sounds like the alligator leads are too wimpy for the job. I'd suggest replacing them with some higher quality ones with a stronger bite.

If you want to prove it, simply solder the resistor to the leads. If you get the same reading as when you pull on them, you are OK.

C