Metrix+ DCM 1501 Digital Capacitance Meter up to 20mF

A. Product Overview

The Metrix Plus DCM 1501 is a dedicated digital capacitance meter designed to measure the capacitance value of capacitors and electronic components.

Its wide measurement capability makes it suitable for testing very small capacitors in the picofarad range as well as larger capacitors reaching up to 20 mF.

Main Features

• Capacitance measuring range from 0.1 pF to 20 mF
• 1999 count large LCD display
• Manual range selection
• Zero adjustment knob
• Automatic polarity selection
• Data hold function
• Low battery indication
• Automatic power off
• Sampling rate of approximately 2 to 3 readings per second
• Portable battery operated design
• Powered by one 9V 6F22 battery

Capacitance Ranges

The DCM 1501 provides the following measurement ranges:

• 200 pF
• 2000 pF
• 20 nF
• 200 nF
• 2 µF
• 20 µF
• 200 µF
• 2000 µF
• 20 mF

This wide range makes the meter useful for testing many types of capacitors used in electronic circuits, control equipment and electrical devices.

B. Working Principle

The Metrix Plus DCM 1501 measures capacitance by applying a controlled electrical test signal to the capacitor.

A capacitor stores electrical charge. Its ability to store charge is expressed as capacitance and is normally measured in:

• Picofarads or pF
• Nanofarads or nF
• Microfarads or µF
• Millifarads or mF

When a capacitor is connected to the DCM 1501, the meter applies an appropriate test signal according to the selected measuring range.

The instrument evaluates the electrical response of the capacitor and calculates its capacitance value. The measured value is then displayed on the LCD.

Different test frequencies are used depending on the selected capacitance range.

The DCM 1501 uses test frequencies including:

• 800 Hz
• 80 Hz
• 8 Hz

Lower capacitance ranges are generally tested at higher frequencies, while higher capacitance ranges use lower test frequencies.

C. Why Is the Metrix Plus DCM 1501 Used?

1. Capacitor Value Measurement

The primary purpose of the DCM 1501 is to determine the capacitance value of a capacitor.

2. Checking Unknown Capacitors

Technicians can measure an unmarked or difficult to identify capacitor and determine its approximate capacitance.

3. Electronics Repair

Electronic repair technicians can check capacitors during troubleshooting of electronic equipment and circuit boards.

4. Component Verification

Capacitors can be checked before installation to confirm that their measured capacitance corresponds to the required component value.

5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

A capacitance meter can help identify capacitors whose measured capacitance has changed significantly from their expected value.

6. Laboratory Testing

The wide measuring range makes the DCM 1501 useful for educational, development and electronics laboratory applications.

7. Quality Control

Manufacturers and component inspection teams can use capacitance meters for basic incoming component inspection and verification.

8. Electronic Circuit Development

Engineers working on electronic circuits can use the instrument to verify capacitor values during development and testing.

9. Testing Small and Large Capacitors

With measurement capability from 0.1 pF to 20 mF, the DCM 1501 can cover a broad variety of capacitor values.

D. Suitable Buyers

The Metrix Plus DCM 1501 Digital Capacitance Meter is suitable for:

• Electronics technicians
• Electronics engineers
• Electrical engineers
• Electronic repair workshops
• PCB repair technicians
• Industrial maintenance teams
• Research laboratories
• Electronics laboratories
• Quality control departments
• Component testing laboratories
• Electronic equipment manufacturers
• Control panel manufacturers
• Automation service companies
• Electrical maintenance companies
• Educational institutes
• Engineering colleges
• Research and development departments
• Electronics hobbyists
• Service centers
• Component distributors

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Metrix Plus DCM 1501?

The Metrix Plus DCM 1501 is a digital capacitance meter designed to measure capacitor values from 0.1 pF up to 20 mF.

2. What is the maximum capacitance range of the DCM 1501?

The maximum measurement range is 20 mF.

3. What is the minimum resolution?

The lowest specified resolution is 0.1 pF on the 200 pF range.

4. What capacitance ranges are available?

The meter provides:

• 200 pF
• 2000 pF
• 20 nF
• 200 nF
• 2 µF
• 20 µF
• 200 µF
• 2000 µF
• 20 mF

5. What is the accuracy of the DCM 1501?

Accuracy varies according to the selected capacitance range. The specified accuracy reaches approximately ±0.5 percent of reading and 1 digit on several lower capacitance ranges.

6. Can the DCM 1501 test large capacitors?

Yes. It can measure capacitance up to 20 mF, making it suitable for testing relatively large capacitance values.

7. Can it measure very small capacitors?

Yes. Its lowest resolution is 0.1 pF, allowing measurement of small capacitance values.

8. Does the DCM 1501 have auto ranging?

No. The DCM 1501 uses manual range selection.

9. Why does the meter have a zero adjustment knob?

The zero adjustment allows the user to compensate for residual capacitance from the meter, leads or test setup, particularly when measuring very small capacitance values.

10. Does the DCM 1501 have data hold?

Yes. It includes a data hold function that allows a displayed measurement to be retained for easier viewing.

11. Does the meter have automatic power off?

Yes. Automatic power off is included to help conserve battery life.

12. Does it have low battery indication?

Yes. The DCM 1501 provides a low battery indication.

13. What type of display does it use?

The instrument uses a 1999 count large LCD panel display.

14. What is the sampling rate?

The specified sampling rate is approximately 2 to 3 measurements per second.

15. What test frequencies does the DCM 1501 use?

Depending on the selected capacitance range, the meter uses test frequencies of approximately 800 Hz, 80 Hz or 8 Hz.