For the price and size, the BSIDE ESR02 Pro is simply amazing. I am thrilled to have discovered it, and disappointed I didn't discover it sooner. A little box that will identify and measure broad ranges of both component types and values? Really? And at such a low price? Really? If I weren't using it, I wouldn't believe it.
After receiving the ESR02 Pro I of course did the obligatory testing of various components from my junk drawers. In every case (OK, I didn't try really _bizarre_ components, just basic ones), the ESR02 Pro both correctly identified and reasonably (or sometimes downright _accurately_) measured whatever I connected to it. Phase one complete. My hand-built RLC bridge is going to be lonely, and I no longer have to look up a data sheet before (now optionally) using my transistor tester.
Next, I went after the project for which I'd been seeking a tool: an ailing old radio. I misused the ESR02 Pro to attempt in-circuit measurements of electrolytic capacitors, having previously proven at least one was bad and so having suspicion of the rest. Sure enough, a number of the capacitors measured as low capacitance, high ESR, or both. Fortunate circuit characteristics smiled upon my misuse: of the indicted components, all but one indeed proved bad after removal. The other one was sufficiently awkwardly placed that I was unable to properly remove it, and so couldn't test it postremoval (it helps if the leads are still there...). Now I have only to worry about "passed" capacitors that might in fact be bad if masked by unfortunate circuit characteristics, and about other problems such as strain-fractured solid-conductor ribbon cable. The ESR02 Pro helped me quickly "cover a lot of ground" toward hoped-for repair.
Note I'd ordered my unit with the tweezers. These proved serviceable, though the flat, flexible tips were less than ideal for my circuit-probing usage. A little practice soon let me do an adequate job with them, though.
Hint 1: If the tester turns off "too soon", either promptly enter the menu system or make sure something's connected to it. If it doesn't find something to measure, it turns off quickly after reporting it found nothing instead of waiting for you to study or transcribe absent data.
Hint 2: Remember C+ESR mode (accessed via the menu system). It seems to work only down to multiple microfarads, but if you want to check a bunch of not-too-small capacitors this mode is your ticket to efficiency.
So, after favorable experience with the unit, what might be unfavorable? Small and trivial issues are all I've found. I offer the following observations only in hope they might make a good tool even better.
The battery compartment is "just right" for the alkaline and lithium batteries I have, but a Batteries Plus NURE9V-1LS (NiMH low self discharge rechargeable) just _barely_ goes in. In fact, a small prying tool is required to remove it. A slight enlargement of the battery compartment would be nice for such batteries, though it might increase "rattle" for more ordinarily-sized batteries.
I found the built-in contacts for leaded components a bit difficult to use: I was about as likely to bend a component lead as to get it inserted. Perhaps shaping and|or plating could ease connection.
The identical-function buttons are differently labeled. Moving the "20s Auto Off" notation between the buttons instead of leaving it below only one of them would clarify the buttons' identical usage.
The ESR chart (thanks!) on the back has black print on a deep blue background. Replacing the deep blue with a light color to increase contrast ratio would aid readability.
The user interface contains items the documentation describes as "Reserved" (Frequency, Rotary Encoder). If those selections do something I'd like documentation, and if they don't yet do something, I'd have preferred they not appear in the user interface.
More Documentation, Please: I'd like information about the many data the self test displays, and about data it may someday display if it finds something wrong.
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