Best MK 168 Transistor Tester: 4 Picks Compared

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If you are shopping for an mk 168 transistor tester, you probably want a handheld unit that identifies a part automatically. None of the four listings here mentions MK 168 anywhere in its title or specs, so this guide compares four current transistor testers that do the same job. The listings say they detect NPN and PNP transistors, MOSFETs, diodes and thyristors, and some also measure capacitors, resistors and inductors. You will see how each is powered, which ranges it lists, and where a listing contradicts itself. Use it to decide which one fits your bench and which details to confirm with the seller first. All specs come from the product listings.

Quick answer

Choose by power and detail. The first pick has a built-in lithium battery with a 4.5V charging input, a full color display and an infrared decoder. The second is a DIY kit that lists capacitance from 30pF to 100mF at 1pF resolution. The third and fourth both run on a 9V battery and list ESR readings for capacitor checks. The third states resistor, capacitor and inductor ranges, while the fourth adds an auto power-off 20 seconds after measurement and a printed guide to typical ESR values. If you need the exact MK 168 model, none of the four lists it, so ask the seller before you pay for a label you cannot confirm.

What matters when you shop for an mk 168 transistor tester

A model code in a search box does not tell you what a tester can do. These five criteria separate the four listings, and each one changes the decision.

Which parts it detects. All four list automatic detection of NPN and PNP transistors, n-channel and p-channel MOSFETs, diodes and thyristors. That overlap is why they compete for the same search. The differences begin after that: the first lists a double diode, BJT and an infrared decoder, the second lists the amplification coefficient and the forward voltage of the base-emitter junction, and the third and fourth list pinout, hFE and threshold voltage.

What else it measures. If you only need to identify a transistor, any of the four will do. If you sort capacitors or check inductors, the stated ranges matter. The second lists 30pF to 100mF, the third lists 25pF to 100mF, resistors from 0 to 50Ω with 0.01Ω resolution and inductors from 0.01mH to 20H. The first and fourth do not state measuring ranges for these parts.

Power source. The first has a built-in lithium battery and a 4.5V charging input. The third and fourth take a 9V battery. The second is listed as battery powered without naming the battery. A built-in battery avoids buying cells but cannot be swapped on the bench.

Size and weight. The listed weights run from 0.1 kg to 0.21 kg, so none is heavy. The dimensions matter more for the bench drawer than for the pocket, and two listings state them: 5.51 x 3.15 x 1.97 inches for the third and 5.43 x 3.19 x 1.73 inches for the fourth.

Paperwork and handling. One listing asks you to email the seller for the manual, and two include a user manual. The fourth warns you to discharge a capacitor before testing it. Treat these notes as part of what you are buying.

How to choose by situation

You repair or salvage electronics at a bench. You will measure many capacitors, so look for stated ESR support and ranges. The third gives the most numbers for capacitors, resistors and inductors, and the fourth adds the ESR value guide printed on its back.

You mostly want to identify unknown transistors. All four detect the common types, so pick on convenience. The first offers a color display and a rechargeable battery, so there is nothing to replace. The third and fourth show pinout, hFE and threshold voltage according to their listings.

You build kits and like extras. The first decodes infrared remotes: you point a remote at the IR test hole, press a key and the screen shows the user code, data code and waveform. The second is sold as a DIY kit with a case, which suits someone who wants to build the tool as well as use it.

If you work near mains wiring, none of these is the right tool. They are component testers, not circuit meters, and no listing here states a CAT rating.

The four picks in detail

First pick: rechargeable tester with a color display and IR decoder

The listing describes a multi-function transistor and capacitor tester with a full color display and automatic detection of NPN and PNP transistors, n-channel and p-channel MOSFETs, diodes including double diodes, thyristors, BJTs, resistors and capacitors. It weighs 0.12 kg and is listed as an LCR meter. A built-in lithium battery powers it, and an indicator turns green when it is fully charged. The listing warns that the charging input is 4.5V and says not to exceed it, or the tester will be damaged.

Beyond component checks, the infrared decoder shows the user code, data code and waveform from a remote control. The tester has both automatic and manual shutdown. Limits: the listing gives no capacitance, resistance or inductance ranges, and no dimensions. It also tells you to email the seller if you need the manual, so do not assume one is in the box. Skip it if you want a replaceable battery or published measuring ranges.

Second pick: DIY kit with a stated capacitance range

This one is sold as a multifunction meter DIY kit and weighs 0.1 kg. The listing says it detects NPN and PNP transistors, MOSFETs, diodes, thyristors, resistors and capacitors automatically. It can show the amplification coefficient of a transistor or MOSFET protection diode and the forward-bias voltage of the base-emitter junction. When it finds two diodes it displays them in the correct order with their forward voltage.

The capacitance range is stated: 30pF to 100mF with 1pF resolution. The package is the tester and a case, and the specification field lists CE. Limits: the listing does not say whether the kit arrives assembled, does not name the battery, and gives no dimensions or manual. That makes it the pick that most needs a question to the seller. Skip it if you want a ready-to-use unit with documented power details.

Third pick: 9V unit with resistor, capacitor and inductor ranges

This is the best-documented listing for measuring ranges. It lists resistors from 0 to 50Ω with 0.01Ω resolution, capacitors from 25pF to 100mF at 1pF resolution and inductors from 0.01mH to 20H at 0.01mH resolution, plus ESR readings for capacitor health. One-key detection identifies bipolar transistors, MOSFETs, diodes, thyristors, resistors, capacitors and inductors, and the LCD shows component type, pinout, hFE, threshold voltage and ESR.

The housing is ABS plastic, and the box includes the tester and a user manual. Power comes from one 9V battery, which the listing says is not included. Limits: the specification field gives 0.21 kg while a bullet gives 260 g, so the listing contradicts itself and neither weight should be relied on. Dimensions are 5.51 x 3.15 x 1.97 inches. Skip it if you want a battery in the box or a rechargeable design.

Fourth pick: SMD-ready unit with an ESR value guide

The listing stresses plug-in and SMD devices and says it analyses device type, pin polarity, hFE, threshold voltage and the junction capacitance of FETs. It weighs 137 g and measures 5.43 x 3.19 x 1.73 inches. A table of typical ESR values for standard-grade electrolytic capacitors at room temperature is printed on the back, labelled as a guide only. Auto power-off follows 20 seconds after a measurement, and the backlit LCD helps in dim light.

It runs on a 9V 6LR61 battery or a DC 9V-12V adapter, and the box holds the tester and a user manual. The listing warns that capacitors must be discharged before testing or the internal circuit may be damaged. Limits: one field gives a minimum operating voltage of 9 volts while another says to replace the battery under 6V, and these do not agree, so check the manual. It states no resistor, capacitor or inductor ranges and does not say a battery is included. Skip it if you need published ranges.

Side-by-side comparison

Pick	Power	Weight (as listed)	Size (as listed)	Stated measuring detail
First	Built-in lithium, 4.5V charging input	0.12 kg	not stated	none stated; IR decoder
Second	Battery, type not stated	0.1 kg	not stated	capacitance 30pF to 100mF
Third	One 9V battery (not included)	0.21 kg or 260 g (conflict)	5.51 x 3.15 x 1.97 inches	R, C and L ranges, ESR
Fourth	9V 6LR61 battery or 9V-12V adapter	137 g	5.43 x 3.19 x 1.73 inches	ESR guide table on back

Worked example: checking parts against the listed ranges

You have a 4,700 µF capacitor, a 2.2 mH inductor and a 33Ω resistor. Which listings state that they cover them?

• Capacitor: 1 mF equals 1,000 µF, so 4,700 µF ÷ 1,000 = 4.7 mF. The second and third list tops of 100mF, and 4.7 ÷ 100 = 0.047, so the part uses 4.7% of the listed top. The first and fourth do not state a capacitance range, so you would ask the seller.
• Inductor: 1 mH is 0.001 H, so 2.2 mH equals 2.2 × 0.001 = 0.0022 H. The third lists 0.01mH to 20H, and 2.2 mH sits inside that range because 2.2 is greater than 0.01 and 0.0022 H is less than 20 H.
• Resistor: 33Ω is below the 50Ω top of the third listing, and it is above the 0.01Ω resolution step.

Re-checking: 4.7 × 1,000 = 4,700 and 0.047 × 100 = 4.7, so the capacitor figure holds, and 2.2 × 0.001 = 0.0022 confirms the inductor conversion. In this scenario only the third pick states coverage for all three parts. The takeaway is to compare the ranges you actually need, not the length of a feature list.

Common mistakes when buying a transistor tester

1. Paying for a label you cannot verify. None of the four listings carries MK 168. Match the function, then confirm the model with the seller.
2. Assuming every unit measures ranges. Two of the four do not state any capacitor, resistor or inductor range.
3. Trusting a listing that contradicts itself. The third lists two different weights, and the fourth lists two different battery thresholds. Ask which is correct.
4. Ignoring power. A 9V battery that is not included is an extra purchase, and a built-in lithium cell cannot be swapped when it ages.
5. Skipping the discharge step. The fourth listing warns that an undischarged capacitor may damage the tester. Follow the manual before connecting any part.

Ratings, safety and handling

Work on mains circuits can kill, and these are component testers, not meters for live circuits. Measurement category (CAT) is an IEC method of classifying live electric circuits used in measurement and testing of installations and equipment. The required impulse withstand voltage varies from 500 V (CAT II, 50 V) to 12,000 V (CAT IV, 1000 V). None of the four listings states a CAT rating, so do not connect any of them to a mains circuit, and leave panel or service work to a licensed electrician.

For handling, keep parts out of circuit and discharged, charge the first pick only through the stated input, and follow the instructions supplied with whichever you buy. For related guides, see the best capacitor tester, the best ESR tester, the best continuity tester, the best circuit tester and the best electrical tester.

FAQ

What is an mk 168 transistor tester?

None of the four listings carries that name. It is a search term for an automatic transistor tester, and the listings here cover that job. Confirm any exact model with the seller.

Can these testers identify NPN and PNP transistors?

Yes, according to all four listings. They also list n-channel and p-channel MOSFETs, diodes and thyristors.

Which one measures capacitors?

All four list capacitor measurement or ESR. Only the second and third state a range, 30pF to 100mF and 25pF to 100mF.

Do they come with a battery?

The first has a built-in lithium battery. The third says its 9V battery is not included, and the second and fourth do not say.

Can I use one on a live circuit?

No. They are for components out of circuit. No listing states a CAT rating, and the fourth warns you to discharge capacitors first.

Are they good for SMD parts?

The fourth is listed for plug-in and SMD devices, and the third is listed for SMD chip components. The first and second do not mention SMD.

Is a transistor tester better than a multimeter?

They do different jobs. A multimeter measures circuits, while these units identify components and show pinout. Check whether a multimeter’s transistor function covers what you need.

Do I need to buy one at all?

Not if you rarely check parts. A basic continuity tester may cover diode and wire checks, and a transistor tester pays off when you identify unmarked parts regularly.

Bottom line

Choose the first pick for a rechargeable unit with a color display and IR decoder, the second for a DIY kit with a stated capacitance range, the third for the clearest resistor, capacitor and inductor ranges, and the fourth for SMD work with a printed ESR guide. Before buying, confirm the battery, the weight conflict in the third listing, the voltage conflict in the fourth, and whether the seller can verify any MK 168 claim.

Sources

• Measurement category (Wikipedia): defines CAT classification and the impulse withstand range from 500 V to 12,000 V