Peak Atlas

chongmagic

chongmagic

Well-known member
I just purchased a Peak Atlas DCA55, I figured that I didn't need the PRO model and didn't want to spend the extra money. Is this just as good for measuring transistors or did I make a boo boo?
 
It looks like the DCA55 doesn't do JFET measurements (or Zener diodes), also the DCA75 has USB connectivity for plotting graphical transistor curves.

I will say though, I haven't been overly impressed with my DCA75's ability to measure zener voltage accurately... I find using a resistor, DMM, and power supply much more reliable.


DCA55DCA75
General specifications:
Test current (into short circuit): ±5mA (typical)
Test voltage (into open circuit): ±5V (typical)

Component Support
  • Bipolar transistors (NPN/PNP inc Silicon/Germanium)
  • Darlington transistors (NPN/PNP)
  • Enhancement mode MOSFETs (N-Ch and P-Ch)
  • Depletion mode MOSFETs (N-Ch and P-Ch)
  • Junction FETs (N-Ch and P-Ch). Only gate lead identified.
  • Diodes and diode networks (2 and 3 lead types).
  • LEDs and bi-colour LEDs (2 lead and 3 lead types).
  • Low power sensitive Triacs and Thyristors (<5mA trigger and hold)
Measurements
  • Part type identification.
  • Pinout identification.
  • BJT current gain (hFE).
  • BJT base emitter voltage (Vbe).
  • BJT collector leakage current.
  • MOSFET gate threshold voltage.
  • Diode forward voltage drop (Vf).










General specifications:
Test current (into short circuit): ±12mA (typical)
Test voltage (into open circuit): ±12V (typical)

Component Support
  • Bipolar transistors (NPN/PNP inc Silicon/Germanium)
  • Darlington transistors (NPN/PNP)
  • Enhancement mode MOSFETs (N-Ch and P-Ch)
  • Depletion mode MOSFETs (N-Ch and P-Ch)
  • Junction FETs (N-Ch and P-Ch). Both symmetrical and asymmetrical types.
  • Enhancement IGBTs (N-Ch and P-Ch).
  • Diodes and diode networks (2 and 3 lead types).
  • Zener diodes (up to about 9V).
  • Voltage regulators (up to about 8V).
  • LEDs and bi-colour LEDs (2 lead and 3 lead types).
  • Low power sensitive Triavs and Thyristors (<10mA trigger and hold)
Measurements
  • BJT current gain (hFE).
  • BJT base emitter voltage (Vbe).
  • BJT collector leakage current.
  • MOSFET on and off gate threshold voltages.
  • MOSFET transconductance.
  • JFET pinch-off voltage.
  • JFET transconductance.
  • JFET IDSS (drain current for Vgs=0)
  • IGBT on and off gate threshold voltages.
  • IGBT transconductance.
  • Voltage regulator output voltage.
  • Voltage regulator quiescent current consumption.
  • Voltage regulstor drop-out voltage.
  • Zener voltage.
  • Diode forward voltage drop.
 
Robert said:
It looks like the DCA55 doesn't do JFET measurements (or Zener diodes), also the DCA75 has USB connectivity for plotting graphical transistor curves.

I will say though, I haven't been overly impressed with my DCA75's ability to measure zener voltage accurately... I find using a resistor, DMM, and power supply much more reliable.


DCA55DCA75
General specifications:
Test current (into short circuit): ±5mA (typical)
Test voltage (into open circuit): ±5V (typical)

Component Support
  • Bipolar transistors (NPN/PNP inc Silicon/Germanium)
  • Darlington transistors (NPN/PNP)
  • Enhancement mode MOSFETs (N-Ch and P-Ch)
  • Depletion mode MOSFETs (N-Ch and P-Ch)
  • Junction FETs (N-Ch and P-Ch). Only gate lead identified.
  • Diodes and diode networks (2 and 3 lead types).
  • LEDs and bi-colour LEDs (2 lead and 3 lead types).
  • Low power sensitive Triacs and Thyristors (<5mA trigger and hold)
Measurements
  • Part type identification.
  • Pinout identification.
  • BJT current gain (hFE).
  • BJT base emitter voltage (Vbe).
  • BJT collector leakage current.
  • MOSFET gate threshold voltage.
  • Diode forward voltage drop (Vf).









General specifications:
Test current (into short circuit): ±12mA (typical)
Test voltage (into open circuit): ±12V (typical)

Component Support
  • Bipolar transistors (NPN/PNP inc Silicon/Germanium)
  • Darlington transistors (NPN/PNP)
  • Enhancement mode MOSFETs (N-Ch and P-Ch)
  • Depletion mode MOSFETs (N-Ch and P-Ch)
  • Junction FETs (N-Ch and P-Ch). Both symmetrical and asymmetrical types.
  • Enhancement IGBTs (N-Ch and P-Ch).
  • Diodes and diode networks (2 and 3 lead types).
  • Zener diodes (up to about 9V).
  • Voltage regulators (up to about 8V).
  • LEDs and bi-colour LEDs (2 lead and 3 lead types).
  • Low power sensitive Triavs and Thyristors (<10mA trigger and hold)
Measurements
  • BJT current gain (hFE).
  • BJT base emitter voltage (Vbe).
  • BJT collector leakage current.
  • MOSFET on and off gate threshold voltages.
  • MOSFET transconductance.
  • JFET pinch-off voltage.
  • JFET transconductance.
  • JFET IDSS (drain current for Vgs=0)
  • IGBT on and off gate threshold voltages.
  • IGBT transconductance.
  • Voltage regulator output voltage.
  • Voltage regulator quiescent current consumption.
  • Voltage regulstor drop-out voltage.
  • Zener voltage.
  • Diode forward voltage drop.
Click to expand...

Well after seeing that I cancelled my order for the DCA55, I will go with the 75.
 
I don't trust the germanium numbers with my DCA75. I have a homemade tester that I use. Germaniums are hard to test, anyway. They are so heat sensitive. Put your finger on them and the numbers change.
 
I've had my DCA55 for at least a decade and it does the handful of jobs I use it for pretty nicely. I used to use it for sorting germaniums and what it showed always ended up what I expected when the devices were in circuit. I wouldn't mind having the newer fancy model but the one I have works well enough.
 
Update: I love it :D

I really got it for my stash of germanium transistors and it does that in spades. Making sure Mosfets are in spec is quite nice as well.
 
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