The B&K Precision 880 is the flagship of B&K Precision's 40,000-count dual-display handheld LCR meter family, which also includes the 878B and 879B. The series measures inductance, capacitance, and resistance, with the 879B and 880 extending coverage to impedance (Z), Theta (θ), and ESR, and the 880 adding DCR measurement. The dual-display architecture shows a primary parameter at 40,000-count resolution alongside an automatically calculated secondary parameter (D, Q, θ, ESR, or DCR) at 10,000-count resolution.

According to the datasheet, the series is intended for passive component troubleshooting, electronic assembly, and quality control component sorting. The visible and audible tolerance mode supports component sorting against user-selected tolerance bands (1%, 5%, 10%, and on the 879B and 880 also 20%), and the relative mode, data hold, and Min/Max/Average recording functions support bench measurement workflows where comparative readings are needed.

Brand Heritage

B&K Precision Corporation is a long-established US-based manufacturer of electronic test and measurement instruments, headquartered in Yorba Linda, California. The company has operated under the B&K Precision name for decades without major rebrand events.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The B&K Precision 40,000-count dual-display handheld LCR meter family consists of three models — the 878B, 879B, and 880 — that share a common 40,000-count primary / 10,000-count secondary dual-display architecture, a fast auto-ranging design, USB Virtual COM connectivity with SCPI command support, and a three-year warranty. All three models offer L, C, R primary measurements with automatic secondary parameter calculation, tolerance sorting, relative mode, data hold, and Min/Max/Average recording.

The three models differ in measurement parameters, basic accuracy, test frequency range, test signal level options, backlight, measurement rate, terminal configuration, and included accessories. The 878B is the entry tier with two test frequencies and 0.5% basic accuracy; the 879B adds impedance, Theta, and ESR measurements with backlit display; the 880 adds DCR measurement, 0.1% basic accuracy, the 100 kHz top test frequency, selectable test signal levels, selectable measurement rate, a 4-terminal Kelvin configuration, and auto-detect mode.

Each model in the family is listed as its own product page with condition-matched pricing. The pre-owned option for each model below reflects the inventory and pricing applicable to that specific unit; selecting the correct condition tier for your quality system is part of the purchase decision.

The 880 is positioned by the datasheet as bringing capabilities 'typically only found in bench LCR meters' into a handheld form factor. The 4-terminal Kelvin test socket with separate sensing and current leads (plus guard terminal) is the primary architectural differentiator: when used with the included 4-terminal Kelvin test leads, this configuration reduces the effect of lead impedances and contact resistance, which the datasheet notes minimizes measurement errors and improves accuracy in the lower impedance range.

The headline differences across the family follow a clear tier structure. Basic accuracy steps from 0.5% on the 878B and 879B to 0.1% on the 880. Test frequency coverage expands from two frequencies (120 Hz, 1 kHz) on the 878B, to four frequencies (100 Hz, 120 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz) on the 879B, to five frequencies (100 Hz, 120 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz, 100 kHz) on the 880. Measurement parameter coverage expands from L/C/R/D/Q on the 878B, to L/C/R/Z/D/Q/θ/ESR on the 879B, to L/C/R/Z/DCR/D/Q/θ/ESR on the 880.

Several additional specifications follow the same tier pattern. The 878B uses a 2-terminal test socket plus guard; the 879B uses 3 terminals with sockets; the 880 uses a 3- and 5-terminal (4-terminal Kelvin plus guard) configuration. Test signal level is fixed at 0.6 Vrms on the 878B and 879B; the 880 offers selectable 0.3 Vrms, 0.6 Vrms, and 1 Vrms (plus 1 Vdc for DCR). Backlit display is omitted on the 878B and present on the 879B and 880.

Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.

Accessories Supplied

• Banana-to-alligator test leads
• 9 V battery
• Mini USB interface cable
• Manual
• AC adapter (120 V)

Product Core & Specifications

About this used unit

• Warranty included
• Functional verification included
• Standard Calibration Upgrade Options: No Calibration Required, NIST Traceable, Z540.1 or ISO 17025 with Data, Z540.3 Guardbanding with Data.
• Note that unnecessary accessories may not be included (contact Test Architect to confirm).

Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.